SBA’s 2025 NH Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
Russell Collins ~ Home Innovations Corporation ~ Derry
From Military to Entrepreneurship
Russ Collins, a dedicated Veteran, embodies the spirit of courage, commitment, and determination that defines many who have served in the military. In recognition of his achievements, his business is recognized as the 2025 New Hampshire SBA Veteran-Owned Business of the Year.
Russ' journey began with a distinguished military career, serving in the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1977. After transitioning to civilian life, he pursued a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado, utilizing the GI Bill. Following a successful career in the medical device engineering industry, Russ pursued his dream and returned to his first passion – construction - and founded Home Innovations Corp. in 2002.
Veterans are dedicated, motivated, highly skilled, and great long-term planners, making them a perfect fit for entrepreneurship. SBA recognizes this and provides programs to foster veterans to start and grow small businesses. Russ aligned himself with strategic partnerships over the years with business advisors Amy Sterndale and Warren Daniel of the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (NH SBDC) and utilized a mini-MBA course in 2018-2019 with the Veteran Entrepreneurial Training and Resource Network (VETRN) program. The resources provided invaluable advice and mentorship, helping him navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and enhancing his business acumen.
“There are many organizations that can teach us how to live better lives, and they are right at our doorstep – the Scouts, the United States Military, the SBA with its SCORE and especially its VETRN program, and trade associations like the Home Builders. All we have to do is step in the door,” said Russ Collins.
Beyond business, Russ’s commitment to community involvement is also a hallmark of his success. He has been a community pillar, sponsoring local sports teams, hosting food drives for the local Boy Scouts troop, and contributing to initiatives like Hammers for Veterans, which supports housing for fellow veterans in need.
“I am very proud of Russ’s accomplishments and willingness to learn from others and applying those learned skills to his small business. Russ provides an important blue-collar resource to improve communities with affordable housing, employing others in the community, and building an enduring business. He is truly a great example of an award-winning veteran-owned small business, and that’s why I am nominating him,” said Leland Goldberg, president of VETRN.
“The SBA is honored to recognize Russ’s achievements during National Small Business Week, acknowledging his dedication to excellence as a veteran and a business owner. His story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs and Veterans, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s passion and leveraging available tools and resources to achieve success,” said Amy Bassett, NH SBA district director.