A Successful Business

That happens to be Women-Owned

Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB)

It’s a big deal to be a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB). WOSBs are increasing in number and servicing more diverse markets every day. As women business owners expand their companies, they contribute to the growth of our national economy and defense.

Aeroforce is also an SDVOSB, EDWOSB and 8(a) Program Participant.

Heather Varney - President

About Heather
Heather learned to solve problems at a very young age. Early on, she discovered her remarkable work ethic, great communication skills, and realized she was quite the risk taker—which lead her to enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. While on active duty, she experienced a serious accident that made her realize life is just too short. From then on, her mindset changed. She decided that if there was something she wanted to do, she was going to do it regardless of what got in the way. Forced to change jobs in the Marine Corps due to her injury, she learned another side of Aviation—material management. She found a passion for being the “parts finder” for the Marine Corps and took that into her civilian career.

Q&A with Heather

  • Well to start, I enjoy spending time at work because my business is my passion. When I am not at work, however, I enjoy spending time with family/friends, motorcycling, and working on house projects. I am quite the animal lover too (Currently, I have a cat and a Doberman Pinscher! But I have owned an Argentine Tegu Lizard and a few tropical  birds).

  • After working at multiple companies, I started to learn that the true sale takes place when you ask your customer what they need, instead of telling them what you sell. Although all the companies I worked for were great, I still had the tremendous urge to serve others the way I thought they should be served. Oddly enough, at a Marine Corps birthday celebration I met my business partner Nick Weissenborn. We share a lot of the same values, yet, think differently than each other (something I value in a partnership). Many more conversations took place and six months later we were at a Starbucks creating a business name and registering it.

  • It feels good to serve others! It took me a long time to realize that everything I enjoy doing, is ultimately to help people. I used to answer this question as what the immediate returns were, like solving customers problems, finding something that could not be found, training others in the industry. I really started thinking why I do these things and what is the reward in return, and it ultimately comes back to building relationships and helping people.

  • Finding my work-to-life balance! As a first-time business owner, I learn more every day on how I can achieve this.

  • Our team! We have a diverse group of people who all bring something different to the table. I cannot emphasize enough how important this is. 

Why WOSB is important

The United States economic engine is made 99.9% small businesses; a major driver of economic growth. In order to compete in the world market these businesses must be innovative, vibrant, and on the cutting edge. The WOSB program fosters and encourages women, regardless of background to contribute and benefit from the pride of business ownership.