As he transitions out of the military this fall, Justin Duhe is going into business for himself. The 28-year-old Army linguist and cyber specialist bought a five acre coconut grove in Homestead, Fla. last year - sight unseen. He knew nothing about coconuts at the time.
"I farmed before in Texas, but it was all vegetable farming, nothing like this," Duhe said. "But I saw the potential of money, you know, that they were growing fruit and it was an investment."
But while his new career running Coco Rico Farms will be vastly different from what he did in the Army, Duhe said his military experience will still be an asset.
Noting that he learned Farsi in 47 weeks in the Army, Duhe said he's not afraid of challenges. And his time in the military has helped him build a business network. He wasn't in Florida long before crossing paths with a veteran in the food business who was looking for a fresh coconut supplier. The two Army men bonded instantly.
"That's part of the military mindset," Duhe said. "You see each other and you pick up your battle buddy and they pick you up and you both have a vision, a goal and you keep on moving forward."
Duhe and Alex Hill, owner of Florida Coconuts, became "business" battle buddies - not partners, but supplier and vendor.
Hill, who was in the Army Airborne, sells fresh coconut water to tourists along the beach. He said it's not the first time he's done business with other people who've been in the military.
"They have a similar work ethic as you and also uphold those similar values that you have. It's hard to find people that have the same values outside the military," Hill said.
Agencies target "Vetrepreneurs"
About 2.5 million veterans own businesses. According to the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families, veterans own 13 to 15 percent of small businesses, though they're only eight percent of the population.
Women veterans are driving the trend, according to Misty Stutsman, the director of entrepreneurship and small business at the institute.
"Women veteran entrepreneurship has grown over 300 percent since 2007, which is insane," Stutsman said. "If you look at these entrepreneurs, not only is the start-ups great, but they're out earning their civilian counterparts."
To offer veterans the option of self-employment, the Institute developed several entrepreneurship programs including some that are specifically for women veterans, active-duty, and military spouses.
"Communities are investing in these programs to make sure that the next generation of entrepreneurs is supported," Stutsman said.
Veteran-owned startups have attracted the attention of states, universities, and other agencies.
The success record among veteran-owned startups has attracted the attention of states, universities, and other agencies.
The US Small Business Administration Veteran Business Outreach Centers offer a range of resources and training in conjunction with more than 20 partners. There are non-profit organizations like Bunker Labs, created by military veterans for veterans interested in a start-up.
Veterans Florida - a non-profit corporation created by the state of Florida - offers free classes, mentors, and an annual "Battle of the Pitches" where "vetrepreneurs" compete for cash prizes.
Florida Coconuts, Hill's company, won second prize - $7500 - at the 2018 competition. The first prize was awarded to Axon Motor Company in Clearwater, Fla.
Hill's prize came at a good time. A drop in the coconut supply and a seasonal dip in tourism hurt his business, so he's pursuing a new entrepreneurial idea. He is working to design a better coconut opener.
This story was produced by the American Homefront Project, a public media collaboration that reports on American military life and veterans. Funding comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
