Heroes in Hospitality: Veterans Making a Difference in Albany

This Veterans Day, we honor the U.S. military veterans who continue to serve their community in Albany, Georgia. From managing hotels to running coffee shops and community gyms, these veterans have transitioned from military service to hospitality, enriching the lives of those around them.

Stan Franklin

Stan Franklin, a U.S. Army veteran, is the owner of Cornerstone Coffee Company in Downtown Albany. Stan’s coffee shop has brought light and laughter to Downtown Albany with caffeinated drinks and delicious bites.

Cornerstone owner Stan says, “I think the best way to show someone that you love them is to serve them.” Stan joined the Army in 2008 and served in Afghanistan from 2009-2010. He opened Cornerstone Coffee in 2021.

Stan encourages his fellow veterans not to lose hope. He says, “I know a lot of times you can think that once you’ve been in the military, there’s nothing else for you to do, but there is so much more in life.”

Dan Gillan

Dan Gillan, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is the President and CEO of the Albany Area YMCA. After more than 30 years in the Marines, Dan found a new path for service at Albany’s YMCA. He is happy to work in a place that serves the community of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2009, Dan worked as a defense contractor and joined the YMCA as a part-time fitness instructor. For Dan, the similarities of purpose drew him to pursue the role of CEO and President at the Albany Area YMCA. Dan ties the YMCA’s character values—honesty, responsibility, respect, and care—to the core values of the Marines: courage, commitment, and honor.

Dan encourages folks to express genuine gratitude to veterans. He says, “Being able to acknowledge that it’s mine and your freedom—that’s a result of what that veteran stood for and represents—that’s important.”

Linda Davis

Linda Davis, a U.S. Army veteran, is the General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Linda has managed Albany’s Holiday Inn since it opened 11 years ago. As General Manager, she helps her staff welcome guests from all over the country to the Good Life City.

Linda was stationed in Germany as a military police officer for two years. She says the Army taught her the value of teamwork. “Hospitality is the same. We must have teamwork. We must work as a team,” she says. “Front desk can’t run without housekeeping. Housekeeping can’t run without front desk, so we must work as one.”

Linda moved straight from military service to the hospitality industry. She encourages veterans to be open-minded about the hospitality industry. Linda says, “It’s a great field. You get to meet a lot of new people, and we did that all the time in the military.”

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