US Air Force Veteran Wins Grant to Expand Hit Outdoor Game
(PRWEB) April 06, 2018 -- What started as a small business to help veterans get back on their feet has even bigger plans after earning a grant from the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University in February 2018.
The game, which combines the engaging aspects of bowling, bocce, and horseshoes into one, portable, fun-for-the-whole-family package, has seen 30% growth each year over the last four years.
“I decided to retire from the Air Force after 20 years of service to pursue this new adventure. This grant not only helps put my mind at ease but is essential to furthering my business,” stated Lt Col Matt Butler, founder of Rollors. “I am very honored to have been awarded this grant.”
Butler won the D’Aniello Family Foundation Acceleration Challenge and placed third in the VetSmallBiz Growth Challenge 2.0 at the inaugural IVMF Veteran EDGE Conference focused on propelling veteran–owned businesses to the next level of success by connecting them to no-cost training, mentoring and access to capital at the national conference. With the grant money, Butler plans to expand the brand’s digital marketing and PR strategies as well as begin attending trade shows.
Since the launch of Rollors, Butler has been committed to raising funds and giving back to honorable causes. To date, Rollors has donated over $10K worth of products to philanthropies which support injured and fallen soldiers and disease awareness and prevention.
For additional information, please visit https://rollors.com or contact Brooke Daily at [email protected].
About Rollors
Rollors is an addictive outdoor game of skill and luck for the whole family that can be played on any flat terrain from backyards to the beach. Players take turns rolling the durable wooden disks toward goal posts and earn points depending on how and where the disks land.
It is available in 600 retailers nationwide including Dicks Sporting Goods, Cabelas, Amazon, Wayfair, and other specialty boutiques. It has received numerous commendations including the 2013 Product of the Year Award from Family Review Center, 2013 Toy Tips and Trust Award, a Best Gear for 2014 product according to Men’s Journal, and the 2014 Oppenheim Best Toy Award Gold Seal.
About the Founder
Matt Butler, US Air Force Officer and inventor of Rollors, had that lightbulb moment when looking for a relaxing game to play during downtime between deployments. Once he returned home, he knew it was time to turn it into a reality. He quickly looked to his other out of work brothers in arms for help and has been providing veterans with much-needed jobs ever since. Today, Butler outsources 80% of vital business processes to veteran-owned companies.
About the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education, and policy issues impacting veterans and their families. Through its professional staff and experts, the IVMF delivers leading programs in career, vocational, and entrepreneurship education and training, while also conducting actionable research, policy analysis, and program evaluations. The IVMF also supports communities through collective impact efforts that enhance delivery and access to services and care. The Institute, supported by a distinguished advisory board, along with public and private partners, is committed to advancing the lives of those who have served in America’s armed forces and their families. For more information, visit ivmf.syracuse.edu and follow the IVMF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Brooke Daily, Veteran PR, http://www.veteranpr.com, +1 3126237127, [email protected]
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