Veterans on the front lines of small business

• Name: Chris Hale, 43
• Company: Victory Media, Pittsburgh
• Service: Navy 1991-2000

When I left the Navy in 2000, I noticed veterans weren't marketed in the best way and were often thought of as being was worse off because of their service.

In 2002, we launched Victory Media to change that perception. The company started by connecting the military and civilians through G.I. Jobs, which helps businesses promote themselves to veterans looking for work. Until then, there weren't many resources to help veterans transition to the civilian workforce.

Victory Media, which now has 38 full-time employees and more than $10 million in annual revenue, also launched the National Veteran-Owned Business Association and the Buy Veteran campaign, which helps consumers find veteran-owned businesses across the country.

Veterans have learned unbelievable skills -- that is the message we take to employers. When businesses hire veterans, they benefit from all the training that military personnel have received. They have leadership skills, know how to work as a team and understand the importance of being accountable.

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