Veterans Executive Leadership Promotes Blue Collar Entrepreneur Model

Veterans participating in a business workshop on blue collar entrepreneurship.

Philadelphia, PA, December 7, 2025

Veterans Executive Leadership (VXL) has emphasized the advantages of the ‘Blue Collar Entrepreneur’ model, providing veterans with pathways to business ownership in sectors such as plumbing and HVAC. By leveraging their unique skill sets, veterans can navigate entrepreneurship with lower investment barriers, greater acquisition opportunities, and access to essential resources. This proactive approach aims to support veterans in their transition to successful civilian business careers.


Philadelphia, PA – Veterans Executive Leadership (VXL) has highlighted the benefits of the ‘Blue Collar Entrepreneur’ model, positioning it as a strong avenue for veterans transitioning into business ownership. This model capitalizes on the unique skill set of veterans to enhance their entrepreneurial success and navigate the business landscape more effectively.

The move toward entrepreneurship can be a challenging process for many veterans. However, with fewer barriers to entry in blue collar industries such as plumbing, HVAC, and trucking, veterans can find a compelling pathway that aligns well with their expertise. This sector not only offers essential services but also allows for a smoother transition from military service to civilian life.

VXL underlines the importance of harnessing veterans’ existing skills and experiences. Many veterans come equipped with leadership qualities, problem-solving abilities, and the resilience needed to thrive in business. This model is a proactive approach to ensuring that the transition to entrepreneurship is not just possible but also successful.

Key Advantages of the Blue Collar Entrepreneur Model

1. Greater Availability of Acquisition Opportunities

Blue collar businesses often present a wealth of acquisition opportunities compared to their high-tech counterparts. This abundance enables veterans to find business ventures that align with their interests and skills, facilitating a more natural and engaging transition into the business world.

2. Lower Entry-Level Investment Needed

Unlike high-tech enterprises, starting a blue collar business generally involves a lower initial investment. This reduced financial barrier makes entrepreneurship far more attainable for veterans looking to embark on their business journeys.

3. Higher Risk/Reward Ratio

In many cases, blue collar businesses offer a more favorable risk vs. reward dynamic. This aspect can resonate well with veterans who are accustomed to making calculated decisions under pressure, making these industries attractive options as they consider their business prospects.

4. Easier Access to Capital, Mentorship, and Resources

Due to their tangible nature, blue collar businesses often garner the attention of investors and mentors more readily than those in more volatile high-tech fields. This increased accessibility to capital and mentorship presents significant advantages for veterans seeking to establish their enterprises.

5. Leverage Existing Skills

Veterans often possess inherent qualities that are advantageous in business—skills such as leadership, strategic planning, and resilience. The blue collar sector allows them to utilize and further develop these skills, enhancing their overall chances for success.

6. Sustainability Amid Technological Changes

Blue collar businesses are less impacted by the rapid pace of technological advancements that often disrupt entrepreneurial ventures. This stability provides a crucial advantage for veteran entrepreneurs concerned about the volatility of newer industries.

Background Context

The transition from military service to civilian entrepreneurship can be fraught with challenges, including cultural adjustments and limited access to resources. The blue collar entrepreneur model caters specifically to veterans, offering a viable path that emphasizes their strengths and provides a solid framework for achieving business ownership.

VXL’s commitment to connecting veterans with entrepreneurship through the blue collar sector is not only a vital resource but a necessary step toward fostering a robust community of small business leaders. The organization’s mission is to ensure that as veterans embark on their entrepreneurial endeavors, they do so fully equipped for success.

About VXL and Troy Beane

Veterans Executive Leadership (VXL) plays a pivotal role in facilitating the transition of veterans into entrepreneurship. By connecting them with opportunities to acquire and operate small, cash-flowing businesses, VXL provides crucial mentoring, guidance, and second-to-none access to essential resources. Founded by Troy Beane, a retired Coast Guard Major and successful entrepreneur, VXL aims to empower veterans, fostering an environment where they can thrive in their business pursuits.

Troy Beane’s background includes a distinguished military career along with extensive consulting experience in managing and operating businesses. His efforts with VXL focus on helping veterans leverage their capabilities and experiences, thereby molding a new generation of successful entrepreneurs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the ‘Blue Collar Entrepreneur’ model?

The ‘Blue Collar Entrepreneur’ model focuses on veterans leveraging their skills in traditional industries like plumbing, HVAC, and trucking to start and operate businesses, offering a more accessible and sustainable path to entrepreneurship.

How does this model benefit veterans?

This model aligns with veterans’ existing skills, offers lower financial barriers to entry, and provides a more stable business environment, enhancing their potential for success in entrepreneurship.

Who is Troy Beane?

Troy Beane is a retired Coast Guard Major and CEO of Veterans Executive Leadership (VXL), an organization dedicated to helping veterans transition into entrepreneurship by facilitating the acquisition and operation of small businesses.

Key Features of the Blue Collar Entrepreneur Model

Feature Description
Acquisition Opportunities Availability of more business acquisition options in blue collar sectors.
Investment Requirements Lower initial investment needed compared to high-tech industries.
Risk/Reward Balance More favorable risk/reward ratio in blue collar businesses.
Resource Accessibility Easier access to capital, mentorship, and other resources.
Skill Utilization Ability to leverage existing skills such as leadership and problem-solving.
Business Sustainability More stable operations less impacted by technological advancements.

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The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.

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