Former Marine builds successful small business in Pflugerville.

PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS – In this episode of FOX 7 Care Force, we highlight how a former Marine in Pflugerville went from medical separation to successful small business owner.

Caleb White joins FOX 7’s Mike Warren to discuss the trip.

Mike Warren: Caleb, how did this happen?

Caleb White: A lot of struggle with a lot of help. I left the army to figure out what I wanted to do and deal with some disabilities. And I was in touch with SemperFi and America Fund – it helped me with some of the day-to-day stuff. My husband and I dreamed of owning a small woodworking shop, and a representative from SemperFi called me and told me about their internship program. So they set up a small business, supplies, tools and decorating a shop, interviewed and connected me to classes.

Mike Warren: Could they have done it without Semper Fi and America’s Fund?

Caleb White: Not on this scale, not in a million years. They went above and beyond to help us and make sure we had what we needed to run our business.

Mike Warren: Tell us about this business.

Caleb White: We started with basic home decor and one day I posted a picture of me making a cutting board and within 24 hours we got eight orders. So we took that and ran with it and started cutting boards. People in barbecue restaurants were ordering and we still do home decor and have a CNC machine to carve things.

Mike Warren: Tell us about your journey to other veterinarians who want to start a business.

Caleb White: As far as starting a new business, be prepared to screw up. There will always be many small changes. This went beyond what we thought we would have. We’re blessed but there are a lot of struggles, so it’s just understanding, ‘OK, I like this but people want something else. [I’m] Going with that, look to your target market, ask questions and reach out for help. There are many organizations like Semper Fi that can help you get started.

Mike Warren: Thank you Caleb.

Caleb White: thanks a lot.