At Warrior Rising, we don’t believe in quietly building businesses. We celebrate them like the missions they are. This May, we’re proud to launch our first Business Shower of 2025, Aim for Impact, in Iowa, spotlighting eight outstanding veteran entrepreneurs from across the country. Each founder brings a powerful story, a bold vision and a mission-first mindset to their industry.
This isn’t just a celebration. It’s a reminder: when veterans transition from service to entrepreneurship, they don’t just compete. They lead.
Meet the founders
Joshua Sexton
CEO, PymSphere
A Marine Corps veteran with international startup roots, Joshua leads PymSphere, a service-disabled veteran-owned tech company pioneering Aquasense, an AI-powered buoy reshaping aquaculture. With innovation at his core, Joshua is building for a better, more sustainable future.
Elise Rich
Co-Founder, Trivioso Trivia and Games
A dual-service Air Guard member and Afghanistan veteran, Elise launched Trivioso with her husband to help families reconnect through faith-based and educational games. With five kids of their own, they’ve built a business around connection, curiosity and real conversation.
Cassidy Nolan
Founder, Mach 1 Hot Sauce
Discipline meets flavor. Cassidy, a veteran and hot sauce craftsman, created Mach 1 to bring bold, natural flavor to kitchens nationwide. His company thrives on innovation, clean ingredients and giving back to fellow service members.
Michael Lee
CEO, Pest Arrest
From National Guard service to law enforcement to founding one of Denver’s most trusted pest control companies, Michael has stayed true to his core values of integrity, service and excellence. With more than 700 five-star reviews, Pest Arrest is built on results and reputation.
Mike Davis
Founder, MadeMan Coaching
Mike’s story is one of transformation. Through MadeMan Coaching, he helps high-performing men rebuild their bodies, minds and marriages through fitness, purpose and leadership. His mission: turn pain into power and teach men how to lead from the inside out.
Melissa Longenberger
Founder, BeeDev Services
After 11 years in the Navy and years of teaching code, Melissa launched BeeDev, a website development agency serving veterans and small businesses. She’s now on a mission to empower other coders and help clients bring their digital presence to life.
Chris Poarch
Founder, Elevate 360 Media Co.
After 31 years in the Army National Guard, Chris channeled his operational excellence into real estate media. With drones, virtual tours and photography, Elevate 360 helps homes sell faster and helps realtors stand out in competitive markets.
Mildred Hill
Founder, Operations Specialist for Dental Practices
From restaurants to orthodontics, Mildred has developed a proven framework for identifying bottlenecks and unlocking profitability. Today, she partners with dentists and business owners to implement systems that scale sustainably.
Leadership doesn’t end with the uniform
These founders are proof that military leadership doesn’t end with the uniform. It evolves, it grows, and in the world of entrepreneurship, it thrives. At Warrior Rising, we’re not just investing in ideas. We’re investing in the leaders behind them.
The Iowa Business Shower is just the beginning. Follow along as we spotlight each of these veterans across our channels, and keep an eye out for our next national Business Shower.
About Warrior Rising
Founded in 2015, Warrior Rising is a nationwide 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers military veterans and their families through entrepreneurship. Through education, mentorship and grant funding, it helps veteran entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses. Learn more at warriorrising.org.