At the helm of ZeroMils, Kevin Schmiegel, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Marine Corps, serves as the CEO with a clear and purpose-driven mission. Alongside his business partner, Colonel Paul Cucinotta (USMC, Ret.), they founded ZeroMils to bridge the gap between veterans, military spouses, corporations, and nonprofits, leveraging a network built on shared values and mutual goals.
ZeroMils operates with a unique perspective within the veteran and military community. The organization targets all sectors — from veterans and military spouses who are part of corporate employee resource groups to entrepreneurs and clients engaged with veteran-focused nonprofits. The initiative stems from a sincere desire to facilitate substantial opportunities for these individuals, helping them harness their potential and excel in various professional domains. To go beyond surviving and get to Military Thriving™.
The inception of ZeroMils was driven by a personal connection to the military community and a shared vision between the founders. “Our company was founded on the belief that by leveraging our relationships and connecting purpose-driven companies with best-in-class nonprofits, we could align mission, vision, and values and achieve an even greater impact,” explains Schmiegel. This foundational philosophy is about creating and nurturing environments where veterans and military spouses can thrive.
Looking ahead, ZeroMils is committed to revolutionizing the economic landscape for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Military Spouse-Owned Small Businesses (MSOSBs).
The goals are ambitious but clear: to influence the nation’s economy, workforce trends, and societal impact positively. By fostering opportunities in small business ownership, nonprofit leadership, and corporate involvement, ZeroMils aims to establish a framework where success is both a collective and an individual achievement.
The organization operates under a strategic three-pillar playbook that includes integrating talent, fostering social impact, and enhancing marketing strategies. This approach ensures that companies and organizations can go beyond just being “military friendly” to truly being “military thriving.”
With an eye on the future, Schmiegel is excited about the prospects for 2024 and beyond. The agenda includes a series of initiatives like their “Military Thriving Live” events and networking gatherings in partnership with regional chambers of commerce. These programs are designed to introduce veterans and military spouses to new business opportunities, providing them with the tools and networks necessary to succeed.
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In essence, ZeroMils doesn’t just challenge the status quo; it seeks to transform it. The organization’s mission statement, “to create military thriving cultures and communities,” encapsulates its overarching aim. As Schmiegel puts it, “We are Veterans and Military Spouses. We served. And we are Military Thriving™ due to our service and not despite it.” This powerful declaration not only reflects the resilience and capability of the military community but also underscores ZeroMils’ commitment to elevating every aspect of their lives.
