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Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Stories

Veterans have the character, discipline and skills needed to succeed as small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Your success inspires us and others every day to help veterans and their families achieve their dreams of entrepreneurship.

Share Your Story

Would you like to share your story and inspire others? Fill out the form, submit your story including how you benefited from your relationship with the VBOC of NE and launched or grew your business, photo of yourself, company logo and website. Please return this form, your photo and company logo (if applicable).

James Annis, East Bay Custom Cycles, Bristol, RI

Opening his garage doors to the public in May of 2017, Jim Annis owns and operates East Bay Custom Cycles (EBCC) at his home in Bristol, Rhode Island. After retiring from a long career of public service,  Big Jim  and his son, Jimmy, customize and re...

Seth Jajliardo, Maple Leaf Tree Service of Massachusetts, Auburn, MA

Seth Jajliardo is a great role model for veterans who want to become entrepreneurs. Seth was inspired to start Maple Leaf Tree Service after the destructive tornado that hit the Worcester area in June 2011.

Shane Matlock, The Burgundian: Coffee & Waffles, Providence, RI

Since working in his first coffee shop at the age of 17, Shane Matlock has aspired to own a café.  He always loved the role it played in the community, intersecting culture and lives.  

Betsy Hill, Neighborhoods Café, Boston, MA

Veteran entrepreneurs are increasingly contributing to business creation and growth to the American economy after service. Active duty and reserve service often instills important skills and leadership abilities that are directly relevant to busines...

Erik Barstow, Rattle River Lodge, Shelburne, NH

In October 2013 a friend asked Erik to drive to Maine to pick him up, an event that changed his life. On the way home, they stopped at the lodge Erik now owns and he fell in love with the peaceful location.