Key Takeaways
Flags of Valor is a veteran-owned and veteran-operated company that handcrafts wooden American flags and patriotic gifts entirely in the United States. Founded in 2015 by combat veterans Brian Steorts and Joe Shamess, the Virginia-based company was built with two missions: create meaningful employment opportunities for veterans and produce American-made products that honor service, sacrifice, and patriotism.
A Flag With a Story
For many Americans, the flag is more than a piece of fabric.
It represents freedom, sacrifice, service, and the countless men and women who have defended the nation throughout its history.
For Brian Steorts, however, the American flag became something even more personal.
After serving as both an Army paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division and later as an Air Force Special Operations pilot, Steorts suffered a service-related spinal injury during combat deployments. During his recovery, he turned to woodworking as part of his rehabilitation. What started as therapy soon became something much larger.
Unable to find a handcrafted American flag that truly reflected the quality and meaning he was looking for, he decided to build one himself.
That decision eventually became Flags of Valor.
Building More Than Wooden Flags
Founded alongside fellow Air Force veteran Joe Shamess, Flags of Valor creates handcrafted wooden American flags, military service flags, first responder displays, memorial cases, challenge coin holders, and other patriotic gifts. Every handcrafted item is made in the United States using American-grown or American-made materials.
Each piece is individually cut, stained, painted, assembled, and finished by hand.
The company believes the American flag deserves to be treated with the same care and craftsmanship as the values it represents.
Veterans Creating Opportunities for Veterans
Flags of Valor was never intended to become just another home décor business.
From the beginning, one of its primary goals has been creating meaningful employment opportunities for military veterans.
The company has built a workplace where veterans can continue serving through craftsmanship, teamwork, and purpose. According to the company, military veterans remain one of America's greatest resources, and its culture reflects the camaraderie and shared mission many veterans miss after leaving active duty.
That mission has helped dozens of veterans transition successfully into civilian careers while continuing to serve something larger than themselves.
Made in America Means Something
Many companies use the phrase "Made in America."
For Flags of Valor, it is central to the business.
The company emphasizes that its handcrafted products are built using American wood, American tools, and American-made materials whenever possible. Founder Brian Steorts has repeatedly said that supporting American workers and American manufacturing is part of the company's identity, not simply a marketing slogan.
In an era when much manufacturing has moved overseas, Flags of Valor has intentionally invested in domestic production and skilled American workers.
Giving Back Never Ends
Military service often instills a commitment to serving others.
Flags of Valor has carried that philosophy into business.
The company partners with veteran-focused nonprofit organizations and supports military families during times of hardship. It has also developed educational programs, including classroom flag-building kits designed to teach students about American history, citizenship, and the meaning of the flag.
This commitment reflects an important idea: service does not necessarily end when military service concludes.
Sometimes it simply changes form.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
Flags of Valor offers several important lessons for future business owners.
First, meaningful businesses often begin with personal experiences. Brian Steorts did not start by searching for the next profitable trend. He simply wanted to create something authentic during his recovery.
Second, values can become a company's greatest competitive advantage. Customers often support businesses whose mission aligns with their own beliefs.
Finally, craftsmanship still matters.
In a world of mass production, people continue to appreciate products built with care, attention to detail, and purpose.
Looking Ahead
Flags of Valor demonstrates that entrepreneurship can preserve traditions while creating new opportunities.
What began as one veteran building a wooden flag during rehabilitation has grown into a nationally recognized company that honors military service, supports veteran employment, strengthens American manufacturing, and helps preserve the meaning behind one of the nation's most important symbols.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, the company's story is a reminder that great businesses are not always built around the newest technology or the latest trend.
Sometimes they are built around timeless values.
Editorial Note
Veteran-Owned Business Spotlight is a recurring series published by New To Education highlighting veteran-owned and veteran-founded businesses making a positive impact in their communities and industries. These articles are intended for educational and informational purposes only. Inclusion in this series does not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of any company, product, or service.
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Sources
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Flags of Valor – About Us
https://www.flagsofvalor.com/pages/about-us -
Flags of Valor – Official Website
https://www.flagsofvalor.com/ -
FOX Business – Veteran-Owned Flags of Valor Believes in American-Made Products
https://www.foxbusiness.com/small-business/veteran-owned-flags-valor-believes-american-made-products-the-foundation-everything-we-stand-for -
Flags of Valor Company History
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flags_of_Valor
