2023 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur® of the Year James Bendel

2024 Vetrepreneur® of the Year Brian Moss

Meet Brian Moss, a U.S. Army veteran whose “typical” day might involve trapping coyotes, wrestling alligators, and removing snakes—all while running a successful wildlife control franchise. Featured in the Fall 2024 issue of Vetrepreneur® Magazine, Moss was named the 2024 Vetrepreneur® of the Year for his incredible journey from military service to business ownership. After 22 years as a Cavalry Scout (19D), Moss transitioned out of the Army and dove headfirst into the wildlife removal industry. What started with one phone call for a snake and a turtle turned into a booming business—AAAC Wildlife Removal—with 25 franchise locations across the U.S. 🔹 Learn how Brian leveraged his military training to thrive in civilian life 🔹 Discover how he became a franchisor and helped others succeed 🔹 Hear the wildest animal encounters from his career (albino cobra, kinkajou, 600-lb hogs!) 🔹 Get inspired by his message to fellow veterans chasing entrepreneurship Read the full digital issue of Vetrepreneur® Magazine here: https://editions.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=830028&utm_ID=vet Subscribe for more veteran entrepreneur success stories! Follow us for interviews, resources, and real stories from the veteran business community. #Vetrepreneur #BrianMoss #VeteranOwnedBusiness #ArmyVeteran #WildlifeControl #FranchisingSuccess #VeteranEntrepreneurship #VetrepreneurOfTheYear #VeteranFranchiseOwner #MilitaryTransition #AAACWildlifeRemoval #Fall2024

2023 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur® of the Year James Bendel

Veteran. Entrepreneur. Community Leader. Coffee Lover.Meet James Bendel, founder of Crazy Horse Coffee and the 2023 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur® of the Year. After two tours in Iraq with Crazy Horse Troop, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, James transitioned from the oil and gas industry to follow a new mission—building a thriving, veteran-owned coffee shop in Washington, Pennsylvania. In this inspiring interview, discover how James turned a daily coffee habit into a growing business that gives back to both veterans and the local community. From shipping coffee to deployed troops to launching the nonprofit Help-Hard, James is proof that grit, consistency, and purpose can fuel success. Awarded by Military Friendly® and sponsored by Fort Pitt Capital Group, the Vetrepreneur® of the Year award honors veteran business owners who lead with integrity, impact, and entrepreneurial spirit. Recognitions: 2023 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur® of the Year 2022 SBA Western Pennsylvania Veteran-Owned Small Business Person of the Year Founder of Crazy Horse Coffee & Help-Hard nonprofit Locations: Crazy Horse Coffee – Washington, PA (with a second shop coming soon!) WATCH to hear James’ advice to fellow veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs:“Don’t quit. Stay consistent. It will pay off.” Learn more: Military Friendly® - https://www.militaryfriendly.com/ Fort Pitt Capital Group - https://www.fortpittcapital.com/ #Veteran #Entrepreneur #Pittsburgh #SmallBusiness #CrazyHorseCoffee #JamesBendel #VetrepreneurOfTheYear #MilitaryFriendly #VeteranOwned #CoffeeShop #VeteranBusiness #SuccessStory #HowToStartABusinessAsAVeteran #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Pittsburgh #IraqVeteran #BusinessOwner #SmallBusiness #Motivation #HelpHard #Nonprofit

2022 Vetrepreneur® of the Year Jesse Iwuji

NASCAR driver, Navy Reserve officer, and business mogul Jesse Iwuji is the definition of driven. Named the 2022 Vetrepreneur® of the Year by VIQTORY, publisher of G.I. Jobs, Iwuji has taken his passion for racing and turned it into a powerhouse portfolio of veteran-owned businesses. From forming Jesse Iwuji Motorsports with NFL legend Emmitt Smith to launching successful ventures in trucking, real estate, and esports, Jesse’s story is an inspiring example of veteran entrepreneurship at its finest. In this video, learn how this U.S. Naval Academy graduate went from the Navy to NASCAR—and how his discipline, grit, and hustle off the track earned him the Vetrepreneur® of the Year honor. You’ll hear about his business strategies, mindset, and how he continues to serve while building a lasting legacy. 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring veteran success stories: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PxKkDbGi2D7zSGjhprIAy?si=OQGQKHcTQm-pCU33TjzWgw 👍 Like this podcast if you support veteran-owned businesses 💬 Comment below: What inspires you most about Jesse Iwuji’s journey? Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:15 Jesse’s journey from Navy to NASCAR 03:30 Building Jesse Iwuji Motorsports 06:10 Entrepreneurial mindset and lessons learned 09:00 The power of veteran-owned businesses 11:45 Facing adversity in NASCAR 14:00 Why Jesse still serves in the Navy Reserve 16:00 What it means to be the 2022 Vetrepreneur® of the Year #JesseIwuji #VeteranEntrepreneur #NASCAR #VetBiz #VetrepreneurOfTheYear #GIJobs #VeteranSuccess #MilitaryToMillionaire #VeteranOwnedBusiness #NavalAcademy #Entrepreneurship #EmmittSmith #DiversityInNASCAR Want more veteran career, franchise, and entrepreneurship stories? 🌐 Visit: https://www.vetrepreneur.com

2021 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur® of the Year Joe Calloway

Navy veteran Joe Calloway shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Pittsburgh to building RE360, a thriving real estate company with over 300 rental properties and 40+ employees. Awarded the 2021 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur® of the Year by VIQTORY and G.I. Jobs, Joe’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community revitalization. After early struggles flipping houses while serving as a Navy recruiter, Joe had a breakthrough moment that led him to focus on long-term rentals instead of quick flips. Discover how Joe used his military experience, GI Bill® education, and sheer grit to overcome early failures and create a sustainable, award-winning business. Learn how Joe Calloway: • Transitioned from Navy recruiter to real estate mogul • Turned rental income into a real estate empire • Revitalized Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood • Built RE360 into a recognized leader featured in Inc. 5000 and Fast 50 • Embodies the values of veteran entrepreneurship Awards & Recognition: • 2021 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur® of the Year • EY Entrepreneur of the Year Winner • Pittsburgh Business Times 40 Under 40 • Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies If you’re a veteran entrepreneur, real estate investor, or simply someone who loves a great comeback story, this video is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring veteran success stories and business tips: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PxKkDbGi2D7zSGjhprIAy?si=OQGQKHcTQm-pCU33TjzWgw [https://open.spotify.com/show/3PxKkDbGi2D7zSGjhprIAy?si=OQGQKHcTQm-pCU33TjzWgw] 📖 Read the full article: https://vetrepreneur.com/experiences/lessons-learned-navy-veteran-joe-calloways-rise-in-real-estate/ [https://vetrepreneur.com/experiences/lessons-learned-navy-veteran-joe-calloways-rise-in-real-estate/] #RealEstate [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/realestate] #VeteranEntrepreneur [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/veteranentrepreneur] #JoeCalloway [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/joecalloway] #Vetrepreneur [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vetrepreneur] #PittsburghRealEstate [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/pittsburghrealestate] #RE360 [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/re360] #VeteransInBusiness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/veteransinbusiness] #MilitaryTransition [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/militarytransition] #GIBillSuccess [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/gibillsuccess] #NavyVeteranSuccess [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/navyveteransuccess] #Entrepreneurship [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/entrepreneurship]

Vetrepreneur® 2025 Franchising Guide for Veterans

Thinking about starting your own business but don’t want to go it alone? In this episode, we break down the Vetrepreneur® 2025 Franchising Guide for Veterans, your go-to resource for turning military skills into business success. Navy veteran and Vetrepreneur® CEO Chris Hale explains why franchising is the perfect middle ground between working a 9-to-5 and starting from scratch. We’ll tackle common myths, funding options, and how Vetrepreneur®’s free Franchise Academy and coaching can guide you step by step. With seven veterans launching franchises every day, isn’t it time to explore your next mission? Tune in and get the intel you need to own your future! Subscribe now and start your path to entrepreneurship! 📢 Interested in franchising? 📅 Upcoming Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy Information Sessions - Check the latest dates here: ⁠⁠https://vetrepreneur.com/franchise-academy/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=vetrepreneur+franchise+academy&utm_content=vetrepreneur+2025+franchising+guide+for+veterans+podcast&utm_ID=vet [⁠⁠https://vetrepreneur.com/franchise-academy/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=vetrepreneur+franchise+academy&utm_content=vetrepreneur+2025+franchising+guide+for+veterans+podcast&utm_ID=vet]⁠⁠ 🎯 Who It's For: Military veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses 💡 What You'll Learn: ✅ How to choose the right franchise ✅ Financing options for veterans ✅ Business strategies for long-term success ✅ Insider tips from veteran franchise owners Don’t miss this opportunity to be your own boss and leverage your military skills in the business world! Sign up today: ⁠⁠https://vetrepreneur.com/franchise-academy/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=vetrepreneur+franchise+academy&utm_content=vetrepreneur+2025+franchising+guide+for+veterans+podcast&utm_ID=vet⁠⁠ [https://vetrepreneur.com/franchise-academy/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=vetrepreneur+franchise+academy&utm_content=vetrepreneur+franchise+academy+information+session+class+2501+podcast&utm_ID=vet] #Vetrepreneur #FranchiseAcademy #VeteranBusiness #MilitaryToCEO #FranchiseOpportunities #VeteranEntrepreneur #BusinessOwnership #FranchisingForVeterans #MilitaryToEntrepreneur _________ Follow us on social! LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetrepreneur/⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetrepreneur/] Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vetrepreneur.franchise.coaching [https://www.facebook.com/vetrepreneur.franchise.coaching]