Ignacio Gonzalez went from serving in the Marine Corps to running a neighborhood coffee shop, carrying with him the discipline, determination, and sense of service that shaped his life. After serving his country in both the military and law enforcement, he turned a lifelong passion for coffee into a business. That passion led to DreamCatcher Café, a favorite neighborhood spot where every cup comes with a chance to slow down and connect.

For Jonathan Roldan, a proud veteran and family man, the road to business ownership has been a testament to adaptability and a relentless pursuit of a better quality of life. Having served in the Army from 2009 to 2013, which included an 11-month deployment to Iraq as a field artillery crew member, Jonathan transitioned from his military service to a demanding career in logistics. As of July 1, he has embarked on a new mission: breathing new life into Brightside Car Wash in Naperville, Illinois.

From combat to craft beverages, JT Robertson's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and community. Find out how this veteran turned a pandemic-induced frustration into a thriving mead business, and how you, as a veteran or military spouse, can follow a similar path.

Joe Sutton's journey from the Marine Corps to the workshop is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. After serving his country, including multiple deployments to Iraq, Joe channeled his discipline and leadership skills into a passion he'd nurtured for years: woodworking. Today, he's the proud owner of Living Edge Creations, LLC, a burgeoning laser engraving and CNC machining business, where he crafts everything from intricate 3D-stacked text signs to custom-designed pieces for special events.

Dedicated Army veteran Kevin Deal has successfully transitioned his military discipline and technical skills into a thriving business venture, Web Resolver Pros. After six years of service as a 25B (Information Systems Analyst), Kevin now empowers small businesses with affordable, professional websites.

Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel David Roman has taken on a new mission: helping businesses succeed by optimizing costs. His journey—from commanding attack helicopters to leading a Schooley Mitchell franchise—demonstrates how military skills translate to the business world and highlights the transformative power of mentorship. Through dedication and the proper support, he has found a path that aligns his experience with his passion for service.

VBP is proud to highlight the success story of Justin Miller, a veteran entrepreneur who recently acquired a home improvement business while utilizing guidance and support from VBP business coaches. Justin, a former US Army soldier who served multiple tours of duty in Iraq, attributes his military experience to the adaptability, decisiveness, and leadership skills he now considers essential for running his business. "The daily operations feel very similar to being a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in the military," he explains. These values also influence his approach to customer service, where he emphasizes honesty, transparency, quality workmanship, and building solid relationships.

Dan Thompson's remarkable journey from serving in the U.S. Navy to establishing a thriving fitness equipment repair company is inspirational. Like many veterans, Dan's story is rooted in a profound desire to serve, and his transition from military life to entrepreneurship is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the value of following one's instincts.

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.