Combat Veteran, Finance Expert, Entrepreneur & Advocate for Disabled Veterans will Join Pilot Program

IPSWICH, MA, USA, December 14, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ -- VFW Post 1093 and VetToCEO.org announced today that Vietnam Veteran Tom Coakley will join the upcoming vetrepreneurship training program as a guest speaker on small business and entrepreneurial finance; the 5th of the proven VetToCEO 7 session core program.

Tom Coakley, a college hockey standout holds a BA degree in economics from Brown University. Severely injured while serving with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam Tom came home to the amputee ward at Walter Reed Army Hospital. After multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation he went on to earn an MBA from the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Initially Tom embarked on a corporate career in Philadelphia but soon returned to his hometown roots with his family’s company in Canton, NY culminating in a 17 year term as Vice President for Administrative Operations at St. Lawrence University. Over the years Tom has been recognized by Brown University as well as many other organizations and institutions for contributions to his community. In 2008 he received the American Hockey Coach’s Lamoriello Award which is given annually to the former college coach or player who has distinguished himself in his profession after college. He’s also Treasurer of the Amputee Coalition and was featured on “60 Minutes” and in Tom Brokaw’s book BOOM.

“Education, SMB finance, veterans and entrepreneurship are four of my passions” says Tom. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to support the VetToCEO / VFW Post 1093 Pilot Program and to join a group of veterans who are pursuing their entrepreneurial calling. Veterans are known for core skills and strengths that support entrepreneurship.”

Ed Brzychcy, consultant, combat veteran, Babson MBA and course co-facilitator commented “Too often veterans programs are designed to make the sponsors feel good. This is different. We’re bringing together top notch talent to deliver amazing value and insight to our participants. Tom was a courageous warrior, and he’s an incredible educator and finance expert. We’re thrilled he’s joining us.”

The program which includes modules on sales and marketing, finance and operations in addition to accounting prepares military veterans to evaluate various entrepreneurship models including start up, franchise and acquisition of a going concern. It guides them through the process of developing a fundable plan, and the online program has a track record of successful business launches.

Veterans who live in Massachusetts north of Boston and in Southern NH can learn more at http://www.vettoceo.org/veteran-entrepreneurship-training-in-person-at-ipswich-ma-vfw-post-1093 and register for a limited number of positions in the VetToCEO program at http://www.vettoceo.org/registration-for-veterans-entrepreneurship-training-at-ipswich-ma-vfw-post-1093. The class which will be held weekly at Ipswich VFW Post 1093 on Wednesday evenings from 7-9:30pm, from January 11th through March 8th, 2017. (March 1st will be open for individual preparation.) Participants will pitch their plans to a panel of judges on March 8th, competing for cash prizes to support their business launch. Dinner will be provided at each session and limited childcare may be available through the collaboration of VFW Post 1093 and the Ipswich Family YMCA under the North Shore Veterans Collaborative.

Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please contact Ed Marsh to discuss possibilities.


About VFW Post 1093: Founded in 1946, VFW Post 1093 active members live in Ipswich and a number of towns on the North Shore while participating members live throughout the US. We are a charter member of the North Shore Veterans Collaborative, and our membership includes veterans of most conflicts since WWII. The NSVC and our community participation is built on a unique partnership with the YMCA of the Northshore. The VFW is physically co-located with the Ipswich Family YMCA and energetically innovates programs to support the Ipswich community as well as veterans and their families in New England and beyond. Our members joined the military for the opportunity to serve, and they join our post to continue that service in meaningful ways and to foster the comradeship which so many cherished during their time in the service. New members are welcome.


About VetToCEO:

VetToCEO, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports veterans and transitioning military members to succeed in business ownership. Our entrepreneurial community, with its training resources and guidance, assists veterans in leveraging their skills to start or buy a business and run it successfully. The VetToCEO programs are designed and facilitated by experienced entrepreneurs who are also veterans, exclusively for veterans of all branches. We offer the program free of charge to qualified/verified members of the military and veterans. We fund our programs through the generosity of leading corporations, grants, and individuals who have a passion for helping veterans.

Ed Marsh
VFW Post 1093
9782389898
email us here