Organization

Meet the Team

UX, creative, leadership, and public-facing contributors advancing the National Invest In Veterans Week® mission.

UX / UI, Creative, and Digital Experience

Brandon Sugar

Legacy UX/UI Designer

Army Veteran

Mike Bicek

Creative Director

Army Veteran

Celeste Everett

Legacy IT Consultant

Army Veteran

Notable Founders & Public Figures

Jeff Shuford

Co-Founder

Iraq War Veteran · Military Spouse · Nationally Syndicated Columnist

Drayton Florence

Retired Co-Founder

NFL Veteran · Military Brat

LTC Rickey L. Pope, USA (Ret.)

Co-Founder

Retired Army Veteran · Retired Firefighter

Jim Freeman of The Five Satins

Brand Ambassador

GRAMMY Hall of Famer

Legal, IP, and Strategic Advisors

Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC

Trademark Counsel

Veteran IP Advocate

CPT Sherman Williams, USA (Ret.)

Advisor

Retired Army Veteran

Pastor Ron Henson

Social Impact Advisor

Navy Veteran

Spokespersons & Communications

Christopher B. Mueller

Lead Video Spokesperson

Veteran Advocate

Lonnell McCall I

Senior Spokesperson

Retired Navy Veteran

Lonnell McCall II

Junior Spokesperson

Military Brat

Leadership & Operations

Angel Shuford, REALTOR®, MRP

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Army Veteran

Team Culture

Private Jewel

Co-Founders Pup

Biewer Terrier

Senator Pennycuick #NIVW

Awards & Recognitions

Formal Recognition

National Invest In Veterans Week® 2025 Awards

The “Best Of” honors recognize measurable leadership advancing veteran economic participation, entrepreneurship, and community well-being.

View full 2025 honors

Empowerment Through Advocacy

Jeff Shuford Empowerment Through Advocacy Award

Phil Hulett

Advocacy, mentorship, and career-transition impact.

Entrepreneurship Leadership

Champion of Veterans Entrepreneurship Award

State of Montana Government

Policy, proclamations, and sustained public recognition.

Workforce Transition

Trailblazer in Veteran Hiring Award

The Standard

Employer-led pathways into civilian careers and growth.

Access to Capital

Veterans in Business Excellence Award

Live Oak Bank

Veteran-focused lending and specialized financial expertise.

Market Action

Social Impact Action of the Year Award

ITA Growth Partners (by ITA International)

Durable outcomes through direct investment in veteran-owned businesses.

Digital Leadership

Social Media Influencer of the Year Award

Congressman Glenn Grothman

Amplifying veteran voices and achievements via public platforms.

Sustained Advocacy

Veteran Advocate of the Year Award

Southside Bank

Long-term commitment to veteran financial transition outcomes and readiness.

Read citations and context →

#InvestInVeteransWeek2025

Looking for prior years? The 2024 and 2023 winners are listed on the same page.

#NIVW Impact

🇺🇸 2.5 Million
Veteran-Owned Businesses Served

🌐 180K+
NIVW Supporters Worldwide

🛡️ 40
Markets Reached

💼 $1 Trillion+ in Annual Sales
Veteran-Owned Businesses Fuel Growth

#NIVW Honor Roll🧭