Supporting Veterans Through Franchise Ownership: Paul Ocampo's Impactful Work with VetFran and the Pepperdine E2B Program
Paul Ocampo, an Online MBA student at Pepperdine University with a concentration in Marketing, recently participated in a Pepperdine E2B™ consulting project with VetFran. The Pepperdine E2BTM program connects students with real-world business challenges, offering invaluable growth opportunities. VetFran, an initiative that helps veterans transition into franchise ownership, aligns with Paul's passion for driving positive change and giving back to the community. Read his interview to learn how this experience enhanced his leadership skills and reinforced his commitment to making a lasting social impact.
Read Paul's Interview:
How did the opportunity to work with VetFran and promote veteran entrepreneurship resonate with you, and what inspired you to get involved with this project?
We are fortunate to gain real-world experience through the E2B program, but with VetFran,
we had the unique gift of serving those who have served us. Veterans undergo intense
training to protect our country, and helping them protect their future by facilitating
their transition to civilian life through franchise ownership is deeply meaningful
to me. This transition offers career opportunities, financial independence, and stability—transformative
outcomes for both veterans and their families.
Additionally, the opportunity to work with Justin Ghadery, a Graziadio alumni who's
been a key mentor in my life, was a highlight. He taught me the concept of servant
leadership, and through this project, I was able to "pay it back" by contributing
to a cause that empowers veterans.
In your view, what are some key challenges veterans face when considering franchise ownership, and how did you address these in your project?
Through in-depth research, we identified several challenges that veterans face when considering franchise ownership: gaps in business acumen, the need for specialized training and mentorship, and a lack of awareness about the benefits VetFran offers. To address these, we defined key target markets for VetFran, crafted tailored messaging strategies, and outlined optimal channels for engaging and supporting these audiences.
Can you share how you and your fellow students approached market research and developed a promotional plan for VetFran?
We utilized the tools provided by Pepperdine, including course materials and additional resources that students have access to. This foundation allowed us to exceed expectations as we set out to help VetFran. Throughout the course, we had E2B checkpoints that kept us accountable and fueled our creativity. We conducted surveys, watched veteran-related content, and subscribed to veteran publications to better understand the community.
How did collaborating with your team on this project deepen your understanding of values-centered business practices, particularly those centered around service and leadership?
We fully embraced VetFran's mission because of the meaningful impact it has on veterans and the fulfillment that comes from supporting a cause that empowers them. Our research showed that many veterans remain unaware of the significant benefits available to them. Through this project, we deepened our understanding of how service-driven initiatives like VetFran are rooted in empathy, dedication, and community empowerment. This experience reinforced that success goes beyond financial metrics—it's about creating positive change in people's lives.
How did you apply concepts from your Online MBA studies to craft effective strategies for VetFran, and what real-world applications did you find most impactful?
A core concept from my MBA studies that proved invaluable was using data to guide decision-making. We focused on gathering and analyzing data to pinpoint areas where VetFran could make the most impact. In addition to demographics, we identified potential collaborators that aligned with VetFran's mission while ensuring cost-effectiveness. This data-driven approach allowed us to develop targeted, strategic recommendations for the organization.
What were your recommendations to VetFran, and how did the team respond?
Our recommendations focused on targeting the top 10 states with the highest veteran populations, tailoring efforts to the predominant industries in each region. We proposed a personalized ad campaign with targeted messaging and a collaboration with a previous E2B client to conduct a CQI assessment, which would guide veterans through their "From Honor to Owner" journey. We also recommended forming partnerships with educational institutions to enhance veteran transition initiatives, improving career and personal development opportunities for veterans.
In what ways has this project broadened your perspectives on entrepreneurship and prepared you for future client-focused work?
This project broadened my perspective on entrepreneurship by emphasizing the need to tailor solutions to the specific needs of diverse audiences. By working closely with veterans and understanding their challenges, I gained insight into how mission-driven initiatives can align with business strategies. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making and collaborative partnerships has prepared me for future client-focused work, equipping me to develop creative and impactful solutions that meet client goals.
About the Online MBA at Pepperdine University
The Online MBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School offers a flexible, values-based curriculum designed for working professionals. With a rigorous academic foundation, practical learning, and a focus on ethical leadership, this program equips you with the skills to drive innovation, lead with confidence, and advance your career—all from wherever you are.