Next week, Warrior Rising brings the Stand Up for Startups Business Shower to Salt Lake City, Utah — a night that blends inspiration, innovation, and laughter in equal measure.
This one-of-a-kind event will once again feature stand-up comedian and advocate Zarna Garg, who uses her platform to celebrate and champion the entrepreneurial spirit. And joining her on stage will be 12 incredible military-connected founders — each bringing grit, creativity, and purpose to the next generation of American business.
Here’s a first look at the competitors who will be pitching live for their chance to win funding, resources, and community support through Warrior Rising.
Ty Aloe – Backyard Banger
Designer, inventor, and dual-service veteran (U.S. Army & U.S. Coast Guard), Ty has launched multiple award-winning products over his decade-long entrepreneurial career. His latest creation, Backyard Banger, was inspired by the military lifestyle — moving often, living light, and finding ways to gather around food and friendship. His goal is to build a brand of backyard lifestyle products that bring people together to share stories and connection.
Dr. Michelle E. Ewy – LymeAlert, Inc.
After more than 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force — leading research portfolios, commanding the Air Force Drug Testing Lab, and shaping science strategy — Dr. Michelle Ewy turned her focus to entrepreneurship. As Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of LymeAlert, Inc., she’s working to revolutionize diagnostics for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses through cutting-edge chemistry and innovation.
Timothy Gick – Mission Match
A Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Timothy is the founder of Not A Very Good Teacher LLC and creator of Mission Match, a U.S.-made STEM and leadership card game designed to inspire America’s youth. With 17 years of service and deployments to Afghanistan, Mongolia, and beyond, he’s passionate about building pathways for future leaders — and connecting innovation with education.
Eric Johnson – Trident Coffee
Navy veteran and former Civil Engineer Corps officer, Eric Johnson is the founder and CEO of Trident Coffee — San Diego’s healthiest coffee company. Focused on clean nutrition, performance, and community, Trident’s organic cold brew and protein-packed offerings reflect Eric’s belief that coffee can build connection, character, and culture — one cup at a time.
Michael Jones – Seva Ayurveda
A lifelong healer and Army Brat, Michael Jones co-founded Seva Ayurveda to merge ancient plant medicine with modern science. With more than 25 years of experience in holistic wellness, he develops regenerative, non-pharmaceutical solutions for chronic pain, TBI, and mental health. He donates products to military and recovery organizations, advocating for better soldier healthcare and suicide prevention.
Sean Karpf – A Leg Up Pressure Washing
After being injured on deployment to Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne, Sean returned home determined to rebuild life on his own terms. Following four years as a strength and conditioning coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, he founded A Leg Up Pressure Washing — a veteran-owned business dedicated to hiring and training fellow service members for meaningful new careers.
Charles Masters Rodriguez – Supply Veins
West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran from Puerto Rico, Charles is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Supply Veins — an AI-driven supply chain startup modernizing communication between manufacturers and suppliers. He previously scaled MK3 Industries to seven figures and now focuses on empowering military-affiliated founders through mentorship, innovation, and collaboration.
Ben McFarlin – Gas Valet Inc.
Former U.S. Naval Officer and submarine veteran, Ben McFarlin is the founder of Gas Valet Inc., a technology company transforming convenience-store service transactions. With a background in electrical engineering and multiple accelerator programs under his belt, Ben’s patented system is modernizing how consumers interact with fuel stations — one innovation at a time.
Patrick Montgomery – Kansas City Cattle Company
Army Ranger turned rancher, Patrick Montgomery is the founder and CEO of Kansas City Cattle Company, a mission-driven beef producer known for its award-winning Wagyu hot dogs and commitment to transparency. His goal: rebuild America’s food system through integrity, quality, and connection — empowering farmers, strengthening rural communities, and feeding families with purpose.
Matt Phillips – Castlelock Corporation
After 12 years in U.S. Army Special Forces, Matt Phillips transitioned his operational expertise into entrepreneurship. As COO and co-founder of Castlelock Corporation, he develops advanced firearm safety devices that prioritize reliability, precision, and responsible ownership — drawing directly on lessons from the field.
David Wrench – datajoi
Founder and CEO of datajoi, David is reimagining how teams manage and analyze data. His GenAI-powered platform delivers data-lake technology as a service, giving small and mid-sized organizations enterprise-level tools without the complexity. A former public-health and finance professional, he leads with empathy, innovation, and a passion for accessible technology.
The Mission Continues
Stand Up for Startups is more than a pitch competition — it’s a celebration of service, creativity, and the belief that entrepreneurship can change lives.
Join us in Salt Lake City as these 12 founders take the stage, share their stories, and remind us all what it means to stand up, rise together, and build something that lasts.
Fueled by Those Who Believe
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Events like Stand Up for Startups are made possible through the support of our incredible partners. Thank you to Wells Fargo and Patriot Mobile for standing beside our mission to empower military-connected entrepreneurs nationwide.
About Warrior Rising
Warrior Rising is a nationwide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering military veterans and their families through entrepreneurship. By offering mentorship, education, and financial support, Warrior Rising helps veterans establish successful businesses, driving economic growth and personal fulfillment. To learn more, visit www.warriorrising.org.
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