Veteran Entrepreneurs Drive Economic Resilience as Private Payrolls Rise in Uncertain Market

February 5, 2025 – Amid Rising Job Numbers, Veteran-Owned Businesses Provide Economic Stability

As the U.S. economy continues its volatile recovery, with private payrolls growing by 183,000 jobs in January, veteran entrepreneurs are proving to be a pillar of economic resilience, innovation, and job creation. Amid concerns about inflation, labor market shifts, and geopolitical uncertainties, one sector remains steady: veteran-led businesses.

At the forefront of this movement is Angel Shuford, newly appointed President and CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW). Shuford, a decorated U.S. Army air traffic controller, military spouse, and strategic business leader, has taken the helm at a critical juncture, ensuring that veteran-owned businesses not only survive but thrive in an unpredictable market.

Her appointment comes at a time when the labor market faces both optimistic job growth and economic instability, with private employment rising faster than expected but concerns about the sustainability of these gains looming.

LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.): “Angel is the Leader Who Will Cement Veterans as Economic Powerhouses”

LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.), former President and Co-Founder of NIVW, emphasized that veteran entrepreneurs are the backbone of economic stability, particularly in times of uncertainty.

“We’ve seen time and again that veteran-owned businesses don’t just survive economic downturns—they redefine industries. Angel Shuford is the leader who will cement veterans as economic powerhouses. Her ability to scale businesses, secure investment opportunities, and drive long-term economic policy is exactly what this country needs at this moment.”

Pope’s endorsement of Angel Shuford is more than just a leadership transition—it is a statement about the growing influence of veteran entrepreneurs in shaping America’s financial future.

Veteran-Owned Businesses Are Hiring While Corporations Cut Costs

The January ADP National Employment Report revealed that private payrolls grew faster than expected, with 183,000 jobs added in January, surpassing the 150,000 projected by economists. However, corporations continue to tighten budgets, implement layoffs, and reduce workforce expansion.

This is where veteran entrepreneurs come in.

“Veteran-owned businesses are stepping up while corporations scale back,” said Shuford. “We’re not just building businesses—we’re building sustainable employment opportunities for other veterans, military spouses, and communities that need economic stability.”

With Angel Shuford now leading the charge, National Invest In Veterans Week® is expanding into six new markets, ensuring that more veteran-owned businesses receive capital, mentorship, and visibility in today’s economy.

Why Veteran-Owned Businesses Are More Resilient in Economic Uncertainty

The economic resilience of veteran-owned businesses is well-documented. Studies show that veteran entrepreneurs have a higher success rate in business ownership due to their:

✅ Operational discipline gained from military service
✅ Adaptability in crisis situations
✅ Strong leadership and decision-making skills
✅ Commitment to mission execution, even under financial constraints

While major corporations adjust hiring strategies, veteran-owned businesses are filling gaps in critical industries, from technology and logistics to finance and consulting.

“We need to recognize that veteran businesses are a stabilizing force in America’s economy,” said LTC Pope. “And under Angel’s leadership, that force is only getting stronger.”

Angel Shuford’s Vision for Veteran Economic Growth in 2025

Shuford’s strategy for NIVW’s next phase of expansion includes:

1. Securing financial backing for veteran-owned businesses through strategic partnerships with investors and corporate sponsors
   

2. Expanding National Invest In Veterans Week® into six new markets to increase economic impact nationwide
   

3. Strengthening policy advocacy to ensure veteran entrepreneurs receive the funding, tax incentives, and federal contracts they deserve

“This is not just about honoring veterans—it’s about creating economic powerhouses,” said Shuford. “Veteran-owned businesses are the most underutilized asset in this country’s financial future. That’s what we’re changing.”

With private payrolls rising but long-term job stability uncertain, one thing remains clear: veteran entrepreneurs, under the leadership of Angel Shuford, will be the driving force of economic resilience in America.

For more information on National Invest In Veterans Week® and how to support veteran-owned businesses, visit InvestInVeteransWeek.com.

Angel Shuford Appointed President of National Invest In Veterans Week®: A New Era of Veteran Entrepreneurship

Angel Shuford Appointed President of National Invest In Veterans Week®: A Defining Moment in Veteran Economic Empowerment

LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.) on Angel Shuford’s Leadership: “She Is the Architect of the Next Era”

In a groundbreaking leadership transition, Angel Shuford has officially been named the President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), ushering in a new era of global expansion, financial strength, and institutional growth for veteran entrepreneurs.

Her appointment follows the tenure of LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.), the outgoing President and Co-Founder, who has spent years building NIVW into a congressionally recognized movement and a powerful force in veteran economic advocacy.

In his formal statement, LTC Pope framed Angel’s leadership as more than just a transition—it is a transformation.

“Angel Shuford isn’t just assuming leadership; she is architecting the next era of veteran entrepreneurship. She is redefining what economic empowerment looks like for veterans, turning symbolism into sustained financial strength. With her expertise, NIVW isn’t just growing—it is becoming an institution that will set the standard for how we invest in veteran businesses.” – LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.)

This endorsement from one of NIVW’s founding figures underscores Angel’s exceptional strategic vision, financial expertise, and her ability to scale veteran entrepreneurship into a movement with long-term impact.

Angel Shuford: A Legacy of Leadership in Military, Finance, and Business Strategy

With a distinguished background in military service as an Army Reserve air traffic controller, Angel has spent years honing the discipline, precision, and high-stakes decision-making skills required for national leadership.

Her rapid rise within NIVW is no accident—it is the result of a clear and effective strategic vision that has already demonstrated:
✅ Financial Mastery: Angel has positioned NIVW for multi-year financial sustainability, ensuring that its programs and funding channels continue to grow.
✅ Operational Scalability: Under her guidance, NIVW is expanding into six new markets, increasing its national and international reach.
✅ Strategic Influence: She has built relationships with corporate investors, policymakers, and financial institutions, moving NIVW beyond recognition into a powerful financial advocacy platform for veteran businesses.

Her leadership will not only continue the momentum established by LTC Pope—it will amplify it into a movement with global economic influence.

LTC Pope on Angel’s Institutional Legacy: “She Is Building Something That Will Outlast Us All”

For years, NIVW has been at the forefront of veteran business advocacy, but Angel’s leadership marks the moment where it transitions from a movement to a lasting institution.

“Angel isn’t just leading an organization—she is creating a financial and policy infrastructure that will outlast us all. Her work in business, finance, and advocacy is setting the foundation for a new era of veteran economic influence. This is about more than leadership—it’s about legacy.” – LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.)

With this declaration, LTC Pope positions Angel as the key figure in NIVW’s transformation from an awareness-driven initiative to an economic powerhouse for veteran entrepreneurs.

The Next Era: Institutionalizing Veteran Economic Power

Under Angel Shuford’s leadership, NIVW is executing a bold new strategy that includes:
✅ Expanding NIVW into six additional markets, increasing access to funding and business opportunities for veterans.
✅ Strengthening partnerships with corporate entities, investors, and government agencies to create long-term financial backing for veteran-owned businesses.
✅ Advancing veteran business advocacy on Capitol Hill, ensuring that policies, funding, and institutional support are aligned with the economic interests of veteran entrepreneurs.

With these initiatives, Angel is turning NIVW into more than a recognition event—it is becoming an economic driver for veteran-owned businesses.

“This is about legacy-building. We are ensuring that veterans aren’t just honored—they are financially empowered, invested in, and positioned as leaders in the national economy.” – Angel Shuford

Her leadership is poised to make National Invest In Veterans Week® one of the most powerful economic advocacy movements for veterans in history.

With LTC Pope’s endorsement and a visionary roadmap ahead, Angel Shuford is not just leading NIVW—she is redefining veteran entrepreneurship and solidifying its place in the global economy.

Under her leadership, NIVW is evolving into an institution that will shape the future of veteran business success for generations to come.

Dr. Richard S. Freeman Joins National Invest In Veterans Week® as Legal Advisor, Marking a New Chapter for the Shuford-Freeman Legacy

A Family Built on Leadership, Advocacy, and Generational Excellence

ATLANTA, GA – JACKSONVILLE, FL – NEW HAVEN, CT — National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has long been a movement driven by leadership, resilience, and unwavering advocacy for veteran entrepreneurs. Now, with the appointment of Dr. Richard S. Freeman, JD, as Legal Advisor, the organization is entering its most ambitious phase yet.

For the Shuford-Freeman family, this marks another milestone in a multigenerational legacy that has shaped music, civil rights, business, and now, veteran entrepreneurship.

The appointment comes at a pivotal time as LTC Rickey L. Pope, USA (Ret.) steps down, and Angel Shuford assumes the role of President and CFO of NIVW. In addition, Sherman Williams will take over as Director of Partnerships, and Jim Freeman—founding member of The Five Satins and Rock & Roll pioneer—will serve as Advisor for Cultural Partnerships.

Dr. Richard S. Freeman: A Legal Powerhouse Strengthening Veteran Advocacy

A Career Spanning Civil Rights, Corporate Law, and Policy Reform

Dr. Richard S. Freeman is not just a legal mind—he is a force in civil rights law, labor justice, and corporate governance. As a lead attorney at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), he won some of the largest employment discrimination cases in U.S. history, including:

✅ General Motors ($50 million consent decree)
✅ Ford Motor Company ($25 million consent decree)
✅ Cargill and J.P. Stevens (multi-million-dollar settlements)

Beyond the courtroom, Dr. Freeman has built institutions. As Vice President of International Affairs at Sojourner-Douglass College, he expanded educational opportunities for underrepresented communities worldwide. His work with the Joe Beasley Foundation has impacted South America, Africa, and the Caribbean.

His appointment as Legal Advisor at NIVW will focus on:

✔ Strengthening veteran policy advocacy
✔ Expanding legal protections for veteran entrepreneurs
✔ Ensuring compliance and corporate partnerships that benefit veteran-owned businesses

His expertise, combined with Angel Shuford’s leadership and strategic expansion plans, positions NIVW as a globally recognized institution for veteran economic empowerment.

Jim Freeman’s Role in Cultural Partnerships: Expanding NIVW’s Media Influence

A Rock & Roll Pioneer Joins the Fight for Veteran Entrepreneurship

Jim Freeman, a founding member of The Five Satins, is not just a music icon—he is a cultural architect. With over 10 million records sold, his influence transcends generations.

His hit song, “In the Still of the Night,” recorded in 1956, remains one of the most celebrated doo-wop classics, featured in:

🎬 The Irishman (2019, Martin Scorsese)
🎥 Dirty Dancing
🎶 Covers by The Beach Boys, Debbie Gibson, and more

For his contributions to American music history, Jim Freeman was honored in the Congressional Record, making his family one of the few in history to be recognized in multiple generations.

Now, as Cultural Advisor for NIVW, he will work closely with his granddaughter, Angel Shuford, to:

✔ Expand veteran entrepreneurship into media, entertainment, and branding
✔ Leverage music and pop culture to amplify veteran business awareness
✔ Create new partnerships between veterans, corporate sponsors, and the arts

Drayton Florence’s Retirement and the Future of NIVW

As Drayton Florence officially steps down due to medical circumstances, NIVW recognizes the enormous contributions he has made to veteran advocacy.

A former NFL cornerback with an 11-season career, Florence co-founded Tech From Vets and helped NIVW become a congressionally recognized movement. His impact will be felt for generations, and Sherman Williams is now set to carry forward his legacy.

Williams, a serial trademark owner, retired U.S. Army Captain and CEO of Body Aqua, will take over as Director of Partnerships, bringing expertise in:

✔ Navigating corporate monopolies and business innovation
✔ Creating veteran-friendly market opportunities
✔ Expanding NIVW’s corporate reach

"Owning numerous Trademarks through the USPTO while running my business taught me, Veterans should not only be at the table—we should own the table," said Williams. "Drayton, Jeff, LTC Pope, built something incredible, and I am committed to ensuring that NIVW continues to thrive."

A Family That Redefined American Culture, Business, and Advocacy

The Shuford-Freeman family legacy is unlike any other.

🔹 Jim Freeman revolutionized American music with The Five Satins
🔹 Dr. Richard S. Freeman reshaped U.S. labor laws and corporate accountability
🔹 Jeff Shuford co-founded NIVW, bringing veteran entrepreneurship to national prominence
🔹 Angel Shuford now leads NIVW into its next era

Now, with Sherman Williams stepping into leadership and Angelina Shuford representing the next generation as Junior Spokesperson, this is a legacy that will continue for generations to come.

Final Thoughts: The Future of National Invest In Veterans Week®

With these strategic moves, NIVW is no longer just a veteran entrepreneurship initiative—it is a movement that merges business, culture, and advocacy on a global scale.

💠 Dr. Richard S. Freeman will ensure its legal and corporate foundation remains strong.
💠 Jim Freeman will elevate its cultural partnerships and branding influence.
💠 Sherman Williams will drive business partnerships and market expansion.
💠 Angel Shuford will continue leading with vision and strategy.

"Our family has always been about breaking barriers—whether in music, law, or business," said Angel Shuford. "Now, it’s about making sure veteran entrepreneurs are seen, heard, and empowered. We’re just getting started."

About National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® is the leading initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting veteran entrepreneurs. Founded in 2019 by Jeff Shuford and Drayton Florence, NIVW highlights the economic impact of veteran-owned businesses while providing mentorship, resources, and visibility to veterans in business.

With operations in 62+ markets and expanding, NIVW is at the forefront of veteran economic advocacy, ensuring that those who served receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.