Veteran-owned Businesses We Love To Support
Veterans hold a special place in our hearts here at WILCO SUPPLY. Many years ago, I had the privilege of serving with some incredible people that spent their entire careers serving in our military and hold the honorable title of “Veteran.” Fun fact: I actually met our founder, Amy, while serving! (If you’re not quite familiar with Amy’s story just yet, check it out here.)
With that being said, we are honoring Veterans Day by shining a well-deserving light on a few veteran-owned businesses. First, let’s start with the brands that have found a home with us at WILCO SUPPLY!
Sword & Plough
This company takes military materials that would typically get discarded (think fabric, leather, and hardware) and repurposes them into something new—like a tote bag, rucksack, or even jewelry beautifully handcrafted from shell casings.
Here are some of our Sword & Plough favorites in the WILCO SUPPLY shop:
Sword and Plough Tote
Meet one of your soon-to-be go-to bags! This screen-printed tote is made from heavy military-spec canvas and bridle leather straps. All in all, it's versatile and stylish, giving you enough space to carry everything from books and a laptop to diapers and baby bottles.
Bar Necklace
A beautiful neck length piece hand-crafted from a .50 caliber shell casing. This perfect everyday necklace combines an elegant form with durable shell casing brass to create a look that is both rugged and refined.
Stella Valle
Ashley and Paige are sisters and West Point grads. While they clearly have a love of service, they are equally passionate about fashion and design! It’s obvious they have an eye for creativity, and I love seeing it come into play throughout Stella Valle’s unique, high-quality pieces.
Here are some of our Sword & Plough favorites in the WILCO SUPPLY shop:
Empowered Women Empower Women Necklace
Fierce is a word that comes to mind when I see this Stella Valle necklace. It’s edgy. It’s eye-catching. It’s feminine. Somehow, this 18K gold showstopper checks all the boxes. The best part? The engraved tag: EMPOWERED WOMEN EMPOWER WOMEN.
Hexagon Bracelet
This bracelet, while similar to the Heart Bracelet, offers its own uniqueness with a hexagon shape and the engraved words, BE YOUR OWN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL. Wear this one around your wrist for an important everyday reminder.
And of course, we would love to honor our veteran-owned businesses right here in Alaska, home to WILCO SUPPLY!
Megan and Lacey met in Iraq as air traffic controllers back in 2007. During that time, they both came face to face with the darkest of times. Separately they sought refuge with therapy and family, then one day, Megan decided to make a batch of granola made with bananas from her backyard and eventually followed her life-long passion of becoming an entrepreneur. With an Instagram post and comment from Lacey, Elevated Oats became so much more than just an idea. They reconnected and from that moment with one banana bread granola recipe, one idea, and two women on a mission, Elevated Oats was born.
Owned by Army Veteran, Derrick Green, Waffles and Whatnot has been voted "Best Food Truck in Alaska," and is currently located at 500 Muldoon Road (conveniently close to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson!). My personal favorite is the signature chicken and waffle combo, the "Badass Yard Bird," or BAYB, for short. And for those of you outside of Alaska, you can order hand-packaged, pre-made waffle mixes online! Check out the savory mixes (cornbread, anyone?) as well!
Amy's husband met AK Coffee Company co-founder and Alaska Army National Guard member, Sawyer Rickman in a business class at University of Alaska Anchorage a few years ago! Since then, he and Amy had the pleasure of also getting to know Sawyer's partner in life and business, Emily. They also have become friends with their third partner in the business, Pascual Reig. Their organic beans are sourced directly from Legacy Farms Coffee in Honduras, and roasted here in Anchorage, for an outstanding brew every time! You can order their coffee and cool swag like this wrap sweater online at akcoffeecompany.com.
Timber & Tundra Leather Co. and Upstream Counseling
Army veteran Maria Ballard hand crafts rustic and minimalist bags, jewelry, key chains and more. Check out her Etsy shop for unique specialty items like this Men's Kodiak Leather Newsie Cap.
In addition to being a talented artisan, Maria is committed to helping others heal from trauma as a Therapist specializing in EDMR Therapy. She says her experience as a former Rocket Launcher Mechanic in the Army contributes to her success as a Therapist. Maria's practice, Upstream Counseling, is located in midtown Anchorage.
The best part about being a member of the military and veteran community is the camaraderie. That's why we didn't hesitate to introduce ourselves to Air Force veteran Matt Worden, owner and guide of Go Hike Alaska - and fellow Visit Anchorage member!
Alaska is famous for its breathtaking views and incredible wildlife. (Think glaciers and mountains serving as a home to moose, bears, bison, whales, bald eagles, puffins, and more!) Our state is effortlessly breathtaking. When highlighting local veteran-owned businesses, I couldn't miss the chance to spotlight Matt and Go Hike Alaska.
Of course, our list wouldn't be complete without Dustin Slinker, founder of The Bait Shack!
Dustin is an Army veteran, Bronze Star awardee and Purple Heart recipient. He served in the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas and 25th Infantry Division here at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. An avid fisherman since age 4, Dustin's dream was to someday own a bait shop. In 2011, he transitioned to civilian life and founded The Bait Shack at Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage. His one-stop-shop offers fishing rentals, guide services, bait (ask for the famous "Creek Candy") and tackle. Beyond Ship Creek, Dustin offers extended rentals to fish other parts of Alaska. When winter approaches, Dustin and his team offer ice fishing adventures in the Anchorage and Matanuska-Susitna areas.
Join us in making sure our Veterans feel supported, encouraged, and honored this Veterans Day. And as always, for those who have Served or continue to Serve thank you so much for your Service and Sacrifice for our Great Nation!
-Kaye Paraoan
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