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Celebrating National Small Business Week

More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and small businesses create approximately two of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

By Navy Federal April 29, 2018 Tag(s):

Small Business

More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and small businesses create approximately two of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by Navy Federal, one in four small business owners report plans to purchase additional equipment, hire additional staff and carry out technology improvements – all within the next 12 months.

Here at Navy Federal Credit Union, we know how important small businesses are, especially to the ones that own and want to grow them! In recognition of National Small Business Week, Navy Federal is featuring business owners who have partnered with Navy Federal Business Services to turn their passion into a business.

Pirate’s Cove

John Tillery worked in commercial banking for about 17 years before he became the owner of Pirate’s Cove, a popular seafood restaurant in Chesapeake, Virginia.

John was first introduced to the restaurant business back when he was younger when stepfather opened a restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. Ever since then, the idea of owning his own restaurant has always fascinated him – and one that led him to owning the award-winning Pirate’s Cove!

Pirate's Cove Audio Description

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(DESCRIPTION) Text, Small Business Stories. Meet Navy Federal Small Business Owner, John Tillery.

A sign reads Pirate’s Cove Restaurant on the façade of a weathered brick building. Dark green awnings hang over the front windows.

(SPEECH) - My stepfather had a restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. And when I was younger, he and I talked shop. And it was something that always intrigued me. And the owner here, he and I talked, and worked out an arrangement. And I ended up buying Pirate's Cove about 2 and 1/2 years ago. My background wasn't in the restaurant business before.

I was previously in banking for 17 years, and I was commercial lender, I worked with businesses. And banking was a service-oriented business. It was taking care of your customers, providing a good product and service. And I wanted to get back into providing good customer service, and a restaurant has afforded me that opportunity.

The restaurant's been here for a long time, 15 years. And I have a great staff. They do a wonderful job.

(DESCRIPTION) Five paper certificates are affixed to a wall and read Pilots Best of 2013 Silver Chesapeake. The awards are for various food items such as Fish Tacos and She Crab Soup.

(SPEECH) Pirate's Cove has been recognized as one of the top 10 seafood restaurants in the state of Virginia. And we decided to open a second location. I joined Navy Federal in 2012. My father was in the military, and I heard so many wonderful things about Navy Federal.

They've always made things very easy. From the time that I've walked in, as far as opening my account, setting up online services, being a credit union, you're a member of it. They look out for their employees. It's like old school banking. They take care of their customers. Who does that? Nobody but Navy Federal.

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(DESCRIPTION) Text, Navy Federal Credit Union. Navy Federal dot org. Federally Insured by N.C.U.A. The views and comments are that of the individual and do not represent the government or imply government endorsement.

Commonwealth Brewing Company

Your passion can be your money-maker. Just ask Jeramy Biggie, owner of Commonwealth Brewery in Virginia Beach, Va. A home brewer for eight years and craft beer lover for life, Jeramy had an epiphany after creating his first sour beer at home. He realized that he could do what he loved for a living and be successful.

There’s no mistaking Jeramy’s passion for brewing great beer and bringing people together.

Commonwealth Brewing Audio Description

(DESCRIPTION) Text, Small Business Stories. Meet Navy Federal Small Business Owner: Jeramy Biggie, Owner, Brewer - Commonwealth Brewery.

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One of the central things that I love about beer is the fact that it brings people together. When I was a home brewer, I was the most popular guy in the neighborhood. Obviously, I love beer and I love brewing beer, and that is something I've been doing for eight years. And I think the moment where I realized that I could possibly do this was when I made my first sour beer, and it was so good.

It just felt like the right kind of business. And I just had this little voice in my head that said I could probably do this. Commonwealth Brewing was conceptualized around creating a sense of community here in Chic's Beach. So to be able to bring in really good brewery with communal tables, and a place where people can come together, and get to know each other, is really what it was all about in starting this business.

And it's really played out just as we planned. As soon as we saw this old fire station, you could see the future of it. It had been sitting empty for over a year. It was a former community center, used for barbecues, sock hops, proms, you name it. So there was a lot of history in this community. And it needed a lot of renovation to make it commercially viable as a brewery. So really that was the big hurdle.

I underestimated the level of work that it was going to take to do all the things that we needed to do to start the brewery. My wife, her father was a colonel in the army, and that's how we got connected to Navy Federal. And they really partnered with us well. They talked to us about our concept, and they really helped me formalize my ideas.

(DESCRIPTION) A globe spins across the screen. Text, Navy Federal Credit Union. navy federal dot org. Federally insured by NCUA.

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Megan’s Landing Veterinary Clinic

It takes courage to start your own business. With a true passion for your craft and the right financial partner to help guide you through the process, you can build your business with confidence.

Dr. Regina Case-Rupert always dreamed of being a veterinarian, even as a child. After her children reached adulthood, she decided it was finally the time to embrace her dream. That’s when she turned to Navy Federal Business Solutions. Check out her story below.

Megan's Landing Audio Description

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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Text, Small Business Stories. Meet Navy Federal Small Business Owner, Doctor Regina Case Rupert.

A veterinary clinic with a gabled roof and a columned front porch with a wooden bench. A silhouette of a dog is just above the entrance.

A sign is anchored just above a short brick wall and reads Megan’s Landing Veterinary Clinic. Regina Case Rupert, D.V.M., eight five zero, nine one two, four seven zero zero. 10081 Highway 98 West.

Doctor Regina Case Rupert pats a black lab and checks on an orange tabby cat in a kennel cage.

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- I've always loved animals, every type of animal. As a little child, I was always bringing everything home, always reading everything I could find on animals. And being a veterinarian allows me not only to help pets but also to engage with their owners. It was always my dream to start my own practice. What I envisioned was a place that was not just great for me and a good financial decision but was very good for my patients.

(DESCRIPTION)

A Pomeranian sticks its nose through the bars of a kennel cage. A medical chart is affixed to the side.

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Megan's Landing was started in 2008, the year the economy crashed. It was scary because I didn't know how much it would affect the veterinary profession. We were very fortunate. We had a representative at Navy Federal. I've been a member of Navy Federal since I married my husband 27 years ago. He was active duty Navy, so he was already a member.

It was great having somebody to help walk us through that process.

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She evaluates a set of x-rays.

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Starting a practice is very stressful. And you have to really, really want it. But then they'll be days that you realize you're doing what you always wanted, and that makes it worth.

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Doctor Regina Case Rupert smiles and pats a small terrier that sits in her lap.

Text, Navy Federal Credit Union. Navy Federal dot org. Federally Insured by N.C.U.A.

This article is intended to provide general information and shouldn't be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.

Pirate’s Cove

Commonwealth Brewing Company

Megan’s Landing Veterinary Clinic

Small Business Articles