Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have served our country by reflecting on their contributions and sacrifices. At 101 Mobility, Veterans Day holds an extra special place in our hearts, as we strive to offer tailored support to our customers who are veterans.
We’re celebrating Veterans Day by showcasing the ways in which we prioritize veteran mobility solutions. Plus, we’re using this occasion to share Veterans Day stories, spotlighting veterans who have transitioned to business ownership and acknowledging our very own amazing franchise owners who are veterans.
Read on to learn more about honoring veterans on Veterans Day, hear Veterans Day spotlight stories, and get tips on showing gratitude for the veterans in your life.
Meet Craig Lucus: From the U.S. Marine Corps to 101 Mobility Franchise Owner
Craig Lucus proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as an Officer from 1984 to 1994 and now leads the 101 Mobility franchise in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Lucus attended the U.S. Naval Academy, then served as a Second Lieutenant in the Marines, eventually working his way up to Captain and Major. During his time in the military, Lucus gained expertise in aviation, flying a variety of aircraft including the T-34C, TH-57, T-2, and TA-4J.
Lucus now uses the same discipline and leadership skills he gained during his military career to help others with veteran mobility issues and find success as a franchise owner, saying:
“As a 101 Mobility franchise owner, self-discipline is the difference between success and failure. Being able to do everything that needs to get done from following up on leads, making and keeping appointments, scheduling installations, setting my team up for success, ensuring customer satisfaction, and following up on any problems in any facet of the business.”
Lucus faced many daunting obstacles during his time in the military, including an experience with engine failure while flying an aircraft and successfully completing critical missions while leading his men to safety. While Lucus was working alongside fellow veteran Bill Wilson when setting up his 101 Mobility franchise, they agreed “that military veterans made great franchise owners because they can follow directions and believe in the power of SOPs.” Lucus places immense value on his time in the military, attributing this to his current business success, as he is now able to “capture the optimum process” and “build a foundation for a safe workplace.”
How Veterans Like Craig Lucus Support Accessibility Solutions
Veteran-owned businesses and franchise owners who are veterans are near and dear to our hearts at 101 Mobility, and they bring a unique perspective to their work with us. They often show a special level of dedication through their commitment to professionalism, compassion, and care. They’re also able to carefully and thoughtfully serve their clients, which is especially helpful when those clients are fellow veterans. Through their hard work, they can improve accessibility for those who come to 101 Mobility for help.
At 101 Mobility, we take pride in supporting veteran mobility and veterans in business. Franchise owners who are veterans, like Lucus, often have a special passion for accessibility solutions, understanding the challenges faced by fellow veterans and seniors—especially when it comes to disabilities related to their service. By connecting with them on a personal level, Lucus is able to better understand the importance of making homes more manageable—and comfortable.
“One thing that most veterans bring with them to any job is a passion for the organization and the product,” says Lucus. “If that passion is not there, then that veteran may not feel at home.”
For veteran franchise owners like Lucus, the passion certainly is there, as military service and business success often go hand-in-hand. “I have a true passion for 101 Mobility and our ability to help people have access to their homes and mobility to get around safely.” At the end of the day, he says, it’s all about using the tools we have available to give people freedom.
Ways to Support Veterans This Veterans Day
There are many ways you can help with honoring veterans on Veterans Day and an important way to do so is by sharing Veterans Day stories. If you’re looking for an easy way to make a difference, begin by volunteering or giving back. Veterans organizations like Operation Gratitude send care packages to veterans in order to show appreciation and this can be an easy yet impactful option for those just getting started. Explore the Charity Navigator to find additional resources that may interest you or check out a list of veteran-focused volunteer activities near you.
Want to let a veteran in your life know you care? Get tips on meaningful ways you can observe Veterans Day and other ways you can support veterans. There are also many additional options you can explore in order to show your gratitude. Check out our list of DIY gifts you can make at home this Veterans Day.
In addition, local businesses and business owners can make a big impact when it comes to supporting veterans in their area by honoring their service and contributing to initiatives that improve their quality of life. Want to support veteran-owned businesses near you? Check out this veteran-owned business directory to see how you can help spark change just by shopping. Remember, making a difference doesn’t have to be a big act of service. Simply saying “thanks” can often mean the world. However you celebrate Veterans Day, be sure to do it with care and sincerity.
101 Mobility’s Commitment to Life-Long Veteran Mobility
We’re dedicated to supporting veteran mobility through our wide range of accessibility products, honoring veterans on Veterans Day and all year round. From stairlifts and home elevators to power chairs and wheelchair ramps, we offer high-quality solutions built to make veterans feel more comfortable and confident in their homes. We also prioritize custom care and service at every step, ensuring our veterans’ accessibility needs are taken care of. Wondering if you or a veteran loved one qualifies for financial assistance to have veteran mobility solutions installed? Explore our blog on qualifying for a Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant that may help you with things like installing handrails and improving access to your bathroom. Plus, learn more about what we’re doing to help and get information on veterans resources.
According to VetFran, veterans account for 14% of all franchisees in America. At 101 Mobility, we’re committed to supporting veterans through our VetFran Program that helps veterans become franchise owners with us. If you’re a veteran, you may qualify for our military veteran’s program, which offers a $5,000 discount on your first territory as a way for us to honor your service and support veterans on entrepreneurial journeys. We then offer ongoing support to our veteran-owned franchises, helping set them up for success, and continuously sharing Veterans Day spotlight stories. In the past, we were honored by being voted top franchise for veterans in the Franchise Business Review.
As Lucus puts it, “As a 101 Mobility franchise owner, self-discipline is the difference between success and failure,” and the military often sets veterans up for success when it comes to franchising. His time during Naval Aviation training was stressful, but fruitful, with him finding value in the learning process. He shares that, “Customers can be a lot like flight instructors,” and that starting a franchise is similar to his time in flight school, learning how to do something new.
Are you a veteran ready to transition into franchising? Learn more about veteran-owned businesses, franchising with 101 Mobility, and how we can help serve you as a small thanks for serving our country. Plus, get inspired by hearing additional Veterans Day stories.
Offering Ongoing Veteran Support
At 101 Mobility, we believe veterans should be honored not only on Veterans Day, but all year round. We want to highlight the importance of honoring veterans like our very own franchise owner Craig Lucus, our customers, and others in our communities who have served. Connect with us to learn more about our veteran-focused programs, see what we’re doing for veteran mobility, and learn how we are honoring veteran franchisees. Plus, explore the ongoing support we will continue to provide for those most deserving.
For 101 Mobility franchise owners who are veterans, the transition from service to business is often a proud and joyous endeavor. Craig Lucus puts it best when he says, “For a Veteran, representing freedom is what we have done and what we will continue to strive to do.” At 101 Mobility, we will keep helping our veteran franchise owners, customers, and friends in any way we can, sharing Veterans Day spotlight stories whenever possible. Thank you to all who served and congratulations to veteran-owned businesses everywhere.
Looking for ways to support a veteran in your life? View our full range of quality veteran mobility and accessibility solutions to find products that can be life-changing for veterans. Plus, explore our blog to get tips on additional ways you can help with honoring veterans on Veterans Day—and beyond.
