When Army veteran Adrian Madsen walks into his Culver's franchise restaurant in Hope Mills, North Carolina, he sees a new kind of professional mission – to sell smiles every day with his meals.
Adrian, a retired Army sergeant major who served for 30 years and a TD Bank business customer, opened his restaurant about a year ago just outside Fayetteville, home to Fort Bragg. Currently, his restaurant employes about 65 people and has already become a community fixture in this small town of 18,000 that includes many active duty and retired military members.
"It's a great community," he said. "Fort Bragg was home to me for eight years while I was serving so coming back feels like returning home. I got into this because Culver's sells smiles every day and now, I get to do just that myself."
How to translate military leadership to business
Culver's wasn't always part of Adrian's plan. He first visited the Wisconsin-based restaurant chain when he lived in Colorado with his young family. "I like that the food came out looking like the pictures," he said. "And it tasted just as good."
As his military service came to a close, Adrian began researching what would come next.
"When I retired from the Army, it became clear this (owning a restaurant) was something I could be part of," Adrian said. "I'm not a restauranter, I'm a business owner who is part of something great. I've got phenomenal guests, a great team and a product I believe in."
For Adrian, the skills that sustained him in the military – organization, logistics and leadership – became the foundation for running a successful restaurant.
"As a sergeant major, you're an organizational manager," he said. "You understand operations, human terrain and motivation. These are the same skills I use today at my restaurant."
But there are differences too as he noted that Army professionals are in it for the long term, but those who work in the restaurant industry can just leave at any time. Managing his team, which ranges from teens to over 70-years-old, takes different skills.
"Leadership looks a little different," he said. "You really have to inspire people to want to stay." Adrian's approach centers on purpose and culture.
"We don't have customers, we have guests," he said. "We don't have employees; we have team members. When you put on the apron, it means something. It's not just paycheck, it's being part of something that matters."
It's been quite a year for Adrian's restaurant. His priority in serving others is reflected in the restaurant's Culver’s Share Nights with local churches and school groups, raising several thousands of dollars to give back to the community. He’s also worked with organizations such as the Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish, Future Farmers of America, and local minor league sports teams. Adrian also takes pride in how a local entertainment magazine, Up & Coming Weekly, named his business the best new restaurant.
Banking on support
Adrian noted the importance of his relationship with TD Bank and Sheldon Osborne, Senior Commercial Relationship Manager in Charlotte, North Carolina, who in particular guided him through the financing process.
"Sheldon made it a relationship, not just a transaction," Adrian said. "I felt like I had someone behind me who cared about my business succeeding as much as I did."
Sheldon's commitment to helping veterans achieve their business goals comes from a "deeply personal place." He grew up with his aunt Sharon Compton, a proud member of the United States Army, Paratrooper, and Desert Storm veteran.
"Her discipline, sacrifice, and sense of purpose left a lasting impression on me," Sheldon said. "Watching her transition from military to civilian life showed me firsthand how important it is to continue supporting our soldiers after their service ends. Just as they dedicate their strength and leadership to defending our nation, it’s our duty to ensure they have the resources, mentorship, and financial tools to thrive in their next mission—whether that’s starting a business, joining a new career path, or leading within their communities. Veterans like Adrian Madsen embody how military values such as organization, resilience, and teamwork can seamlessly translate into entrepreneurship, given the right guidance and support."
TD Bank has veteran-focused programs which provide access to specialized financing and personalized business guidance. Sheldon noted his colleagues such as Mallory Winter, Business Development Officer, AMCB Commercial Distribution, Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending South, and other dedicated relationship managers understand the "unique challenges and opportunities that veterans face."
As a preferred SBA lender, TD Bank is equipped with the necessary resources to guide customers through the often complex lending process. You can learn more about TD Bank's small business loan services here.
“At TD, we are focused on working closely with our customers to understand their exact business needs and offering the right financial solutions,” said Tom Pretty, Head of SBA Lending at TD Bank
What is the power of purpose?
Adrian's path to the military wasn't something planned. As a student at University of North Carolina, he found himself prioritizing social activities more than academics. At that time, he felt a change was needed so he made what he considered "the best decision of his professional life" and joined the military to find a purpose.
Three decades later, that purpose is driving his new career path.
"Many veterans miss the camaraderie and mission after they retire," he said. "You're going a million miles an hour for 30 years and then you stop. You have to find something that gives you joy and a reason to get out of bed."
For Adrian, that purpose is his ownership of a Culver's franchise. Adrian hopes his story encourages other veterans to pursue what gives them meaning — whether that's starting a business, joining a company, participating in a community organization or mentoring others.
"You have to find something that matters," he said. "Something that reminds you who you are and keeps you moving forward."
Adrian is very clear about his hopes for his professional future. After a strong first year of running his restaurant, Adrian is already thinking about what's next.
"I'm eager to open a second restaurant," he said. "Because every new business means more jobs, more smiles and more chances to give back."
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