An Army Veteran’s Journey to Business Success
By Matt Ruggieri
When I left the Army after more than eight years of service, I thought the hard part was behind me. I earned my associate’s degree when I joined, and after transitioning to civilian life, I went on to earn both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I had leadership experience, a strong work ethic, and the ability to perform under pressure. What I didn’t have was a clear direction for the next chapter of my life.
Like many veterans, I initially gravitated toward familiar territory: structured roles in construction and logistics. I eventually became a senior project manager for a small business in Pittsburgh. On paper, it was a good job. But over time, the daily grind started to wear on me. I wasn’t fulfilled, and I found myself going through the motions. That’s when my wife, a successful business owner herself, hit me with a simple truth: “You know you don’t have to be miserable, right?”
The Turning Point
That conversation was the turning point. I realized I didn’t want to spend the rest of my career working for someone else. I wanted to control my own schedule, call my own shots, and build something of my own. My wife had done it, and she gave me the push to believe I could too.
Why Franchising
I started researching business ownership options, with franchising quickly rising to the top. It was the perfect middle ground between going completely solo and having the structure, systems, and support I’d grown used to in the Army. I looked into all kinds of concepts—everything from car washes to laundromats—but nothing felt right.
Finding the Right Fit
Then I came across Pillar To Post Home Inspectors. The more I dug in, the more it felt like the right fit. It checked all the boxes: a service that’s always in demand, an industry that aligns with my construction background, and a franchise model that offers best-in-class technology and tools. I reached out, had an honest conversation with the team, and liked that they didn’t sugarcoat anything. They made it clear that the results you get depend on the work you put in. That transparency sealed the deal.
Launching—and Winning Rookie of the Year
I signed on in mid-2022, completed training by the end of the year, and officially launched my business in January 2023. Within 12 months, I was named Pillar To Post’s Rookie of the Year—an honor that recognized not just business growth, but also customer service, marketing, and community engagement.
What Worked for Me
People sometimes ask me how I achieved that so quickly. I tell them it’s not complicated:
- Do top-notch inspections.
- Explain things in a way clients can understand.
- Market yourself to your strengths.
- Treat people with respect and fairness.
Relationships Are the Engine
It’s about building relationships, especially with real estate agents. I like to say you have to market to the marketers. They can spot quality effort a mile away, and if you align with their standards, you become an extension of their brand. That’s when they start calling you again and again.
The Military Mindset, Applied to Business
The Army prepared me for this in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until I became a business owner. Service taught me discipline, adaptability, and resilience. In the military, you learn quickly that some days you’re the hammer and some days you’re the nail, but either way, you don’t break. That mindset helps me navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Preparation Is a Force Multiplier
I also carry forward the importance of preparation. In the Army, you plan for every scenario and have contingency plans for the contingency plans. In home inspections, that translates into being thorough, anticipating client questions, and having solutions ready before problems even arise.
Earn the Opportunity—Then Prove Yourself
Being a veteran can open doors. People respect the commitment and sacrifice it represents, but once you’re in the room, you have to prove yourself. You can’t lean on your service record alone. My advice? Use the discipline, focus, and leadership you learned in the military as your foundation, but be willing to learn, adapt, and put in the daily work.
Thinking About Franchising?
If you’re considering franchising, look for a business that aligns with your skills and interests. Make sure it’s something you can see yourself doing day in and day out. And don’t underestimate the importance of having a support system. For me, that’s my wife, who gave me the push to take this leap, and the network of fellow franchise owners who’ve shared their wisdom along the way.
Same Mission, New Uniform
Today, I’m not just working; I’m building something. I’m creating a business that reflects my values, supports my family, and serves my community. The uniform is different, but the mission is the same: show up, give your best, and leave things better than you found them.
“Use the discipline, focus and leadership you learned in the military as your foundation, but be willing to learn, adapt and put in the daily work.”
About the author: Matt Ruggieri is an Army veteran and owner of a Pillar To Post Home Inspectors franchise in Pittsburgh. Named the brand’s 2024 Rookie of the Year, he draws on his military discipline and construction background to deliver exceptional service to homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals.