Small businesses play a vital role in Florida’s economy. Nationwide, small businesses employ half the country’s workforce, creating nearly two out of every three new American jobs. One important, and sometimes overlooked, sector within the small business community is veteran-owned businesses.
According to the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Florida contains the third largest veteran population in the United States, meaning there are a significant number of talented veterans living and working in communities around Florida and in the state’s capital.
Listed below are 5 veteran-owned businesses located right here in Tallahassee that you can support:
Veteran Owned Real Estate Company: Joe Manausa Real Estate
Joe Manausa graduated from West Point Academy in 1987 and served as an Army Ranger before starting his brokerage, Joe Manausa Real Estate. Manausa states “Hire a vet and you’ll benefit from the same kind of hard work and determination that is so typical of the men and women serving in our nation’s armed forces.” As a man who practices what he preaches, Joe has a number of veterans employed at his company, including Ron Rice, army veteran and Home Sales Division Leader, and Kevin Milligan, navy veteran and Home Buyer Division Leader.
Veteran Owned Attorney: Matt Ward, P.A.
If you are looking for a Tallahassee attorney well versed in labor & employment law, military law, veteran law or VA Disability appeals, then look no further than Matt Ward, P.A.
Attorney Ward is a former US Army JAG officer- and OIF veteran, as well as a former US Army civilian attorney. He has represented Service members in all branches of the military, including cases involving administrative separations, select UCMJ cases, and Veteran Affairs Disability Claims and Appeals. Matt can be reached at (850) 325-0234.
Veteran Owned Tallahassee Gym: Red Hills Crossfit
Travis Perkins is a US Army Instructor Pilot in the UH-60 Black Hawk and the proud owner of Red Hills Crossfit, a gym located in Tallahassee, Florida. At Red Hills, members are led through a “Workout of the Day” or WOD, which is typically a 30-minute, high intensity class that combines movements like sprinting, rowing, rope climbing, weight lifting and bodyweight exercises. Travis prides himself on providing clients with access to a staff of 6+ knowledgeable and approachable coaches, 5 of whom are CrossFit Level 2 Trainers, and they continue to add value to members well beyond class time. Click here to learn more about this veteran-owned and operated gym in Tallahassee.
Veteran Owned Tallahassee Auto Mechanic: Mighty Muffler
Car troubles got you down? The folks at Mighty Muffler can help! After retiring from the US Navy, Mighty Muffler owner, Mel, opened shop in Tallahassee almost 20 years ago. With 40+ years of mechanical experience, Mel provides residents of Florida’s capital city with honest, top-quality work at affordable prices. Whether you drive an old clunker or a brand new Cadillac, Mighty Muffler will ensure your car is well taken care of.
Veteran Owned Graphic Design Company: B-EZ Graphix
Before founding B-EZ Graphix, Brain Wyatt Jr. served in the US Airforce. Today, he runs his multimedia marketing agency out of Tallahassee, but serves clients nationwide. His team of experienced marketing professionals seek to be the single-source solution for graphic design, web design, multimedia and strategic marketing service.
If you know of a great, veteran-owned business here in Tallahassee, be sure to shoot us an email, and we’ll be in touch, as we are always looking to add to our list!