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

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

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

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

📖 Read the full article: https://vetrepreneur.com/experiences/lessons-learned-navy-veteran-joe-calloways-rise-in-real-estate/

#RealEstate #VeteranEntrepreneur #JoeCalloway #Vetrepreneur #PittsburghRealEstate #RE360 #VeteransInBusiness #MilitaryTransition #GIBillSuccess #NavyVeteranSuccess #Entrepreneurship

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

🎯 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

#Vetrepreneur #FranchiseAcademy #VeteranBusiness #MilitaryToCEO #FranchiseOpportunities #VeteranEntrepreneur #BusinessOwnership #FranchisingForVeterans #MilitaryToEntrepreneur

_________

Follow us on social!

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetrepreneur/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vetrepreneur.franchise.coaching

In this episode of the Vetrepreneur® Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Air Force veteran Johnathan Stephens and his wife, Brandi, who transitioned from military service to successful business ownership. After completing the Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy, they launched a Senior Helpers franchise, providing in-home care for seniors while building a legacy of service.

🔹 What you’ll learn:

✔️ How the Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy helps veterans succeed

✔️ Why franchising is a smart move for military veterans

✔️ Insights into financing, business strategy, and choosing the right franchise

✔️ How Johnathan and Brandi turned their military skills into business success

If you’re a veteran looking to own a franchise, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you take the next step.

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+johnathan+stephens+interview+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+franchise+academy+information+session+class+2501+podcast&utm_ID=vet⁠

#Vetrepreneur #FranchiseAcademy #VeteranBusiness #MilitaryToCEO #FranchiseOpportunities #VeteranEntrepreneur #BusinessOwnership

_________

Follow us on social!

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetrepreneur/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/vetrepreneur.franchise.coaching

Ready to take charge of your future? The Vetrepreneur® Franchise Academy is designed exclusively for military veterans looking to transition into business ownership through franchising. This FREE, expert-led program will guide you through everything you need to know to become a successful franchise owner.

📅 Upcoming 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+franchise+academy+information+session+class+2501+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+franchise+academy+information+session+class+2501+podcast&utm_ID=vet

#Vetrepreneur #FranchiseAcademy #VeteranBusiness #MilitaryToCEO #FranchiseOpportunities #VeteranEntrepreneur #BusinessOwnership

_________

Follow us on social!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetrepreneur/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vetrepreneur.franchise.coaching

Get the insights you need to attain your dream of being your own boss. This can't-miss workshop will help you understand the benefits of franchising, determine what type of franchise best suits you, and learn about financing options. We’ll get you up to speed with everything you need to know to become your own boss.

Then we'll introduce you to Vetrepreneur Franchise Coaching. This system allows military veterans and spouses to realize their business ownership dreams through franchising by walking you through a simple, proven process of discovery, selection and ownership. Our franchise coaching services are 100% free and it won’t cost you any less by going direct to a franchise. You can sign up to work with a franchise coach by visiting vetrepreneur.com and filling out the form to get started.