Honor an outstanding veteran making a difference in their community, workplace, business, or school by voting.
Voting Begins May 1st.
The Veteran of the Year® and Vetrepreneur® of the Year programs (VOY) recognize the contributions of our nation’s 21 million veterans and veteran entrepreneurs. The program provides a structured framework to nominate, elect and crown veteran leaders at the local, state, and national levels.
Voting Ends May 26th.
Celebrating Veteran-Owned Business Owners Since 2006
Veterans are awarded based on the high standards related to themselves, their business and determination to be successful. Their perseverance, ability to face adversity, community involvement, mentorship and overcoming obstacles are just a few of the reasons these amazing veterans earned the honor of being named a Vetrepreneur of the Year®.
Below are Just a Few of Our Past Vetrepreneur® of the Year Winners
Get to know some of our past winners. Read their stories and get inspired.
James Kelly
Invictus International Consulting
2017 Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Navy Veteran
Michael Durant
Pinnacle Solutions Inc.
2013 Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Army Veteran
Frank Bonanno
Fifth Avenue
2012 Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Army Veteran
Staci Redmon
Strategy and Management Services
2017 Woman Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Army Veteran
Kaney O’Neill
O’Neill Contractors, Inc. 2015 Woman Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Navy Veteran
James Bendel
Crazy Horse Coffee
2023 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Army Veteran
Bruce Freshwater
Sierra Experts
2022 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Air Force Veteran
Martin Beichner
AccuTrex Products
2020 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Navy Veteran
Michael Cherock
AE Works
2019 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Navy Veteran
“I appreciate the opportunity to be recognized as Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the year 2023 and honored to be featured in G.I. Jobs April issue as the winner! Most of all I’d like to thank my ‘Fully Caffeinated’ supporters and ‘Caffeine Dealers.’ Without their vote of confidence in all that we do @crazyhorsecoffee my actions, efforts, and dedication to “@Help.Hard” could not be what it is. Telling my story through entrepreneurship and philanthropy is how I manage to continue to challenge myself, stay positive, contribute to my community and provide for my family.”
James Bendel
Crazy Horse Coffee
2023 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Army Veteran
“My experience in the Navy was very formative to me as a leader, business person and entrepreneur. There is no other educational institute, job training program or experience that can come close to what the military has to offer for young men and women. Being the Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year is the highest honor I can receive as an entrepreneur, as it was the military that gave me the confidence, and tools and education to be a successful entrepreneur.”
Joe Calloway
RE360
2021 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Navy Veteran