For Mike Moritz, thoughts of a naval career while growing up in the mountains of southeast Ohio may have seemed far-fetched. But in this coal and steel mill community, job opportunities and career advancement options were a limited commodity.

October 8, 2008 – Athens, OH -- For Mike Moritz, thoughts of a naval career while growing up in the mountains of southeast Ohio may have seemed far-fetched. But in this coal and steel mill community, job opportunities and career advancement options were a limited commodity. When duty called, joining the United States Naval Reserve offered chances at both.

“When I lost my first job, I knew my career options here in Athens were fairly limited,” said Moritz. “I wanted to keep my same lifestyle, and actually did work for an area Rainbow franchise for six months. I distinctly remembered that there was never another cleaning company that took care of my home the way I did when I worked for Rainbow. That memory stayed with me throughout my naval career.”

Moritz spent ten years in the naval reserve working in a construction battalion and was honorably discharged as an E-4.

“When I got out of the navy, my thoughts turned immediately to Rainbow International,” he added. “Those leaving the military have an excellent shot at high-end job opportunities, with the training and discipline we receive. I decided right away to put both to use as a Rainbow franchise owner.”

“It’s also easier for military personnel to save money, if they plan accordingly,” Moritz continued. “With sign-on bonuses and the coverage of living and medical expenses, military folks can leave the service with a nice nest egg to use in civilian life. Mine was used for my Rainbow franchise.”

Moritz also sees striking similarities in the pride of ownership a businessman enjoys and the pride of duty and service a military member. “Many of the steps to success in franchising are the same things it takes to move up and expand both on rank and responsibility in the military,” he said. “I wore my navy uniform with pride because I knew I was serving my country. I wear my Rainbow International with similar pride because I know I am not only serving my community, but am also a human billboard for my business.

“The Rainbow International concept of courteous and professional service is what fuels us,” added Moritz. “I believe the key to business success lies in more than just doing a job for the customer. I think building relationships with my customers, in addition to providing top-notch service, is the secret to success. I also believe this philosophy flows over into and enhances my personal life as I treat others as I would like to be treated.” Moritz has been a Rainbow International franchise owner since August 2006 and points to the support and encouragement of the corporate staff in Waco, Texas as another key point in his success story.

“Let’s face it, not everyone can know everything about operating every facet of a business,” he said. “Some people may be expert carpet cleaners and water extractors, but really lacking in the skills required to manage people. Others may be great supervisors and bookkeepers, but don’t know much about the technical and equipment end of the job. That’s where my home office staff is so valuable to my franchise.

“In many ways, the Rainbow International system mirrors what is instilled in military veterans,” Moritz added. “As a business owner, you must be disciplined to get up early, stay at work later and put in more hours than other workers might. To earn our financial freedom and personal success, we’ve got to be willing to do more and work harder than other might. Military life prepares us for that.”

For more information, contact Chris Loudermilk, Director of Military Development for The Dwyer Group, at 254-537-0614 or toll-free at 800-396-6151.