Veteran-Owned Businesses Supporting Our Community
When I transitioned from military service to civilian life, I carried with me values that couldn't be left behind— commitment to excellence, service before self, and the unwavering belief that community matters. Founding Wild Ridge Coffee wasn't just about creating exceptional coffee; it was about continuing a mission of service in a new form.
Veteran-owned businesses like ours represent more than just commercial enterprises—they embody a continued commitment to serving our communities long after the uniform comes off. Here's why supporting veteran-owned businesses creates ripples of positive impact far beyond your morning cup.
The Veteran Business Impact: By the Numbers
Veteran-owned businesses form a significant pillar of our national economy:
- Over 2.5 million businesses in America are veteran-owned
- These businesses employ more than 5 million workers
- Veteran entrepreneurs are 45% more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans
- Veterans are 30% more likely to hire fellow veterans
But perhaps most importantly, veteran-owned businesses like Wild Ridge Coffee tend to approach business differently, prioritizing community impact alongside profit and bringing unique skills honed through military service.
From Military Values to Business Principles
The transition from military to entrepreneurship isn't always smooth, but the skills acquired through service create a foundation for business approaches that benefit customers and communities alike:
Precision and Excellence
Military training instills uncompromising standards—whether planning missions or roasting coffee beans. At Wild Ridge Coffee, this translates to meticulous attention to sourcing, roasting, and quality control. Our small batch approach ensures every bag of Alpine Sunrise or Lunar Eclipse meets rigorous quality standards before reaching your hands.
Adaptability Under Pressure
Military service teaches adjustment to changing circumstances while maintaining focus on the mission. This adaptability proves invaluable in business, especially through challenges like supply chain disruptions or economic uncertainty. When other coffee companies cut corners during difficult times, veteran-owned businesses often find creative solutions that preserve quality and values.
Community Before Self
Perhaps the most significant value veterans bring to business is the ingrained belief that the mission and team come before individual needs. At Wild Ridge Coffee, this means prioritizing sustainable relationships with coffee growers, environmental stewardship, and supporting local community initiatives even when it impacts immediate profits.
How Veteran Businesses Support Communities
The impact of veteran-owned businesses extends far beyond providing products and services:
Creating Purposeful Employment
Veteran-owned businesses hire at higher rates than non-veteran businesses, with particular emphasis on hiring fellow veterans who may face transition challenges. These businesses understand the unique value veterans bring and create environments where their skills translate effectively to civilian contexts.
Supporting Other Local Businesses
Research shows that veteran entrepreneurs are more likely to prioritize local supply chains and partnerships. At Wild Ridge Coffee, we partner with local outfitters, outdoor groups, and community events, creating an ecosystem of support that strengthens the entire community.
Giving Back Through Structured Programs
Many veteran-owned businesses formalize their commitment to giving back. At Wild Ridge Coffee, we donate a percentage of profits to organizations supporting veterans' mental health and outdoor therapy programs that help fellow veterans find healing in wilderness settings—causes deeply personal to our founding story.
The Ripple Effect of Your Support
When you choose Wild Ridge Coffee for your morning brew or trail adventure, you're creating impact beyond the transaction:
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Direct Community Investment: A portion of every purchase supports local community development and veteran-focused initiatives
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Employment Support: Your purchase helps maintain jobs prioritizing veteran employment and fair compensation
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Value Amplification: By supporting businesses founded on service-based values, you're strengthening a business model that prioritizes people and community alongside profit
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Quality Standards Preservation: Your support reinforces the viability of small batch, high-quality production rather than mass-market approaches
How to Support Veteran-Owned Businesses
Beyond purchasing Wild Ridge Coffee for your next outdoor adventure or morning ritual, consider these ways to support veteran entrepreneurs:
- Look for the certified Veteran-Owned Business designation when making purchasing decisions
- Share your experiences with veteran-owned businesses on social media and with friends
- Provide reviews that specifically mention the veteran-owned status to help others find these businesses
- Ask your workplace to consider veteran-owned businesses for corporate partnerships and events
At Wild Ridge Coffee, our mission extends beyond providing exceptional coffee for outdoor enthusiasts and CrossFit athletes—it's about creating positive impact through the values instilled during military service. Every bag of our Alpine Sunrise or Lunar Eclipse coffee represents our continued commitment to the communities we serve.
The transition from military service to entrepreneurship involves many challenges, but brings with it the opportunity to continue serving in new ways. When you support veteran-owned businesses, you're not just making a purchase—you're investing in a different way of doing business that prioritizes community, quality, and continuing service.
We believe exceptional coffee and community impact can go hand in hand. That belief guides every decision we make at Wild Ridge Coffee—from sourcing to roasting to how we engage with the communities we serve.