Franchises For Veterans: Eric Schmidt’s Journey with Papa Murphy’s
Exciting Franchise Opportunities with Proven Systems
After more than 34 years in the U.S. Air Force, Eric Schmidt was ready to transition from his military background and explore a rewarding path to business ownership. He wanted a concept that offered structure, proven systems, and support—all qualities that make Papa Murphy’s an ideal choice among franchises for veterans. With his experience managing teams and complex operations in the military, Eric was looking for a business model that would allow him to step in confidently without having to figure out every detail on his own.
“I wanted to be able to take care of the employees, make decisions, and do certain things while still being tied to a corporation. I like the idea of not having to build a name from the ground up. So I wanted a product that people would be familiar with,” Eric says. Joining a brand with proven systems meant he could focus on leading his team and serving his community, rather than spending months or years building recognition from scratch.
Papa Murphy’s unique Take ‘N’ Bake model is a big part of what makes ownership approachable under our franchise system. There are no ovens to maintain on-site, no delivery drivers to manage, and no dining room to staff. Customers simply pick up fresh meals and bake them at home, which keeps operations lean while maintaining a high-quality product. For veterans looking to apply their organizational skills and leadership experience, the model offers clarity, efficiency, and the ability to create a positive customer experience. Combined with comprehensive training and ongoing support, it provides a framework that allows owners to hit the ground running and build a business that fits their lifestyle.
Why Brand Recognition Helps You Stand Out
At Papa Murphy’s, we know that a well-known brand gives our franchise owners a significant head start. Across the country, people recognize our name and associate it with fresh, delicious pizza options they can enjoy at home. This familiarity allows new owners to attract guests from day one, creating the potential for a steady flow of customers who are already excited about the menu. For veterans and other first-time business owners, our model provides the confidence of stepping into a proven concept with an already established customer base, making Papa Murphy’s one of the best franchises for veterans.
Eric discovered Papa Murphy’s for the first time while stationed in Colorado Springs during his military career. He immediately appreciated the brand’s offerings and noted how this first experience demonstrated the flexibility and simplicity of the Take ‘N’ Bake model, saying “It fits into the model of ‘pick it up and make it when you’re ready,’ instead of having to order pizza and then everybody’s gotta be present as soon as it gets there.”
Papa Murphy’s also supports multi-brand opportunities that expand the reach and appeal of our concepts. Eric is launching a co-brand with our sister company sweetFrog under Kahala Brands.The frozen yogurt franchise opportunities with sweetFrog also come with a loyal customer base and national recognition, giving Eric the advantage of offering two trusted brands in one location. By leveraging established names, our owners can introduce multiple popular concepts to their communities while benefiting from the visibility and credibility that strong brand recognition provides.
Comprehensive Support to Help You Get Started
Papa Murphy’s provides franchise owners with a full suite of support to help them launch and grow their business. From real estate guidance and site selection to construction and build-out assistance, we help ensure every location has the foundation it needs to thrive. Our dedicated marketing team also works with owners on social media, new promotions, and marketing strategies to drive awareness and engagement in their local area. Reflecting on his experience, Eric says, “Everybody’s been very kind, helpful, proactive and takes a lot of initiative. And everybody wants me to be successful, which is appreciated.”
Our training programs cover every aspect of running a Papa Murphy’s store, including customer service, product preparation, technology tools, hiring staff, and business management. This comprehensive preparation equips franchisees to operate efficiently from the beginning. For veterans, these systems provide a clear path to ownership, allowing them to manage their team effectively and connect with their communities while benefiting from guidance every step of the way.
Papa Murphy’s: One of the Best Franchises For Veterans
Papa Murphy’s is an excellent choice among franchises for veterans, offering a business model that is structured, supported, and designed for long-term growth. To make ownership even more accessible, we partner with VetFran to provide a 50% discount on the initial franchise fee for qualified active duty or honorably discharged veterans. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting those who have served, giving veterans the opportunity to step into a proven concept with established systems, training, and ongoing support, while also lowering the financial barrier to entry.
“We’re honored to offer an incentive to help veterans thrive as business owners. We believe that veterans should be celebrated for their service to our country,” says Shemar Pucel, Sr. Director of Development at Papa Murphy’s. “By lowering the costs of our franchise opportunity, Papa Murphy’s is able to provide a pathway towards a prosperous life out of the service. Veterans already have a tremendous advantage over other entrepreneurs, in terms of how developed their leadership skills are, and we’re excited to welcome veterans to the Papa Murphy’s franchise family through our partnership with VetFran.”
Bring Our Unique Take ‘N’ Bake Model to Your Community
Eric’s journey from Air Force service to Papa Murphy’s franchise owner highlights how our structured systems, national brand recognition, and comprehensive support make ownership accessible and rewarding for veterans. From the Take ‘N’ Bake model to co-branding opportunities, our franchise model allows veterans to apply their unique leadership skills and grow their business on their own terms.
If you’re interested in exploring Papa Murphy’s franchise opportunities, visit our research pages to learn more about our franchise model, training, and support. When you’re ready to take the next step, complete the inquiry form here to connect with our team and get started.