1. Military Background & Core Skill Set

Vivek’s decade-long career as an F‑15E Strike Eagle aviator grounded him in mission planning, systems thinking, and leadership under high stakes. The F‑15E is a dual-capability, two-seat multirole fighter used for both air-to-air and precision ground missions—ideal for service members who know how to process complexity and adapt rapidly. Even after transitioning to the Air Force Reserves in 2022, he remains tight to Air Force culture and purpose-driven teamwork.

After leaving active duty, Vivek earned his MBA from Duke University (Fuqua). There he refined his financial acumen and consulting mindset, working on everything from start-ups to alternative‑protein ventures. It was also where he began using his background to explore sustainable, scalable businesses.

With this foundation, Vivek launched multiple franchise businesses, choosing brand models—from fitness and fast service to home improvement—that play to operational discipline and customer consistency. He closely mentors veteran franchisees, helping them navigate due diligence, leverage VetFran discounts, and manage KPIs—using an MBA lens to optimize operations and ROI.

In early 2025, Franzy—a startup often called the “Zillow for franchises”—soft-launched after raising $1 million in pre‑seed capital. Within a few months, it had grown rapidly, matching tens of thousands of users with over 3,000 franchise brands, using an AI-powered “Fit Score,” and guiding prospects through a fully integrated sourcing and closable pipeline.Duke's Fuqua School of BusinessDuke's Fuqua School of Business+1

By July 2025, Franzy had closed a $2.2 million seed round, led by York IE and Avalanche VC, enabling them to build the first franchise resale marketplace, pairing vetted buyers with exiting owners of existing units. The platform aims to accelerate franchise negotiations and standardize thousands of secondary-market transactions.FranzyVenture Capital Access Online

As a veteran and franchise operator turned advisor, Vivek helps Franzy tailor its messaging, outreach, and product à la veteran founders. This ensures Franzy not only matches users to brands, but also helps them navigate the frequently opaque resale market—making franchise ownership more accessible to those leaving military service.

• Representation: Veterans comprise only about 6–8% of the U.S. population, yet hold 14–15% of franchise owner slots. That’s nearly three times their demographic share.VA NewsFranServe

• Performance: In 2024–2025 Franchise Business Review surveys, over 85% of veteran franchisees report high satisfaction with their franchisor, community support, and opportunity structure—significantly above non‑veteran averages.fox4kc.comfranchisebusinessreview.com

• Traits: Franchisors repeatedly cite veterans’ abilities to systematize workflow, train teams, execute methodically, and deliver brand consistency—key to plug‑and‑play models.signaramafranchise.comblog.franchise.neighborly.com

Here’s how Vivek positions his experience for audiences in business, leadership, and veteran‑transition circles:

2. From Active Duty to Franchising: Reimagining Service3. Scaling Up: Clinching Leadership at Franzy4. Why Veterans Make Ideal Franchisees5. Vivek’s Value Proposition: Strategy, Service, & ScalabilityElementWhy It ResonatesDirect military-to-business narrativeHigh‑pressure training → scalable leadership → entrepreneurshipAcademic/business rigorMBA from Duke + franchise POV gives operational credibilityPlatform‑level perspectiveFranzy enables digital transformation of a legacy industry—especially empowering vetsMentorship missionActively helping veterans buy, manage, and scale businessesData-informed coachingUses IFA / VetFran performance benchmarks and Franzy’s AI insights to optimize decisions