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2021 November
When a veteran comes home from serving, he or she has accumulated an array of skills, knowledge, discipline, and other expertise that translate seamlessly to Ohio’s workforce needs. Our veterans have an unparalleled sense of duty and a desire to give back to their communities after they leave the service, as their pledge to serve their country continues. Many veterans start their own businesses to serve their community, work independently, put their skills to work, or all the above. Here are several Ohio Veterans who decided to embrace their experience and share their passion and work ethic with others.
Michael Wiseman, founder of MJW Lean Consulting, has incorporated his skills and knowledge from his time in the military with his passion for organizing and making a difference in his community. In November 2015, Michael took an early retirement from corporate America to focus on helping businesses intentionally develop leaders, strengthen teams, and improve overall operations. For the last three years, Michael has also thoroughly enjoyed multiple opportunities to train offenders in the Indiana Department of Corrections to help them gain manufacturing skills prior to full release. In 2017, MJW Lean Consulting received the Veteran Institute for Procurement Start Certification.
In 2008, Brian Krusz was laid off and decided he needed to take control of his future by starting his own business. He then went on to start Sgt. Clean Car Wash and became his own boss. Using his military background, Brian has been offering high-quality car cleanings, customer service, and community involvement. Sgt. Clean has won the Institute for Veterans and Military Families Vet 100 award three years in a row for being one of the fastest growing businesses in America that is veteran owned. Brian’s grandfather often told him to pay his ‘community rent’ by giving back to the people who support their business every day. Sgt. Clean participates annually in several fundraisers for local schools and foodbanks in the area.
Dr. James Holden served in the US Army for four years as a team leader in the Infantry. During his time serving, he saw how diet and exercise greatly affected his body and was an asset to staying fit for his duties as a soldier, as well as those of his team members. This knowledge inspired him to get a degree in exercise physiology before graduating from Chiropractor College. Dr. Holden knew staying healthy made a difference for him and his family, so he started Holden Family Chiropractic where he could share his knowledge and help those in his community get on a healthy life path.
Before starting his own business, Brian Hale was a combat engineer in the US Army for ten years. Utilizing this experience along with his degree in engineering, as well as his professional experience at General Motors, Brian was in great shape to start a business! For over five years, Indricon has built industrial robotics and tools for businesses to use and improve their quality of work. Companies like Toyota and General Motors have used Indricon’s products in their vehicle making process to be more efficient. Brian’s goal was to create products that would enhance his business as well as increase productivity for others.
In 2017, when owner Mike Bates took over Jim’s Gun shop, he knew he had stepped into a perfect role for him. Mike served in the US Army for five years before working as a crane operator. Now operating Jim’s Gun Shop, his business participates in several community events where they often donate guns from their shop as raffle items to raise money for local charities and schools. Mike has built a strong community for his business by staying actively involved on Facebook with his customers and hosting events like fishing contests.
Beth Holliker started her photography career while serving in the US Air Force for nearly 21 years. During her service she became an award-winning military photojournalist, and three years ago she started this side business to share her skills with her community. Beth takes giving back seriously, so last holiday season she donated several ‘mini sessions’ to families with a loved one on deployment. Most recently, she began donating 25% of her commission to the National Fallen Fire Fighters Association in honor of her brother who passed last year. Beth also partners with small local businesses to do photo shoots and help them promote their business in the Toledo area.
TK Fitness was created utilizing years of experience and a passion for personal health and helping others. Owner Tamara Kissinger was in the Air Force for 21 years and Law Enforcement for 18. After her retirement, Tamara had trouble finding employment that fit her passion, so she decided to take her knowledge from the military and her love for helping others and make a career out of it! From there, TK Fitness was born and has helped her clients reach their fitness goals in the Piketon area.
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