VETERAN
BUSINESS DIRECTORY JULY 2021SUPPORT
THOSE THAT SERVED
WELCOME Welcome to the first issue of the Military Assistance Mission Veteran Business Directory. While this endeavor is new, our mission of supporting those who have served is not. Since 2012 Military Assistance Mission has helped our heroes with financial and morale aid. Our founder, Gold Star Mom, Margy Bons, started this non-profit after her son, Michael Adam Marzano was KIA in Haditha, Iraq.
Play Video: A Mother's Love Continues Her Sons Mission
At Military Assistance Mission, our goal is to provide financial and morale aid to current Arizona military service members, recipients of Post 9/11 Purple Heart or Combat Action Badge, and their families. When the men and women who have served our country decide to serve our communities as business owners, we should all support those entrepreneurial efforts. But how do we find them? At Military Assistance Mission we hope this directory will serve as a connection point.
In addition to Veteran-Owned Businesses, Active Duty Service Members with entrepreneurial endeavors and their spouses are featured in this directory at no cost. Many of the active-duty families we support through our Financial Assistance struggle to afford basic needs, including food, rent, utilities, and transportation. As reported by the Department of Defense in January of 2020, the lowest pay grade, tied to rank and service, is around $19,200 annually (or$1,600 monthly). Frequent reassignment brings additional financial challenges. The average military family relocates every 2-3 years. This affects the ability of spouses of military members to obtain and secure meaningful employment. It is our intention to do what we can to support those Business Owners that are the spouse of an Active Duty service member in hopes it might help reduce financial hardships. Behind everything, we do at Military Assistance Mission to help struggling military families we are reminded of the sacrifice made by Michael Adam Marzano and his brothers and sisters in arms that paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy.
Christina Erlandson Director of External Operations Military Assistance Mission christina@azmam.org
To learn more about Military Assistance Mission visit www.azmam.org.
AIR CONDITIONING AZ Perfect Comfort ROC 300933 John R McCombs 602-418-6186 john@azperfectcomfort.com www.azperfectcomfort.com Veteran Owned Business
AUTO GLASS 11 Bravo Mobile Auto Reconditioning John & Amanda Maes 602-423-0040 jjmaes@11bravomobileauto.com www.11BravoMobileAuto.com Veteran Owned Business
July 2021 | MAM VETERAN BUSINESS DIRECTORY
BIKE SHOP Spartan Rides Tiffany Duart 602-647-2286 Info@spartanridesaz.com www.spartanridesaz.com Spouse of Veteran
CHILD CARE Sweet Pea's Home Daycare Nicole Parks 608-451-5851 Nicoleparks31@gmail.com Spouse of Veteran
CLEANING Streak Free Cleaning Services, LLC Angela Payne 480-819-3390 angela@streakfreecleaningservices.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES Brandon Bettis - Financial Planner Brandon Bettis 602-734-1152 Bettis.brandon@principal.com
www.streakfreecleaningservices.com www.brandonbettis.com Veteran Owned Business Veteran Owned Business
COACH My Biz Coaches Eric Whitmoyer 480.933.1544 Eric@MyBizCoaches.com
www.MyBizCoaches.com Veteran Owned Business
July 2021 | MAM VETERAN BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Kufner Bookkeeping Services LLC Irene Kufner 602-513-2797 ikufner@kufnerbookkeeping.com
www.kufnerbookkeeping.com Veteran Owned Business
FINANCIAL SERVICES Heroes Financial Group LLC Tobin Short 623-826-1783 tobin.short@heroesfinancialgroup.com www.heroesfinancialgroup.com Veteran Owned Business
GUITAR BUILDER Gerhart Guitars, USA Sherlin Gerhart 602-214-2534 sherlinger@msn.com www.gerhartguitars.com Veteran Owned Business
HEALTH & BEAUTY Legacy Beauty, LLC Suzy Rawlins 623 451 7780 Suzy@suzylegacybeauty.com www.marykay.com/suzyrawlins Spouse of Veteran
July 2021 | MAM VETERAN BUSINESS DIRECTORY
HYPNOSIS Bob Faith Entertainment Bob Faith, RN 480-898-1632 bob@bobfaith.com www.bobfaith.com Veteran Owned Business
INSURANCE USA Insurance Brokers Wayne Morris 623-688-2411 Wayne@USAInsuranceBrokers.com www.USAInsuranceBrokers.com Veteran Owned Business
LANDSCAPE SERVICE FreshScapes Wesley Johnson 480-815-8895 Veteran Owned Business
WHO IS ERIC WHITMOYER? WHY SHOULD YOU LISTEN TO HIM? personally and professionally rewarding. As an individual, you grow in ways you can’t even begin to comprehend, and you provide opportunities to yourself and your family that most people will never experience. A few weeks ago, I met with Christina, at a networking event where she shared her mission with me to help military families realize the value of starting or owning a business while serving their First, let me introduce who I am today. I am Eric
country. Whether it was to offer an additional
Whitmoyer, President and Co-Founder of My Biz
income option or a solution for military spouses who
Coaches. We are a business coaching and consulting
struggle to find rewarding work when they are
organization that provides business advice and
always moving every few years to their new duty
guidance to companies looking to scale and grow
stations. She felt that this was not only a valuable
their organizations. So, if you are just starting with an
idea, but more importantly, it was something I could
idea and need to know what to do next, are
see she was extremely passionate about.
considering investing in a franchise or other business opportunity, currently own a business that is ready
Having served in the Army National Guard for about
to go to the next level, or just have a side hustle to
8 years, as well as having family members who
help pay the bills. We have comprehensive strategies
served, including a brother-in-law who served in the
that will help ensure that you achieve the level of
Middle East. I saw first-hand the impact that had on
success you are striving for, whatever that is for you.
my sister and my nephew financially being moved from base to base. The military income was not
At My Biz Coaches we have a $1 Billion Mission,
substantial and the best job my sister could typically
which is to help 1,000 businesses owners achieve $1
find was as a waitress. So, I could certainly
Million in annual revenues. Mind you, this is no small
appreciate Christina’s passion for her purpose.
feat, currently, less than 3% of all small businesses ever achieve this goal. When you add to the fact that
I was immediately drawn to help support Christina
over 500,000 small businesses fail every year, you
at Military Assistance Mission while seeing an
might be left asking yourself why in the world
opportunity to drive our mission at My Biz Coaches.
should I even bother trying to start a business? Well,
Ultimately, I felt compelled to want to offer
the short answer is, because when you reach the
information and solutions that could help many of
point of building the business of your dreams, it will
the readers of this publication, the service members
totally be worth it! Not just financially, but also
and their families provide who are trying to provide
for themselves. The financial struggles of many
services. This was a
military families is certainly well documented.
great way to make
Having served myself, I wanted to pay it forward to a
about $40K per
group of people who I respect and appreciate their
year while
contributions to our great country! After discussing
outsourcing a
with my partner we immediately agreed and began
majority of the
to consider ways we could support the cause and
work to my college
this group of people.
buddies who I paid $10 per hour when
Now you may ask “why would I want to listen to you
the going rate was
Eric?”, well, that is a great question. So, let me share
$5.75. I maintained a 3.3 GPA while carrying 18 credit
a little of what I have accomplished over the last 30
hour schedule and serving in the Guard at a
years. As I mentioned, I served 8 years in the Army
headquarters unit near campus.
National Guard from 88 to 96, in two different stints. I was in a Field Artillery unit where we trained on
Over the last 30 years, I have started or acquired over
Self-Propelled 198 Howitzers. Later, I supported a
a dozen different businesses, often while holding a
headquarters unit with radio communications.
“Day Job” or some other obligation at the same time. I spent over 22 years in the Wireless Industry where I
I was a decent soldier; however, I could have been
worked my way up from Sales rep to eventually
much better. I did learn a great deal about
becoming a key Executive in a $100 Million per year
leadership while in the military, both good and bad. I
organization that sold for approximately 75 million
learned the value of hard work and I learned about
dollars. That was a nice payday! I often learned things
myself and my self-imposed limitations. I got a great
from my “Day Jobs” that I applied to my businesses
deal out of Basic Training and AIT experiences, and it
which always seemed to improve or grow many of
certainly showed me how much stronger I could be,
my ventures. It was the best of both worlds. However,
both mentally and physically. I have used many of
I finally decided after many years of helping others
those lessons over the years and they have served
make a great of money with their businesses, it was
me well. I also learned that you will typically only get
time to do something more for myself and my family.
out what you put into something, and the military was a perfect example of that for me.
After a few more ventures including, becoming certified as a Life Coach, publishing an Amazon Best-
I started my first business when I was 21, I had an ice
Selling Book, and starting one of the fastest-growing
cream business. No, not a ding-dong ice cream truck
privately held trucking companies in the Southwest
that drives around the neighborhood, I serviced
US, I decided on Business Consulting. I have been
most of the convenience stores, restaurants, and
practicing this now for over 5 years, 3 years full-time
small grocery stores in the Phoenix metro area. I
and I have not only found my calling, but it is
started with about 75 accounts and grew it to about
something I am extremely passionate about. I am
225 over 3 years. I then sold it to go to college.
excited to help others solve their business problems and help them grow or repair their businesses. I have
While in college, to pay the bills, I started a
an uncanny knack for solving problems and with all
merchandising business that served local vendors in
my years of experience (including many things I
the grocery chains with merchandising and ordering
learned in the military), there is little that I shy away
from. I honestly believe that most struggling
the key is being able and willing to get the right
businesses or operations are just a few small
answers, invest in yourself, and be willing to work
adjustments from thriving. Unfortunately, I find that
your butt off.
often the owner or key leadership is so caught up in the business they are not working on the business,
At My Biz Coaches, we are currently expanding
and it takes someone with an outside perspective to
nationally and offering our services via multiple
shine a light on the opportunities.
programs, one that will certainly fit almost any budget. So if you are looking to get started with your
I have helped people start side-hustles, build online
own business, have an existing business that you’d
businesses, Amazon stores, and turn around failing
like to scale, or would just like someone to act as a
operations into thriving businesses even during
sounding board to help you along the way, go to
COVID. The key is being creative and being willing to
www.MyBizCoaches.com and schedule an
look at every challenge as an opportunity. That is
appointment to learn more about how we can help
what we train our clients to do at My Biz Coaches.
you.
Now, I did not share all my successes to impress you, but rather, to impress upon you that anyone can
We at My Biz Coaches want to take to this
start a successful business. I certainly did not have a
opportunity to share our appreciation and recognize
ton of money, I didn’t have family connections, I am
how honored we are to be invited into this
not much smarter than the average person, and in
community to share our knowledge and support to
many cases, I got involved in projects that I didn’t
this mission. As an extension of these articles, my
even completely understand, and I certainly had my
partner and I are committed to answering questions
fair share of setbacks. What I mean to say is, anyone
for anyone who writes to us at
can start their own successful business and create a
Info@MyBizCoaches.com. We look forward to
great opportunity for yourself and your family,
answering your questions in the upcoming publications.
MORTGAGE NAK Mortgage, LLC Nathan Nordstrom 602-558-9800 ncnordstrom.coo@gmail.com Veteran Owned Business
PEST CONTROL Azteca Home Services Frankie Ruiz 602-926-2021 fruiz@aztecahomeservices.com
www.aztecahome.com Veteran Owned Business Magic Pest Control Nelson Ruiz 602-570-3373
Magicpestcontrol@cox.com Veteran Owned Business
PET SERVICES Cut The Crap Pet Services David Linhart 623-975-5386 David@cuttingcrap.com
www.cuttingcrap.com Veteran Owned Business July 2021 | MAM VETERAN BUSINESS DIRECTORY
PHONE SERVICES Modern Communications Ray Mastrapasqua 623-845-8111 Veteran Owned Business
POOL SERVICE Azteca Home Services Frankie Ruiz 602-926-2021 fruiz@aztecahomeservices.com
www.aztecahome.com Veteran Owned Business
PHOTOGRAPHY Grand Photography LLC Gail Roser 480-632-2285 grandphotollc@gmail.com
www.grandphotollc.com Veteran Owned Business
RESTAURANT BKD'S Backyard Joint 980 E. Pecos Rd., Ste. 5, Chandler, AZ 480-935-2537
www.bkdsbackyard.com Veteran Owned Business The Melting Pot 3626 E. Ray Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85044 480-704-9206
www.meltingpot.com Veteran Owned Business The Melting Pot 19420 N. 59th Ave., Suite B-113 Glendale, AZ 85308 623-444-4946 www.meltingpot.com Veteran Owned Business
July 2021 | MAM VETERAN BUSINESS DIRECTORY
The Melting Pot 19420 N. 59th Ave., Suite B-113 Glendale, AZ 85308 623-444-4946 www.meltingpot.com
TRANSPORT Vitos Driving Service Vito King 623-383-0946 vitosdrivingservice@gmail.com
www.vitosdrivingservice.com Veteran Owned Business
VIDEOGRAPHY Mire Images, LLC Glenn Mire 602-999-9217 glenn@mireimages.com www.mireimages.com Veteran Owned Business
9/11: Where Were You? September 11, 2021, will mark 20 years since the 9/11 terror attacks. For many, it felt like the world stopped turning. “Remember the hours after Sept. 11 when we came together as one! It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us.” — John Kerry How do you remember 9/11? Many have a story about that day.
What's your 9/11 story? Did you enlist in the military on or after 9/11? Where were you? What is your connection to 9/11? Email or record your 9/11 story and share it with Military Assistance Mission.
www.azmam.org
9/11: Where Were You? 20th Anniversary Special AZ Family 3TV Special produced by Nicole Crites
Watch the 9/11 Special on 3TV, 10 am on Saturday, Sept. 11th
Host a Watch Party MAM is thankful for The American Legion Pat Tillman Post 117 hosting the 2020 & 2021 watch party!
Your organization can host a watch party too! All watch party locations will be featured on www.azmam.org, social media & in event promotion.
Can we count on you? For details contact Christina Erlandson at christina@azmam.org
PATRIOT HOOP EARRINGS
2" wide hoop earrings with shimmering cubic zirconias in red, white and blue and white gold plating S H O P
DON'T JUST FLY THE COLORS PATRIOT BANGLE SET
Bangle set of 3 with red, white and blue cubic zirconias S H O P
WEAR THEM TOO THE PATRIOT RING
Red, white and blue cz's Available in size 5, 6, 7, 8
S H O P
75% of the proceeds from the American Independence Line designed exclusively by Beauty for Ashes Boutique helps service members, their families and Post 9/11 Purple Heart & Combat Action Badge Recipients.
www.BeautyForAshesBoutique.com 1 800 518 4550
IS YOUR HOME OFFICE ALSO A TAX SHELTER BRANDON BETTIS Financial Professional
The pandemic ushered in the age of video meetings, providing a glimpse into many kinds of home workspaces. For many workers, a dedicated home office became more important than ever in 2020, though not
Brandon Bettis is licensed in Arizona and
everyone will get a tax break for having one.
New Mexico to offer insurance products, and
Only self-employed workers, independent contractors, and
life insurance (including
partners in certain pass-through businesses may claim the
variable life), annuities (including variable
home office deduction on their personal tax returns. To
annuities), and is
qualify, a home office must be the taxpayer’s principal place
securities registered in
of business and be used regularly and exclusively for work —
Arizona and New Mexico and advisor registered in Arizona and New Mexico.
not to manage personal matters or pursue a hobby. It must be a separately identifiable space, but not necessarily an entire room.
HOME-SWEET-HOME BUSINESS About 60% of all U.S. businesses without paid employees are home-based, as are 23% of small employers.
Industries with the highest percentages of home-based businesses
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration, 2019
Prior to 2018, employees receiving a W-2 form and corporate business owners who were required to work at home could claim the home office deduction as a miscellaneous itemized deduction. However, this deduction was eliminated by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for years 2018 through 2025. Companies may reimburse employees for some home office expenses and take a deduction on corporate tax returns.
ONE WAY OR ANOTHER Taxpayers who operate a trade or business out
amount is capped at $1,500. This simple
of a qualifying home office can choose
formula doesn’t take home office expenses
between two different calculation methods,
into account, so it’s easier to figure out and
one of which could result in a larger
generally lightens the recordkeeping burden.
deduction.
However, business owners with relatively high home expenses may be able to claim more
Under the original method, eligible taxpayers
than $1,500 for a home office if they use the
can write off a percentage of home office
more complex calculation method.
expenses such as depreciation, rent, property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and
Sole proprietors and independent contractors
repairs. The percentage is based on the square
take the home office deduction as a business
footage of the space used by the business
expense on Schedule C, and partners use
relative to the total size of the home.
Schedule E. Either way, small-business owners may want their tax professional to help
A newer, simplified option allows taxpayers to
determine eligibility and evaluate the
claim a flat $5 per square foot of the office, up
potential tax savings.
to 300 square feet. Thus, the deductible
www.BrandonBettis.com | Phone 602-734-1152 | 602-666-9690 (text) e-mail bettis.brandon@principal.com This information is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek guidance from an independent tax or legal professional. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2021 Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
SELF-CARE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS UNKNOWN POWER OF ESSENTIAL OILS
NATURAL SOLUTIONS Our family was struggling with health issues: common cold, allergies, asthma, back issues, migraines, just to name a few. I wanted to find natural solutions for my husband and three wonderful kids. When I found Doterra Essential Oils it changed our lives forever.
EMPOWER OTHERS Since then I decided to help others find natural solutions and empower them to take control of their health naturally using essential oils. I've learned that many families just like ours are looking to care for themselves better.
SELF CARE Managing stress, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and practicing gratitude are helpful in selfcare. Lemon essential oil can also compliment your metabolism, provide energy, and increase your mood among many other benefits.
Yelena Kushmakova | Certified Essential Oils Specialist | 718-269-9305
SAFETY Essential oils have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties by our ancestors. Doterra Essential Oils are 100% safe, effective, cause no addictions, and do not interfere with other synthetic chemicals. They can be a safe non-toxic alternative for all ages. Doterra Essential Oils are Certified Pure Tested Grade. They are the most potent, pure and tested essential oils.
WHAT AILS YOU? Headache? Sneezing? Congestion? Watery Eyes? Lack Focus? Skin Tags? Wrinkles? Nausea? Gas? I imagine the list goes on and on. Good news, we have an oil for that!
EDUCATION Learn how you can use essential oils to support your emotions, sleep, reduce aches and pain, support your immune system, reduce stress and so much. Schedule a free webinar today unknownpowerofessentialsoils@gmail.com
Yelena Kushmakova | Certified Essential Oils Specialist | 718-269-9305
Freedom & Flappers 1920's Gala
Save the date! 11/20/21
www.azmam.org