WASHINGTON - In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Jim Risch, a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the recognition of seven veteran-owned small businesses from across the Gem State as Idaho Small Businesses of the Month for November 2025. Each business will be recognized for its contributions to Idaho in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.
“America’s veterans fought and sacrificed to protect our freedoms. These brave men and women are mission-driven, highly skilled, and continue to serve our communities long after returning home,” said Risch. “I am proud to recognize their service by honoring our dedicated veteran-owned small businesses this November. These businesses are outstanding examples of the impact veterans have on Idaho and the U.S., and I look forward to their continued success.”
All Hands Vending – Rexburg: Navy veterans Dan and Theresa Willis founded All Hands Vending in January 2020 with the mission of boosting employee morale. Based in Rexburg, the Willises are revitalizing breakrooms with state-of-the-art AI Markets and giving back to their community through charitable giving.
American Patriot Plumbing – Athol: Matt Rude opened American Patriot Plumbing in 2022 after serving for more than 20 years in the Idaho Army National Guard. As a third-generation plumber, Matt now offers a variety of plumbing services across North Idaho with military precision.
Iron Mule, Inc. – Boise: Matt Bishop, a Marine Corps veteran, began serving trailside coffee in the Boise Foothills in 2016. A few years later, Matt joined forces with Colin Seeley to create Iron Mule. Together, they have led the company to become the largest coffee roasting facility by volume in the Gem State.
Lava Hillside Suites – Lava Hot Springs: Brothers Cody and Brandon De Los Reyes built and opened Lava Hillside Suites in 2018 upon returning to Eastern Idaho after a combined eight Air Force deployments. Today, the hotel and rooftop bar are popular attractions for locals and tourists visiting Lava Hot Springs.
Lock, Stock, and Barrel Gunworks – Twin Falls: Paul “Wes” Wilson opened Lock, Stock, and Barrel Gunworks in 2019 following 20 years of service in the Army. Wes is known in the Twin Falls area as an experienced hunter, a trusted veteran, and a skilled gunsmith, making him a great resource for the local shooting community.
Table VIII Overland Catering – Boise: Alexander Balderas, call sign “Combat Knife,” founded Table VIII Overland Catering Company in January 2024 after connecting with local veteran groups in Boise. With 24 years of experience as a cook and Culinary Arts Instructor gained over four combat missions, Alexander brings high-quality catering to Idahoans across the Treasure Valley.
The Outback Cabin Rentals– Pierce: To Harv and Colleen Nelson, purchasing The Outback in 2006 was like “winning the lottery.” Harv, a Marine Corps veteran, applied his engineering experience to renovate the 90-year-old bunkhouses into popular rental cabins that have become a staple of the Pierce-Weippe community.
