Doug Hoerster

Franchise Coach · Vetrepreneur® · company speakers →

Doug Hoerster is a Vetrepreneur® Franchise Coach who helps aspiring entrepreneurs—especially veterans—find the right path to business ownership through franchising. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Doug began his career as a U.S. Navy pilot, flying the P-3 Orion and leading sailors across two deployments. Over his 10 years of service, he logged more than 2,000 flight hours and served as a Fleet Pilot Evaluator, helping set the standard for P-3 squadrons worldwide. After the military, Doug transitioned into business leadership with Giant Eagle, where he combined his operational expertise with a passion for supporting fellow veterans—founding the company’s first Veterans Business Resource Group and playing an active role in the Pittsburgh Veterans Employer Coalition. Doug later moved into real estate, helping veterans and their families achieve homeownership, before ultimately finding his calling in franchise coaching. Today, he guides individuals through the franchising journey—from understanding the fundamentals to navigating due diligence and ownership—helping them avoid common pitfalls and find the right fit.

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