November 10th is a sacred day for every Marine—a day when leathernecks everywhere come together to celebrate the Marine Corps’ birthday. It’s a time to honor the grit, determination, and tradition of a branch that’s been storming beaches for 249 years. But as anyone who knows a Marine can confirm, once they set their minds on something, they’re in it for the long haul. These qualities don’t just disappear after hanging up the uniform—they just get a fresh mission: starting and running their own businesses.
To celebrate, we are showcasing some of our Entrepreneurship program alumni that also happen to be Marine Corps veterans and spouses! We encourage you to explore their businesses, and pay specific attention to their asks of our community. If you can connect with them or connect them to someone who can help them reach the next level, take the extra step and reach out!
Ron Nussbaum
Marine Corps
BuilderComs
ViR Alum & Bunker Build Up Facilitator
BuilderComs is a revolutionary communication platform designed specifically for the construction industry. We streamline communication, project management, and documentation to empower construction teams to collaborate effectively and enhance project efficiency. Our mission is to eliminate the chaos of disjointed communication, ensuring that every team member has access to the information they need to succeed.
Ron’s Ask: I’m looking to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, potential partners, and investors who share a passion for innovation in the construction sector. If you’re interested in collaborating or exploring opportunities to enhance communication solutions in the industry, let’s connect! Additionally, if you know of any resources or networks that could support our mission, I would greatly appreciate your insights.
Cesar Mayorga
Marine Corps
Bluberry Technologies, Inc
BBiE Alum
Bluberry is an intuitive, all-in-one AI-driven ERP system designed specifically for janitorial and service labor businesses. Our platform enhances operational efficiency and profitability by capturing and analyzing vast amounts of operational data. Leveraging AI and Business Intelligence (BI), Bluberry identifies patterns and insights from hundreds of data points, delivering actionable results through real-time telemetry dashboards. We prioritize critical financial and operational metrics, empowering businesses to make data-driven, growth-focused decisions with ease.
Cesar’s Ask: Our mission is to revolutionize the service labor industry by equipping entrepreneurs with the data and insights needed to drive growth. If you own a janitorial, facilities, landscaping, or snow removal business, we’d love to connect with you. Referrals to business owners in these industries are highly appreciated. Additionally, any introductions to seed-stage investors would be invaluable as we continue to expand our impact.
Joe Smarro
Marine Corps
SolutionPoint+
EBV, EBV Accelerate, RISE Alum
SolutionPoint+ is an international training company committed to advancing mental health, de-escalation, wellness, self-care, and resiliency training. We provide comprehensive, impactful training for first responders, public transit workers, hospitals, schools, correctional workers, police, fire, EMS, and dispatchers. Our approach integrates behavioral healthcare insights with public safety practices to create safer, more compassionate communities.
Joe’s Ask: Visit our main website to learn more about our services, or refer us to your local law enforcement agencies or behavioral health hospitals. Together, we can make a difference in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and mental health training.
Aaron D. Lawrence
Marine Corps
American Legacy Capital
Veteran EDGE Alum
I am a practicing attorney and owner of Lawrence & Odom where we handle civil and criminal litigation as well as business formation. While participating in the George W. Bush Veteran Leadership Program I founded American Legacy Capital (ALC) which empowers veterans by transitioning them into ownership of trade-based businesses like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. We connect retiring business owners with qualified veterans, providing mentorship, financial support, and a structured ownership transition that preserves the legacy of these businesses. Our approach ensures these vital industries continue to thrive while giving veterans a clear path to entrepreneurship and long-term success.
Aaron’s Ask: I am currently building the community around ALC, and as such would like veterans interested in Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition to sign up at vetbx.com/ and those who own a trade based business interested in selling to a veteran to contact me directly!
Margaret Dwiggins, Ph.D.
Marine Corps Spouse
Forester Way
ViR, V-WISE Alum
Forester Way was created from my personal journey navigating many paths as the spouse of a wounded warrior, a parent, and a busy professional. I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing professional and personal responsibilities. My mission is to walk alongside you, helping turn burnout, frustration, and stress into balance and flow. With over 30 years of diverse experience – including fast-tracking in the corporate world, counseling, university instruction, military family readiness, and nonprofit board service – I meet you where you are. I combine experience with my expertise in smartphone dependence, FOMO, and cognition and learning allowing you to uncover creative solutions to life’s wicked problems.
Margaret’s Ask: I am looking to connect with individuals seeking to become their best self and organizations wanting to add coaching as an employee perk. If you feel overwhelmed balancing work and family, stress is impacting your leadership, you strive for greatness but feel drained and unmotivated, let’s connect. I also work with high potential individuals new to positions. You can contact me via my website or LinkedIn.
Mike Sherbakov
Marine Corps
The Veteran Fund
Current IVMF Ambassador San Diego
Advancing America through venture capital. The Veteran Fund is a next-gen venture capital firm that invests in high-growth technology startups led by exceptional founders from the military community. Advancing America through venture capital. The Veteran Fund is a next-gen venture capital firm that invests in high-growth technology startups led by exceptional founders from the military community.
Mike’s Ask: Are you a great veteran-led startup looking for funding? Apply for investment here: www.veteran.fund/startup!
Is Your Business Ready for the Next Step?
IVMF’s entrepreneurship programs welcome all veterans and military spouses chase their American Dream of business ownership. We meet entrepreneurs where they’re at in their journey, from those with little more than an idea to serial entrepreneurs planning their latest exit strategy.
Ready to start your entrepreneurial journey with IVMF? Explore our portfolio of entrepreneurship programming, much of it available virtually or at locations across the country. Find the program best suited to help your business take the next step today!