Every year since 1963, the President has called for the celebration of National Small Business Week, a week to highlight the huge role that small business has in the American economy. As part of National Small Business Week, the Small Business Administration honors businesses, business owners, and champions of small businesses that have made a significant impact or accomplished greatness throughout the year.
This year, the San Antonio District of the SBA has recognized PeopleFund’s CEO Gary Lindner as the Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year. He has been the driving force behind the unique and widely venerated PeopleVET program, a comprehensive lending and education program that offers practical business education and a $20,000 loan at a 5% interest rate to all veterans, active duty, or military spouses.
Mr. Lindner is an Air Force veteran and former combat pilot. During his distinguished 29 year military career, he flew intensive air combat missions in Southeast Asia, followed by a series of increasingly challenging flying, staff, and CEO assignments. He was Commander of a flying squadron, CEO of Tempelhof Air Base in Berlin, and CEO of Lackland Air Force Base, where he was responsible for the safety and welfare of over 50,000 people. As Air Training Command Chief of Staff, he directed a 1500 person staff responsible for worldwide training of almost 100,000 Air Force members. He achieved the rank of Colonel ad Command Pilot status. During his career, he earned over 30 military awards to include three Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and nine Air Medals. An Air Force Academy graduate, he earned a Master’s degree from Auburn University. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, inducted into the Military Order of Daedalians, and Air Force Academy Saber Society.
The PeopleFund family is proud to be led by the 2015 Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year, and we know that Gary Lindner has always been, and will continue to be, a champion for veterans and all Texas entrepreneurs.
Mr. Lindner, along with the rest of the awardees, will be recognized at a ceremony on May 14th, occurring during National Small Business Week and PeopleFund’s Innovation Week.