DECEMBER 2017 18 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM 10 1. How did Vet Tix get started? In 2007, while attending a self-expression- leadership course at Landmark Education, I was challenged to create a business project that changed our local Arizona community. My modest plan was taking a few vets to a baseball game on Memorial Day. Then while attending Super Bowl XLII in Arizona in 2008 with a friend I had my epiphany. During the opening ceremony, one of my friends who was serving in the military came out with the Color Guard. After the presentation, the color guard was not given seats and was escorted off the field and allowed to stand in the mezzanine. We were both frustrated at the snub or oversight. Even more frustrating however was the fact that two seats near me went unused the entire game. It was at that moment that the idea for the Veteran Tickets Foundation took wings and became a reality a month later. QUESTIONS WITH… Mike Focareto Founder and CEO, Vet Tix

DECEMBER 2017 FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM | 19 2. What does Vet Tix hope to provide veterans? First, smiles and memories. For many in uniform, missed holidays, births, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, and other milestones in life are all too common. Even when these heroes do come home or are discharged, many of these events are beyond their financial abilities and personal budgets. In fact, per our 2015 study 75 percent can’t afford going to events. We want to change that. When folks join Vet Tix they have access to daily emails advising them of events in their area and type of tickets they requested. They pay no more than $14.97 delivery fee for tickets. 3. How does Vet Tix connect to veterans? Over time, as word of mouth spread the story of our organization and what we were doing for veterans, thousands began reaching out to us, wanting to be a part of this amazing 501(c)(3) organization. Vet Tix has over 660,000 verified veterans and active military members currently serving in our system, a number that grows every day. To date, Vet Tix has given out over 3.8 million tickets in all 50 states. A milestone of over 1 million tickets has been distributed so far in 2017, and counting. 4. What has been veterans’ response to Vet Tix? We have over 210,000 thank you testimonials — our growth is word of mouth, and social media interaction has been outstanding. One of our participants Joe DeLand said, “What’s likely the most easily identifiable benefit is a financial one. Many Veterans face financial challenges while making the transition from military to civilian life. In many cases, at least in the beginning, the jobs that veterans get when they leave the military do not pay as well as their military job when you take all of the benefits into account. As such, many events that would interest Veterans may be cost prohibitive. The Veteran Tickets Foundation allows Veterans to enjoy events with their friends and family that they otherwise would not be able to attend. However, in my eyes, there is a much more valuable benefit to what the Vet Tix provides. There are many Veterans who have long lasting psychological effects from their time in service. In many cases this leads to anti- social behavior and depression caused in part because the Veterans isolates themselves from others. I know this all too well, because this is something that I deal with. 5. What kinds of partners does Vet Tix work with and why? Vet Tix works with almost every team in MLB, NHL, NBA, NFL, minor leagues, NCAA teams and NASCAR to send VetTixers to sporting events. Beyond sports, Vet Tix events