Top Skills

Founder

Founded Honorguard Coffee to support veterans and address the veteran suicide crisis.

Entrepreneurship

Founded and managed Honorguard Coffee, overseeing all aspects of the business.

Leadership

Led a team and guided strategic decisions as an advisor on the Vital Roots advisory council.


About Steven

Bio

I am a Marine Combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, an entrepreneur, and a business consultant with a passion for mission-driven ventures. After serving nine years in the Marine Corps as an infantry Marine and combat instructor, including deployments to Afghanistan and Europe, I was medically retired in 2019. Inspired by the transformative role my self-trained service dog played in my own healing journey, I founded Honorguard Coffee—a company dedicated to supporting veterans by providing service dogs and working to end the veteran suicide crisis. Honorguard Coffee has grown into a unique venture that not only delivers specialty-grade coffee but also stands as a testament to the power of purpose-driven business in creating positive social impact.

My journey through business has been a path of deep personal transformation. In 2018, I began a healing journey that continues to influence my life and professional philosophy. I am committed to the principle of "zero-harm business," striving to create ventures that balance profitability with environmental and ethical considerations. I firmly believe that businesses can be a force for immense good in the world, and this conviction guides all my work. My vision includes establishing long-term, equitable relationships with all stakeholders, from coffee suppliers to employees, ensuring that everyone involved in my companies is fairly compensated and genuinely invested in the mission.

With a background in startups and real estate development, I also serve as an advisor on the Vital Roots advisory council, bringing my extensive business experience to guide strategic decisions. I remain deeply engaged with the veteran community, currently training a service dog for a fellow Marine and collaborating with nonprofits to enhance their capacity to serve those in need. My work is driven by a commitment to personal growth, ethical business, and making a lasting positive impact on the world.

Company

Honorguard Coffee, Inc

Elevator Pitch

Honorguard Coffee is a mission-driven specialty coffee brand dedicated to ending the veteran suicide crisis by providing service dogs to veterans in need. We deliver specialty, fresh-roasted coffee while using a portion of our profits to make a tangible difference in veterans' lives, turning every cup of coffee into a step towards hope, healing, and community support.

Industry

Retail

Team Size

Just Me/Co-Founders

Funding Stage

Pre-Seed

Funding Raised

None/Bootstrapped

Annual Revenue

$0 to $100k

Skills

SkillStrengthExplanation
Founder
90
Founded Honorguard Coffee to support veterans and address the veteran suicide crisis.
Entrepreneurship
90
Founded and managed Honorguard Coffee, overseeing all aspects of the business.
Leadership
80
Led a team and guided strategic decisions as an advisor on the Vital Roots advisory council.
Business Development
80
Founded and developed Honorguard Coffee, focusing on creating a unique product that supports veterans.
Veteran
80
Served nine years in the Marine Corps, gaining leadership and operational experience.
Marketing
70
Utilized marketing strategies to promote Honorguard Coffee and its mission.
Retail
70
Experience in the retail sector through the coffee business.
Sales
70
Experience in sales through the coffee business, focusing on mission-driven marketing.
Community Engagement
70
Actively involved in the veteran community and collaborating with nonprofits.
Consulting
60
Provided business consulting services, leveraging extensive experience in startups.

Experiences

JOBVital Roots

Title

Advisor

Position Description

Served on the advisory council, providing strategic guidance based on extensive business experience.

Accomplishment Notes

Contributed to strategic decisions that enhance the capacity of nonprofits to serve veterans.

JOBMarine Corps

Title

Infantry Marine and Combat Instructor

Position Description

Served as an infantry Marine and combat instructor, leading troops and providing training during deployments.

Accomplishment Notes

Gained extensive leadership and operational experience through nine years of service, including deployments to Afghanistan and Europe.

JOBHonorguard Coffee, Inc

Title

Founder, CEO

Position Description

Founded a mission-driven specialty coffee brand dedicated to supporting veterans by providing service dogs and addressing the veteran suicide crisis.

Accomplishment Notes

Grew the company from inception to a unique venture that combines specialty coffee with a social mission.