In 2017, Penn State Smeal College of Business alumnus Jeffrey Goldberg, along with naval aviator Matthew Vogt, established Sky Devil Wines, a boutique winery dedicated to crafting exceptional, small-batch wines while prioritizing sustainability and traditional craftsmanship. The initiative stems from a desire to honor their military families and actively support veterans.
Goldberg emphasized the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life, particularly the risks associated with mental health issues. As a homage to their military ties, Goldberg and Vogt committed to donating a significant portion of their sales to veteran-related causes. In 2018, they set up a fund at Penn State aimed at fostering entrepreneurial endeavors among student and alumni veterans. This fund assists with expenses necessary for bringing business ideas to fruition, including equipment, materials, trade show fees, and travel costs.
Recently, the fund was transitioned to the Smeal College’s Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which has introduced its first two recipients: Ryan Brown Jr. and Raymond Kusch, both of whom are leveraging their military experience to pursue business ventures. The center believes in providing support to budding entrepreneurs and fostering an environment of innovation.
Among the recipients, Brown and his wife founded We Are Wonderfully Made, a specialty hot sauce company, inspired by traditional recipes. Although the COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges, they swiftly adapted their strategy, bringing their products to farmers markets and expanding to retail and online platforms. Brown expressed gratitude for the support received, viewing it as a testament to the Smeal community’s commitment to its students.
Kusch, a former Army sniper, focuses on creating sustainable employment through his company, American Inference. He developed Engaged Scholar, an AI platform designed to make academic research more accessible to professionals. His path from military service to entrepreneurship includes numerous academic achievements, highlighting resilience and a commitment to continuous learning.
The contributions from the Sky Devil Veteran’s Entrepreneur Fund not only represent financial support but also symbolize a deep appreciation for the military service of veterans as they transition into civilian endeavors. Penn State’s dedication to nurturing innovative ideas and providing assistance to its veteran students creates a hopeful landscape for future entrepreneurs.
This initiative showcases the university’s commitment to enriching both the lives of its students and the community at large, ultimately helping to drive economic growth and pioneer new business ideas that could have a lasting impact on society. In a world eager for positive change, Goldberg and Vogt’s efforts exemplify how entrepreneurship can serve as a bridge for veterans seeking a new purpose and path.