How You Can Support Wisconsin Veteran-Owned Businesses this Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day from Citizens for Free Enterprise. Today we thank the men and women who served our country and recognize the contributions they make in Wisconsin and across the world.

Many Wisconsin veterans go on to start or buy businesses in their communities. They open shops, hire locally and provide services their neighbors count on. This Veterans Day, we’re highlighting seven of those businesses across the state.

• Goss Appliance | Eau Claire. Marine Corps veteran Steven Goss sells refurbished appliances and provides in-home repairs. This year, he took over Appliance Service Company from Army veteran Dave Pulkrabek, who started the Eau Claire repair shop in 1979.
• Rise & Grind Coffee Haus | Beloit. The veteran- and woman-owned coffee trailer serves coffee and breakfast from a drive-through and walk-up window on Broad Street.
• Operation Coffee | Menasha. Marine Corps veteran Sam Floyd roasts coffee in small batches and donates a portion of sales to veterans’ charities, including Semper Fi & America’s Fund. Readers can also find it at Wisconsin retailers.
• 608 Brewing Company | La Crosse and Holmen. The veteran-owned craft brewery opened in La Crosse in 2018 and added a second taproom in Holmen in 2024.
• Vines to Cellar Winery | Port Washington. This downtown winery sells small-batch wine by the glass or bottle and helps customers make and label their own batches.
• Burn Pit BBQ | Racine. Marine Corps veteran Greg Fischer and Navy sailor Ben Kreple turned their backyard barbecue hobby into a business selling rubs, sauces and seasonings.
• Kaylee’s Garden | Madison. This child care center on Madison’s north side offers care and early education for children from eight weeks through age 12.

If you’re looking for a business in your community, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs directory lets you search certified veteran-owned businesses by county or business type.