Veteran Honored, But Struggles To Keep Business Open

06:28

August 27, 2014

We first met Marine Corps veteran Matt Victoriano in Charlotte when we were there to cover the Democratic Convention in 2012. We've been following his story for the last four years, as he struggled to find his way after service.

Seven months ago, he was able to open his own business — Intrepid Life Coffee & Spirits in Durham, North Carolina. But now he's behind on the rent and may be forced to close it.

That's happening as Victoriano is being honored today at the White House for being a "Champion of Change," a veteran showing leadership as an entrepreneur. He tells Here & Now's Robin Young that he hopes an Indiegogo fundraising campaign will allow him to remain an entrepreneur.

Marine Corps Vet Finally Opens His Own Business (January 2014)
Marine Veteran Struggles To Start His Own Business (October 2013)

Matt Victoriano and Robin Young pose for a photo in front of Intrepid Life Coffee & Spirits in January 2014. (Robin Young/Here & Now) — Matt Victoriano and Robin Young pose for a photo in front of Intrepid Life Coffee & Spirits in January 2014. (Here & Now)

Guest

Matt Victoriano, Marine veteran and owner of Intrepid Life Coffee & Spirits. He tweets @IntrepidLifeNC.

This segment aired on August 27, 2014.