In 2017, Jeffrey Goldberg, a graduate of Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, and his friend Matthew Vogt, a seasoned naval aviator, established Sky Devil Wines. This boutique wine producer focuses on crafting high-quality, small-batch wines while championing sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship. They envisioned the company to honor their military backgrounds and contribute positively to society, committing a portion of sales to veterans and causes supporting them.
Goldberg, motivated by his family’s military legacy, emphasized the critical transition period for veterans entering civilian life, which often correlates with heightened risks of suicide and substance abuse. To address these challenges, he and Vogt founded a fund at Penn State aimed at empowering veteran entrepreneurs. This initiative, which moved to the Smeal College in 2022, offers financial support to help bring innovative ideas to market for student and alumni veterans.
Recently, the Sky Devil Veteran’s Entrepreneur Fund awarded assistance to its first two recipients: Ryan Brown Jr. and Raymond Kusch. Both veterans are making strides in entrepreneurship, supported by the resources and mentorship from Penn State’s Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Ryan Brown and his wife launched their business, We Are Wonderfully Made, selling specialty hot sauces inspired by family recipes. Despite the unpredictable challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, they successfully adapted their approach and expanded their reach beyond farmers’ markets and into retail.
In contrast, Raymond Kusch transitioned from military service to business strategy, where he now focuses on empowering others through his enterprise, American Inference. His work on an AI platform aims to bridge academic research and practical industry applications.
Goldberg and Vogt’s initiatives embody the spirit of giving back and supporting veterans, enhancing the entrepreneurial landscape within the Penn State community. Their efforts highlight a commitment to aiding those who have served, reinforcing the belief that with the right resources, veterans can thrive as entrepreneurs.
Overall, this narrative exemplifies how dedicated alumni can create impactful legacies that benefit not just the university but society at large, inspiring future generations of veteran entrepreneurs. The stories of Brown and Kusch serve as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community support in helping veterans succeed in their civilian pursuits.