Drayton Florence Announces Retirement from National Invest In Veterans Week® and Tech From Vets; Sherman Williams to Lead, Jim Freeman to Advise Cultural Partnerships

It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) and Tech From Vets announce the retirement of Drayton Florence, co-founder and Director of Partnerships, due to unforeseen medical circumstances. Florence has played a pivotal role in veteran entrepreneurship and advocacy, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to guide both organizations for years to come.

A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Drayton Florence's journey from NFL cornerback to veteran business advocate has been one defined by vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to those who have served. After an 11-season career in the NFL with teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and Carolina Panthers, Florence pivoted to entrepreneurship and advocacy. He co-founded Tech From Vets in 2017, a veteran-owned technology company that went on to receive the 2017 BizTech Award from Comcast Business and the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Building upon that success, Florence co-founded National Invest In Veterans Week®, a congressionally recognized observance celebrated annually from March 1st to 7th, dedicated to supporting and amplifying the voices of veteran-owned businesses. His leadership and influence have been instrumental in positioning NIVW as a global movement.

Leadership Reflections on Drayton’s Impact

Drayton's retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions will continue to shape the future of NIVW and Tech From Vets.

Angel Shuford, Vice President and CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week®, shared her appreciation:

“Drayton has been an extraordinary leader, mentor, and advocate for veteran entrepreneurship. His vision has laid the foundation for countless veteran-owned businesses to thrive. Though we will miss his leadership, his legacy will continue to inspire everything we do moving forward.”

Kevin D. Shoun, Senior Advisor for Civic Leadership and Policy Development at NIVW, also praised Florence’s contributions:

“Drayton’s work has been nothing short of transformational. He played an essential role in making NIVW what it is today—a nationally recognized and globally expanding initiative for veteran business support.”

New Leadership: A Dual Strategy to Strengthen NIVW’s IP and Market Presence

To ensure that Drayton’s legacy of leadership and innovation continues, Sherman Williams and Jim Freeman have been appointed to key advisory roles, further expanding NIVW’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio and market influence.

Sherman Williams Takes Over as Director of Partnerships

Sherman Williams, a retired U.S. Army Captain, veteran entrepreneur, and CEO of Body Water LLC, will take on the Director of Partnerships role for National Invest In Veterans Week®. Williams' deep background in business development, military leadership, and health-focused entrepreneurship will ensure that NIVW continues to expand its partnerships and impact.

Williams, a NaVOBA-certified veteran business owner, has demonstrated resilience in business innovation. He founded Body Water LLC (now known as Body Aqua) in 2015, developing a diabetic-friendly, vegan-friendly, and collagen-producing beverage aimed at improving hydration, reducing fatigue, and optimizing health. His expertise in business strategy, logistics, and navigating corporate monopolies will be crucial in guiding NIVW’s continued expansion into new industries and international markets.

His leadership in overcoming significant challenges—including the monopolization of the beverage industry—proves his ability to navigate high-level partnerships, government advocacy, and corporate negotiations. (DrinkBodyAqua.com)

Williams, reflecting on his new role, stated:

“Veterans deserve more than just a seat at the table—we deserve to build the table. National Invest In Veterans Week has already transformed the landscape for veteran entrepreneurs, and I am honored to step into this role to help scale its partnerships, influence, and economic impact for the veteran community.”

Jim Freeman to Advise Angel Shuford on Cultural Partnerships

In a groundbreaking move to expand NIVW’s cultural influence, Jim Freeman, founding member of The Five Satins and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, will serve as Advisor to the CFO/VP for Cultural Partnerships.

Freeman, a legend in the music industry, played a key role in shaping doo-wop and R&B, with his contributions to the iconic hit “In the Still of the Night” cementing his place in music history. With a multi-generational recognition in the Congressional Record, Freeman’s expertise in cultural branding, media influence, and legacy-building will help NIVW integrate music, media, and advocacy into its long-term strategy.

Freeman’s advisory role will focus on:

• Enhancing NIVW’s cultural and media partnerships

• Leveraging music and entertainment to amplify veteran entrepreneurship

• Expanding brand reach through strategic collaborations

Freeman shared his perspective on joining NIVW:

“I’ve seen firsthand the power of music and cultural influence in shaping social movements. National Invest In Veterans Week has built an extraordinary platform, and I look forward to advising Angel on how we can continue expanding its reach in entertainment, corporate partnerships, and public engagement.”

The Future of National Invest In Veterans Week® and Tech From Vets

With Sherman Williams stepping into Drayton Florence’s role and Jim Freeman providing cultural advisory leadership, NIVW is positioned for unprecedented expansion. These strategic appointments will increase NIVW’s intellectual property, corporate visibility, and influence in both business and cultural sectors.

As the organization continues to push boundaries in veteran entrepreneurship, legislative advocacy, and global market expansion, its leadership remains committed to honoring the foundation built by Drayton Florence while preparing for the next evolution of veteran economic empowerment.

For more information about National Invest In Veterans Week®, visit InvestInVeteransWeek.com.

Rep. Mike Levin: A Champion for Veterans and Community Investment

As National Invest in Veterans Week® (March 1-7) approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate leaders who are making a difference for veterans and their communities. Among those deserving recognition is Representative Mike Levin, who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to investing in veterans and their futures.

A Legacy of Advocacy for Veterans

Earlier this year, Rep. Levin received the prestigious Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 2024 Congressional Award for Legislator of the Year. This honor highlights his unwavering dedication to veterans, service members, and their families. As the Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Rep. Levin has authored more than two dozen bipartisan laws aimed at easing veterans’ transition to civilian life. These initiatives include:

• Access to affordable housing and nutritious food.

• Workforce training programs for good-paying jobs.

• Support for survivors and military families.

Rep. Levin’s leadership stems from a personal connection—he represents Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and is the grandson of a World War II veteran. During the awards ceremony, VFW Commander-in-Chief Duane Sarmiento remarked, “Rep. Levin exemplifies the values of service and advocacy that we at the VFW strive to live every day.”

Recent Achievements: Elevating Community Investment

In addition to his work for veterans, Rep. Levin has been appointed to the powerful House Appropriations Committee, making him the sole representative from San Diego and Orange Counties on this influential body. This new role gives him a direct hand in allocating federal funding for projects that address pressing challenges like:

• Supporting homeless veterans through affordable housing initiatives.

• Advancing clean energy and job creation.

• Strengthening infrastructure, including rail corridors and sand replenishment projects.

Rep. Levin’s efforts have already resulted in securing over $1 billion in federal funding for his district since 2019, including $100 million for rail corridor safety and $47 million for coastal restoration projects. His commitment to community investment and environmental sustainability underscores his vision for long-term growth.

A Leader in Data Transparency

In March 2024, Rep. Levin introduced a groundbreaking District Data Map to showcase federal project funding across the 49th District. This tool reflects his dedication to transparency and ensuring his constituents see the tangible benefits of federal investments. By focusing on accountability and results, he continues to set a high standard for public service.

Supporting National Invest in Veterans Week®

While Rep. Levin is not yet formally connected to National Invest in Veterans Week®, his values and accomplishments closely align with our mission. This nationwide initiative, co-founded by Jeff Shuford, celebrates and empowers veteran entrepreneurs. Endorsed by key figures like Chairman Brian Mast, National Invest in Veterans Week® emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for veterans to thrive in civilian life and entrepreneurship.

Rep. Levin’s legislative efforts, including the bipartisan Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act, resonate deeply with our goals. This transformative legislation provides guidance to help service-disabled veteran-owned businesses succeed, contributing to economic growth and community development.

Praising Leadership and Vision

Rep. Levin’s recognition as VFW Legislator of the Year and his strategic leadership on the Appropriations Committee highlight his impact on both local and national levels. His ability to work across party lines and deliver results exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to tackle complex challenges.

A Call to Action

As we celebrate National Invest in Veterans Week®, we encourage leaders and organizations to follow Rep. Levin’s example by investing in veterans and their communities. By uplifting initiatives that support veterans’ transitions, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, we can create a future where all veterans thrive.

Together, we can honor our nation’s heroes and build stronger communities.

#InvestInVeterans #MikeLevin #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek #VeteranSupport #CommunityLeadership #BipartisanAction

To learn more about Rep. Levin’s work and National Invest in Veterans Week®, visit:

• National Invest in Veterans Week®

• Rep. Mike Levin Receives Veterans of Foreign Wars Congressional Award for Legislator of the Year

• The Levin Letter: We’re in a Stronger Position Than Ever to Invest in Our Community

National Invest In Veterans Week® Post-Jeff Shuford: The Roadmap to Global Impact

Introduction

This comprehensive briefing explores the post-retirement impact of Jeff Shuford's visionary leadership on National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW). Following his retirement in December, NIVW has transitioned into an unprecedented phase of growth and influence, serving as a beacon of veteran entrepreneurship across 62 markets globally.

Jeff Shuford’s roadmap, driven by the core belief that “veteran empowerment knows no borders”, has positioned NIVW as a transformative movement in the economic and technological spheres. From U.S. state-specific platforms serving 4.4 million veterans to 29 international domains engaging allied nations, the organization continues to flourish under the guidance of his strategic framework and insights.

Section I: The Legacy of Jeff Shuford

Jeff Shuford's leadership defined a strategic vision that seamlessly blended veteran advocacy, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. As a decorated Iraq War veteran and celebrated business strategist, his ethos of resilience and leadership has empowered thousands of veteran entrepreneurs worldwide.

Key Achievements:

1. Platform Expansion
   Shuford’s tenure saw the creation of a robust digital ecosystem connecting veterans to resources and opportunities. His foresight led to the development of state-specific domains like FloridaVeterans.com and PennsylvaniaVeterans.com, targeting regions with substantial veteran populations.

2. Technology-Driven Advocacy
   Shuford pioneered the π (Pledge to Invest) = Veteran Businesses℠ platform, a game-changing initiative that uses AI and data analytics to streamline access to funding, mentorship, and contracting opportunities for veterans.

3. Focus on Global Reach
   Shuford emphasized the universality of veteran empowerment, extending NIVW’s footprint to international markets like Germany, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. His belief that “local stories create global movements” is now reflected in the organization's international collaborations.

Section II: Post-Retirement Metrics and Growth Analysis

Engagement Surge

Since Shuford’s retirement, NIVW has witnessed an explosive increase in engagement metrics:

• Unique Visitors: Growth of over 400%, with a steady influx of traffic to both U.S. and international domains.

• Search Impressions: Surpassing 57,000 over three months, with CTR rates showcasing growing interest in veteran-focused content.

Market Reach

1. U.S. Markets

   • Florida hosts the largest veteran population, contributing to over one-third of U.S. domain traffic.

   • Pennsylvania follows with significant traction driven by its Veterans Registry initiative, providing tailored access to state-level resources.

2. International Presence

   • Europe leads with engagement from the U.K., Germany, and France, reflecting the alignment of veteran initiatives with allied priorities.

   • Asia-Pacific countries such as Australia and Singapore are emerging as pivotal markets, driven by shared economic and defense ties.

Section III: Search Behavior and Trends

Seasonal Peaks

• April and June dominate as high-visibility periods, correlating with national campaigns and heightened media coverage.

• Consistent visibility during March, May, and September offers opportunities for evergreen content.

CPC Analysis

The high commercial value of veteran-focused keywords is evident in CPC rates, peaking between $30 and $35 during critical months. NIVW’s focus on organic growth remains a cost-effective strategy to leverage this trend.

Section IV: Economic Contributions of Veteran Entrepreneurs

Current Impact

Veteran-owned businesses contribute $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, reinforcing their role as critical drivers of innovation and job creation.

Future Goals

By 2030, NIVW aims to:

• Increase veteran-led startups by 25%.

• Create 1.5 million new jobs.

• Expand participation in transformative industries like AI, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.

Section V: State-Specific Insights

FloridaVeterans.com

• Serves the largest veteran population in the U.S.

• Home to key initiatives like veteran-focused accelerator programs and localized mentorship networks.

PennsylvaniaVeterans.com

• Connects over 700,000 veterans across 67 counties.

• Supports the state’s Veterans Registry, streamlining access to healthcare, education, and business resources.

Emerging Markets

Domains like NorthDakotaVeterans.com and WyomingVeterans.com demonstrate growing engagement in underserved rural regions, highlighting the potential for targeted outreach.

Section VI: Global Expansion Strategy

International Domains

The addition of 29 country-specific domains has enabled NIVW to amplify its mission across allied nations.

Key regions include:

• Europe: Strong engagement from the U.K. and Germany reflects alignment with NATO’s focus on veteran advocacy.

• Asia-Pacific: Partnerships with Australia and Singapore leverage the region’s technological innovation and defense ties.

• Middle East: Saudi Arabia’s collaboration underscores shared economic goals.

Section VII: Strategic Initiatives

π (Pledge to Invest) = Veteran Businesses℠

This innovative platform integrates:

• AI-Powered Tools: Simplifying access to grants and mentorship.

• Digital Networking: Connecting veterans across borders to share resources and best practices.

Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

A legislative proposal designed to:

• Provide startup tax credits for veteran businesses in high-growth sectors.

• Expand SBA loan programs with reduced interest rates.

• Reserve 12% of federal contracts for veteran-owned businesses.

Section VIII: Data-Driven Recommendations

1. Content Strategy:

   • Leverage search trends to maximize visibility during peak months.

   • Create evergreen resources to sustain engagement year-round.

2. Global Partnerships:

   • Collaborate with international veteran organizations to share best practices.

   • Use localized campaigns to align with regional priorities.

3. Monetization Pathways:

   • Introduce targeted CPC campaigns during cost-efficient months.

   • Develop sponsorship opportunities with corporate partners.

Conclusion: Building on a Vision

Under Jeff Shuford’s roadmap, National Invest In Veterans Week® has transitioned into a global movement, empowering veterans to lead in innovation and entrepreneurship. The growth metrics and strategic initiatives outlined in this report demonstrate the enduring impact of his vision.

As NIVW continues to evolve, it remains committed to honoring veterans’ contributions while driving economic and technological progress. By fostering collaboration and leveraging data-driven insights, the organization is well-positioned to shape a future where veteran entrepreneurship thrives across borders.

Explore More

• Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

• Global Veteran Advocacy Platforms

• Jeff Shuford’s Visionary Leadership

Discover more at National Invest In Veterans Week®