Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year

Joe Elizondo - The Greenwood Door Company

Nominated by Gabe Guerra - Kleberg Bank

Joe Elizondo is the president of Greenwood Door Company, which sells commercial and residential doors throughout the U.S., and to countries such as Russia, Spain, Canada, and Mexico. Joe has been awarded Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year because he exemplifies the true spirit of an accomplished American, who despite having lost his brother and nearly losing his life while defending this great country in the war jungles of Vietnam, has continued to be an advocate for others, primarily Veterans and minorities, in the pursuit of owning a small business. Born on the Legendary King Ranch, Joe knew early on that he wanted to be his own boss. Shortly after graduating from high school, Joe enlisted in the United States Marines Corp. He served during the Vietnam War, and came home a highly decorated solider. With the help of the American GI Bill, Joe enrolled at Del Mar College. In 1974, Joe opened what is now known as the Greenwood Door Company. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, Joe is deeply involved in our local community. He is a member of the American G.I. Forum, a former board member of the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation, a former board member of the Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a former board member of the Christus Spohn Health System, and a board member of the Coastal Bend Minority Business Council. Joe is a proud American citizen who can truly say that he has fought on the battlefield, in the board rooms and in the meeting rooms of his South Texas community for the opportunities afforded to Veterans and all other American entrepreneurs.