“Notice: Our Headquarters has relocated to 4220 Duncan Ave., Suite 201, St. Louis, MO 63110”
Our Mission
Our mission is to support Veterans and military families in building successful small businesses that impact communities by creating jobs and igniting economic growth.
We serve active duty personnel transitioning to civilian life, Reserve and National Guard members, honorably discharged Veterans, military spouses and families, as well as Veteran caregivers located in Missouri, Kansas, and Southern Illinois.
Our Team
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Danielle Lowery
Director, Operations & Programs
Danielle is a skilled communications administrator with expertise in communications, event planning, team leadership, and customer support. She joined VetBiz in 2019 and looks forward to many more years of growth.
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Mitchell Fitzpatrick
Director, Training & Outreach
Mitch, a former Army noncommissioned officer from Kansas City, joined VetBiz in 2020. He’s dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth, and eager to make a positive impact on the community.
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Damon Chaffin
Senior Business Consultant
Damon is a pragmatic operations and sales expert. He leverages his financial acumen and customer service skills to grow businesses. As the senior business advisor at VetBiz he provides consultation and mentoring to clients throughout various stages of business development.
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Brandie Schmidt
Kansas Outreach Coordinator
Brandie, a non-profit professional, comes to VetBiz with a history in a sales and small business management. Joining VetBiz in 2023, she comes with a learning fever to grow her expertise and provide the Kansas City community with all the benefits VetBiz has to offer
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Allie Pike
Regional Outreach Coordinator
Allie, an Army veteran, Reservist, and St. Louis native, joined VetBiz in 2022. Her expertise in military leadership, and infectious enthusiasm, make her well-suited to support veterans and military families in entrepreneurship.
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
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Christina Kimerle
Danielle Lowery
Mitchell Fitzpatrick
Executive Director
Director, Operations & Programs
Director, Training & Outreach
Christina comes from a military family, and she brings 15+ years of nonprofit executive-level management experience to the VetBiz team. She will focus on general management, increased visibility, fundraising, and the growth of VetBiz.
Danielle is a skilled communications administrator with expertise in communications, event planning, team leadership, and customer support. She joined VetBiz in 2019 and looks forward to many more years of growth.
Mitch, a former Army noncommissioned officer from Kansas City, joined VetBiz in 2020. He’s dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth, and eager to make a positive impact on the community.


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Damon Chaffin
Allie Pike
Brandie Schmidt
Senior Business Consultant
Regional Outreach Coordinator
Kansas Outreach Coordinator
Damon is a pragmatic operations and sales expert. He leverages his financial acumen and customer service skills to grow businesses. As the Senior Business Advisor at VetBiz, he provides consultation and mentoring to clients throughout various stages of business developement.
Allie, an Army veteran, Reservist, and St. Louis native, joined VetBiz in 2022. Her expertise in military leadership, and infectious enthusiasm, makes her well-suited to support veterans and military families in entrepreneurship.
Brandie, a non-profit professional, comes to VetBiz with a history in a sales and small business management. Joining VetBiz in 2023, she comes with a learning fever to grow her expertise and provide the Kansas City community with all the benefits VetBiz has to offer.
Board Of Directors
Board Chair
Sekhar Prabhakar
CEO, CEdge Software Consultants, LLC
Vice Chairman
Brian Sexton
Entrepreneur/Early Stage Investor, One Salute
Treasurer
Mac McDougell
Retired Banker, CPA
Secretary
Takisha Lovelace
VP/Chief Operating Officer at Affinia Healthcare
Director, Fundraising Committee Chair
Roderick Gilliam II
Broker, The Guardian Life Insurance Company
Director
Jessica Fox
Director Strategy & Corporate Development Hussmann
Director
Patrice Manuel
CEO – Principal, P/Strata
Director
Frank Burns
Assistant Director – New Markets & Historic Tax Credits U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation
Director
Jessica Fox
Director Strategy & Corporate Development Hussmann
Director
Josh Frank
Principal, RSM Federal
Board Chair > Sekhar Prabhakar
CEO, CEdge Software Consultants, LLC
Vice Chairman > Brian Sexton
Entrepreneur/Early Stage Investor, One Salute
Treasurer > Dio Manaran
SVP Cief Credit Officer, Bank Star
Secretary - Donovan Foster
Business Success & Maturity Coach, Ladder Set Coaching
Director - Frank Hopper
Director of New Business Development & Marketing, Sketch Development
Director - Bob Tisone
Executive Vice President, Senture, LLC
Director > Derek Hoffman
Owner, Ignite Performance & Health
Director > Coming Soon
Director > Coming Soon
Director > Coming Soon
Director > Coming Soon
Director > Coming Soon
Success Is Defined By You
We believe in results, not numbers. Our clients are more
than just a number in the door to us. It’s that simple.
Frank Totten- F2 Garage Solution
Charlie Felker- Free 2 Grow
Honoring Tim Smith's Legacy 1978 – 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we at VetBiz share the passing of our dear friend and longtime client, Tim Smith. Tim lost his battle with cancer on February 5th—after courageously overcoming it three times before—and his strength, resilience, and kindness have left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him, especially our staff and fellow clients. Tim’s journey was one of unwavering service and achievement. Before establishing himself as a businessman, he proudly served his country, an experience that shaped his commitment to integrity and service. Transitioning into the business world, Tim has built multiple successful ventures while always prioritizing the welfare of others, especially his fellow veterans. His leadership at Patriot Commercial Cleaning and his role as a founding member of our Veterans CEO Roundtable are just two examples of his dedication to supporting those who have served our nation. Beyond his impressive professional accomplishments, Tim was known for his genuine warmth and steadfast care for those around him. Whether he was working through a business challenge, spending time with family and friends, or engaging in thoughtful conversation, his compassion was evident. Most recently, Tim added author to his list of achievements, sharing his story, imparting wisdom, and highlighting his experiences to inspire future generations.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Ana Teresa “Terri” Farias-Smith, and his sons, Tim Jr. and Tyler Smith. As they continue Tim’s legacy, our VetBiz team stands with them, offering our unwavering support during this difficult time and beyond.
For those wishing to honor Tim’s memory, please find details of the funeral service here:
Funeral Announcement
You can also support Tim’s family via the GoFundMe page:
Support Tim’s Family
Thank you, Tim, for your service, your friendship, and your inspiring leadership. You will be deeply missed.
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Proud VetBiz Clients
Frequently Asked Questions
Entrepreneurs
There is no cost for all who qualify for our services.
Starting a business takes a significant amount of planning and answering essential questions. Complete and submit the Business Idea Quiz and an advisor will review your answers to help you make the right decision. (All submissions are confidential.)
Watch this video of senior business consultant Damon Chaffin taking you through the Edward Lowe Business Idea Quiz.
Resources
For information on the process to apply for government contracts visit the SBA Federal Contracting Website. If you find that site confusing or need more assistance, come on back and join our unit. We are only too happy to help.
Volunteer
Visit the volunteer page and apply online through the provided link and our representative will contact you via email.
Our volunteers have diverse professional backgrounds. Indicate your specialty in the application, and we will match you with relevant opportunities such as administrative tasks, delivering business presentations, event staffing, and more.
We always have need of volunteers in the Missouri and Kansas areas. when you apply indicate how far you are comfortable traveling around your region, and we will find the opportunity that is right for you.
Contact Us