Entrepreneurs who are veterans use Memorial Day to honor fallen military members while also drawing parallels between military service and small business ownership. The entrepreneur and small businesses owner fuel the economy with the goal of setting up financial success for those who follow. The post-World War II period saw veterans establish businesses with GI Bill funding which led to economic expansion and innovation that continues through the present day where veteran-owned businesses employ 4 million people and generate $1 trillion annually. Veterans who start their own businesses demonstrate their commitment to duty while showing respect for their country. These businesses founded by veterans during recent years serve their customers.

• • • • Black Rifle Coffee Company was established by Evan Hafer after his time as a Green Beret to create premium coffee and support military personnel and first responders.
      • The company Nine Line Apparel was established by veterans who design patriotic products while operating a charitable foundation that benefits wounded veterans.
      • The Bottle Breacher business was established by Navy SEAL Eli Crane and his wife through their creation of bullet-turned-bottle-openers while hiring veterans and donating military charity funds from their business profits.
      • Army Rangers founded Combat Flip Flops to sell footwear and apparel while supporting education and economic development in conflict zones.
      • The company Grunt Style was established by Army veteran Daniel Alarik to become a leading military-inspired apparel brand through its bold designs and veteran support programs.
      • Navy veteran Abe Kamarck founded True Made Foods which delivers healthier condiments to market through its innovative approach to the food industry.
      • Teak and Twine operates as a gift box company that serves both individual clients and major corporations through the vision of Air Force veteran Torrance Hart.

The military training of veterans provides natural advantages for business ownership which positions them as a vital force in American small business communities. Communities that support veteran entrepreneurs during Memorial Day honor their deceased heroes and give current business operators the power to maintain American freedom through economic diversity on Main Street. The link between Memorial Day and entrepreneurship demonstrates how entrepreneurial spirit represents both an honor to American freedom and a further expansion of its founding principles. 

Entrepreneurs do not sacrifice life; but they do sacrifice time and effort. Professional to-dos supersede personal obligations. True entrepreneurship exists at its core when one dedicates their time and energy to professional activities. The great mission of entrepreneurs involves building superior products that they can hand down to their family members even after they pass away should they decide to do so.

Entrepreneurs have a higher cause. The purpose behind our actions and methods matters more than our actions or methods themselves. Family-owned businesses operating across multiple generations deserve special recognition. The process of business ownership transfer proves challenging for most owners when it comes to surrendering control and handing over leadership responsibilities. A unique person or family must possess special qualities to surrender control while allowing new leadership to assume responsibility. When I launched my company eleven years ago, my main priority was to create a present-day financial security for my family. I feel proud to be an entrepreneur — I have earned my business scars.

We honor the deceased soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our nation during Memorial Day. We should all support small businesses which were established by military personnel who serve our nation without seeking anything in return. The armed forces have always protected us so we must always remember their sacrifices which ensured our safety.

Takeaway: My family members who served in the military include a grandfather who lost his life in service. I want to hear your veteran and entrepreneurial story at BCalifano@cfosystemsllc.com so I can thank you.