Veteran Entrepreneur Series
In this third installment in the 2024 Veteran Entrepreneur Video Series, we showcase the inspiring story of Props Craft Brewery, co-founded by former USAF pilots Michael Key and Nathan Vannatter. Michael emphasizes the significance of perseverance in military and civilian life, while Nathan stresses the significance of finding a mentor who has experience in your chosen path. Watch as they share their experiences as veteran entrepreneurs and how they applied military values to their buisnesses in Fort Walton Beach and Freeport, Florida.
In the second video of Startup Okaloosa’s 2024 Veteran Entrepreneur Video Series, Retired Air Force Veteran Alex Barthe' discusses the impact that one person can make and the importance of paying it forward. As a multi-franchisee of UPS Stores in Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Eglin Air Force Base - and owner of Courthouse Suites in Crestview - Alex provides insightful information on juggling multiple business interests and community leadership responsiblities.
In this first video of the third edition of Startup Okaloosa’s Veteran Entrepreneur Video Series, Shane Weddle, US Navy Veteran and Owner of FastSigns in Fort Walton Beach, shares his entrepreneurial story. Listen to Shane discuss some of the community resources he has found to be most helpful along the way, and how the skills that he gained during his military service have contributed to his success as a business owner.
In the second video of this round, US Air Force veteran Jason Shirey, discusses how his medical discharge played a large role in the birth of his business EquiValue Appraisal, and how the lessons learned in the military like punctuality and team building assisted in his success. EquiValue is a commercial and private real estate appraisal company specializing in real estate valuations, market analysis and more. Click on the link to watch the full video.
In the first video of our Second season of the Veteran Entrepreneur Series, TJ Lupero Shares how his time in the U.S. Army and the skills learned helped him to establish and open TJ's Chillin Treats. TJ's Goal is to make premium ice cream that everyone can enjoy. Learn more about this incredible entrepreneurial journey by following the link to the full video!
In this third video in the series, US Air Force veteran Vince Mayfield and his long-time best friend and business partner, US Navy veteran Louis Erickson, discuss their journey as the co-owners of Bit-Wizards in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Founded 22 years ago, Bit-Wizards is an award-winning technology company specializing in software engineering and managed IT services. Watch the video linked below to hear Vince and Louis share their perspective on the value of having a partner to use as a sounding board, the benefit of community engagement and why paying attention to company culture is vital to success!
In the second video of our new series, US Army veteran Andrew Rencich, discusses his transition from the 7th Special Forces to successful co-owner of two businesses - AA Tactical and Aerohead Inc. in Crestview, FL. AA Tactical is a full service firearms and accessories retailer, while Aerohead Inc. specializes in contract manufacturing and machining of precision parts. Learn how Andrew parlayed the lessons he learned during his time of service into success in the business world by following the link to the full video!
In the first video of our new series, David Haines, veteran and entrepreneur, shares that the skills he learned in the military directly crossed over into the civilian sector, so he took what he learned from the military and started his own business in 2005. Precision Measurement Inc. (PMI) provides calibration testing services to a variety of customers. Learn more about the entrepreneurial journey of the President of PMI by following the link to the full video!