Dunkin’ Donuts Training and Operations Key to Veteran Success
Ray Omar joined Dunkin’ Donutsin 2008 during the height of the recession, after spending seven years in theArmy. Despite challenging market times,he opened his first freestanding Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru restaurant inJanuary 2010 in Hyattsville, Maryland and has since opened two morelocations. His fourth location will openin 2017 and a fifth will follow.
After transitioning out ofthe Army in 2007, Ray took a government job in Maryland and soon realized that themid-Atlantic did not have a strong Dunkin’ Donuts presence– very unlike his NewYork City upbringing where “it’s a staple on every corner.” Already a frequent consumer of the brand’sproducts, Ray felt becoming a franchisee with a company he knew and loved, wasan opportunity he should explore. Plus, Dunkin'Donuts offers qualified veterans who purchase a store development agreement forfive or fewer stores a 20 percent discount on the initial franchise fee.
As a military veteran usedto having strict systems in place, joining a company such as Dunkin’ Donuts thatoffered a strong, cross-functional support structure was essential for Ray tobuild his business. “The tools andresources my field teams brought to me were invaluable. Whether I needed helped with site selection,construction management, crew training or operations, I was always able toconsult with a subject matter expert to ensure that I was making the bestpossible decision,” Omar said. “With theirsupport and guidance, I was empowered.”
Eight years later, Ray is veryinvolved with the Maryland community, not only hiring local employees but alsopartnering with various organizations.For the past five years, his restaurants have raised $5,000 annually forthe Maryland Special Olympics, and he frequently donates boxes of Joe and bakedgoods to the local Habitat for Humanity.For Ray and his team, “being active and giving back is a centralcomponent to our continued growth.”
Still a loyal Dunkin’Donuts customer, Ray continues to be impressed with the company’s product innovationand credits the leadership team for “staying one step ahead of the competition.”
Whenasked what his plans are for the future, Ray says “opening more Dunkin’ Donutsrestaurants, but in the near term, enjoying a fresh cup, or two, of coffeeevery morning.”
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