After 10 years in the United States Navy, Tom Perez has signed with Meineke Car Care Centers to take over the location at 2871 West Michigan Ave. in Pensacola, Fla. Meineke quickly approved Perez’s franchise application because of his skills and personality. Meineke has discounted its franchise fee by 25 percent and is financing nearly 75 percent of the entire purchase, but Perez still needs to raise additional capital to get started. He is the first Meineke franchisee to use Sprigster’s Boost A Hero franchise crowdfunding program.
Perez, 31, who was honorably discharged last year due to downsizing, served as a master of arms in the Navy. He completed three tours in Iraq and many tours in other locations. Perez is a decorated veteran who has received four Navy/Marine Corp Achievement Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, three Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Expeditions Medal and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.