The Veterans Growing America Podcast
Welcome to "The Veterans Growing America Podcast," hosted by the insightful duo, Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons. This engaging podcast is dedicated to showcasing the entrepreneurial journeys of veterans, active service members, and their dependents who have bravely ventured into the world of business.
In collaboration with Veterans Growing America (VGA), an organization committed to fostering the growth of veteran-owned businesses, our hosts bring to life the stories of those who have served their country and are now serving their communities through entrepreneurship. Each episode invites a new guest to share not only the unique proposition of their business but also their personal narrative as a veteran or a family member of a veteran.
The Veterans Growing America Podcast
Ken Moorman- Jirani Coffeehouse
🎙️ In this heartfelt and powerful episode of the Veteran’s Growing America Podcast, hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons sit down with Ken Moorman, U.S. Army Veteran, author, speaker, and the visionary founder of Jirani Coffeehouse — the first business to give Veterans Growing America space to vend and thrive.
☕ Known for building more than just a coffee shop, Ken created Jirani Coffeehouse in Old Town Manassas as a vibrant community hub for culture, conversation, and creativity. With a second location opening in Manassas Park in Summer 2025, Ken’s impact continues to grow — just like the dreams he helps others believe in and achieve.
📘 As the author of On The Other Side Of My Dream, Ken shares a deeply personal and inspirational story of how grief and personal loss fueled his entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, he opens up about transforming pain into purpose and using his experiences to mentor entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to chase their visions while navigating life's toughest challenges.
🎯 Episode Highlights:
- Ken’s journey from military service to entrepreneurial leadership
- The founding story of Jirani Coffeehouse and its role in supporting veterans and community
- Why giving space to Veterans Growing America mattered to him
- The connection between grief, healing, and the pursuit of purpose-driven business
- Lessons from On The Other Side Of My Dream and how to turn loss into legacy
💡 Whether you're a veteran, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone overcoming hardship — this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to dream again.
🔗 Learn more about Jirani Coffeehouse: https://jirani.coffee
📚 Grab Ken’s book On The Other Side Of My Dream: [Insert link here]
🌐 Learn more at: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
📲 Follow Coach R.L. Simmons: @coachrlsimmons
💬 Connect with Donnell Johns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns
👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more veteran-led stories of resilience, vision, and impact.
#VeteransGrowingAmerica #KenMoorman #JiraniCoffeehouse #VeteranEntrepreneur #OnTheOtherSideOfMyDream #GriefAndGrowth #CommunityBuilder #PurposeDrivenBusiness #MilitaryVeterans #BlackBusinessOwner #CreativeSpaces #EntrepreneurshipWithHeart