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The Census has provided many great statistical insights into the number of people employed in franchising in recent years. The US Census Bureau has released some more fascinating information recently - this time pertaining to the number of businesses owned by veterans - and it shows just how many essential this sector of franchising has become.

The figures are staggering in a way. According to US Census Bureau findings quoted in the Wall Street Journal, “American military veterans owned 2.4 million businesses in 2007, or 9% of all U.S. businesses”. These business employed 5.8 million people and averaged $2.3 million in turnover. The most popular states for veteran-owned businesses are California, Texas, and Florida, with Los Angeles County, CA featuring the most veteran-owned businesses of any population catchment area.

Here is the statistical proof that backs up the statements that we have been making all along. Veterans are ideal business owners. Their experience in training and combat is valuable as any MBA course. The Census statistics don’t show just exactly how many veteran-run businesses are franchises, but we can assume quite a lot, based on the myriad benefits that exist for veterans in the franchise system.

Veterans “make a valuable contribution to our economy, but until now, we did not have a benchmark that measured their role,” said Census Bureau Deputy Director Thomas Mesenbourg, in a press release. “This is the first time that we can estimate the total number of veteran-owned businesses.”

With Memorial Day coming, it’s important to remember the sacrifice that veterans have made, but also keep in mind that many have enjoyed successes in their second career in franchising. MSNBC’s OpenForum website currently features two video interviews with veteran franchisees in Virginia - Amanda Crow, a special ops parachute rigger in the Navy, and Dennis Allard. Both have joined the Postnet franchise and discovered the difference that franchising can make.

Steve Greenbaum, founder and CEO of Postnet, spoke particularly about the edge that veterans have in business.

“Veterans have innate qualities and respect for systems and following processes and are very driven people that understand that results are at the end of the day what matters,” he said.

Amanda paints a very positive portrait of franchising in the interview, and she has a helpful, as opposed to a competitive, relationship with fellow franchisee David. These interviews and the statistical info above prove just what kind of difference franchising can make. We can only assume there are more veterans in business four years on.

If you’re a veteran looking for a franchise, let me point you to some veteran-friendly franchises that are looking for your skills.