Celebrate your independence by supporting these veteran-owned companies
by Nicole Russell
July 04, 2018 12:00 AM

In recent years, the U.S. has experienced a surge in the number of businesses owned and operated by veterans. In fact, the Small Business Association reports 25 percent of post-Sept. 11 veterans want to start their own company. Mark Rockefeller, a veteran and entrepreneur himself, said just this week on CNBC that “veterans enter entrepreneurship at a rate of about 45 percent higher than non-veterans, and they succeed at a higher rate as well.” Indeed, these veterans believe America isn’t just worth fighting for, she’s worth producing for, too. This Independence Day, celebrate freedom by supporting these companies and America’s vets.

Black Rifle Coffee

Black Rifle Coffee Company is popular among veterans. And what’s not to love? They’re all about guns, coffee, and patriotism. But civilians may not be as familiar with the brand. I talked to Black Rifle public relations director, Mike Semanoff, for an explanation about how it all got started in the first place.

When the company’s founder, Even Hafer, a Green Beret, was deployed overseas, he “struggled to find good coffee.” His solution? “Buy a small one pound roaster and roast his own coffee for he and the rest of his team.” This venture went so well and became so much a part of his daily routine that when Hafer got out of the service he continued to make coffee. Though he started the company with $1,700 in his basement, it now boasts over 100 employees — 60 percent of whom are veterans — with offices in San Antonio and Salt Lake City, with one in Nashville coming soon. Semanoff estimates they have been growing about 700 percent every year for the past three years.

“One of the greatest parts of what we do is the feedback we get from customers and reports of how we as a company [have] helped a veteran or family member stay motivated after getting out of the service, get an education, or start a business. At the end of the day we are here to serve our veteran community and help them integrate back into society after returning home,” Semanoff said.

Despite their name and social media presence full of photos and videos of gun-toting men and women drinking coffee and brandishing guns, the company hasn't taken much heat from the anti-Second Amendment crowd and stays out of politics, preferring instead to focus on coffee.

Stubble + ‘Stache

If you’re a man with a beard or a person whose partner has a beard (and what’s not to love about beards?) you’ll love the Virginia-based company, Stubble + ‘Stache.

Stubble + 'Stache was born out of tragedy. Founder Nick Karnaze’s good friend, Justin Hansen, was killed in combat in Afghanistan. Both men served together in the same Marine Corps Special Operations unit. As an homage to his late friend, and a way to help himself mourn, Karnaze grew a beard just like his buddy.

He says on his web site, “As my beard grew I was quickly reminded of how itchy and abrasive facial hair can become. I couldn’t find any products I liked, so, I decided to make my own.” Over time, Navy SEAL buddies wanted some of what Karnaze was making. “[W]hen I realized I could turn this homemade endeavor into a proper business. Word spread, interest grew, and stubble + ‘stache was born.”

Products can be purchased at their store in Alexandria, Va., and online.

Rogue American Apparel

If clothing is what you need, try Rogue American Apparel. The store sells edgy biker-style attire with a patriotic twist. Wes Whitlock started the company in 2011. As a Marine, Whitlock “served as a High Threat Security Professional and Executive Protection Specialist, in places like Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, Europe and the United States.” Rogue American products are made in the U.S., and the designs on T-shirts and tanks are often based on hand-drawn renderings. With a skull for its logo, the brand certainly has an edge, and sells shorts, tanks, hoodies, hats, and more.

Rogue American and its founder Wes are active on Instagram. If you look closely you can see interaction between other members of the military, including folks like Tim Kennedy, a UFC fighter and Army Ranger. Like many veteran-owned brands, Rogue American gives back to the military, donating to organizations like the Brothers in Arms Foundation and the Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit, among others.

If you love America and you love freedom, considering honoring the folks who have sacrificed so much by supporting these companies.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opini...owned-companies


I can personally attest to some cool coffee mugs at Black Rifle.