REGISTER HERE

THE NEXT MISSION: PROFESSIONAL FULFILLMENT

The Veterans in Business Expo is a premier event designed to support and empower veteran entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. This expo provides a dynamic platform for veterans to connect with industry leaders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, offering valuable networking opportunities, business development resources, and educational workshops. Attendees can explore exhibitor booths featuring veteran-owned businesses, government contracting opportunities, and corporate partnerships. With expert-led panels, keynote speakers, and hands-on sessions, the Veterans in Business Expo is a must-attend event for those looking to grow their businesses, enhance their skills, and build a strong network within the veteran business community.

Featuring Keynote Speaker - Patrick Banger


Patrick was appointed City Manager in August 2011. Patrick has over 24 years of local government experience and 7 years of executive-level leadership in the private sector. 

In his current role and under his leadership, Gilbert has become the 72nd largest city in the U.S., with a growing population of 292,711. Patrick has been a key leader in transforming Gilbert into one of the most sought-after places for residential living, corporate expansions, and relocations. He is a forward-thinking, change-orientated leader who has been instrumental in helping Gilbert become one of the nation's most prestigious and award-winning communities. Since 2011, Gilbert’s financial performance has excelled and was recognized as the top performing city in the nation post-recession, tripling its general fund reserves and receiving thirty-six credit rating upgrades culminating in AAA ratings from all three agencies: Moody’s Investor Service, Fitch, and S&P placing Gilbert in the top .002% of cities in the nation. 

Patrick has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Missouri State University and a Master of Arts Degree in Management from Webster University. He is an active member of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Sr. Staff Committee, Past Chairman of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Management Board, Past President of the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) and a former Honorary Base Commander at Luke Air Force Base. He also received the 2019 John J. ‘Jack’ Debolski Award for Excellence in City Management by the Arizona City/County Management Association, the highest ACMA bestows on a public official. 

Meet the Panelists:


Eric T. Whitmoyer proudly served in the Army National Guard for almost 9 years.  He is also a best-selling author, speaker, inventor, former champion kickboxer, business strategist, and the Founder & CEO of My Biz Coaches which is based in Chandler, AZ, and is a national business coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs grow smarter and scale faster. With over 30 years of executive leadership & entrepreneurship (including 15 businesses), Eric brings proven expertise in sales, marketing, finance, operations, and strategic growth. Under his leadership, My Biz Coaches launched its Billion Dollar Mission: to help 1,000 small businesses profitably achieve $1 million in annual revenue. Eric and his team are passionate about educating business owners on the 6 Core Competencies to successful businesses and live by the motto: “From Start-Up to Exit, we are with you every step of the way.”

Korey Bahme founder of Bahme Law, is a dedicated Arizona attorney focused on empowering businesses with proactive legal counsel. A Florence native, she earned her law degree from Arizona State University and brings experience across business law, litigation, real estate, insurance, hospitality, and energy sectors. Korey’s background as in-house counsel and her versatile legal skills allow her to guide businesses of all sizes with strategic, preventive solutions. At Bahme Law, she is committed to helping clients minimize risk and achieve their vision for success.

Michael Kreitinger is the founder of Liberty Star Wealth and a U.S. Army veteran who now helps fellow veterans and business owners make smart, confident financial decisions. With a focus on practical support—not pressure—Michael partners with his clients to simplify investing, plan for the future, and build financial strategies that align with their goals. He brings a relatable, real-world approach to every conversation, helping other veteran entrepreneurs strengthen both their personal and business finances. 

Peter Salazar is a business owner, keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. He spent over 20 years in the corporate sector in senior finance roles. Today, he works with businesses to ensure they have a strong financial foundation. His focus is to minimize taxes and maximize retirement. He holds an MBA from ASU's WP Carey School of Business and a CPA designation.

Tom Murray is the founder and Chief Problem Solver at Arthur Bookkeeping & Tax, a veteran-owned firm based in Gilbert, Arizona. With over 15 years of experience in financial management, Tom specializes in providing small businesses and nonprofits with clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. As an Intuit Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, he offers services ranging from virtual bookkeeping to strategic tax planning and financial forecasting. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Tom brings discipline and dedication to his work, helping fellow veterans and entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of financial management.


Speaker - Dr. George Olander


Dr. George Olander is the Director of the Arizona Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) for the State of Arizona, headquartered here in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Olander is a former Marine Corps Aviator and dedicated to assisting Veterans in the formation of Veteran owned businesses. Previously, Dr. Olander was a Finance Professor at Arizona State University, the Carey School of Business. Prior to joining ASU, Dr. Olander worked for over 30 years in Corporate Finance and Business Consulting. He brings the academic as well as practical experience to the role of VBOC Director. 
" The Resource Briefing: Tools for the Veteran Business Journey" 
Learn Arizona State resources offered to veterans, spouses, and transitioning active-duty members.