"Polarization only works in sunglasses, not in sustainable communities."

America is truly in my heart and soul--I believe in its people and in its Freedoms.  As Americans and, as business leaders, we have a huge legacy to carry on for our future generations.  If we patronize businesses that "Honor Freedom" by supporting veterans, active duty military and their families then will can carry on our great American tradition, one that inspires all of us to dream big.

I was born an Army brat. I am a US Army Veteran (N.C.O.). I'm married and have two stepsons. I earned a College Business Degree from Florida State University.  I have corporate management experience. I was a small buiness owner for 23 years. I rely on a mix of intuition and common sense to accomplish my goals. I believe in a higher power, it keeps me grounded and humble. Thank you.

"America means two things to me: FREEDOM and OPPORTUNITY. Because I am FREE, I am afforded great opportunities. People in other countries cannot readily do the things I can do. In America, we have the opportunities to live, love and propser as each of us chooses. We can decide where to live, how to live, choose our occupations, and we can choose whom we love. We are free to live our lives as we desire. I also reflect on how these freedoms were achieved and maintained for all of us. I honor and remember our Founding Fathers and their sacrifices. I also thank and pray every day for all of those who have served in our armed forces, for those who have died in service to all of us and America protecting our freedoms, and for all those men and women servinfg today. God Bless them and God Bless us all."

I have a very well rounded business background in the areas of marketing strategy, bank and small business management, financial administration, new product development, new product sales, vendor management , strategic planning, audit controls, and brand development. My career experience has lead me to an important place and time in my life where I have found a group of like minded individuals with true passion and vision to help my co-founder John Krotec and I accomplish something truly remarkable for our veterans. We are in the process of changing the dynamic by which businesses, veteran and consumers interface. Our innovative process will enable “veteran friendly” businesses, veterans, and non-veterans to work together to accomplish something truly remarkable and sustainable!

"I believe we live in the greatest Country on the planet with many great opportunities. I also believe that our soldiers need to be taken care of better when they are are done serving in Our Armed Forces." 

Richard Wright graduated in 1977 from Rhinebeck (NY) Central High and that same year opened his first business. He built it into a multi-million dollar company and sold it in 1995.

He then joined his wife with her already thriving concession business, Sugar Shakers, Inc. and has since expanded it into a full scale catering service as well. Working all along the Eastern Seaboard.

Over the years, they have won many “Best Concession” awards throughout the industry.

One of the founding fathers of NICA, National Independent Concessionaires Association, Rich has served on the Board and as President. Currently, Rich is working as a commercial solar developer for fairs, expos, and theme parks as well.

Rich has joined the GreenZone Hero team to serve as the director for developing sustainable relationships with national business and industry associations.

Steven Eugene Kuhn is a decorated U.S. Military combat veteran who helps businesses become more successful, in Europe and in the US. Steven has been handpicked to consult with some of the most influential people in the world about how to expand their brand, build value and loyalty and develop strategies for increasing beneficial relationships. Throughout his career Steven has led international organizations, managed multi continent projects, and coached executive teams in non-traditional ways that led to significant success across the board.

Steven is a valued asset for GreenZone Hero because of his hands-on work ethic, honesty, integrity, straightforward communication style and the pleasure he takes in passing along this knowledge. We know he is the perfect leader for driving the business to the next level as a GreenZone Hero Executive Member & Vice-President for its business development.

"Possibilities exist in America because of our FREEDOM. Do whatever is within your power to support that FREEDOM everyday."

Leann earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. She was a product manager for Oncology Therapeutics Network and at Bristol Myers Squibb in San Francisco, CA. From 1999-2001 she was the marketing director for iScribe, a healthcare technology company in Redwood City, CA. From 2001-2003 she was a marketing consultant for National Oncology Alliance in San Anselmo, CA.

She relocated to Florida with her family. Leann worked in marketing with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, developed a brand and partnerships for Circuelle Foundation (a breast health awareness company)  and marketing for AeroIQ (a private air charter company) in Sarasota, FL.

Leann is currently completing an aerial yoga instructor training program. One of her passions is aerial yoga and aerial silks and she will be able to teach classes at Four Pillars. She is also writing a book to inspire the dreamer in us all, “Nature’s Beauty Inspires”.  Leann will be responsible for marketing, branding, communications, networking, advertising, social media, blogging, and direct mail.  An avid ocean lover and dreamer!

"I wake up every day grateful for the FREEDOMS that have been afforded to me in our beautiful Country. However, these FREEDOMS have always come with a price; they are bought and paid for with the blood, sweat and tears of those Americans willing to sacrifice for the greater good, often times with their own lives. Every day I wake up and thank God that such men and women have defended and continue to defend our flag and the FREEDOM and liberty it has represented since the birth of America, the Greatest Country in the World."

Jill is an incredible addition to our team.  Her only child, Ben Kopp, died of injuries received while serving his third tour of duty as a United States Army Ranger.  Ben saved six of his fellow Rangers in the firefight that would cost him his life.  Upon his death, he donated his organs, bone, skin and tissue, saving or enhancing the life of 60 people. Nearly seven years later, his heart is still beating in a woman from Illinois.

The notion of organ donation came to Jill’s family 27 years earlier when her 11-year-old brother was killed in a car accident.  He became an organ donor causing his legacy to include this selfless act, which in turn caused Ben to make organ donation part of his final wishes.

Six years after Ben’s death, a lightning strike started a fire in Jill’s home causing the loss of most of her personal belongings.  Six months later she moved 1,500 miles away pursuing a dream she had been working towards for nine years.  Jill has helped to create a ripple effect of goodness to honor the lives of her brother and her son.  Drawing on her strength and grace, she has created a positive mission to honor their legacies.  

Jill is a seasoned motivational speaker, having addressed groups ranging in size from 10 to 10,000.  Coupled with 20+ years of corporate leadership, her life experiences have given her peerless wisdom that enables her to relate with most people.  

Her positive attitude is contagious and will find you believing that anything is possible when you learn to see the blessings in life’s adversities.

Jill has taken over duties to help grow our roster of Gold Star Businesses.  

Jon is currently an Adjunct Instructor, USF Sarasota-Mantee, College of Business. Prior to joining USFSM he was Adjunct Instructor for Ringling College of Art and Design. He retired in 2005 after 30 years as an Assistant Professor from Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA where he taught marketing and management courses. He also served as Internship and Placement Director for the NSU School of Business. From 1965 till 1968 Jon was a Naval Officer assigned USS William M. Wood DD715 and was a Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer for 2nd Marine Division, US Marine Corps.