From Soldier to Café Owner: A Veteran’s Journey

After serving 15 years in the U.S. Army, John Michaels faced the challenge of transitioning to civilian life. During his service, coffee became a constant companion during long nights and early mornings, sparking a dream to open his own café one day.

Upon retiring, John took a business course and opened Veteran Grounds in 2022, a café blending his love for coffee with the values he learned in the military—discipline, teamwork, and resilience. His café quickly became a community hub, particularly for veterans, offering jobs and support for those adjusting to civilian life.

While running a café was a new challenge, John found many parallels to his military experience—leadership, attention to detail, and mental toughness. He faced difficulties, from managing finances to learning customer preferences, but the rewards of seeing his café thrive and support others were worth it.

Today, Veteran Grounds is a symbol of community and perseverance, showing that the skills from military service can pave the way for new, fulfilling missions in civilian life.