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Yesterday was a great day.
After working with a gentleman for about six months—almost exactly the amount of time since my wife passed—we received notification that the VA had granted him a 60% disability rating.
For him, this was a giant win.
He served two tours in the Marine Corps and is a Desert Shield/Desert Storm veteran. One period of his service unfortunately ended with a bad conduct discharge after some things happened while he was young and going through a divorce. But he also had an honorable period of service, and that mattered.
He had tried three times before to receive VA disability compensation. He had worked with VSOs, but from what I could see, nobody had really looked deeply enough at his entire military history or separated the different periods of his service to determine what conditions could legitimately be connected to his honorable service.
He was referred to me by a retired Navy captain who had known him since they were Junior ROTC kids. Now, decades later, this Marine had served his country, lived with the consequences of that service, battled cancer and other medical problems, and still had never received the benefits he had earned.
So we went to work.
I used the same process I use with everyone: slow down, build the timeline, look at where they served, what they did, what happened to them, what they were exposed to, and what conditions followed them home. Then claim what the evidence supports.
Yesterday, he got his answer: 60%.
That means meaningful tax-free monthly compensation and access to additional VA benefits that can make a real difference in his life.
And I have to tell you, this one felt particularly good.
The last six months have also been some of the hardest months of my own life. I am learning how to live after losing my wife. I don’t think you ever really “recover” from something like that. You learn how to carry it. You find reasons to get up, reasons to keep moving, and hopefully reasons to continue being useful to somebody else.
Yesterday was one of those reasons.
Helping this Marine finally receive recognition for conditions connected to his service reminded me why I continue doing this work.
I hope someone reading this who has been putting off filing a VA disability claim—or who filed before and gave up—will reconsider.
I often describe VA disability compensation simply as workers’ compensation for service members. If military service injured you, made you sick, or caused a condition that continues affecting you today, there is no shame in asking the government to honor that obligation.
You don’t have to exaggerate anything.
You don’t have to claim something that isn’t true.
You just have to do the work, document your story, and advocate for yourself.
Sometimes you may need someone beside you to help you do it.
Yesterday reminded me how thankful I am that, at this point in my own life, I get to be that person for somebody else.
On Azimuth LLC Achieves SBA Certification as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
Windermere, FL — July 1, 2026 — LOUJSWZ INC proudly congratulates On Azimuth LLC on achieving official certification as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on June 30, 2026.
Led by Lieutenant General (Ret.) David Wilson, U.S. Army, On Azimuth LLC provides strategic leadership, organizational strategy, executive advisory, and global logistics consulting services to federal and commercial clients. This certification allows the company to compete for federal set-aside and sole-source opportunities reserved for eligible veteran-owned businesses, including additional contracting opportunities through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Reflecting on the achievement, LTG (Ret.) Wilson said:
“I did this with the encouragement of my Citadel classmate, Louis J. Schwartz, who helped me see that pursuing this certification could give my business a competitive advantage because certification differentiates your business. Instead of competing against thousands of firms, you may compete against only dozens—or even fewer—for veteran set-aside opportunities. That significantly improves your probability of winning contracts.”
He also encouraged fellow veteran entrepreneurs:
“Don’t be shy about reaching out to your networks and seeking assistance. It can be a true difference maker. If you’re certified as a VOSB or SDVOSB, you become eligible for additional opportunities with the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Veterans First Contracting Program—opportunities unavailable to companies without certification.”
Louis Schwartz, President of LOUJSWZ INC, added:
“Helping fellow veterans build successful businesses is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Every veteran-owned company that earns SBA certification expands opportunities not only for that business but also for federal agencies seeking experienced, mission-focused partners.”
Congratulations to Lieutenant General (Ret.) David Wilson and the entire On Azimuth LLC team on this outstanding achievement.
About On Azimuth LLC
On Azimuth LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing strategic leadership, organizational transformation, executive advisory, and global logistics consulting services. Founded by Lieutenant General (Ret.) David Wilson, the company leverages decades of senior military leadership and enterprise logistics experience to help government and commercial organizations improve operational readiness, strategic execution, and organizational performance.
About LOUJSWZ INC
LOUJSWZ INC is a veteran-owned consulting firm specializing in SBA certifications, federal registrations, and government contracting readiness. The company has helped numerous veteran-owned businesses successfully obtain SDVOSB and VOSB certification while also assisting veterans in pursuing the VA disability benefits they have earned through military service.
Winning Proposals for Veteran-Owned Businesses
I just submitted my very first proposal to the State of Florida—and I have to admit, I didn’t think I stood a chance.
This wasn’t some minor RFP. Florida is recompeting its Management Consulting Services Consolidated Schedule, and I chose to compete in Service Category 4: Executive Leadership Development and Customized Training—one of nine powerful categories, all dominated by big-name firms with deep pockets and armies of employees.
But here I am. A veteran, a founder, a team of one, pushing through multiple websites, platforms, registrations, certifications, documents, file formats, and yes—those relentless character count limits—just to be considered viable. To even get a seat at the table.
And I made it.
It was not easy. The process was time-consuming, mentally exhausting, and filled with moments of doubt. But it was also one of the best learning experiences I’ve had as a business owner.
And here’s what I want other small businesses—especially my fellow Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs)—to know:
If you don’t try, you can’t win.
The State of Florida spent over $82 million on management consulting services last year alone. That’s not just a number—it’s an opportunity. One that we, as small, capable, values-driven businesses, can pursue. If you have the right NAICS codes, the right mindset, and the willingness to navigate the process, there’s a real path forward.
Yes, the back-office requirements are real. But compared to the federal government, the state-level procurement process is far more accessible. You don’t need a team of ten compliance officers. You just need to be intentional, organized, and committed to understanding the rules of the game.
I don’t know if I’ll win this one. But I do know this:
- I now understand how the process works.
- I can replicate and refine my submission.
- I’ve proven to myself—and maybe to others—that I belong at the table.
- And I’m ready to bring in some of the most mission-driven leaders I know to serve with excellence.
To anyone else out there feeling like a one-person army going up against giants: keep going.
The journey matters. The learning is real. And your impact—when your moment comes—will be undeniable.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statesville, NC – MWK Ventures LLC., a professional services and logistics management firm, is proud to announce its official designation as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This significant achievement underscores the firm’s ongoing commitment to excellence and its dedication to supporting the veteran community, and is now eligible for preferential access to federal contracts, allowing the firm to contribute more substantially to the public sector.
Mr. Mark Kleinhenz, President and CEO of MWK Ventures LLC, emphasized the importance of the designation: “Becoming an SDVOSB is not just about the growth potential it affords our company. It’s a testament to our dedication to providing opportunities for veterans and ensuring their exceptional skills and experiences are recognized in the business world. It also demonstrates we are operating in accordance with Federal and State laws helping others identify honorable providers of goods and services.”
MWK Ventures, LLC would like to thank Lou Schwartz for his invaluable assistance in securing this designation. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.
For further information about hollandlogistics.com Holland Logistics, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, is a leading global fourth-party logistics (4PL) provider that aims to keep our faith first and strives to provide award-winning ethical customer service and solutions. Based in Statesville, North Carolina, we provide complete supply chain management services and a true partnership that allows you to focus on growing your core business.
For more on Lou Schwartz’s services, please visit loujswz.com or contact him directly at lou@loujswz.com or 706-332-6005.
Mark Kleinhenz
President & CEO
MWK Ventures, LLC and Holland Logistics
2227 Salisbury Hwy, Statesville, NC 28677
[Website](https://www.hollandlogistics.com/ )
SAM.gov UIC: WSZZCPZUWNU4 CAGE: 9VU38
A Picture is Worth 1000 Words
We are starting to get a lot of traction around helping founders show potential customers their organizations are being run in accordance with Federal and State legal, financial and business requirements through the awarding of federal certifications. They also demonstrate there past affiliation with the US Armed Services and there pride in the tradition of service and professionalism the Armed Services represent.
They realize as do customers that Federal Certification offered through the GSA have intrinsic values beyond the ability to open another channel for them. Let me help you see that as well.
We want to partner with you and help your organization have an additional tool to be successful. We work to make our services affordable and a true benefit to you.
We would love to help you. Lou Schwartz, founder
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Acworth, GA, March 21, 2024] – Maples Staffing Group LLC (MSG LLC), a distinguished veteran-owned small business renowned for its two decades of excellence in personal staffing and talent acquisition, proudly announces its achievement of Federal Recognized certification from the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a Veteran Owned Business.
Specializing in NAICS codes 561320 and 561330 that cover Talent Acquisition, MSG LLC has solidified its position as a trusted partner for local, state, and federal government agencies. With a client-centric approach, MSG LLC ensures seamless alignment between individual expertise and organizational requirements, setting a benchmark for excellence in staffing solutions.
This recognition not only positions MSG LLC for federal contracting opportunities but also serves as a “foot in the door” for both clients and talent in their search for meaningful opportunities. It opens pathways for collaboration that foster growth and success, benefiting organizations and individuals alike.
With over two decades of proven expertise, MSG LLC remains committed to delivering superior talent solutions that drive organizational success.
For inquiries or further information, please contact Robert Maples, President, and CEO of Maples Staffing Group LLC, at (678) 852-0413 or rmaples@maplesstaffing.com.
1720 Mars Hill Rd; Suite 124 – PMB – 321 Acworth, GA 30101
Please Contact Lou Schwartz, lou@loujswz.com 706-332-6005 http://www.loujswz.com for assistance to get your business Federally certified.
Today We Received the News
After dedicating several weeks preparing all the necessary documentation to validate my status as a service-disabled veteran and to establish my business as a legitimate small enterprise, we have successfully obtained our certification as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Throughout this process, we have garnered invaluable insights and experiences, all of which have presented us with another avenue to offer our professional services to other organizations seeking to explore additional work opportunities.
Both Sherri and I eagerly anticipate the prospects that this designation will bring, along with the sense of pride associated with being recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration. We are excited to embark on new ventures and hope to make substantial contributions in our field of expertise.
