November 2025 - "You're not alone. Veterans have a network of support, inside and outside the franchise system." For Navy veteran Michael Diehl, that support helped him transition from military service to entrepreneurship. After serving overseas, including in Iraq, and later working in the defense sector, he found a new mission at home, with Granite Garage Floors Franchising.
"I joined the military right out of high school and served overseas, including in Iraq. The military gave me my education and set me on my path," Michael shared. "After leaving active duty in 2014, I spent several years overseas working in the defense sector, which gave me a smoother transition to civilian life."
But like many veterans, Michael faced new challenges when returning home. "By the time I returned home, COVID had hit, and on top of that, I was recovering from a broken leg after a car accident," he said. "I knew I needed a new path forward, and that led me to explore entrepreneurship and franchising."
Franchising offered the perfect fit, a structured system with room for independence. "Franchising appealed to me because it combines structure with opportunity," Michael explained. "The Navy taught me how to follow a process and pay attention to detail; Granite Garage Floors has a system that rewards those skills."
Now, as a Granite Garage Floors franchise owner, Michael continues to lead with discipline, precision, and purpose—values rooted in his military service. His advice to other veterans considering franchising? "Use the tools the military gave you, evaluate, plan, and execute. Do your research but stay flexible because no plan survives first contact. Take care of your mental health, lean on veteran resources, and remember you're not alone, you're part of a team, both inside and outside the franchise system."
Explore owning a Granite Garage Floors franchise in your area. Contact us today.
