Becoming an entrepreneur is one of the most challenging and rewarding career endeavors one can take, and it's not meant for all. As a franchise, we look for good, passionate, hard working people to own and operate Renovation Sells in their local markets, and we’re honored to continuously attract Veterans to continue their career with us. 

We sat down with some of our veterans within the RS Family to find out how their military experience has positioned them for success.

Michael Valente, Renovation Sells Co-Founder & CEO

“The ability to contribute meaningfully to the community and follow a proven system, is a major draw for our veteran owners."

Josh Koch, Renovation Sells HQ, Business Development

Army National Guard - 6 Years of Service

“As an Army Veteran, I bring my skills and experience with me into every role and new challenge. I live by the motto LDRSHIP: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage. Additionally, my Army experience infused in me transferable skills like adaptability and empathy, which I am able to bring into my work in sales.”

Jeremiah Diacogiannis, Owner of Renovation Sells Austin

U.S. Navy - 11 Years of Service

“My first job out of the military was in the corporate world, but still, I wasn’t engaged with the community as much as I wanted to be.”

Jeremiah served from 2010 to 2021, and while he loved the mission and purpose of service, it eventually came time to retire. He decided that following his entrepreneurial passion would be a great way to take control of his own destiny while also giving back to his community.

Katie & Jonathan Edge Owners of Renovation Sells San Antonio

Jonathan has been in the military for 24 years, including 17-and-a-half years of active duty. He is a MSG (E-8) and currently the Brigade S4 NCOIC for the 71st expeditionary military intelligence brigade in front of Fort Sam in San Antonio.

“Being a senior logistician in the Army has provided me with a lot of the skills needed to run a successful business. I’ve been responsible for coordinating complicated, multinational operations, and that has proven to be a major advantage. That knowledge and experience, along with the brand’s proven systems and support, has allowed us to make our Renovation Sells business a success,” Jonathan said.

Tony & Julie Schenk, Owners of Renovation Sells Texas Hill Country

Tony served as an Air Force Pilot with 24 years of service

“Businesses are truly all about relationships. I wanted to get into a business with a model that could help people. The Renovation Sells model is a win, win, win — homeowners, buyers and real estate agents all benefit from remodeling homes prior to selling,” Tony shared.

Tim & Ryan Dey, Owners of Renovation Sells Richmond

Lieutenant, US Navy, Medical Service Corps, 8 years (3.5 active duty & 4.5 reserves)

“Our time in the Navy taught us perseverance, flexibility, and resilience. We learned to trust the system and follow orders. It shaped us as a family and taught us how to depend on each other and to lean on the strength of others as part of a team. Most of all, it taught us what selfless service means. All of these we bring with us to our Renovation Sells business in Richmond.”

The Renovation Sells team takes great pride in providing Veterans an attractive and unique path to success.

“We’re honored to have veterans who have served our country and are committed to providing them with the support they need to be successful as they continue contributing to their local communities,” says CEO Mike Valente.