Honored as a 2024 America’s Retail Champion

Continuing the Mission of Advocacy Through Retail

On July 24–25, 2024, I was once again recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as one of America’s Retail Champions, honoring small business owners who advocate for policies that strengthen the retail industry and local communities. The recognition took place in Washington, D.C., during the NRF Retail Advocates Summit, where 45 business leaders from across the country gathered to meet with lawmakers and discuss the future of American retail.

As a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Ravenox, I have advocated for American manufacturing, small business opportunity, and veteran employment. The 2024 recognition marked my third time being honored by the NRF.

“Advocacy, for me, means using every platform available to continue serving—beyond the uniform,” I said. “It’s about leadership, responsibility, and leveraging resources to make a tangible difference in people’s lives and their communities.”

Representing Small Businesses on the National Stage

The NRF America’s Retail Champions program celebrates retailers who go beyond business operations to make a difference in policy and community service. This year’s event brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and corporate leaders to discuss how retail drives economic growth, job creation, and innovation in the U.S.

My advocacy work reflects the values I honed during my 25 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, leadership, accountability, and service. Through my business and public engagements, I champion issues that matter to small manufacturers, e-commerce sellers, and veterans entering entrepreneurship.

During the summit, I joined more than 100 retailers and policymakers in conversations about the economic impact of small business, sustainable growth, and the role of technology in shaping the future of retail. My participation reinforced my belief that the voice of small business must be central to national economic policy.

A Veteran Entrepreneur Committed to American Manufacturing

I founded Ravenox in 2012 after transitioning from active duty to the Marine Corps Reserve. My goal was to create jobs, strengthen domestic production, and help other American companies grow. Ravenox’s rope and cordage manufacturing operation in Burlington, North Carolina, serves customers in industries ranging from aerospace and defense to marine and outdoor recreation.

Beyond manufacturing, I use my platform to support veteran and first responder communities, partnering with nonprofits like Operation Freedom Paws and the Marine Raider Foundation. My leadership embodies the NRF’s message that retail is not just an industry, it’s a network of people and businesses shaping communities across America.

Advocacy in Action

My 2024 recognition follows years of dedicated advocacy through multiple organizations, including:

• National Retail Federation’s Small Business Council – Advancing policy discussions that impact small retailers and e-commerce sellers nationwide.

• Washington Retail Association (WRA) – Serving as a past chairman and board member, representing the needs of small businesses at the state level.

• Intuit Small Business Council – Contributing to conversations on financial technology, AI policy, and small business access to digital tools.

• Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERV) – Promoting disaster preparedness and public safety through community engagement.

My participation in these organizations underscores a consistent theme: using entrepreneurship as a platform for service, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.

A Celebration of Retail Leadership

The NRF Retail Advocates Summit remains one of the retail industry’s most important gatherings, connecting entrepreneurs directly with lawmakers. The 2024 event also highlighted partnerships with major corporate sponsors, including Amazon, whose Independent Seller Program recognized me as one of nine small business owners honored for community impact and innovation.

“The small businesses selling and thriving in the Amazon store are at the heart of their local communities,” said Natalie Angelillo, Director of Seller External Relations at Amazon. “These sellers are shining examples of the creativity, grit, and community focus that define so many of our independent sellers.”

My inclusion among these leaders reflects not only my entrepreneurial success but also my dedication to the broader mission of strengthening American retail through advocacy and education.

Looking Ahead

For me, being named a 2024 America’s Retail Champion represents more than a personal honor, it’s an opportunity to continue bridging the gap between business, policy, and public service. My work embodies the NRF’s mission of showcasing how small retailers drive innovation, resilience, and economic growth across the country.

I remain committed to using my business experience and advocacy roles to support policies that empower veterans, small business owners, and domestic manufacturers, ensuring that the next generation of entrepreneurs inherits a stronger, more sustainable retail landscape.

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Related Links

• NRF America’s Retail Champions 2024

• Amazon: Independent Sellers Shine as National Retail Federation Announces America’s Retail Champions