When you use veteran and military spouse companies, or hire them, everyone wins. Because they’re looking to build their future with you, and you’re looking for top talent with integrity, leadership experience, advanced education and technical know-how.
That’s why USAA has teamed up with some of America’s leading corporations to we encourage organizations of all sizes to become a part of our mission by:
• Using veteran-owned companies
• Hiring veterans and military spouses
• Supporting local veteran organizations
• Encouraging others to do the same
Join us today and start creating success for your business and America’s military families.
To learn more, contact supplier.diversity@usaa.com
~World Health Organization definition of health
More and more veterans and military spouses have taken the health and wellness knowledge and skills acquired during their service and transformed them into entrepreneurial endeavors. From healthy meal prep companies and online workout regimes to sports drinks and personal trainers. The list is vast and this issue focuses on some of those who have made the leap into health and wellness as small business owners. We celebrate and share their stories here.
Admittedly, I spent my youth with nary a concern for diet and exercise. As a kid, I launched out of bed in the morning and moved around our neighborhood at 100 miles an hour until dinnertime. Now in my mid-50s, I’ve had to accept some hard realities. When I fall off my horse, this old body doesn’t bounce back like it once did. When I spend the weekend snacking on pizza, chips and ice cream, this old body makes sure heartburn and indigestion are on the next day’s menu. When I spend the day sitting at my computer with little physical activity, this old body refuses me a good night’s sleep. The list goes on…
No doubt a healthy lifestyle is paramount to mission readiness and overall mental health. Trust me, I’ve been married to a Navy SEAL whose overall disposition and sleep quality is seriously impacted when the Holy Grail of Daily Workouts is missed. For myself, I’m glad there are others with the skills and passion to help me make some lifestyle adjustments of my own.
Instead of suffering some radical change in eating and learning Pilates, this old body and I have come to an understanding…of sorts. I still get my pizza, but now it’s accompanied by a fresh kale salad (thanks to milspouse-owned Healthy Momma). And my ‘gym membership’ includes all the horse and alpaca manure I can pick up and spread around my garden. It’s all about moderation and adapting what I enjoy – my horses and working outside – into my own personal healthy lifestyle (with the occasional bowl of pistachio ice cream).
We hope you enjoy this issue and feel inspired to live a healthy lifestyle or better yet, start your own small business! Remember, this publication is by and for military entrepreneurs, so if there’s something you’d like to see in an upcoming issue, please let us know! Reach out and share your thoughts at contact@ therosienetwork.org.
Thank you for your service.
Stephanie Brown Proud Military Spouse CEO & Founder, The Rosie Network
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the
Picture yourself seated on your favorite commercial airline waiting for take-off. You might find yourself thinking about the daunting task ahead. How do we get this massive flying machine and its occupants into the air?
As an ambitious entrepreneur, I’m sure that you feel the same excitement, fear and responsibility as you stare down the runway ahead. Driven by a distant vision of your prosperous enterprise, you’re taking substantial risks, with the future of your loved ones in your hands.
And then you hear that very strange, ubiquitous piece of advice.
fighting to survive, at best … never mind perform.
This counter-intuitive directive is entirely relevant to the perilous start-up phase of your business journey. Your strong instinct is to look after others first—your employees, your friends and your family. You put yourself last, always. Your mother taught you this as a child. That’s how you become a nice person.
If you’re a caring human being, especially if you have your own children on the flight with you, these words seem bizarrely inappropriate. It is hard to imagine myself taking care of my own needs ahead my children’s, even (perhaps especially) in the dire circumstances of an aviation disaster.
But it works! And every airline gives this same advice for good reason.
The image of mid-air emergency drills will resonate with many entrepreneurs, struggling through a chaotic sequence of near catastrophes. You feel like you’re
But, to be a successful entrepreneur, you must always take care of yourself … first!
So, what does this look like for the over-worked, under-resourced start-up leader?
The answer lies in a biologic truth that is wellunderstood by elite athletes … at least, the successful ones. Intense effort can only be maintained with careful attention to recuperation. Stress must be
“If cabin pressure drops, oxygen masks will fall from the panel above your head. Place the mask over your own face first, before helping those seated around you.”
followed by recovery. When they get the balance right, nature’s magical forces not only ensure survival, they guarantee high level performance.
This principle is powerfully relevant to the entrepreneur. You depend on prolonged personal performance to succeed in your brave venture. You know better than anybody else that you must pitch up to work feeling creative, acting determined, and smiling hard day-after-day for extended periods of time in order to contemplate success.
Like the elite athlete, you must balance mental, emotional and physical stress with rest. When you do this, you not only rejuvenate regularly, but you also grow in strength—that’s Mother Nature’s intriguing design.
Unfortunately, the macho start-up culture we have today suggests that you won’t be successful without working so hard that you risk a near-death experience. Luckily, Olympic athletes are smarter than this. Entrepreneurs should follow their lead.
Elite athletes have learnt one of Nature’s fundamental rules. The major currency of success is not time, it’s energy.
If your day is anything like mine, you’re wishing for more time to get your long to-do list under control. This will never happen. So, the determined entrepreneur must ensure optimal use of the time you have. Firing on all cylinders when you work is one way of doing this. Managing energy becomes critical.
At its most fundamental level, energy is a simple biochemical process. You burn it to do work—physical, mental, emotional and even psychic work. And it must be replenished, physically. You can’t invent energy. No amount of will-power, or even cash, can generate fresh energy reserves. It must come from deep within your biology, and this happens while you rest.
Don’t be confused by the word “rest”. Recuperation doesn’t need to be passive. You don’t need to be flat on your back with your eyes closed to be rejuvenating. Active recuperation includes exercise, socializing and hobbies. Like the cross-training of elite athletes, this drives mental, emotional and physical freshness.
But sleep is important. It’s the time of day that your brain sorts through and organizes the vast amount of data that you accumulate while awake. Especially as an entrepreneur, you are learning all the time— soaking up new information every day. Start-up life moves fast, and your brain needs sufficient time in this vital processing phase to ensure your strategic integrity. You simply must get enough sleep … your
performance depends on it!
The efficiency of your regeneration depends on the shape you’re in. Like the elite athlete, when you’re in good physical condition, your body is highly efficient in storing energy in your biological batteries. So, you must exercise … your performance depends on it!
Finally, the substrate for energy generation is your food. If you want to be a high performing athlete in your business, you need to focus on quality substrate. You can put low-octane fuel into a race car, but sooner or later its engine will splutter and shudder, and the competitors will grin as they race past your stalling vehicle. So too with your body. To be a top-performer, you must enjoy a healthy diet … your performance depends on it!
Mother Nature has designed you for success. When you honor your natural design, she rewards you with health, happiness and prosperity—in its broadest possible definition. The success of your business, and the wellbeing of your family, your employees and your investors depends on your personal performance, which in turn depends on you getting Nature’s delicate balance right.
So, next time you feel the turbulence of your thrilling, but exhausting entrepreneurial journey … fasten your seatbelt and reach for the oxygen mask. But remember … put your own mask on first. Your life and success depends on it!
Read more about Roddy Carter, MD and BodyWHealthÒ at www.BodyWHealth.org, where he inspires and educates hardworking men and women to unlock the biology of success. Take advantage of free membership of the WHealthClub for active military, veterans and law enforcement officers.
is a 12-month individualized entrepreneurship and financial literacy training program for military spouses, veterans, and transitioning service members. Participants work in the Military Entrepreneur Development Center (MEDC) located in San Diego. They receive financial literacy counseling, concept feasibility support, and business plan development. They also participate in a service-to-civilian mentorship program with community business leaders.
Currently, there are 60 participants comprised of 50% veterans, 40% military spouses, and 10% active duty. All service branches are represented: 6% Air Force, 10% Army, 17% National Guard, 20% Marines and 53 % Navy.
MEDC opened July 1, 2016, and is the first of its kind in San Diego County. The MEDC’s mission is to provide a free space for the military community that supports the pursuit of entrepreneurial ambitions and experiences that lead to skill acquisition, financial literacy, mentorship, and networking. The MEDC includes shared office space, conference and training rooms, administrative and IT support, and business skills training at no cost. For more information, please contact Lura Poggi at lpoggi@therosienetwork.org
LJ enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1998 with no expectation of going to war. She went for the adventure, to do something she loved, and have more money for school. She got way more than she bargained for through life experiences in the military. LJ was fortunate enough to travel - but not deploy - as a liaison for the Marine Corps band. That’s right, LJ was full on badass Marine and badass Musician. To this day, she regards the choice to enlist as was one of the best decisions she has ever made in her life.
“The number one thing the Marine Corps taught me which I employ daily is resiliency through resourcefulness,” LJ shares, “there’s a reason the phrase Adapt and Overcome is used CONSTANTLY in the Corps.”
Marines do more with less- that’s a fact. When LJ gets backed into a corner as an entrepreneur, she looks for a creative solution. Entrepreneurship is challenging, and part of that challenge is self-reflection as a leader. Staying the course and breaking through a saturated market has been the most challenging aspect of growing Infinitely Fit. After five years, Infinitely Fit earning it’s place through brand recognition and client growth.
LJ shared “I’d like to say I have some magical advice about how to overcome that, but I am not sure I do. I don’t have patience so that’s not it! I do, however, possess a lot of perseverance and tenacity (traits also fostered by my service). I also possess a little bit of specific kind of crazy that’s required in entrepreneurship. To be honest, the main reason I have overcome anything is that I have a large network of support personally and professionally.” Her advice to other entrepreneurs,
“It takes a lot for a Marine to swallow her pride but asking for help is the fastest way to success. Ask often, be open, and free yourself from expectation. And the sooner, the better!”
Infinitely Fit is now focused on building communities of health by engaging local business owners. “We spend more waking hours with people at work than anyone else, so what better way to build communities of health than connecting with the businesses in them,” says LJ.
Infinitely Fit provides free workouts and have a free weekly walking group to get more people moving and healthy. They also actively connect with partners in the community like The Rosie Network, The North County Business Chamber, and Live Well San Diego.
For more information, contact LJ at: www.RosiesList.org/InfinitelyFit
Meet Kaylena Pinuelas, CEO of MJ Tours. Kaylena grew up around boats and decided to join the Navy in 2001. Stationed in San Diego, Kaylena served aboard the USS John C. Stennis, before being honorably discharged with PTS. Despite this challenge, Kaylena credits her time serving in the military for shaping who she is today.
As a veteran who found relief for her PTS through cannabis, she can relate to a lot of fellow vets facing similar challenges and access to treatment. To help educate others and remove the negative stigma associated with cannabis despite its proven medicinal properties, Kaylena launched MJ Tours and MJ Med4Vets, a nonprofit. MJ Tours is a local San Diego touring company that takes you behind the scenes of the legal California cannabis industry through uniquely planned tours – in a decked out Mercedes Sprinter party bus – that will leave you with a better understanding of the sacred and misunderstood marijuana plant.
She also launched MJ Med4Vets, a nonprofit providing an educational lecture series by licensed doctors. Her mission is to create a safe space for veterans to learn about the many strains and techniques that can be used to help our veterans gain access to cannabis and find some relief.
Tours like Buds & Brew, The Grow Tour and Weed & Wine, are not only educational, but fun. If you are wondering what to do over the weekend with your partner, try the Date Night Tour.
“Our Date Night Tour picks you up at a bar in North Park,” says Kaylena. “As we head to a dis-
pensary, our guide shares information about the history and benefits of plant and what to look for when shopping at the dispensary.” Once there, the group is greeted by a “bud tender” who will elaborate on the array of products and their varying purpose. Guests will have some time to shop at a discount and ask questions. Once everyone is stocked up, it’s off to a popular restaurant for a family-style sampling experience of their top-ordered dishes. Finally, guests are taken to a private location for an opportunity to share their newly-purchased products and enjoy a sound and aromatherapy healing session designed to bring people closer.
Her greatest challenge as an entrepreneur has been turning her “idea” into reality.
“I know it sounds silly, but everyone has ideas, thoughts, creations, and I am sure very good ones at that. I overcame this challenge through action.”
With lots and lots of note pads, long nights, determination and the support of The Rosie Network, I was able to launch MJ Tours and MJ Meds4Vets. It’s all about persistence, follow through, surrounding yourself with smart people and telling herself, “I can do it.” Sound familiar?
As an entrepreneur, she loves that it’s her choice, her decision, and her impact. She works a lot harder and longer than she ever has but at the end of the day, knowing she created this great experience that educates and spreads the word about such an amazing cause is very rewarding. Her advice to other veterans thinking about entrepreneurship, “Follow your dreams; they can become your reality if you’re strong enough to push forward and never quit.”
MJ Tours has been featured in San Diego Business Journal and San Diego Magazine. To learn more or book a tour, visit mjtourscalifornia.com
Anna Wood has been a Navy spouse for three years. She moved across the world, leaving everything behind to be with her husband in San Diego, California. As many military spouses know, this undertaking brings on huge challenges, but is definitely be worth it
“I learned how to reinvent myself and to be relentless about becoming a better version of myself day after day,” says Anna.
Becoming a part of the military spouse community showed Anna how to connect over our similarities and to rise above personal differences. Focusing on the things they have in common is an amazing skill to she puts to good use in her business, Anna Wood Fitness.
“Anna Wood Fitness, is truly my baby – definitely in the sense that it is still taking its first steps.” She also shares that she did not decide to become an entrepreneur for the thrill of calling herself a business owner, but to create an avenue for her fitness philosophy. Anna Wood Fitness teaches an approach to working out that is different than the typical gym ‘mindset.’ Instead, she focuses on being healthy, confident, and feeling joy through fitness.
Anna has always loved exercising and working out. The gym is her ‘Happy Place.’ Like many other military spouses, she is turning her passion into a profession. Anna is also an anorexia survivor. She learned that this disorder is a symptom of an underlying body image, which caused her to mentally torture herself in pursuit of an unrealistic beauty idea.
During her recovery, she found herself deeply
conflicted. “How do I pick up doing exercise, which was my source of happiness since I was a child, when all I see and hear around me is that it’s supposed to make you thinner?
“How do I have a good time at the gym when it seems like the only metric of how well you did is measured in lost pounds and fat – especially at a time when I am trying to be at peace with my body?”
Surviving this challenge allowed Anna to find her true “gift” – being able to find a way to love, nourish and strengthen herself in body and in mind through fitness. It takes courage to go against what is popular, but may be harmful to your own body image and self-esteem. For Anna, fitness is not about looking like a photo-shopped image. It is a versatile tool to enhance your quality of life, to gain appreciation, respect and love for yourself and your body - to find peace within.
Anna works with clients and at any stage of their inner health and wellness journey. She provides professional support and encourages her clients to develop a mindset that makes the process safe and fun. Sharing her own personal story resonates with her clients and establishes trust.
Anna’s message to other military spouses thinking about starting their own business?
“It is not as mystical as it seems. If you are okay with never running out of things to learn and you have something that is important to you and want to see more of it in the world, then go for it!”
For the World’s Heaviest People that is! We are eating ‘less healthy food’ and more of it, combine that with the fact that we’re just not moving around as much and BOOM! American men and women weigh 17-18% more today than we did in the 1960s. But wait! We’ve also grown roughly an inch in height, so that’s some good news.
SO....What’s in Your Bunker?
Sources: The Washington Post, BMC Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Americans are in third place!
In conjunction with Armed Forces Day, this oneday pop-up event at Westfield Topanga in the San Fernando Valley allowed local veteran and military spouse-owned businesses to introduce their brands – and sell their products and services – to the wider community.
Just a few of the participating businesses showcased at the event (located on Level 1 of the shopping center near Urban Outfitters) will be: Visitors were also be able to give back and say “thank you” to our troops currently serving overseas by helping to create care packages filled with food, entertainment, personal hygiene products, handmade items, as well as personal letters of appreciation. The day’s events included an American Red Cross blood
drive, Color Guard ceremony, a medley of musical performances, and much more!
American Dream of small business ownership,” said Stephanie Brown, Founder & CEO of The Rosie
“We believe that our veterans and military spouses have earned the right to the
Network. “Showcasing our veteran and military spouse small business owners is good for our country, good for our economy, and good for the communities where these military families work and live.”
“Giving back to the many women and men in our community who have served our nation is what the Westfield Veterans Initiative is all about”, said Molly Unger, Westfield Topanga’s Vice President and General Manager. “Providing meaningful entrepreneurship opportunities to military families is ultimately beneficial to our entire community. In fact, when veterans
re-enter the civilian workforce and their spouses actively participate in the entrepreneurial community, they have a unique ability to leverage their military training and innate resourcefulness to lead, improve business discipline and productivity, and share their deep ethos of service and excellence with us all.”
ities and www.unbrandedAR.com.
T H I S I S NO T BUS IN E SS AS USUA L
On May 24th, over 100 women veterans and military spouses in San Diego came together for a free one-day symposium hosted by The Rosie Network. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from and network with industry experts who offer insight into core facets of the business cycle including intellectual property, economic opportunities for women-owned businesses, access to financial resources and building successful teams guided by purpose and core values.
On May 24th, over 120 women veterans and military spouses in San Diego came together to network and learn at the Military Entrepreneur Women’s Symposium hosted by The Rosie Network. Thank you to our sponsors who helped make this possible: 7-11, USAA, Knobe Martens and the City of San Diego. We learned a lot, made friends and business connections, but most importantly, we look forward to growing this event and making it better than ever.
Susan Lamping, Vice President of CDC Small Business Finance offered invaluable insight and information on financing resources for veterans and military spouses. CDC Small Business Finance is the nation’s largest SBA approved lender and together with The Rosie Network founded the Rosie Loan https://cdcloans.com/veteran-small-business/.
On May 24th, over 120 women veterans and military spouses in San Diego came together to network and learn at the Military Entrepreneur Women’s Symposium hosted by The Rosie Network. Thank you to our sponsors who helped make this possible: 7-11, USAA, Knobe Martens and the City of San Diego. We learned a lot, made friends and business connections, but most importantly, we look forward to growing this event and
Lara Garner, business and IP litigator presented in depth information of intellectual property (trademarks, copyrights and more) and what every small business should be aware of.
Guest speaker Rocky
a military spouse
shared her entrepreneurial journey, from starting a small business in a converted shipping container to building several successful manufacturing companies including Critical Capabil-
Of course, without sales, your business is really just a hobby – so to help us understand the power of sales and driving growth, Chris Steely, Veteran and Business Performance Coach & Trainer for Assured Strategies, provided tools and habits for the successful entrepreneur and her team.
A panel of veterans and spouses including Jennifer
Jordan, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling franchise, Kathy Hansen, retired Command Master Chief and owner of Industrial Grind Coffee and Flossie Hall, CEO of Healthy Momma shared their personal stories of hurdles and success. It allowed attendees to get involved in the conversation, ask questions and share information with fellow women entrepreneurs.
One of the most important reasons for hosting events like this is the Power of Networking, or as Jenna Harris likes to call it - Networking with a Purpose. Jenna wears many hats: active-duty Marine spouse, mother, entrepreneur and Director of Outreach for San Diego Councilmember Chris Cate. We wrapped up the day by breaking into groups and learning how to network with a purpose.
The Rosie Network would like to say a very special thank you to our fellow military spouses and women veterans who joined us for this inaugural event, to the speakers who generously donated their time and talent, and a debt of gratitude to our sponsors who made this event possible.
“I was so impressed with the community, care, and connection provided through the Rosie Network, and the fantastic opportunities made possible through your pioneering efforts. Thank You!”
– Jessica
“Just quick thank you for the amazing event yesterday, it was so heartwarming to hear the stories and learn of the accomplishments the women are experiencing, very well run event!” - Dianne
Stress, to put it bluntly, is bad for you. It can kill you, in fact. A study now reveals that stress causes deterioration in everything from your gums to your heart and can make you more susceptible to everything from the common cold to cancer. Thanks to new research crossing the disciplines of psychology, medicine, neuroscience, and genetics, the mechanisms underlying the connection are rapidly becoming understood.
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” World Health Organization definition of health.
Top 10 causes of stress and frustration for Americans
1. Financial worry, 52.05 percent
2. Not getting enough sleep, 6.00 percent
3. Health concerns, 35.35 percent
4. Work, 29.50 percent
5. My partner, 25.90 percent
6. My children, 25.25 percent 7. Home life, 23.60 percent
8. Family responsibilities, 22.60 percent 9. The news, 20.80 percent 10. Politics, 16.60 percent
Did you know that Utah is ranked #1 for Senior Health? Meanwhile, California is ranked #10 for overall Health with Louisiana pulling in at #50? AmericasHealthrankings.org
Source: U.S. News and 9Round Kickbox S ource: Science Daily and Association for Psychological Science.
By Keysha Sowunmi
While serving in the United States Navy, I was an Aviation Maintenance Administrationman. My role was to keep aircraft activities running efficiently and to meet the daily missions for the aircraft and the aircraft carriers. I also served as the Physical Readiness Coordinator for my unit where I helped Sailors and Marines adhere to the physical fitness standards while supporting the command mission and Navy operational readiness. I used my experience from both positions to excel in my career as a civilian. Being in the Navy has taught me a lot about taking charge and stepping up to support the mission. I went from serving my Country to serving my community.
never dreamed of.
Since I wanted to have a greater impact, two years after my time in the military, I launched Perfitkidz to combat childhood obesity. I started my non-profit organization because I saw a desperate need for programs, such as mine, to provide services and resources in underserved areas. Children who are obese are also at risk for becoming an obese adult. When I was growing up, I remember being outdoors until the sun went down. But based on my research and what I had personally witnessed with my own eyes, I saw that many kids were indoors playing video games, watching TV and engulfed in other electronic devices. In addition to that, many local corner stores and schools failed to provide fresh, wholesome food. I felt that it was my duty to step to the plate and find ways to encourage kids to get outdoors, get active and to eat better.
Since I’ve been out the Navy, I have been working tirelessly as a health advocate and community organizer to inspire kids to make healthier food choices and engage in daily physical activity. The California Department of Public Health named me a “Champion Mom” in the state of California. A Champion Mom is an entrepreneur and someone that is a leader in their community. As a Champion Mom, I have been invited to speak at major events such as the Clinton Foundation’s “Health Matters” conference, keynote speaker at a statewide California Department of Public Health summit, presenter at the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Conference.
My passion for my community and to see every child healthy has opened doors for me that I would have
My first step was to create allies where the intervention would take place. I started successful partnerships with local schools. In turn, I was able to initiate healthy changes such as cutting down on sugary beverages and vending machine usage, contesting the elimination of physical education classes educating parents at PTA meetings, health fairs and healthy fundraisers. I also created healthy food policies that encouraged teachers to distribute wholesome snacks and non-food items to reward students and celebrate birthdays. I have been really successful with the promotion and application of healthy food and beverage policies. I have worked with influential policymakers to apply these policies in low-income areas, not just schools but youth sports organizations and faith-based organizations. Additionally, we’ve shared free healthy recipes and created Young Chefs of California to teach kids how to prepare their own healthy snacks and meals. I look forward to expanding and continuing this movement through enjoyable, interactive healthy cooking classes and outdoor activities that inspires a lifestyle of well-being for our youth. I have longed believed that tools should be provided in order to see behavioral changes.
I have learned that being an entrepreneur takes patience, strength and hard work. You have to believe in the work that you do and others will believe too. Find every opportunity to expand your network to build strong partnerships. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and know when to reach out for help.
Honoring 100 Veterans, Service Members, & Supporters and their continued contributions to the United States
The HillVets 100 Gala is the premiere black tie event
for the veteran and military community that highlights the most influential and impactful veterans, servicemembers and supporters from 2018. The HillVets 100 includes veterans of all eras, from the Vietnam War to the more recent Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Selectees represent a broad spectrum of veterans from artists to elected officials to business executives, among others.
Hosted by the Secretary Chuck Hagel and RDML John Kirby (ret)
Secretary Chuck Hagel has been an Army Sergeant, Capitol Hill Staffer, Senator and the 24th United States Secretary of Defense. Secretary Hagel and Rear Admiral John Kirby, USN (ret), a CNN military and diplomatic analyst and former Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, hosted the HillVets 100 Gala at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C. on March 29, 2018.
“It’s a humbling experience to be one of four military spouses recognized as a 2017 HillVets 100 awardee,” said Stephanie Brown, CEO and Founder of The Rosie Network. “Anything that shines a light on the sacrifices and contributions that our military spouses make alongside their servicemembers and veterans is OK with me.”
Other awardees included former Secretary of Defense, GEN James Mattis (ret), former White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer and Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro, United States Air Force, Invictis Games, Gold Medalist and the first 100% service-disabled veteran to reenlist in the Air Force.
HillVets 100 is a program provided by Military Times and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. www. hillvets100.org
By Kim Cross
I’m Kim Cross and I am a wife, mom, Navy vet, and small business owner. My husband, Jeff, also served as a Seabee and we have two boys who we believe are destined for military service as well.
and Italy; every day was an adventure. I’m honored to have experienced the training and discipline early in my life so that now, I can successfully be an example and teach my kiddos that anything is possible. I was slowly headed down a path that may not have ended happily when I enlisted. I was in a place where fun was the way of life— nevermind the rest. I started working at an early age but that never stopped me from doing and being who I wanted to be. I owe my upbringing and the Navy a great deal of gratitude—my mom promoted a sense of being strong-willed. I can do and be anything I want, whenever I choose to. When I got to the Navy, I quickly learned that strong-willed and lazy didn’t really match. Though I did get the award for being the most laid back in basic training—I still smile at that one.
I was an aviation electronics tech in the Navy and was primarily stationed on the west coast at NAS Whidbey Island. I’ve been deployed to Saudi Arabia, Germany,
I had little interaction with the locals when I deployed since we worked 12hr shifts in a secured facility. But when I did get out and around the locals to talk to them, I learned how to value life more and how precious life is. Once I went to a camp in Slovenia where the folks were displaced. None of them looked like us, but they loved on us like family. The training I received and cultures I was exposed to are a huge part of who I am
to this very day.
The biggest thing Navy service equipped me with is a sense of “Can Do!” I know, I know…it’s the way of the Seabee and I’m an Airedale, but it’s so true. Before the Navy, I was not one to think I’d rather be a business owner not an employee. I thought it cool, just not for me. Little did I know, the good order and discipline I learned—not to mention the physical challenges—taught me I REALLY can to anything I want. I was 20 years old, 110lb lightweight working on equipment that’s 200-600 pounds. I didn’t realize the magnitude of how important the work is until I really learned what aircraft I was working on. I will always be a fan of the EA-6B!
With that, knowing how important the seemingly small thing I did in our huge Navy gave way to the lasting impression that I can do my part to make an impact on my corner of our huge world.
Add that to being groomed for years and years to be a leader through empowerment, responsibility, and accountability. I think we all come out of military service with a sense of urgency to do better and be better. And in doing so, bring some folks along for the ride!
At Zhi Bath & Body, I handcraft natural soaps and lotions using goat milk as well as soy candles. Everything started from a need that was literally itching to be filled. I developed contact dermatitis while I was in the military that eventually became psoriasis. As you can imagine, everyday personal care items were a huge irritant to my skin. After switching over to products for sensitive skin, I still wasn’t satisfied. I LOVE fragrance—its soothing and invigorating
and all things wonderful. I was introduced to Carol’s Daughter and my life changed (Thank you Mrs. Price!). I was inspired to create what I wanted to use. Six years of trial and error I had what I had been working to create—a soap and lotion that feels good on the skin, doesn’t irritate, moisturizes, and smells amazing. As well, a line of candles that didn’t irritate my youngest son.
I’m 10 years in…my recipes are where I want them, and I am looking to expand a little. Not necessarily open a store just yet, but definitely wholesale to a few boutiques, private label services, and spa parties.
My greatest challenge has been convincing myself that keeping the business and working on making my corner of the world amazing is all worth the hard work I’ve put into it. I’d see people successfully running businesses all the time; many who’ve started out the same way I have—to fill a need— and they seemed to take off overnight. The perception that they opened their stores and were successful in a few months or so helped self-doubt creep in. There was a lull in working the plan several times—and for significant periods.
I’d love to say that there was this amazing shoosh of wind and a Great Voice that came down from the Heavens to say, “Kim, you can make this happen.” Sorry to
disappoint on that front!
YOU HAVE WHAT THEY NEED. You have everything you need to make it happen—to be your own boss—in civilian life. Use the discipline, attention to detail, the courage, and commitment to your advantage! And please PLEASE! If you have a disability of any sort…DON’T. LET. IT. STOP. YOU. Get it in your head—and keep it there—that you cannot build an empire
alone. Find a mentor, coach, or guru that you can connect with and can offer you other connections and resources. There is ALWAYS someone somewhere who needs what you have.” That’s what I think I’d say. Primarily because it took a great deal of heartache, hardhead, trial and error to really get that. Zhi didn’t really start to move until I left my bag of I-got-this behind.
Kim CrossTo learn more and shop Zhi Bath & Body, visit Kim at her Rosie Store at http://www. rosieslist.org/zhi-bath-and-body
It took me glancing by my station as I walked by one day and saying to myself That is such a waste of money. I’ll need to throw it all away since I’m not using it. Saying it out loud sounded so ridiculous, so my outlook changed and my mindset along with it. In essence, it just took commitment to making it work.
“As America celebrates the 55th Anniversary of Small Business Week, this is an excellent opportunity to honor the small businesses that have helped make our nation great,” says SBA San Diego District Director Ruben Garcia. “SBA has helped well over 30 million Americans start, manage and grow their businesses, placing tens of billions of dollars in loans into the hands of entrepreneurs in all sectors of the economy.”
The U.S. Small Business Administration San Diego District Office and the North San Diego Small Business Development Center recognized successful local small businesses and small business advocates at the Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Business organizations, lending institutions, chambers of commerce and trade associations typically nominate candidates.
Every year since 1963 SBA takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from across the nation through National Small Business Week.
National events will be posted at https:// www.sba.gov/nsbw/
Right: Stephanie Brown, CEO and Founder of The Rosie Network, receives SBA 2018 Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year award
A panel is convened at the San Diego District Office to review local nominations and select a winner in each of the categories.
Military Spouse, Stephanie Brown, CEO and Founder of The Rosie Network was named 2018 SBA Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year. Stephanie was presented the award by SBA San Diego Regional Director, Ruben Garcia. (pictured below).
“This award is especially meaningful to me as a military spouse. Our sole mission is to help veterans and spouses be successful entrepreneurs. Not a day goes by without someone reaching out to us for help and it’s our responsibility as a community to embrace and empower them,” says Stephanie Brown, The Rosie Network.
Congrats to all the other awardees.
- Get a company assessment to see what is slowing your company's growth down. - Learn how to speed up your company's success. - Play to win instead of playing not to lose.
amare.com/10071 & LearnDad.com
Tell us about yourself & your time in the service: Christina Szasz, Founding Amare Wellness Partner. Christina is a soon to be retired Air Force Officer with 20 years of service and an MS in Aeronautics. She is a fighter pilot (F-16 & F-117) and the Wing Chief of Safety at March ARB, CA. Her passion is in helping others recognize their value and achieve their highest potential.
a military spouse, and with plans for a family of his own, the idea for Learn Dad was born. His passion is to show others how to remove anxiety and PTSD through living in a constant state of giving and holistic self-care.
James Beck, Founding Amare Wellness Partner & Learn Dad Podcast Host. James has been a massage therapist for 15 years and is a Structural Integration instructor. He was the lead therapist for NBC’s American Gladiators and The Biggest Loser. He authored the book, Hey Dad, Remember Me?, based on his childhood about breaking patterns of generational dysfunction. In 2011, he tested the theories he wrote about by spending one year on a payit-forward service journey around the country (see his TEDx talk on givebeck.com). In 2013 he became
What about your service do you feel equipped you to become an entrepreneur:
Being a fighter pilot taught Christina that serving others was the key to resilience during difficult situations. Through the pay-it-forward journey, James discovered that having a service mindset was the key to eliminating pain points in people’s lives. Together, we use ‘serving others first’ as the philosophical backbone in our approach to business.
Tell us about your business, how you started and where you’re headed:
Our mission is to create healthy and happy families.
This mission was formed after a tough 2017, when we lost our first pregnancy and had four suicide attempts amongst different family members. This pain inspired us to create the ‘Learn Dad’ Podcast. Learn Dad interviews inspiring people, revealing the best lessons that shaped their lives so listeners can improve their family relationships. As we began developing the podcast, one of the families from James’ trip invited us to learn about a startup, a Mental Wellness Company called Amare Global.
We learned that Amare uses cutting edge science to create natural mental wellness products that significantly improves happiness and mental health. Instead of targeting the brain, like most pharmaceuticals, Amare optimizes the ‘Gut-Brain Axis’ by balancing your microbiome. Amare’s Fundamentals Pack won the NutrAward in March (the Academy Awards for nutrition), by reducing anxiety and depression by 50%.
This paralleled our mission perfectly and tied in the missing piece to the Learn Dad message of using holistic methods to break patterns of generational dysfunction originating from varying levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in the home. We are using the podcast as a platform to inspire hope and offering Amare as a tool to physically heal the mind resulting in happier, healthier families.
How has the Service2CEO program supported your entrepreneurial pursuits?
Connecting to others in the Service2CEO program helped us realize that regardless of our specialized field, we can use a global perspective, leadership experience, teamwork, and technical skills gained in the military to create a healthy business. The Lunchn-Learn classes pointed out areas of business we overlooked, before it negatively affected our company. Networking with like-minded people encouraged us to keep taking the necessary steps to build our dream business. We wouldn’t be where we are today with the support of The Rosie Network.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, or pain? Want better energy and focus? Interested in developing passive income helping others? Email amarebeck@gmail. com - call James @ 323-806-0150 or Christina @ 619995-2323
Conference 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Networking 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Dinner and Awards Program 5:00 - 6:30 PM Networking 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Join us for the 2nd Annual Veteran and Military Entrepreneur Conference and Awards, brought to you by the San Diego Business Journal, in partnership with The Rosie Network. We will celebrate and support local veteran entrepreneurs and military spouses with this awards program and educational conference. Winners and finalists will be honored in a special San Diego Business Journal supplement and in The Rosie Network's Military Entrepreneur Magazine (M.E.MAG).
N o m i n a t i o n s w i l l b e o p e n s o o n . To be nominated, the individual must be a veteran or military spouse of the U.S. military — Navy, Marines, Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, National Guard or a military spouse. Self-nominations are accepted.
An independent panel of judges will select winners from among these categories:
• Veteran-owned businesses
• Military spouse-owned businesses
• Veteran business leaders in the private sector
• Businesses that advocate for and/or hire veterans and military spouses
• Other individuals, such as emerging business leaders, veteran and military-spouse entrepreneurs and franchisees
For more information about our Veteran Launch Program services, please contact our office at (510) 844-5632 or contact us through our Loan Inquiry Form online.
Variable interest rate – Prime plus 4% Loan terms up to 10 years with no prepayment penalties Loan funds can be used for: Furniture, fixtures, and equipment and Inventory
Working capital (hire employees, pay expenses, and more).
Business debt refinancing Business acquisition for both new and existing companies.
Some might say that military spouses today are the unsung heroes who serve and sacrifice alongside their servicemember. Let’s not forget that many of those have also served in uniform. Either way, spouses are finally getting the respect and attention they deserve. With almost half of today’s spouses turning to entrepreneurship as a portable career, we are thrilled to have Stephanie Brown, CEO and Founder of The Rosie Network featured as one of 10 inspiring military spouses in this May 11, 2018 article in Business Insider.
For the full story, visit Business Insider link below. http://www.businessinsider.com/ military-spouses-inspiring-stories-made-adifference-2018-5
Cliff was founded by Todd Ehrlich, a Navy SEAL who saw a need in the market for sports drinks that taste amazing and actually benefit you. The current lineup of beverages commonly found on grocery store shelves does not afford you any options like this. All of it is essentially sugar water. His goal was to make something better. After years of research and testing, he came up with the original formula for Kill Cliff Recovery Drink - a unique blend of
electrolytes, vitamins, enzymes, and extracts like ginger root, ginseng root, and green tea – all selected to aid recovery while not sacrificing on taste.
Originally only available in Blood Orange, that drink now comes in five flavors and still uses those same basic ingredients for their effectiveness in aiding recovery from a workout, a night out, or any other time you need get back to full
speed. It’s also a great all-day drink. Lightly carbonated with no sugar, 15-20 calories per can, and killer taste, it’s become many people’s go-to replacement for soda, energy drinks, and other common beverages on the market today.
Kill Cliff continues to look for new ways to help every day warriors, people out there killin’ it every day. In late 2017, we launched our second core product line – Endure. Endure is a new type of sports drink aimed at giving you sustained energy without jacking you up, only to crash later. It’s made with essential electrolytes and Palatinose, a low glycemic carb derived from non GMO sugar beets. This slow release carb fuel supports a sustained glucose supply and promotes fat oxidation for energy during exercise. It does not spike blood sugar like sucrose, fructose, or agave. Currently available in two flavors, we hope you give it a try and take your training to the next level with better fuel.
Some of the stories you guys come up with are epic, so we prefer to keep the details a bit of a mystery. KILL CLIFF has become an idea to overcome obstacles or “Kill The Quit.” Our goal at Kill Cliff is to help you remove quitting from your mind, because quitting is NOT an option. We also tend to not take ourselves too seriously so if our name offends you, please choose to not be offended. We are all about doing good for
good people, through our products, and our Partnership with the Navy SEAL Foundation. We hope you dig what we are all about.
online at: www.KillCliff.com
Get your business in front of the 70 percent of Americans who prefer to patronize a Veteran Owned company, today. Register your business on the nation’s largest nonprofit database of ‘verified’ veteran and military spouse-owned businesses in the country. Free complete profile page. Add a shopping cart feature at no cost. What are you waiting for? http://www.RosiesList.org www.frogfuel.com
www.rosieslist.org/ airotique www.rosieslist.org/ nutrishopsp
www.rosieslist.org/ kalfit-san-diego
www.rosieslist.org/ seaside-postpartum
www.rosieslist.org/ deanna-won
www.rosieslist.org/ iserved-coaching
www.rosieslist.org/ studiodeeyoga
www.rosieslist.org/ martialartsinsanantonio
www.rosieslist.org/ themassageschool www.rosieslist.org/ the-gourmet-gang
www.rosieslist.org/ scoliosisdoc
For more information on any of these events, please email Dayna Klock, Director of Development. dklock@therosienetwork.org
June 6
D-Day Anniversary
June 14 U.S. Army Flag Day
June 18
Father’s Day
June 23
Coast Gaurd Auxiliary Birthday
June 26 Service2CEO Think Tank Session 10-11am June 21 Service2CEO Lunch & Learn Session 10-11am
June 30
Veteran &Military Spouse Entrepreneur Freedom Summit www.vetucation.org
July 4 Idenpendence Day
July 15
The Rosie Network Day
July 19
Service2CEO Lunch & Learn Session 10-11am
July 19
NVBDC 3rd Annual Doing Business with The Federal Reserve Bank more information...
Aug 4 Coast Guard Day
Aug 16 National Airborne Day
Aug 23 Service2CEO Lunch & Learn Session 10-11am
Aug 29 Marine Corps Reserve Birthday Sept 2 Victory Over Japan Day
Sept 4 Labor Day
Sept 7 Warriors Rock Concert Sept 10 - 11 NVBDC National Veteran Business Matchmaking Event more information...
Sept 11 Patriot Day
Sept 17 Advertising Reboot Summit
Sept 18
Air Force Birthday (USAF)
Sept 20 Service2CEO
Lunch & Learn Session 10-11am
Sept 28 Gold Star Mother’s Day
Oct 11
Service2CEO Think Tank Session 10-11am
Oct 18 Service2CEO Lunch & Learn Session 10-11am
Oct 30 VMECA Nov 5 - 9 National Veterans Small Business Week “Our #VetBiz Community”
Nov 7 NVBDC Northeast Veteran Business Development Conference more information...
Nov 15 Service2CEO Lunch & Learn Session 10-11am
Nov 10 Westfield Showcase MV
Dec 15 Service2CEO Lunch & Learn Session 10-11am
Dec 31 New Years Eve 2019
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During Lieutenant Colonel Al Amatuzio’s 25 years as an award-winning jet fighter pilot, he gained a solid appreciation for the extraordinary lubricants that protected the engines of the jets he flew. He knew that only these lubricants, synthetic lubricants, could stand up to the demanding operating conditions of jet engines and the severe temperature extremes they encounter.
He knew also that the same outstanding performance benefits synthetic lubricants provide for jet engines would prove invaluable to car, truck and other internal combustion engines.
Amatuzio began an intense period of research in 1963. He assembled the industry’s most knowledgeable chemists, and by 1966 his newly formulated synthetic motor oil was being sold commercially. Throughout the 1960s Amatuzio continued his research and developed commercially available synthetic oils under a variety of names. In 1972, AMSOIL became the first synthetic motor oil in the world to meet American Petroleum Institute service requirements.
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