Meet Ron Gamble, US Navy Veteran and Founder & Brewmaster of Veterans United Craft Brewery.

Gamble was a naval flight officer stationed in Jacksonville, FL and was deployed to Iraq in 1991. Following his military service, his passion for brewing began with a simple homebrewing kit gifted by his wife, Sheryl.

By 2007, Gamble’s hobby had grown into a full-fledged career path. He attended rigorous training at the Siebel Institute and managed a number of brewhouse and cellar operations in the New England area.

In 2013, Gamble returned to Jacksonville and organized a group of military veterans who shared his enthusiasm for brewing to form Veterans United Craft Brewery. With the help of an #SBA504Loan through Florida First Capital Vice President and Business Development Officer, Kristen Tackett, brewing equipment and furniture & fixtures were purchased to begin operations.

“With as little as 15% down for start-up businesses, borrowers can reduce their cash outlay and preserve vital working capital,” said Tackett. “Plus, below market fixed interest rates and loan terms up to 25 years make savvy business sense.”

Gamble’s staff is primarily made up of military veterans and the beer is emblazoned with patriotic branding, like the Raging Blonde Ale with World War II icon Rosie the Riveter on the label. “I wanted to take everything I learned from the service and take that same pride and passion to make and sell beers at the brewery,” said Gamble.

Florida First Capital salutes veteran-owned businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit that helps build and sustain our communities.

Visit Veterans United Craft Brewery at www.vubrew.com.