2026 Business summit
Empowering Veterans to Build Businesses, Create Jobs and Give Back
Honoring America’s Veterans hosted its first annual Business Summit in partnership with Veterans Service Brands of Arizona.
Empowering Veterans Through Business and Leadership, in partnership with Veteran Service Brands
Hosted by Honoring America’s Veterans
and partnered with Veteran Service Brands
102 seats available. SOLD OUT!
With nearly 100 attendees in the room, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and veterans in employee resource groups gained practical tools, built valuable relationships, and left the half-day summit with renewed confidence to move their businesses and their missions forward.
Training included:
CEO Freddy Alvarez Made a Lasting Impression
One of the most moving moments of the day came when Freddy Alvarez shared his journey from uncertainty to entrepreneurship. After serving in both the Navy and the corporate sector for 40 years, Freddy found himself searching for a new identity as life changed around him. An Amazon grant helped him secure a delivery route, where he delivered just 20 packages on his first day. From that humble beginning, he earned $200,000 in his first year and continued building, scaling, and creating opportunities for others.
Today, as CEO of Veteran Service Brands of Arizona, he leads a $10 million business, mentors fellow veterans, creates jobs, and gives back by sponsoring events like the HAV Business Summit, opening doors for others who are ready to take their next step.
We are honored that HAV’s Business Summit partnership with Freddy began at this event. His story is a powerful example of what becomes possible when a veteran receives an opportunity, builds on it with courage and discipline, and then uses that success to lift others.
Building a Plan That Works, compliments of SCORE
Jay Gladney opened the summit with a powerful message for every veteran entrepreneur in the room: a successful business is built with both a sound strategy and the guidance of a trusted mentor.
A strong plan provides direction, while an experienced mentor helps business owners navigate uncertainty, adapt with confidence, and turn a vision into a thriving enterprise.
Creating a Competitive Edge, compliments of SCORE
John Choate offered practical guidance for business owners preparing to scale. He led attendees through informational highlights to help them better understand where their businesses stand and where they can grow.
He also demonstrated practical ways to use AI in daily business operations, giving attendees tools they could begin applying immediately.
Marketing Advice from Industry Leaders
A standout panel gave attendees an inside look at media, marketing, and the power of effective storytelling:
- Terri Ouellette, ABC15
- Greg Barr, Phoenix Business Journal
- Dave Pratt, Pratt Marketing
Together, they shared actionable advice for strengthening a brand, earning attention, and telling stories that connect with customers and the community.
Strengthening the Veteran-Employment Community
One of the day’s most meaningful conversations explored how veteran-hiring corporations can collaborate and build a stronger sense of community.
Brendon Bartholomew, General Manager and Executive Director at USAA, and John Ramirez, Dean of Operations, College of Doctoral Studies at the University of Phoenix, shared thoughtful perspectives on the importance of partnership in expanding employment opportunities and support for veterans.
Building Success Without Burning Out, compliments of Career Connectors
Jessica Pierce closed the summit with a timely keynote on avoiding burnout and building a healthier balance among business, family, and personal well-being.
Her message was a fitting close to the day: the strongest leaders are not only those who build successful businesses, but those who protect their health, their families, and their purpose along the way.
The summit concluded with congratulations to the first HAV Microgrant Awardees
Photo gallery of the Business Summit
With Gratitude
An event of this scale is only possible through extraordinary planning, partnership, generosity, and a shared belief in the potential of our veteran community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to:
Freddy Alvarez
A U.S. Navy submarine veteran, CEO of Veteran Service Brands of Arizona, and our lead sponsor, whose generous support made the event possible.
Camille Jesmont
Whose extensive planning and preparation helped the summit run seamlessly.
John Ramirez
Who graciously provided the space and staff to host the summit at the University of Phoenix.
Chef Rashon of Fresh Fitness Kitchen and Guy Smith
for providing healthy and sweet delectables for breakfast and lunch.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED, and microgrant awardees notified.
Microgrant Program
Deadline to apply was July 10th, 2026
Thank you for submitting your application!
Featuring Jessica Pierce
2026 Keynote Speaker
Jessica Pierce is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, master facilitator, and workforce strategist who has spent more than 15 years helping mission-driven organizations restore purpose, prevent burnout, and build cultures where people thrive. She is the Founder and CEO of Career Connectors, one of the largest job search organizations in the nation, with over 1,100 speaking events and more than 125,000 lives impacted.
Born on a U.S. Army base in Okinawa, Japan to an Air Force veteran father, Jessica’s connection to the military community is personal and lifelong. Today she channels that heritage into advocacy, partnering with employers, workforce agencies, and veteran service organizations to remove barriers for veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members. She is the 2025 Civilian Veteran Award recipient from Women Who Lead, an honor that reflects her belief that those who served deserve workforce systems that truly serve them back.
Thursday, July 23, 2026
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 8 a.m. Program
- University of Phoenix
- 4055 S. Riverpoint Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85040
Business Summit Agenda 2026
Business Summit Speakers
Thank you to our speakers, panelists, sponsors, partners, and attendees for investing in Arizona’s veteran business, nonprofit, and veteran employment communities. Because of your support, this summit was more than an event—it was a catalyst for connection, growth, and lasting impact.
Dave Pratt
A media powerhouse with decades of experience, Dave Pratt has built a legacy in broadcasting and podcasting. Billboard Magazine has referred to Dave Pratt as the most popular morning personality in the history of Arizona.
Terri Ouellette
Terri Ouellette is the host of Sonoran Living on ABC15. A native Phoenician, she has been entertaining and educating viewers for more than 30 years.
Jay Gladney
Jay is a SCORE Mentor with extensive leadership experience spanning military service, technology consulting, and business advisory roles.
John Choate
John Choate, EMBA, CSM, is a SCORE Subject Matter Expert and business transformation leader with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations improve operations, supply chains, manufacturing processes, and technology adoption.
About the HAV business summit
The Summit featured:
- Business and leadership panels
- Corporate ERG discussions
- Networking opportunities
- Resource partners
- Keynote luncheon
- HAV Microgrant awards
Those who attended:
- Veteran-Owned Businesses
- SDVOSBs
- Veteran ERGs & Affinity Groups
- Corporate Leaders
- Community Partners
- Veteran Advocates
Contact: For sponsorships, partnerships, or planning committee information: Honoring America’s Veterans (HAV), Executive Director, Paula Pedene, Paula.Pedene@HonoringAmericasVeterans.org, mobile/text: 480-772-2934
Register today for this exciting event. There are only 125 seats available.
in partnership with Veteran Service Brands
Thank you for registering for the 2026 Business Summit! The event registration is now closed and we look forward to seeing you there!
THANK YOU
We salute our veteran’s and their loved ones in thanks for their patriotism & service to our country.