Accolades from 2025 VETRN Graduates

"Thank you, Lee, for sharing your depth of understanding what others have sacrificed. Your service to country and community is a wonderful example of participation in carrying and gently pulling the historical thread that weaves tragedy and triumph into the tapestry that holds us together through our collective memories. I am honored for the privilege to participate in the VETRN program and being part of its community. The knowledge and commitment that you, and the team provide changes lives, including mine. Thank you!"

"The VETRN program has been one of the most meaningful professional experiences of my entrepreneurial journey. As a veteran and a business owner, I’ve been through many accelerators and training programs, but VETRN stands apart. The curriculum is practical, relevant, and deeply rooted in real-world business ownership. Beyond that, the level of support, mentorship, and genuine care from the instructors is unmatched. VETRN challenged me, strengthened my leadership, and helped me look at my company with clearer eyes and stronger strategy. I am leaving this program more confident, more equipped, and more inspired than ever. I am proud to be a VETRN alum."

"Developing as an entrepreneur with the VETRN program has been a deeply educational and transformative experience. The lessons learned through this journey have directly shaped the mission, strategy, and operational model of my business.  As my business enters the next stage of growth I have a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and direction. The VETRN program has allowed me to understand the difference between "running a small business" and having a sustainable business model.  I now have a strategic growth plan, and systems designed to support expansion.

This would not have been possible without the guidance and mentorship from the VETRN leaders, and instructors that supported and guided me along the way.  Through this program I have formed many professional relationships, and spending these months with an amazing peer group of entrepreneurs was a welcome gift."

"Participating in the VETRN Business Development Cohort was a transformative experience for me as a veteran business owner. The program provided practical, real-world guidance that went beyond theory and directly addressed the challenges veterans face when building and scaling a business.

Through expert-led sessions, peer collaboration, and targeted resources, I gained clearer insight into business development strategies, financial planning, and sustainable growth. Just as valuable was the opportunity to connect with other veteran entrepreneurs who understand the discipline, resilience, and mission-driven mindset that veterans bring into business ownership.

VETRN empowered me to strengthen my business foundation, refine my goals, and move forward with greater confidence and clarity. I would strongly recommend this cohort to any veteran business owner seeking meaningful growth, accountability, and a supportive community committed to veteran success."

"When I first heard of the VETRN program, I did not have the time to participate. I run two very active companies.  If this program had been a typical executive MBA program where you have a fictitious company or use publicly traded companies’ data as subject matter, I would not have participated.

The fact is that you get the opportunity to work ON your business instead of working IN your business, like most entrepreneurs do.  You get to examine every aspect of your business, not just the areas that interest you or are your functional responsibility.  I am grateful to Lee and the entire VETRN organization for the willingness to put such a program together."