USVBA Board Candidate
JACK SMITH
CURRENT BOARD MEMBER
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: (619) 804-1150
ADDRESS: El Dorado Hills, California
ARE YOU A CURRENT USVBA MEMBER? Yes
PROFESSIONAL BIO: I am a service disabled veteran who proudly served our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the United States Air Force. In the service, I was a computer programmer, supporting headquarters Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA), decoding and validating weather observations, and providing critical weather data to all US Armed Services globally. I am an experienced entrepreneur and business owner, who has spent 20+ years in IT leadership. I hold a MBA in international business, an MIS (Management Information Systems) in project management, an AS (Associate of Science) in computer science; am ITIL (Information Technology Information Library) certified; a long standing PMP (Project Management Professional), and a Certified Scrum Master. I am the president, CEO, and owner of Fortuna Business Management Consulting, Inc.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: I have served for 5 years on USVBA BOD – 2 years as Treasurer including the creating the Pass the Torch Program. Multiple board level positions across various professional organizations with a focus on marketing. I coach executives on process engineering and strategy as the CEO of Fortuna BMC.
Pass the Torch Program DVBA
Veteran Business Outreach 2014 with Folsom VFW
PMI Director of Marketing 2005 (OKC)
PMI VP of Marketing 2015-2016 (Sacramento Valley)
Folsom Leading Young Professionals Vice Chair”
WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE USVBA BODS? In short, I want to make a difference for our fellow veterans. I am very passionate about the veteran community and ensuring it’s expansion and vibrancy. The USVBA is in the process of growing nationally and I want to continue to bring my business practices of project management, business analysis, and repeatable practices to develop the road map for sustainable national growth while leveraging my marketing background to increase our community awareness and profile.”
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE/CONTRIBUTION YOU FEEL YOU CAN MAKE: Pass the Torch, National expansion, Leadership and Strategy
DO YOU HAVE THE NECESSARY TIME AVAILABLE TO DEVOTE TO THE POSITION? (15-25 HOURS PER MONTH): Yes
ARE YOU WILLING TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE USVBA FUNDRAISING EFFORTS?: Yes
VETERAN ERA SERVED: Gulf War, Post 9-11
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE MILITARY: Computer Programmer for US Air Force – Air Force Weather Agency
ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION YOU WISH TO SHARE: It has been an honor to represent you all and I look forward to continuing to do so. I am very excited about our future and the vast possibilities available to veteran businesses today. I am passionate about helping them grow and develop their businesses. I would appreciate your vote to continue to help grow our communities businesses.
DOWNLOADS: Jack Smith’s Resume
USVBA Board Candidate
LESLIE MARSHALL
CURRENT BOARD MEMBER
Email: [email protected]
Phone:
Address: Dallas, Texas
Are you a current USVBA Member? Yes
Professional Bio:
I’m a United States Air Force, Vietnam-Era-Disabled veteran, and a graduate of the University of New Mexico where I earned degrees in Accounting and Finance. I have over thirteen years of Financial and Executive Sales Management experience in the computer industry and I’ve started or assisted in the formation and successful operation of four businesses over the past three decades.
Prior to founding MEI Mail Services (WWW.MEIMailServices.com) in 1996, I held various positions in Sales, Financial Management, Human Resource Management and Executive Sales Management with IBM and Apple Computer .
As President & CEO of MEI Mail Services, I’ve overseen this Mail Outsourcing, Document Management and Payment Processing company’s growth from a start-up to its current operations in 9 States and 16 cities.
I’ve served on the Boards of Director for Theatre Three of Dallas, The Dallas Chamber Orchestra, The West View District, Circle 10 Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dallas and The West Dallas Community Centers, among others. As a founding member of the USVBA’s Dallas Chapter, I served as Chapter Vice President from 2015 to 2016, currently serve on the USVBA’s Executive Committee and as President Emeritus of the Board, having served as its President from 2016 to 2019.
I’m also the proud parent of six children, themselves graduates of The Wharton School of Business, Emory University, Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, The University of Michigan, Michigan State University, The University of Alabama Medical School, Occidental College and the University of Southern California.
As a member of the USVBA’s Board for the past 4 years, I’m proud to have led, or actively participated in several important initiatives including; “Think, Link or Sink”, which encourages corporation and joint ventures between US Veteran organizations; Assisted in establishing the USVBA’s Chevron-sponsored business incubator located in an SBA designated HUBZone outside Sacramento. The USCBA’s incubator gives start-up member businesses access to inexpensive office space and invaluable daily interaction with other small entrepreneurs; Procured the pro bono services of Accenture, the world’s largest management consulting firm, to assist the Board in conducting a Strategic Planning session at its 2018 retreat. I’ve also helped lead the Alliance toward a more stable financial footing.
If honored with being re-elected to the Board, I plan on continuing my efforts at ensuring the long-term financial viability of the USVBA.
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USVBA Board Candidate
ELTON JOHNSON JR.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (194) 923-1854 x6
Address: Moreno Valley, California
Are you a current USVBA Member? Yes
Professional Bio: Elton Johnson, Jr., President and CEO of Amerivet Securities, Inc., has been a stockbroker since
1977. He currently holds the following securities/commodities licenses: Series 3, 4, 7, 14, 24, 27, 30, 52, 53, 57, 63, 65, 79 and 99; a total of fourteen licenses, the most of any FINRA member. He has owned and operated Amerivet Securities, Inc., since the company became a member of the Self-Regulatory Organization (“SRO”) now known as the FINRA in May 1994
Elton Johnson, Jr., is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (1976) where he was a Notre Dame Scholar. He majored in Finance graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He is currently enrolled in American Military University where he is pursuing his Master’s in Business Administration.
Shortly after graduating from college, Elton Johnson, Jr., enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He served in the 4th Marine Division for two years before he obtained a conditional release and a lateral transfer.
Relevant Experience
1. I have Board of Director experience. I am currently serving on three boards:
a. I am a Director for my own broker-dealer, AmeriVet Securities, Inc. I have been a director for my own broker-dealer for over 25 years. The website address for our broker-dealer is http://amerivetsecurities.com
b. I am a Director for the Warrior Rescue Foundation, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to help veterans (this is a new non-profit; our website is still being worked on).
c. I am a Director for Veteran Ventures Capital (VVC), a venture capital firm that is the only Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business (SDVOB) venture capital firm in existence. The website address for VVC is https://www.veteranventures.us/
d. I have corporate leadership experience as evidenced by the fact that I have own and operated my own company for over 25 years.
e. I have military leadership experience as evidenced by the fact that in two of the three combat tours I completed, I had a combat command; one was in Iraq (I was Commanding Officer of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Special Operations Detachment (IAFSOD) and one was in Afghanistan (Acting Commanding Officer of the Afghan National Army, Special Operations Advisory Group (ANASOAG)).
2. I have formal leadership training due to my military career (I am a graduate of the US Army Command & General Staff College).
Why are you interested in joining the USVBA BODs? I have actually been a member of the USVBA since it was first formed; back when it was the CA VBA. I feel that if I join the USVBA BOD, I can contribute to making it one of the premier Veteran Business Organizations (VBOs). Right now, there are at least two other well known VBOs operating with more coming on board all the time. The field is getting very crowded but there is still a lot of work to be done in order to make sure that veterans are properly rewarded for the sacrifices they have made in serving their country.
Area(s) of expertise/contribution you feel you can make: I have some expertise in working with elected officials. I feel that I can contribute in this area. I think that the USVBA needs some help in this area (Several months ago, I contacted an individual on your Legislative Team asking for assistance with a certain California regulation and I never even got the courtesy of a response).
Do you have the necessary time available to devote to the position? (15-25 hours per month): Yes
Are you willing to actively participate in the USVBA fundraising efforts?: Yes
Other volunteer commitments: I have no other volunteer commitments because between being CEO of my own company and being a Director for two other companies, I simply do not have the time. I feel I am in a position to take on one more job and I would like this job to be one of the Directors of the USVBA.
Veteran Era Served: Post 9-11
What did you do in the Military: I was an Armor Officer and then an Infantry Officer in the US Army Reserve. I was also a paratrooper. I was in U.S. Army Special Forces for nine years (19th and 12th Groups) but I did not become Special Forces qualified (SFQ). I want to be clear on that.
Any Additional Information You Wish To Share
There is much more information on me and my company, AmeriVet Securities, Inc., on our company website: https://amerivetsecurities.com
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USVBA Board Candidate
MIKE WOLFGANG
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (949) 346-5530
Address: Newport Beach, California
Are you a current USVBA Member? Yes
Professional Bio: Mike grew up in an entrepreneurial household, helping out with the family marina, assisting his stepmom with her executive search business and working with a family friend in his construction company. A US Marine veteran, Mike served on active duty for 10 years, and was deployed on numerous operations and exercises. He received the distinguished honor of being nominated by his peers to be a Marine One crew chief and to fly President Clinton around the world.
After 10 years in the Marine Corps, Mike decided to go to work in the corporate world. He spent several years at Thomson Reuters where he helped build their digital printing operation from the ground up. While the experience was invaluable, Mike determined that his personality and skill set were a better fit with smaller companies who were nimbler and more open to making the changes required to grow their businesses. Mike went on to become president of two commercial printing companies.
Relevant Experience:
Current Board Member of USVBA Orange County Chapter
Member of Small Business advisory committee for CA State Assembly Person Cottie Petri-Norris
Member of Veteran’s business network
Member of Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce
Why are you interested in joining the USVBA BODs? I would like to expand my efforts beyond my local chapter to help veteran business owners throughout the country. I am interested in helping to drive both state and national legislation to improve ease of doing business for veteran owned businesses.
Area(s) of expertise/contribution you feel you can make: My veteran owned business is helping small to medium sized business owners and their leadership teams clarify their vision so that everyone is on the same page with where they are going and how they’re going to get there. I then teach them how to implement systems of discipline and accountability to produce short term results so that they can realize their vision. I can use my expertise in these areas to help strengthen veteran owned businesses.
Do you have the necessary time available to devote to the position? (15-25 hours per month): Yes
Are you willing to actively participate in the USVBA fundraising efforts?: Yes
Other volunteer commitments:
Volunteer and supporter for Orange County Olive Crest. 2018 supporter of US Representative for Congress by canvassing to encourage voting in the 2018 election.
Veteran Era Served: Gulf War
What did you do in the Military:Marine CH-53 crew chief. Stationed at MCAS Tustin during the 1st Gulf War and was deployed to the Philippines from 90-91 supporting special operations as part of a special Marine Air Ground Task Force. I was then recruited by HMX-1 and was selected by my peers to be a Marine One Crew Chief and flew President Clinton during missions around the world. I then was stationed at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI for my last 3 years of active duty. Left the service after completing my bachelors degree.
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USVBA Board Candidate
ROBERTO ARNOLD
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (909) 525-5261
Address: Pomona, California
Are you a current USVBA Member? Yes
Professional Bio: The son of an Air Force veteran, Roberto Arnold holds over 15 years of service in the US Army and has earned numerous honors, including the Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, USAF Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/M Device, USMC Sea service device, USN Sea Service Deployment, Combat Infantry Badge to name a few.
Relevant Experience: Roberto is the Founder of Alpha Prime Consulting, a firm that focuses on helping small businesses in the development of their company from inception to growth. He is the Co-Founder and Chief of Operations of Imperio Technologies, a firm that specializes in Business development. Imperio focuses on helping small businesses that are starting up, struggling, and seeking growth with their executive leadership- all through the power of Artificial Intelligence. He graduated from Westwood college with an AA in Criminal Justice and BAS in Business Management. He just completed a cohort with University of John F. Kennedy in Chamber of Commerce Leadership sponsored by the CA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He serves as the Commander of Post 30 American Legion in Pomona, CA. He is the current Director of Veterans Affairs with Casa De Adelanto Initiative to help veterans in need ranging from homelessness, disabilities, career enhancement, peer counseling, and entrepreneurship.
Why are you interested in joining the USVBA BODs? Advocy for small business with an emphasis on Veterans is a passion.
Area(s) of expertise/contribution you feel you can make: Business Development, Certification, Board governance, leadership, executive coaching, networking, consultant to small business enterprises.
Do you have the necessary time available to devote to the position? (15-25 hours per month): Yes
Are you willing to actively participate in the USVBA fundraising efforts?: Yes
Other volunteer commitments:
Commander at Chas P. Rowe American Legion
Chair of Ambassadors for Pomona Chamber of Commerce
Advisory Board for Casa De Adelanto Veterans Services
Veteran Era Served: Post 9-11
What did you do in the Military: 11B20, Infantryman, Team leader, Squad Leader, and special operations.
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USVBA Board Candidate
ROBERT MARTINEZ
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (714) 815-8959
Address: Orange, California
Are you a current USVBA Member? Yes
Professional Bio: 7 years of service. 4 active duty Marine Corps, 3 National Guard. I am a Veteran Entrepreneur who’s extremely eager to continue serving those who’ve served, as that is my sole mission pertaining to the service I provide to military members through my business “All Clear Gear”.
Relevant Experience: I’ve created my business from the ground up, by myself. Im looking to use the experience I’ve gained through every trial, to ensure the most efficient and effective way for the next service member to become successful.
Why are you interested in joining the USVBA BODs? Starting a business has been anything but easy, and I would like to use my experience and knowledge in helping the service members reach a common goal amongst the veteran community. Success, financial independence, etc.
Area(s) of expertise/contribution you feel you can make: I have made numerous connections as I’ve come to realize the credibility behind the statement, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. Also, just going through it on my own has forced me to make not only a leap of faith financially, but mentally And emotionally as well for my family. I will be able to not only professionally understand the hardships they might deal with and how to overcome them, but as a father, husband, etc. how to understand the situation at hand.
Do you have the necessary time available to devote to the position? (15-25 hours per month): Yes
Are you willing to actively participate in the USVBA fundraising efforts?: Yes
Other volunteer commitments: I am at the 29 palms MCAGCC weekly as that is where I provide the bulk of Service through my business. I’m willing to speak on behalf of the USVBA while speaking to each class that transitions weekly.
Veteran Era Served: Post 9-11
What did you do in the Military: I was a diesel mechanic by trade, however wanted to pursue anything and everything related to pulling a trigger. I attended the Scout Sniper indoc during my 2016 deployment in the Middle East and passed. They suggested that since I wasn’t infantry and they couldn’t take me, I should try out for special forces. I left for MARSOC’s Assessment and Selection in April of 2017 and passed but didn’t get selected. Therefore bringing me to where I am today, a family man, a business man, a friend, and a person willing to help where needed. Especially when dealing with the veteran community. I just recently finished my 2 week activation in the National Guard, where I was assisting law enforcement in Long Beach with the Riots and Protesting.
Any Additional Information You Wish To Share: I hope that by submitting this application, and evaluating my experience throughout not only my Service enlistments, but throughout life in general, the board will Consider me to be a member that will be dedicated in helping Veterans further their businesses, resulting ultimately in success.
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