Noting the number of military veteran franchisees in its growing system of 700 stores, Marco’s Pizza formalized a veteran recruitment arm, hiring 20-year Army veteran Scott Quagliata to oversee the program.
In the newly created role of Vice President of Veterans’ Program and Recruiting, Quagliata is tasked with attracting military veterans into the Marco’s Pizza franchise system and helping them to thrive. The company noted the success of veterans, such as Joe Walker, named Top Marco’s Franchisee last year. After four years serving on active duty, including tours in Iraq, Walker joined Marco’s Pizza just five years ago and already owns 16 locations, with an additional four locations in various stages of development. Because of stories like Walker’s, Marco’s Pizza bought Quagliata on board to develop a veteran recruitment arm.
As part of his new role, Quagliata will establish an apprenticeship program to create paths to business ownership for those who may not have the means to become owners through traditional channels, offering comprehensive training, mentorship and financing to qualified candidates.
“Having transitioned from the military myself, I understand how to help our veterans enter the civilian workforce,” said Quagliata. “The upcoming apprenticeship program is a phenomenal vehicle to help them do that.”