Pillar To Post Salutes Veterans by Sharing This Franchisee’s Story

By Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

New Franchisees – Veterans Issue

What better name for Randal Galan’s Pillar To Post Home Inspectors franchise than The Valiant Team? Galan and his team serve Lake and Sumter Counties, including Clermont, Leesburg, Webster, and The Villages—all in a booming real estate market west of Orlando, Florida.

Galan is a decorated retired Gunnery Sergeant with over 20 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. He brings a unique blend of operational safety expertise and dedication to service to his new home inspection career. Having managed safety programs and led risk management investigations throughout his military career, Galan is committed to leveraging his skills to help homebuyers make informed decisions on one of the largest investments of their lives.

“Transitioning from the Marine Corps to civilian life, I wanted to continue serving people in a meaningful way,” said Galan. “Home inspections are more than just a report; they’re about educating and protecting families. I’m excited to bring my safety background and passion for teaching to every client, ensuring their home buying experience is both safe and confident.”

Galan’s connection to Pillar To Post began when he personally experienced the value of their inspection services during a warranty inspection on his new construction home. Impressed by the thoroughness and professionalism, he chose to join the franchise, eager to offer the same trusted service to residents. The integration of drone technology for roof inspections particularly excites him, as it aligns with his focus on safety and innovation.

As of 2025, one third of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors’ entire franchise system is veteran-owned. Pillar To Post is recognized as a top franchise for veterans, ranked No. 16 on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2024 list of Top 150 Franchises for Veterans. This distinct emphasis on veteran franchise ownership makes Pillar To Post one of the largest veteran-owned franchise systems in the home inspection industry.

Timeline of Randal Galan’s Military Career

November 19, 2002: Reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, 1st Battalion, Delta Company.
February 2003: Graduated from boot camp; reported to Marine Combat Training, Camp Geiger, North Carolina.
April 2003: Reported to Assault Amphibian School (AAS) for training as an Assault Amphibian Vehicle Crewman.
May 2003: Promoted to Private First Class (PFC).
June 2003: Graduated from AAS; reported to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Alpha Company 2nd Platoon, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
October 2003: Meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal (LCpl).
September 2004: Attached to Battalion Landing Team 2/8; deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in April 2005; supported Operation Enduring Freedom in Jordan and Kuwait.
September 2005: Returned to CONUS; assigned to Bravo Company 2nd Platoon.
September 2006: Deployed to Iraq; promoted to Corporal (Cpl) in October 2006.
April 2007: Returned to CONUS; assigned to teach at Assault Amphibian School, Camp Pendleton, California.
May 2008: Promoted to Sergeant (Sgt); trained over 400 Marines in AAV operations.
October 2010: Reported to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
January 2012: Deployed to Okinawa, Japan on the Unit Deployment Program; participated in Ssang Yong 2012 in Korea.
January 2013: Assigned as the Advance Instructor for the Vehicle Commander Course at H&S Company.
October 2014: Promoted to Staff Sergeant (SSgt); assigned as 3rd Section Leader in Charlie Company 1st Platoon.
February 2015: Attached to BLT 2/6 Echo Company; engaged in Operation Iron Magic in UAE and PHIBLEX in Kuwait.
April 2016: Returned to CONUS; reported to Mine Counter-Measure (MCM) Platoon as Platoon Sergeant.
March 2017: Reported to the New Equipment Training Team, Camp Pendleton; assessed the Amphibious Combat Vehicle.
July 2018: Assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Alpha Company 1st Platoon as 1st Section Leader.
2019: Deployed as the Advance Party to Okinawa, Japan; planned and led beach assaults in Australia.
November 2019: Reported to Operations Section, S3, as Training Manager for 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion; managed PME submissions.
September 2020: Promoted to Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt); assigned as Assistant Operations Manager of 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion.
July 2021: Reported to Bravo Company, 4th Platoon as Platoon Sergeant.
December 2021: Assigned to Logistics Section, S4, as Battalion Safety and Environmental Compliance Manager; led the battalion to a successful Commanding General's Readiness Inspection.

Post-Military

Participated in the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship.