Season 3 — Episode 13: Veterans in Entrepreneurship

Hosts: Kenny Holmes, Jeff Schrock, Tony Buoscio

Guest: Ty Bancroft — The Bancroft Companies

In this episode we highlight Veterans who’ve built businesses and share practical tips for entrepreneurial success. We talk about stories and lessons from founders like Matt Best (Black Rifle Coffee), John Burk (Shell Shock CBD), Daniel Alerik (Grunt Style), and our guest, Ty Bancroft of The Bancroft Companies.

Introducing Ty Bancroft

Ty served as an Army Combat Medic and went on to build The Bancroft Companies — a Veteran-owned firm that delivers electrical and utility solutions, roadway lighting, and specialty directional drilling under roads, bridges, and rivers. We cover his military background, business journey, how family influenced the business (including his brother), and what drives the company’s commitment to integrity and quality.

Deep Dive — Veteran Entrepreneurship

• The spark: Why Veterans start businesses — purpose, ownership, and using military-honed skills in new ways.
• Common challenges: financing, translating military experience to civilian markets, and building networks outside the military.
• Success strategies: what worked, what didn’t, and practical tactics for launching and scaling.
• Tips for aspiring Vet-preneurs: real, tactical advice from people who’ve been there.

We invite listeners to follow, subscribe, and share. Join us at upcoming FreedomSystem.org events:

• Remember — November 8, 17:00
• Road Bike Ride — 9/27, Abshire Park, Goshen, IN, 10:00 AM
• Mountain Bike Ride — 10/4, Bonneyville, 9:00 AM
• Bridge the Gap — monthly, 1st Friday, INVets, 17:00

Toast

Delivered by Kenny with Jeff and Tony chiming in:

“Here’s to the Veterans who traded their rifles for risk, their boots for business plans, and their battle buddies for boardrooms. May your mission always be clear, your coffee always be strong, and your success stories always inspire the next generation. To Vet-preneurs—cheers!”

WE ARE THE COMMON VETERANS

Next Episode — Episode 14: The Battle Within

We’ll have candid conversations about mental health, PTSD, and the resources that support Veterans. This episode digs into trauma, recovery, and how friends, family, and communities can help. Perfect for anyone who wants to better support a Veteran facing internal battles.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on your preferred podcast platform, share with a friend, and drop us a review. Follow FreedomSystem.org for more events and resources for veterans.