Former Army combat medic a ‘paramedic of property damage’

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Army veteran Jennifer Wine is making her mark as a franchise owner while paving the way for other female vetpreneurs.

Wine spent 12 years in the Army National Guard and today is the owner of PuroClean in Burlington, Wisconsin.

“Being in the military has undeniably shaped me into a more effective and resilient business owner who is disciplined, adaptable, and resilient in high-pressure situations,” she said. “I have learned invaluable attributes of leadership, focused on clear communication, making key strategic decisions, and building a cohesive team. It is these attributes that apply directly to managing and leading a successful business: the inspiration and motivation of a team, delegation, and keeping one's vision together.”

Wine saw an Army National Guard recruiting advertisement of a soldier rescuing a child from a hurricane-impacted area when she was in high school.

“It was that image that lit the desire for me to join the service,” she said. “I told my parents that I wanted to join the military. They asked me to wait to join until I finished my first semester of college to make sure that this desire was not just a phase.”

Wine took her parents’ advice and attended Huntington College in Indiana.

“In the second semester of my freshman year, I seized the opportunity to participate in a drill weekend with an Army National Guard unit alongside another college student,” she said. “That experience sealed my determination to join the military. I joined the Army National Guard during the second semester of my Freshman year in college and went to basic training the following summer.”

Wine served as a combat medic with the 38th MP Company in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“My unit received orders to go to Bosnia in 2004,” she said. “They were not taking their supporting staff, so I volunteered to re-class as a 95B Military Police Specialist and ship out with my unit. I deployed to Bosnia in 2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, stationed in Tuzla at Eagle Base.”

When she returned stateside, Wine transferred to the University of Wisconsin Parkside, married her husband, and transferred to the 135th medical unit in Waukesha.

“The 91W training I received allowed me to get a job as an emergency room tech while continuing my education,” she said. “I graduated in 2007 with a BS in Science, Biology, and took a job in the biopharma industry. I currently manage the finished goods distribution and logistics for Alkermes while also helping my husband run our PuroClean business.”

PuroClean is a leading property restoration franchise specializing in water, fire, mold, biohazard, and odor remediation. Known as the "Paramedics of Property Damage," PuroClean provides fast, reliable, and compassionate service to homeowners, businesses, and insurance professionals facing unexpected disasters.

“The military presses the importance of preparation and adaptability, traits that are equally essential in the field of Emergency Restoration,” said Wine. “Just as in the military, where readiness and flexibility are paramount, preparation and training are critical to our success in this industry.”

She added that the military teaches that even ordinary soldiers can achieve extraordinary results through disciplined adherence to simple steps, consistently applied to generate excellent outcomes.

“While it's impossible to anticipate all the outcomes of our decisions, the foundation of values and principles cultivated in the military equips me with the resilience and determination to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship,” added Wine.

Wine said that while less than seven percent of Americans are veterans, 14 percent of the nation’s veterans are franchise owners.

“There is no substitute for hard work, determination, and the willingness to outwork your competitors. If you're a veteran, then you have already proven that you possess the qualities required for success,” she said. “America was built by strong leaders, so don't be afraid to pick up the torch and soldier on. Owning your own business is a symbol of freedom and you fought for that right, so own it and make your mark. You can be an inspiration to your family and friends. Don't forget to enjoy the journey along the way.”

Wine said her military service not only shaped who she is today, but has also provided her with the tools and mindset to succeed as a veteran-owned business.

“What inspires me every day is the impact my team makes, not just on the properties we restore, but on the lives we touch,” she said. “From helping families return to their homes after a fire to providing relief for business owners dealing with unexpected damage, we take pride in being the calm after the storm.”

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.

Featured Image Photo Credit: PuroClean