The 2025 Business Shower Series Kicks Off in Iowa with 8 Veteran Powerhouses
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 of these founders brings a powerful story, a bold vision, and a mission-first mindset to their industries.
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 the charge at 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 Afghan veteran, Elise launched Trivioso with her husband to help families reconnect through faith-based and educational games. With five kids of their own, their business is built 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 over 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, his company helps homes sell faster—and 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.
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 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to transforming veterans into successful entrepreneurs. The organization provides veterans with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to launch and grow their businesses. Warrior Rising has helped create and fund over 100 veteran-owned businesses, and since inception, has assisted more than 30,000 with is programs, and continues to expand its impact through its innovative Veteran Business Showers. For more information about Warrior Rising and its initiatives, please visit our website at: www.WarriorRising.org and connect with us on Linkedin and check out some amazing stories on our Youtube Channel.
