To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” business plan contest, Dream Vacations is highlighting one winner from each of the past 10 years.
In 2012 Navy Veteran Isaac Ingram was researching franchise opportunities for veterans and decided to buy a travel franchise because of his love for travel. He learned about Dream Vacations because Entrepreneur ranked it as one of the top two travel franchises. Isaac is one of the first-ever winners of the “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest. Here’s a brief Q&A with Isaac.
1. Why did you enter the Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General contest?
I was actually already in the process of purchasing a franchise when I learned about the contest. So, I made the decision to nominate myself for the contest, and the rest is history!
2. What do you like best about owning a Dream Vacations travel agency franchise?
It allows me to travel and get inside information, but more important it has allowed me to enrich other people’s lives by making them aware of opportunities they didn’t know existed or that they could afford.
3. What is the best part about the support you get from Dream Vacations?
I love the Support Services team – they remind me of the support I received in the Navy because they are team players. I love the fact that our IT team is always looking for a better way to do things. Our Communications team keeps us up to date with latest information in a fast-changing world.
4. How do your military skills translate into franchise ownership?
In the military we had to plan our deployments, work and port visits. I learned that you had to plan your work and then work your plan. In this business, you must have a plan of attack to have success. Additionally, my two tours in Navy recruiting helps with my sales skills and understanding people.
5. What’s your dream vacation?
For years, my dream vacation was the Holy Land and I had the opportunity to visit on a FAM trip in 2018. Now, I’m looking forward to cruising on the Rhine River and experiencing more of Europe. One perk of working in travel is that my bucket list dream vacations are becoming reality.
