USAF Vet Starts Antique Car Restoration Business with Help from WVFV
Work Vessels For Vets, Inc., Helps Wounded Veteran Build
Colorado-Based Antique Car Restoration Business
Grant from Newman’s Own Foundation Supports Veteran-Entrepreneur
March 2017. Retired USAF Major Scott Bullis got a hand up from Work Vessels for Vets, Inc., a Connecticut-based nonprofit that equips veteran-entrepreneurs with the tools they need for self-employment. Bullis, a recipient of the Purple Heart from injuries sustained in Afghanistan, recently opened Golden Age Preservation and Restoration in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He performs expert antique automobile preservation and conservation for car enthusiasts all over the country. Work Vessels for Vets, with funding from Newman’s Own Foundation, purchased a specialized industrial grade upholstery sewing machine and a top-of-the-line brand cabinet makers’ industrial table saw, valued at over $5,000.
Work Vessels For Vets, Inc., Helps Wounded Veteran Build
Colorado-Based Antique Car Restoration Business
Grant from Newman’s Own Foundation supports Veteran-Entrepreneur
March 2017. Retired USAF Major Scott Bullis got a hand up from Work Vessels for Vets, Inc., a Connecticut-based nonprofit that equips veteran-entrepreneurs with the tools they need for self-employment. Bullis, a recipient of the Purple Heart from injuries sustained in Afghanistan, recently opened Golden Age Preservation and Restoration in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He performs expert antique automobile preservation and conservation for car enthusiasts all over the country.
Work Vessels for Vets, with funding from Newman’s Own Foundation, purchased a specialized industrial grade upholstery sewing machine and a top-of-the-line brand cabinet makers’ industrial table saw, valued at over $5,000.
“The specialized industrial sewing and woodworking equipment are the critical components to Scott’s new business,” noted Cathy Cook, Executive Director of Work Vessels for Vets. “We are so pleased to help Scott and other veterans to succeed in their business ventures. Often we find that a small investment on our part leads to greater independence and a fulfilling career.”
It has been a long road back from Afghanistan for Bullis. Attached to an Army infantry division, he was wounded during an insurgent attack on September 13, 2011, and later diagnosed with traumatic brain injury. The road to recovery has included his helping fellow veterans as a coach and competitor in the national Warrior Games.
Work Vessels for Vets, Inc., and its funder Newman’s Own Foundation, cheer Major Bullis’ progress from combat to civilian entrepreneur. Newman’s Own Foundation turns all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own products into charitable donations. To date, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have given over $485 million to thousands of charities around the world.
“We are proud to support Work Vessels for Vets, and we commend the work they are doing to help veteran entrepreneurs,” said Bob Forrester, President and CEO, Newman’s Own Foundation. “Our men and women in uniform make great sacrifices in their own lives to protect the unique freedom and opportunities we enjoy as Americans, and it’s a privilege to express our gratitude for their service.”
“We also want to acknowledge the assistance and support of Jack Makovsky of Ralph’s Industrial Sewing Machines in Denver, who not only deeply discounted the new equipment, but also delivered and set up the equipment at no cost. Jack believes in supporting industrial sewing skills in America and was more than delighted to help Scott,” said Cook.
Since 2008, WVFV has equipped over 1600 returning veterans in 48 states with tools for self-employment valued at over $1.6 million. WVFV achieved the coveted 2016 Top Rated Non Profit from Great NonProfits and also earned the highest Platinum Guide Star rating for transparency, integrity and efficient us of donor funds. Learn more about them at www.WVFV.org.
