From serving on the USS Camden to building a successful fitness equipment repair business, Dan Thompson's story is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit found within many veterans. His transition from military life to business ownership demonstrates the resilience, adaptability, and determination that often characterize those who have served their country.

Veteran Business Project provides support for veterans on their road to becoming business owners. Last year, an Air Force veteran, Luke McDonald, contacted VBP with questions about purchasing a martial arts studio. We are pleased to highlight Luke’s story on his successful path to business ownership. Luke’s brother, Dane, first learned about the opportunity to purchase the Brick City Martial Arts from the previous owner, whom he trained under. Today, Luke and his brother co-own the martial arts studio. Most of the self-defense studio’s students are youth who range in age from 3-13. The studio excels with this age group by making classes fun and engaging while keeping the traditions of the arts embedded in their training. Adult martial arts classes are offered, ranging from beginners to advanced students, and for those looking for group-training workouts, classes like cardio kickboxing are available. Luke began martial arts classes at the age of ten and competed nationally for three years. Luke credits the martial arts classes and his instructors with providing him with more confidence and shaping him into the person he is today. After his military service, Luke planned to open a gym. But, when he heard about the opportunity to purchase the studio, Luke decided to turn his passion for martial arts into a career. Luke advises other veterans not to discount their passions or the skills they’ve acquired throughout the years. "Knowing that I had a group [...]

For many book lovers, owning a bookstore is a dream come true. For Joseph and Mikayla Shearer, that dream has become a reality. The couple recently purchased Hooked on Books, a beloved independent bookstore at 3918 Maizeland Road in Colorado Springs.

Gregg Reinbold is a veteran who was born and raised on a family dairy farm in Western New York. As a young man, he always dreamed of having his own business. He even had his own hay baling business while in high school. One day he met the owners of Allegany Log Homes and became very interested in having a similar type of business someday. After graduation, he served in the United States military by enlisting with the USMC where he served active duty. Following that enlistment, he served seven years with the NY Army National Guard (NYANG), and then 19 years with the Army Reserve.  In 2002, he was deployed to serve in Iraq after the 9/11 attacks on our nation.   Upon his return to the States, Mr. Reinbold moved to New Jersey to live with his wife Wendy, and their family. He also spent time in California working and attending the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. When he returned to New Jersey, Gregg had not given up on his dream of owning his own business and had heard that the owners of Allegany Log Homes were possibly selling the business – some 40 years after he had originally met them. He knew it was time to make a move and go for it.  After relocating back to his roots in Western New York with his family, Gregg and Wendy started talking to and working with the Veterans [...]

From military deployments, to opening a much-needed local coffee shop back home in Villa Grove, Illinois, veterans, and best friends Mary Kite and Beth Floyd Jenkins took their knowledge of “service” to the next level. After deployments and returning home, Mary and Beth understood first-hand the challenges of stepping back into a ‘civilian life'. Additionally, their hometown didn’t have a local coffee shop and they had a plan. They wanted to provide a community space where everyone felt welcome.  With the guidance of VBP, the Korner Beehive launched in July 2021. “When you’re surrounded by other veterans or items that remind you of your service, it can be a comfort,” said Mary. With pictures of local veterans and memorabilia throughout, any new veteran visiting is invited to bring in a photo for their walls. It’s been a great way for everyone in the community to come together and gather with pride. Please consider supporting VBP as we continue to help Veterans realize their dream of owning their own businesses.

Navy veterans Ray Novak and Erich Totsch had a dream of purchasing and converting the 1930s-era Fred A. Busse firefighting boat that served Chicago for many decades. Their vision was to bring the relic back to life and provide historic tours along the Chicago river and waterfront. With the help of VBP, the two veterans were able to navigate and secure the funding to make the deal happen. The excitement and demand have grown so great that the two veterans are in the process of purchasing a second vessel. Visit Chicago Fireboat Tours for more information.  And, please consider supporting VBP as we continue to help Veterans realize their dream of owning their own businesses.