Simple Brandz Becomes Certified Veteran-Owned Business

Sherry Post is one of a rare kind.

The 8-year Army veteran is the founder and owner of Simple Brandz Inc. in Hatfield Borough, which she formed after landing on unemployment in 2010. Simple Brandz manufactures high protein, gluten free and raw vegan health food that keeps its users hydrated.

What has been born in the past two years are three products: Simple Granola (in five flavors), Simple Fuel chocolate-flavored nutritional supplement powder (made with 45+ ingredients) and the 4.1-ounce, three-serving Simple Fuel Bar.

Post is not a rare kind because of what she created; she is a rare kind because Simple Brandz just became a certified veteran-owned business through the Veterans Administration.

Post was congratulated Monday afternoon with an appearance by Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, R-8th District.

Fitzpatrick is the sponsor of two bills aimed to benefit veterans: the Tax Credit to Hire Veterans Act of 2011 and Fairness to Veterans Act.

"These will be the most groundbreaking, big benefits for veterans since the G.I. Bill," said Fitzpatrick.

Both bills were introduced in the 112th Congress which ended on January 3, 2013. Fitzpatrick will reintroduce both bills as part of the 113th Congress. Neither bill has been signed into law.

"I want to see veteran-owned businesses have the same opportunities and preferences that every other business gets," Fitzpatrick said.

He said there is major difficulty in returning servicemen and women starting businesses. He said many veteran-owned business, who are not certified, are often overlooked by government. 

Fitzpatrick said unemployment among returning veterans is twice the national average.

"We have to be certain everybody is on a level playing field," he said. "We, as a government, have to do enough we possibly can to support those returning from service."

Veterans, he said, have the same discipline, integrity, service and sacrifice that other small business owners need to get a business started.

"We need to grow this economy. I believe the community of veterans can help lead the way," Fitzpatrick said.

The Tax Credit to Hire Veterans Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the limitation on expensing certain depreciable assets for certain businesses that hire veterans, according to Fitzpatrick.

"We have to enact and implement policies to get the economy moving," he said.

Under the Fairness to Veterans Act, veteran-owned businesses can get certified by the U.S. government and receive the same preferences as others when it comes to government contracts, be it school district, municipality or federal.

"If school districts look for products here, if Souderton Area School District or Central Bucks want to provide items to students that have to be bid out, a veteran-owned business gets preference on the product," he said. "It's situated perfect so that business can take off. 

Post received her certification as a veteran-owned business in December.

"It's not easy to get. There is a lot of federal bureaucracy," Fitzpatrick said. "Sherry has done it."

Post said less than 1 percent of Americans attain such an honor.

"I'm entitled to it," Post said. "We are it. We want to get certified to make sure we are seizing every opporutunity in life."

Post said Simple Brandz has a goal to hire veterans for its manufacturing division. She eventually would like to get the product into schools, commissaries and military bases.

Simple Brandz can be found locally at Trolley Stop Deli in Hatfield Borough, Arnold's Way in Lansdale, Main St. Java in Souderton, Down to Earth Cafe in Perkasie, Landis Supermarkets, Henning's Market in Lower Salford, Faraday's Natural Food Shop in Pennsburg and The Health Food Store in Chalfont.

Post said Simple Brandz wants to hire more veterans for its manufacturing division.

D. DePalma, public relations agent for Simple Brandz, said there is also a goal to develop a scholarship program to students that would allow them to have summer employment at Simple Brandz.

Check out Post's products at www.SimpleFuel.com.

There's also a Simple Brandz Facebook page. 

Contact Post and Simple Brandz at 1-855-BESIMPLE or info@simplefuel.com