From Marine to Esports Entrepreneur
After eight years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, John Crossman transitioned out of the military with leadership experience, global deployments and a strong foundation of discipline and resilience.
During his time in uniform, he served as a Marine Scout Team Leader, acting Platoon SGT and Marine Sniper and Surveillance and Target Acquisition instructor. He traveled around the world, visiting five of the seven continents, and building skills that would later shape his approach to business ownership. But like many veterans, the transition into civilian life meant stepping into the unknown and figuring out what came next.
For Crossman, that next step became entrepreneurship. After exiting the military, Crossman became interested in the rise of video games as a form of entertainment, a way to reduce anxiety and other benefits, such as helping children, veterans and those with mental and physical disorders grow and express themselves. He also learned about the educational opportunities associated with video games and the rise of esports.
Because of this and a desire to give back to the community, Crossman decided to open his own business, VDO Gaming & eSports Education, LLC, in Menands, New York, using gaming as a platform for education, connection and growth.
Turning Knowledge into Opportunity
Before launching his business, Crossman took a deliberate approach to learning how to build something from scratch. “The very first thing I did was educate myself about how to build a business from the ground up,” he shared. “I did all the research on the rise of video gaming as entertainment, as a career and the expanding educational opportunities.”
As he researched the growing esports industry, Crossman discovered it was more than just a trend; it was an opportunity to build something meaningful for his community. He completed multiple entrepreneurship courses and participated in business training programs, including the Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot courses at the McNulty Veteran Business Center (VBOC).
Tip: Take time to study your industry before launching. Understanding trends, demand and long-term potential can help you build a business that is both relevant and sustainable. Incorporate your research into your business plan. Learn more about writing a business plan.
Building the Business with SBA Support
Like many veteran entrepreneurs, Crossman turned to available resources to help bring his vision to life. Through his local VBOC and the University at Albany Small Business Development Center, he received guidance on refining his business plan and preparing for funding. Crossman’s goal was to present a business plan to a lending institution and receive a loan.
VBOCs help aspiring business owners by providing pre-business plan workshops and preparation, giving clients like Crossman peace of mind. They also provide expert assistance in developing a plan that lenders will approve, as well as helping clients find a loan, like SBA’s flagship 7(a) loan, which can be used to acquire a building, as working capital or to purchase equipment.
“With their help, I was able to finish up the business plan and qualified for [the] SBA 7(a) Loan program,” he said.
Tip: Don’t try to do it alone. SBA resource partners, such as VBOCs and SBDCs, can help you refine your plan, educate you on funding opportunities and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Growth and Community Impact
Although VDO Gaming & eSports Education is still in its early stages, the business is already making an impact. Crossman hired an esports company to manage his facility, and within the company’s first eight months of operation, they secured a contract with Albany County Parks and Recreation.
In addition to securing that contract, the business successfully launched its first summer camp programs, creating opportunities for community engagement and youth development. These early milestones highlight both the demand for innovative programming and the strength of Crossman’s vision.
As he looks to the future, Crossman plans to expand into a larger facility and continue growing his educational offerings.
Tip: It’s never too early to make plans for expansion and growth. Continue working with SBA resources such as your local VBOC and SBDC to revise your business plan and learn about available expansion resources when your business is ready. Learn about SBA resources to help you grow your business.
Explore SBA Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs
Crossman’s advice to other veterans considering entrepreneurship is simple but powerful: “Never give up, no matter what obstacles get in your way. If it’s your dream, you can do it.”
If you’re a veteran or military spouse looking to start or grow a business, SBA resources can help you take the next step:
Ready to take the next step? Visit sba.gov/veterans and follow the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.
After eight years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, John Crossman transitioned out of the military with leadership experience, global deployments and a strong foundation of discipline and resilience.
During his time in uniform, he served as a Marine Scout Team Leader, acting Platoon SGT and Marine Sniper and Surveillance and Target Acquisition instructor. He traveled around the world, visiting five of the seven continents, and building skills that would later shape his approach to business ownership. But like many veterans, the transition into civilian life meant stepping into the unknown and figuring out what came next.
For Crossman, that next step became entrepreneurship. After exiting the military, Crossman became interested in the rise of video games as a form of entertainment, a way to reduce anxiety and other benefits, such as helping children, veterans and those with mental and physical disorders grow and express themselves. He also learned about the educational opportunities associated with video games and the rise of esports.
Because of this and a desire to give back to the community, Crossman decided to open his own business, VDO Gaming & eSports Education, LLC, in Menands, New York, using gaming as a platform for education, connection and growth.
Turning Knowledge into Opportunity
Before launching his business, Crossman took a deliberate approach to learning how to build something from scratch. “The very first thing I did was educate myself about how to build a business from the ground up,” he shared. “I did all the research on the rise of video gaming as entertainment, as a career and the expanding educational opportunities.”
As he researched the growing esports industry, Crossman discovered it was more than just a trend; it was an opportunity to build something meaningful for his community. He completed multiple entrepreneurship courses and participated in business training programs, including the Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot courses at the McNulty Veteran Business Center (VBOC).
Tip: Take time to study your industry before launching. Understanding trends, demand and long-term potential can help you build a business that is both relevant and sustainable. Incorporate your research into your business plan. Learn more about writing a business plan.
Building the Business with SBA Support
Like many veteran entrepreneurs, Crossman turned to available resources to help bring his vision to life. Through his local VBOC and the University at Albany Small Business Development Center, he received guidance on refining his business plan and preparing for funding. Crossman’s goal was to present a business plan to a lending institution and receive a loan.
VBOCs help aspiring business owners by providing pre-business plan workshops and preparation, giving clients like Crossman peace of mind. They also provide expert assistance in developing a plan that lenders will approve, as well as helping clients find a loan, like SBA’s flagship 7(a) loan, which can be used to acquire a building, as working capital or to purchase equipment.
“With their help, I was able to finish up the business plan and qualified for [the] SBA 7(a) Loan program,” he said.
Tip: Don’t try to do it alone. SBA resource partners, such as VBOCs and SBDCs, can help you refine your plan, educate you on funding opportunities and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Growth and Community Impact
Although VDO Gaming & eSports Education is still in its early stages, the business is already making an impact. Crossman hired an esports company to manage his facility, and within the company’s first eight months of operation, they secured a contract with Albany County Parks and Recreation.
In addition to securing that contract, the business successfully launched its first summer camp programs, creating opportunities for community engagement and youth development. These early milestones highlight both the demand for innovative programming and the strength of Crossman’s vision.
As he looks to the future, Crossman plans to expand into a larger facility and continue growing his educational offerings.
Tip: It’s never too early to make plans for expansion and growth. Continue working with SBA resources such as your local VBOC and SBDC to revise your business plan and learn about available expansion resources when your business is ready. Learn about SBA resources to help you grow your business.
Explore SBA Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs
Crossman’s advice to other veterans considering entrepreneurship is simple but powerful: “Never give up, no matter what obstacles get in your way. If it’s your dream, you can do it.”
If you’re a veteran or military spouse looking to start or grow a business, SBA resources can help you take the next step:
- Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC) – Extend training, counseling and mentorship
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) – Offer business planning and advising
- SBA Loan Programs – Provide access to capital
Ready to take the next step? Visit sba.gov/veterans and follow the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.