We want to take care of each other’: Stories from our Take 5 Car Wash Veterans group
In honor of Veterans Day, Driven Brands shares the stories of those who have served our country on the Take 5 Car Wash team.
Driven Brands spoke with three veterans from Take 5 Car Wash’s Veterans Business Resource Group (BRG) to learn more about their journeys and how they transitioned from the line of duty to civilian life.
Lawrence Robertson, District Manager, Take 5 Car Wash – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Lawrence Robertson joined the Air Force Reserve right after college and served for eight years. "I didn't go overseas or to war or anything like that," Lawrence begins. "However, I enjoyed my time serving this country. I wish I would've stayed in longer. But when you're young, you don't think long-term."
Upon returning to civilian life, Lawrence started a career at a home improvement company where he worked for 13 years. His strict military training helped him make that transition. “The level of discipline is what drove me,” he says. “I think everyone should spend at least four years in the military to understand what it takes and the discipline you learn.”
Lawrence has been with Take 5 Car Wash for six months, noting their care for Veterans drew him to the team.
“Veterans often struggle to get out of the military and into civilian life. It's hard, but Take 5 guides you,” Lawrence points out.
Reflecting upon his military years, one of Lawrence's favorite takeaways has been the life-long friendships he formed during his service. It's a bond he recognizes in Take 5 Car Wash’s Veterans BRG.
As for his advice to others exiting the military and transitioning to civilian life, Lawrence circles back to transferring what you learned during your training and applying it to your new situation: "Stay true to yourself, and keep that focus and discipline that the military taught you."
Joel Blair, District Manager, Take 5 Car Wash – Denver, Colorado
Joel Blair describes his military path as unique, serving in Special Forces in the U.S. Army as an airborne air assault sniper for six years. “I wasn’t in a unit like many people were,” Joel starts. “Much of my time was overseas: in Cuba, Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm, and the DMZ [demilitarized zone] in Korea.”
His service ended in Korea after taking three shots that left him wounded. Upon leaving the military, Joel returned to the hospitality industry, “I worked in restaurants most of my life. The fast-paced lifestyle suited me,” he notes. At Take 5, Joel is at ease. “I feel I have found a home and a family here,” he affirms.
While Joel admits that his transition to civilian life wasn’t easy, being surrounded by friends and family is what got him through. For those who might not feel as supported as Joel did, he wants you to know you're not alone.
“The biggest thing I want to share with other Veterans is that you have help and resources. You have people who can help you make that transition.”
Walker Hashim, Site Manager, Take 5 Car Wash – Toledo, Ohio
Walker Hashim was in his senior year of high school when witnessing terrorist acts ignited his desire to serve his country. “I joined the 0311 Infantry in the Marine Corps to do my part,” says Walker. Although the Marine Corps was never activated for war, Walker trained his entire time for battle.
What struck Walker the most during his transition to civilian life was a lack of connection among people, echoing Lawrence and Joel's sentiments that having support from your people is vital. “Coming back to the civilian world, where everyone seems less disciplined and less connected, is not the easiest thing,” Walker notes. However, he was fortunate to have friends by his side: “Luckily for me, I got out with a bunch of my friends, and a few of them moved to Toledo with me.”
These bonds Walker formed during his service proved to be invaluable in his life. He emphasizes the importance of his support network, saying, “I haven’t left my friend group since I’ve been out, and it’s been a few years now. This has helped with my transition.” In fact, one of Walker's friends introduced him to Take 5.
Outside of Take 5, Walker also invests in real estate, and his Marine Corps connections played a pivotal role: “Both my partners were buddies of mine in the Marine Corps, so the experience changed my life for the better.”
What’s next for Take 5’s Veterans BRG
A core theme in Lawrence, Joel, and Walker’s military experiences was connection. Now at Take 5, they're maintaining bonds with fellow Veterans through a Veterans BRG.
"The Veterans BRG was established before I was even part of Take 5. But once I found out about it, I was excited to join,” says Joel, who now serves as the Chair of the BRG. Joel’s goal as Chair is to grow their community; currently, there are 25 members. The BRG is excited to use the momentum of Veterans Day to get the word out.
All three agree that the most important message they want their fellow Veterans to know is that they have support. “We want to ensure there’s a place for veterans to come together, share stories, ask for help, and reach out for resources,” Joel begins. “We want to take care of each other.”