December 16, 2024 // Franchise Times

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By Steve Marullo, PIRTEK Multi-Unit Franchisee and Navy Veteran

From age nine, I worked on my dad’s shrimp boat, learning the value of hard work and becoming familiar with mechanical systems. Little did I know those early lessons would prepare me for my military career and later success as a business owner.

When I joined the Navy, I was accepted into the nuclear power program, where I operated and maintained nuclear power plants on submarines. It was a demanding environment, filled with high-stakes, pressure, and complex systems. This experience taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. In a submarine, teamwork isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a necessity for survival. Everyone comes home, or no one comes home. That mentality of “all for one, one for all” has stuck with me throughout my life, and it’s something I apply daily in running my business.

After nine years in the Navy, I transitioned into civilian life, working in refineries, power plants, and petrochemical plants as a sales consultant for water treatment chemicals. I spent 25 years in that field, but something was missing. When the company I worked for was no longer employee-owned, a more top-down culture took hold with increased management and micro-management. I knew I needed a change. I wanted to own a business where I could make decisions and create a strong team culture, so I began exploring franchise opportunities.

Finding Franchising

For two years, in addition to working on selfdevelopment, I researched various industries and looked for the right fit. My criteria were clear: I wanted a business I could be proud of, something that provided a valuable service that Amazon couldn’t replace, and I wanted a business that wouldn’t require constant travel so I could spend time with my family. When I came across PIRTEK, I was unfamiliar with the brand, but the more I learned about it, the more I realized it was exactly what I was looking for. PIRTEK provides on-site and retail hydraulic and industrial hose services — an essential service that keeps industries running and eliminates or reduces costly downtime due to a failed hose. As a franchisee, I wouldn’t have to worry about product sourcing or reinventing the wheel; I just had to focus on building a strong team and serving my customers.

Since buying my first three PIRTEK franchises, PIRTEK Gulfgate, PIRTEK Beltway North, and PIRTEK Conroe, in 2021 and expanding with a fourth PIRTEK franchise, PIRTEK Stafford, in 2022, many of the lessons I learned in the Navy have shaped my leadership style and prepared me for this venture. In the military, you don’t just tell people what to do — you give them the tools and training they need, then trust them to get the job done. That’s how I lead my team today. I set clear expectations, remove obstacles, and then get out of the way. Leadership, to me, is about empowering others to succeed.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in the military and business is that you have to be prepared before you can act. There is a mindset paradigm that helped me focus and prepare to own a business. It is the BE-DO-HAVE paradigm. Who do I need to BE (skills, values, traits), what do I need to DO (choices, actions, decisions), and what do I want to HAVE (vision, outcome, goals)? Our preparation and mindset make the difference between winning and losing.

Tips for Veterans Looking to Own Their Own Business

For veterans considering franchise ownership, my advice is simple: leverage your existing skills. Veterans have a unique advantage because we’re trained to work under pressure, solve problems, and lead teams. Those skills are invaluable in business. When transitioning into franchise ownership, start by doing your homework. Identify what type of business aligns with your strengths and interests, and make sure it’s something you’ll be proud of. Franchising is a great option for veterans because it offers a proven system, so you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. In my case, PIRTEK’s established processes and support allowed me to focus on what I do best — leading my team and building relationships with customers.

Another tip for veterans is to stay committed to continuous learning. I make it a point to read for at least 25 minutes every morning, whether about leadership, business strategies, or personal growth. The military teaches you that education never stops, and that holds true in business. Keep investing in yourself and your team’s development. Every day, I identify the top three things that will move my business forward and focus on those. Small, consistent actions lead to significant results over time.

Finally, building a strong team culture is one of the most important aspects of being a franchise owner—or any business owner. In the Navy, we were a team, not a family. And I use that same approach in my business. I don’t hire people based on who they are; I hire them based on how well they fit into the team and whether they share the same goals. It’s critical to create an environment where everyone pulls in the same direction, with clear communication and mutual respect.

I am proud of my Navy Submarine Service and grateful for the lessons learned. Transitioning from the military to franchise ownership has proven to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m able to apply the leadership, discipline, and teamwork skills I developed in the Navy to build a successful business. For veterans considering this path, know that your military experience has already prepared you for the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Just remember to take those first steps thoughtfully — before you can DO, you have to BE. Be prepared, be committed, and most importantly, be part of a team that shares your vision for success.

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Steve Marullo is a multi-unit franchise owner of PIRTEK in Gulfgate, Beltway, Conroe and Stafford and a Navy veteran. For more information about IFA franchisor member PIRTEK, please visit franchise.org/franchise-opportunities/pirtek.