Sara Pomposo Appointed Chief Advisor, Audience Growth & Strategic Syndication at National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is excited to announce the appointment of Sara Pomposo as Chief Advisor, Audience Growth & Strategic Syndication. With an exceptional track record of elevating brands and fostering audience growth, Pomposo is set to lead the charge in expanding NIVW's global reach, ensuring that veteran-owned businesses continue to receive the recognition and resources they deserve on an international scale.

Unparalleled Expertise in Audience Growth and Brand Strategy

Sara Pomposo is a highly-respected business leader who has earned her reputation as a top-tier strategist in audience development, media syndication, and business leadership. Her dynamic career spans across multiple prestigious organizations, where she has proven time and again her ability to drive impactful change, scale digital ecosystems, and execute innovative brand strategies that resonate with broad audiences.

Sara's impressive career includes:

• Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy at BHRS Companies (May 2024 – Present): In this role, Sara is responsible for the company’s market growth and brand visibility, leading initiatives that position BHRS Companies as an influential player throughout the State of Florida and the Southeastern market. Her role leverages her expertise in integrating strategic marketing with large-scale operations to build lasting consumer relationships and elevate the company's industry standing.

• Market President and Publisher at Jacksonville Business Journal (2017 – April 2024): A pivotal part of Sara’s journey, she served as the first female publisher in Jacksonville, overseeing both the editorial and business operations of this key publication. During her tenure, she introduced groundbreaking strategies that increased audience engagement, expanded revenue channels, and brought the publication to new heights of influence across Florida.

• Regional Audience Development Director at American City Business Journals: Sara’s career also includes significant leadership roles at American City Business Journals where she managed regional audience development efforts across 13 key markets, achieving industry-leading results in audience growth, advertising revenue, and strategic partnerships.

Community Leadership & Industry Recognition

Sara’s commitment to leadership extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is a dedicated community advocate, actively engaging in various Jacksonville-based initiatives. Her involvement includes serving on the Leadership Jacksonville New Leadership Summit, as a board member for the Jax Chamber, and as part of the Business Advisory Council at the University of North Florida.

Sara's was also deeply involved in Gator Bowl Sports, where she serves as the incoming Chairman (tenure begins in April), as Vice-Chair of Membership and Chair of Bowl’d Ladies, an initiative designed to engage professional women in the sports industry.

Award-Winning Leadership & Strategic Vision

Throughout her career, Sara has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards that highlight her leadership and impact. Among them are:

• American City Eagle Award (Issued by ACBJ in 2013 and 2014): Recognizing Sara as one of the top performers in driving audience growth and business success within the Business Journal group.

• President's Chamber Champion Award (Issued by the Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce in 2012), which honors outstanding leadership and contributions to local businesses.

Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding the Jacksonville Business Journal's audience across multiple platforms, including digital, print, and email newsletters, directly impacting the publication’s revenue generation and industry standing.

Sara Pomposo: Driving the Future of Veteran Advocacy

In her new role as Chief Advisor, Audience Growth & Strategic Syndication at NIVW, Pomposo will be leveraging her deep expertise in audience expansion, media partnerships, and branding to drive global growth for veteran businesses. Her work will be instrumental in shaping the future of veteran entrepreneurship, ensuring that NIVW’s mission—to amplify the voices of veteran entrepreneurs—reaches new heights.

Pomposo will focus on media syndication, audience development, and strategic partnerships that will connect veteran entrepreneurs with critical resources, mentorship, and global visibility across 62 national and international markets. By tapping into new media channels and industry networks, she will position NIVW as a leading advocate for veteran-owned businesses worldwide.

About National Invest In Veterans Week®

Founded in 2019 by Jeff Shuford, National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is a nationwide initiative that celebrates and empowers veteran-owned businesses. Recognized in the Congressional Record, NIVW highlights the important role veterans play in the U.S. economy and aims to provide them with vital resources, connections, and advocacy. The initiative spans 62 domestic and international markets, directly benefiting thousands of veteran entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Looking Ahead: NIVW’s Growth and Global Impact

Sara Pomposo’s appointment signals a transformative moment for NIVW. Her leadership will play a central role in shaping the organization’s future, positioning it as the global leader in veteran entrepreneurship and business development. As Chief Advisor, Sara will be at the forefront of creating new opportunities, expanding the initiative’s digital presence, and building relationships with key stakeholders and organizations that share NIVW's mission.

Through Sara's guidance, National Invest In Veterans Week® is poised to expand its reach, impact, and legacy, ensuring that veteran entrepreneurs gain the resources, recognition, and success they deserve.

With Sara Pomposo's appointment, NIVW is entering an era of enhanced strategic growth, leveraging her unparalleled expertise in audience growth, brand strategy, and global syndication to ensure that veteran entrepreneurs gain the recognition and success they deserve in the business world.

Angel Shuford, President of National Invest In Veterans Week®, on Sara Pomposo’s Appointment:

"Sara Pomposo is a powerhouse in strategic audience growth and brand leadership. Her proven ability to elevate organizations and connect audiences with impactful narratives makes her the perfect leader to drive National Invest In Veterans Week® into its next chapter. With Sara’s expertise, we are not just growing our reach—we are revolutionizing how veteran entrepreneurs are recognized and supported on a global scale."

Update: Jim Freeman and Jeff Shuford Make History with Five Congressional Record Entries

A Family Legacy in Music, Business, and Veteran Advocacy

For the first time in U.S. history, a single family has secured five Congressional Record entries, honoring their lasting contributions to music, business, and veteran advocacy. The Freeman-Shuford family has left an undeniable mark on American culture, receiving Congressional honors, state proclamations, and even a federal court citation, proving their multi-generational influence across industries.

From Jim Freeman’s legendary role in doo-wop to Jeff Shuford’s leadership in veteran entrepreneurship, their impact has spanned decades, shaping both cultural and economic landscapes.

📖 Read more about their historic journey:
🔗 Invest In Veterans Magazine
🔗 Kellum Corporation Blog
🔗 Courtyards at San Jose News

Breaking Down the Five Congressional Record Entries

🎵 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (1994) – Doo-Wop Pioneers Recognized

On August 19, 1994, Senator Joe Lieberman honored Jim Freeman and The Five Satins in the Congressional Record, recognizing their then Singer frontman Bill Baker and the Satins role in shaping American music history with their timeless hit, In the Still of the Nite. This entry cemented their status as one of the most influential doo-wop groups of all time.

🎶 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (2015) – A Second Congressional Tribute

On April 23, 2015, Rep. Rosa DeLauro reaffirmed the group’s lasting impact, noting how In the Still of the Nite remained a cultural touchstone for generations.

🎤 Jim Freeman (2015) – Individual Recognition

Later that same year, Jim Freeman was honored separately for his personal contributions to music, acknowledging his unique role in shaping the doo-wop genre beyond The Five Satins.

🇺🇸 Jeff Shuford (2024) – Championing Veteran Entrepreneurship

On March 8, 2024, Rep. Matt Rosendale entered National Invest In Veterans Week® into the Congressional Record, spotlighting its impact on veteran-owned businesses. As co-founder, Jeff Shuford was recognized for his leadership in advocating for veteran entrepreneurs and shaping policy discussions on their behalf.

📀 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (2004) – Lost in the Fifties Tonight

On July 8, 2004, the Congressional Record (E1318) acknowledged the cultural significance of Lost in the Fifties Tonight, which features In the Still of the Nite. This recognition further proves the lasting influence of The Five Satins, whose music has been woven into later generations of popular hits.

Iowa House Resolution 36: Honoring Jim Freeman’s Musical Legacy

Alongside Congressional recognition, Jim Freeman was honored at the state level with Iowa House Resolution 36, celebrating his contributions to music and entrepreneurship.

Key Highlights of House Resolution 36:

• Introduced by Representatives Richardson & Smith

• Recognized Jim Freeman as a pioneer of American rock and roll

• Acknowledged his role in recording In the Still of the Nite with The Five Satins

• Highlighted his songwriting for classics like To the Aisle and Wonderful Girl

• Celebrated his induction into the United in Group Harmony Association Hall of Fame (1995) and the American Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame (1998)

• Honored his contributions as a business owner in Iowa since 1970

📜 Read House Resolution 36

State Proclamations Celebrating the Freeman-Shuford Legacy

Beyond national recognition, the Freeman-Shuford family has been honored at the state level for their contributions to music, business, and veteran advocacy:

• South Carolina General Assembly – Recognizing National Invest In Veterans Week® and Jeff Shuford’s impact on veteran entrepreneurship.

• Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (2023 & 2024) – Issued proclamations acknowledging National Invest In Veterans Week®.

• Douglas County, Oregon (2022) – Honored National Invest In Veterans Week® for its role in promoting veteran-owned businesses.

These official proclamations further solidify the family’s lasting influence on American culture and economic progress.

Jim Freeman’s RIAA-Certified Legacy

Jim Freeman’s contributions to music aren’t just cultural—they’re commercially significant. In the Still of the Nite has appeared on multiple gold, platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond-certified albums, proving its enduring appeal.

RIAA-Certified Sales Featuring In the Still of the Nite

• {DIAMOND®} Dirty Dancing soundtrack

• {9X MULTI-PLATINUM®} Boyz II Men Cooleyhighharmony

• {PLATINUM®} Rock & Roll Era, 1956

• {PLATINUM®} Boyz II Men’s tribute version

• {GOLD®} The Beach Boys 15 Big Ones

RIAA-Certified Sales Featuring Lost in the Fifties Tonight

Since Lost in the Fifties Tonight incorporates In the Still of the Nite, it also earned major RIAA certifications:

• {PLATINUM®} Ronnie Milsap Greatest Hits Volume 2

• {GOLD®} Ronnie Milsap Lost in the Fifties

• {GOLD®} Ronnie Milsap 40 #1 Hits

This commercial success reinforces Jim Freeman’s lasting legacy in American music.

A U.S. Court of Appeals Citation Recognizes The Five Satins

In an unexpected legal acknowledgment, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit cited The Five Satins in a landmark case about music ownership and influence. The court referenced In the Still of the Nite as a prime example of a song that has stood the test of time.

🔗 Read the Court Ruling

This legal mention further cements The Five Satins’ impact beyond the music industry, proving their work’s significance in historical and legal contexts.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

With five Congressional Record entries, state proclamations, and legal recognitions, the Freeman-Shuford family has built a lasting legacy in:

🎵 American music history through Jim Freeman
🏛 Veteran entrepreneurship through Jeff Shuford
📜 Legislation, business, and cultural influence across generations

🔗 Learn More & Join the Movement:
🌎 www.InvestInVeteransWeek.com

Angel Shuford Announces Sherman Williams Jr. as the Most Trademarked Veteran Beverage Entrepreneur in America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Invest In Veterans Week® Recognizes Sherman Williams Jr. as the Most Trademarked Veteran Beverage Entrepreneur—A Trailblazer in Intellectual Property and Brand Innovation

As President of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), I am proud to recognize Sherman Williams Jr. as the most federally trademarked veteran beverage entrepreneur in history. With 10 federally registered trademarks, Williams has redefined what is possible for veterans in business ownership, brand expansion, and intellectual property strategy.

This achievement cements his position as the foremost veteran business leader in the beverage industry, demonstrating unmatched expertise in securing, protecting, and scaling intellectual property assets.

Sherman Williams: The Most Trademarked Veteran Beverage Entrepreneur in America

With 10 active federal trademarks spanning functional hydration, wellness drinks, and pet beverages, Williams has transformed the veteran-led beverage industry, strategically creating a brand ecosystem that dominates multiple market categories.

His success is unparalleled, positioning him among the most influential and strategic brand developers in the veteran business sector.

The Largest Veteran-Owned Beverage Trademark Portfolio Ever Assembled

Williams’ trademark portfolio is uniquely diversified, covering health-focused hydration, pet wellness, and skincare-infused beverages.

Sherman Williams’ 10 Federal Beverage Trademarks:

✅ Body Aqua® (Registered 2020) – The flagship hydration brand, pioneering diabetic-friendly, collagen-producing functional beverages.

✅ Woof Water® (Registered 2023) – A premium hydration formula for dogs, designed for optimal pet health and hydration.

✅ Meow Water® (Registered 2023) – A specialized hydration formula for cats, ensuring feline wellness and hydration balance.

✅ Well Water 7.5 pH® (Registered 2020) – A pH-balanced alkaline water brand, formulated to enhance hydration and support cellular health.

✅ Cosmetic Beverage® (Registered 2019) – A first-of-its-kind fusion of hydration and skincare, introducing an entirely new industry category.

✅ Kids Aqua® (Registered 2019) – A nutrient-enriched hydration brand for children, promoting healthy hydration habits from an early age.

✅ Body Aqua Nutrient Fortified Beverage® (Registered 2015) – A high-performance hydration solution, tailored for athletes, military personnel, and health-conscious consumers.

✅ "Be Only Daring to Yourself" Body Aqua® (Registered 2013) – A legacy brand trademark, reinforcing the motivational philosophy behind the Body Aqua movement.

✅ Body Water® (Registered 2012) – A functional water brand dedicated to enhancing hydration for high-performance lifestyles.

✅ Body Aqua® (Legacy Filing, 2012) – A reinforcement of Body Aqua’s ownership in the market, securing brand exclusivity across multiple product lines.

Revolutionizing Veteran-Owned Branding and IP Strategy

Williams is not only a dominant force in the veteran beverage industry, but he has also become a trailblazer in intellectual property and trademark strategy. His ability to successfully secure, protect, and commercialize trademarks places him at the forefront of veteran-led brand innovation.

His expansion into pet hydration, wellness beverages, and skin-nourishing drinks demonstrates market foresight and category diversification, making him a key figure in shaping the future of functional beverages.

Sherman Williams' Role in Expanding NIVW’s Intellectual Property Reach

As Director of Partnerships for National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), Williams is also leading the charge in expanding the organization’s intellectual property holdings. Under his leadership, NIVW has strengthened its brand influence, securing:

✅ National Invest In Veterans Week® (Trademarked 2019) – The only congressionally honored veteran business observance, recognized in 19 U.S. markets and 21 international markets.

✅ Over 40 veteran-focused domains, ensuring global brand visibility and veteran business advocacy.

✅ Invest In Veterans Week Magazine, syndicated across multiple markets, further amplifying veteran business success stories.

✅ A veteran business podcast and media network, creating high-value branding opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs.

A Legacy of Veteran Business Empowerment

Reflecting on this milestone, Sherman Williams stated:

"Veterans deserve more than just a seat at the table—we deserve to own the table. By securing our brands, trademarks, and intellectual property, we ensure that veteran entrepreneurs have control over their business future. My goal is to help veterans build and protect their brands, just as I have done with mine."

With Sherman Williams’ record-breaking IP portfolio, NIVW is now positioned as the most trademarked veteran business ecosystem in America. This partnership is transformational, setting a new precedent for veteran entrepreneurship, brand ownership, and long-term economic growth.

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

For more on Body Aqua®, visit DrinkBodyAqua.com.