One immutable fact for any business venture is assuming some level of risk. Bravely challenging the unknown is a canon of the entrepreneurial spirit which sets Vetrepreneurs apart. Dan Frank, the 2009 Small Business Vetrepreneur of the Year is no stranger to taking risks.

"Ever since I could remember, I was fascinated with airplanes and wanted to become a pilot," Frank said. "I was attracted to the Navy primarily because of carrier aviation, but also because of the Navy’s diverse mission capabilities. I thought the Navy would provide me with the most challenging career a young man could want."

This bold spirit led Frank to take a considerable risk by selling his home in California in 2006 and take his pregnant wife and their six-year-old son to Falls Church, Va. to start his own business.

"I used some cash from the proceeds of the (house) sale to keep us alive," Frank said. "Other than that, we had no income for 12 months. During this time, I embraced the mantra ‘no risk, no reward.’"

Frank, 48, entered Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) in 1984 and earning his wings in 1985. He was assigned to fly the EA-6B Prowler. He concluded his active duty service with a three year assignment to CINCPAC planning Tomahawk cruise missile missions during Operation Desert Storm.

Frank worked for several large software companies as vice president of sales including Sterling Software and Computer Associates. He decided to capitalize on his information technology expertise to develop Three Wire Systems, LLC, which specializes in technology, program management and construction solutions.

"We started out that first year and made about $50,000 or so," Frank said. "Then we went to 2.7 million in 2007."

After taking no personal income in 2006, Frank helped Three Wire grow rapidly with the firm now on track for a $5M annual revenue for 2008 at $500K net income. Frank anticipates even greater expansion in the near future.

"Our key technology focus for 2009 and beyond is enabling Web 2.0 strategies such as virtual collaboration platforms for our U.S. government clients," Frank said. "For example, we’re introducing this concept into our VetAdvisor Support Program in the Spring of 2009."

Frank said being named Vetrepreneur of the Year came as quite a shock.

"It’s a great honor, first of all," Frank said. "I was a bit surprised that I was able to win the award. I’ve worked hard to build the business and I think we’ve done a great job at doing that, but nonetheless I’m surprised and very happy about it."

Frank stressed the importance of vetrepreneurs understanding and capitalizing on the resources available to them.

"All vetrepreneurs should work with the Center for Veterans Enterprise," Frank said. "Get to know the people and understand their mission. Support private sector organizations like NaVOBA. If you do not support these organizations, who will?"

Frank also said that with the right attitude and hard work, anyone can be successful.

"I like to think of myself as a regular guy who had a dream and thought big," Frank said. "Three Wire is a young company and our best days are ahead of us."

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