Gold Level Veteran Ready Businesses in Tennessee

Armored Trucking Academy, LLC is a commercial truck driving school. We provide education and training for anyone wanting to start or grow a career in the trucking industry. We provide a flexible program that includes classroom instruction for the permitting process, general knowledge, special endorsements, range skills (backing), and road training. At ATA, we prioritize quality over quantity. Smaller classes ensures individual attention, helping students succeed and learn about the industry—not just pass a test. Our instructors bring decades of experience as drivers, owner-operators, and CDL examiners, offering unmatched, diverse industry education. We customize learning to fit individual pace and style, ensuring success. We are also a DOD Skill Bridge program for the military and currently operate out of Ft. Campbell in Clarksville TN as well as Ft. Hood  Killeen Tx. 

Learn more at atacdl.com         (Veteran Ready Business 2026 - 2028)

Cox Enterprises is a global company with 50,000 employees and $23 billion in revenue. Cox remains a values-driven private corporation that can invest in long-term growth and is proud of its four-generation family leadership. Through our major divisions—Cox Communications and Cox Automotive —we lead in the communications and automotive industries. Our widely recognized national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Cox Homelife. Cox Automotive is transforming the way the world buys, sells, owns and uses cars. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider with solutions for car shoppers, automakers, dealers, retailers, lenders and fleet owners.The company has 25,000+ employees on five continents and a family of trusted brands that includes Autotrader®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital™ and vAuto®, among others.

Learn more at coxenterprises.com        (Veteran Ready Business 2026 - 2028)   

CVS Health is dedicated to creating a world where every consumer has access to high-quality, affordable healthcare tailored to their preferences. With an unmatched reach of over 100 million people, we leverage our extensive community presence and technological advancements to offer accessible health solutions both locally and nationally.Our mission is centered on providing superior, connected healthcare experiences at a lower cost, enhancing the well-being and health of those we serve.

Our diverse team of over 300,000 colleagues is committed to reshaping America's healthcare landscape by integrating their deep industry knowledge and passion into every interaction.

We work closely with policymakers at all levels to advocate for improved healthcare access, reduced costs, and the addressing of health disparities. At CVS Health, our people are our strength. They bring vast expertise across 4,000 roles, from pharmacists to data analysts, reflecting the diverse communities across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Together, we are setting new standards in healthcare by prioritizing consumer needs and driving innovations that meet ever-changing healthcare demands.

Learn more at CVSHealth.com         (Veteran Ready Business 2025 - 2027)

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. We leverage our unique blend of business acumen, command of technology, and strategic technology alliances to advise our clients across industries as they build their future. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 460,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com/us.

Learn more at deloitte.com/us       (Veteran Ready Business 2026 - 2028)                

Denso Manufacturing Athens Tennessee proudly fosters a culture of support and recognition for our Service Members and Veterans. Through our Denso Veterans Network (DVN), Veterans and Service Members meet monthly to collaborate on initiatives that ensure they are valued, heard, and supported. To honor their service, we provide annual tokens of appreciation, including personalized lanyards, challenge coins featuring military branch logos, and complimentary T-shirts. Our DVN also organizes onsite events with local Veteran Services to connect Veterans and their families with resources and benefits. In 2023, we further demonstrated our commitment by donating bricks to Veterans Park in Athens, TN, representing each military branch. Denso actively participates in Veterans job fairs and community events, standing strong in our dedication to recognizing and supporting the service of Veterans within our company and beyond. Their contributions will never be forgotten.

Learn more at denso.com/global/en/     (Veteran Ready Business 2025, 2026-2028)

Ford is a family company, one that spans the globe and has shared ideals. We value service to each other and the world as much as to our customers. Generations have made their memories with us and included us in their hopes and dreams. After 121 years, we’re used to adapting to and leading change. That is why we are evolving to focus on services, experiences and software as well as vehicles. We believe in the power of creating a world with fewer obstacles and limits, where people have the freedom to build a better life and pursue their dreams. To shorten the distance between where you are and where you want to go. To connect people down the road and over the horizon to discover possibilities, and enjoy the thrill, adventure and pride of moving freely. From day one, we've provided people with tools to help them move forward and upward. We've innovated to expand their opportunities. And we've worked to earn their trust, every single day. We honor our legacy as we build the future a better world for generations to come.

Learn more at ford.com/en/programs/veterans     (Veteran Ready Business 2025, 2026 - 2028)

At HCA Healthcare, our core mission is the care and improvement of human life. Recognized as one of the leading healthcare providers in the U.S., we operate 182 hospitals and over 2,300 care sites across 20 states and the UK. Our headquarters are based in Nashville, Tennessee, where we manage our global purchasing organization HealthTrust, revenue cycle operations through Parallon, and the TriStar Health Division, among others.

Our diverse military community includes nearly 12,000 veterans and over 4,000 military spouses, Guardsmen, and Reservists who contribute significantly to our mission. These dedicated individuals are actively engaged in our military networks, providing volunteer services and supporting our robust military recruitment strategies across our 15 divisions and corporate offices.

Since 2011, HCA Healthcare has been committed to creating economic opportunities for veterans and their families. Our Military Affairs program, launched that year, focuses on recruiting military-affiliated talent into healthcare careers. In 2023 alone, we hired nearly 5,400 veterans and over 2,000 active-duty military spouses, a testament to our growing commitment, which saw a 23% increase in veteran hiring in Tennessee.

We also support our colleagues serving in the Reserves or National Guard, offering military leave and active duty supplemental pay. Our "Leave of Absence" policy, currently under review for enhancement, extends further support to military spouses, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to those who serve.

Learn more at hcahealthcare.com         (Veteran Ready Business 2025 - 2027)

KAT proudly serves the Knoxville community by providing safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation to residents and visitors alike. Each year, our team carries approximately three million passengers across the city, helping people connect to work, school, healthcare, shopping, and essential services. With 20 fixed routes, our system is designed to maximize access and convenience, reaching more than 80 percent of Knoxville’s population within half a mile of a bus stop. We are committed to creating an inclusive transit environment where every individual feels welcome. Riders of all ages, backgrounds, and identities are invited to travel with us, regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability. Our mission is to ensure that public transportation remains a dependable, equitable, and community‑centered resource for everyone who calls Knoxville home.

Learn more at katbus.com        (Veteran Ready Business 2026 - 2028)

Mechanical Resource Group (MRG) is a family-owned company dedicated to providing equipment and solutions to the industrial and commercial HVAC industry. With MRG, you have access to more than 30 equipment manufacturers and our team of specialized technical experts, all focused on providing the best solution for your budget, comfort, and sustainability. We are a mission-driven company; our associates know that our mission is to “Lead and Serve,” and this mindset gives each of us the freedom to think, act, and give back as leaders. This mission guides our behavior corporately and individually. Our core competencies include new equipment sales, controls, aftermarket parts, service, and maintenance. We work hard to ensure that our clients make informed decisions and that the equipment we provide meets their business purpose regarding redundancy, flexibility, durability, and lifecycle affordability.

Learn more at mechanicalresource.com      (Veteran Ready Business 2026 - 2028)

Supporting Those Who Serve: Millan Enterprises Commitment to Military Families. At Millan Enterprises, we believe that honoring service members goes beyond words. This is reflected in our daily actions, our company culture and our deep-rooted commitment to the military community. Located in Clarksville, Tennessee just minutes from Fort Campbell, we understand the unique challenges that military families face and we’ve built our business around meeting those needs with respect, flexibility, and care. Millan Enterprises, a veteran owned company, fosters a workplace culture that deeply values the sacrifices of service members, veterans, and their families. Many of our team members are veterans themselves or come from military families, giving us firsthand insight into the lifestyle, transitions, and resilience required of military life. We proudly recruit and support veterans and military spouses, recognizing the unmatched work ethic, leadership, and adaptability they bring to our organization.

Learn more at millanenterprises.com     (Veteran Ready Business 2026 - 2028)

NSA Labs is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for service members, veterans, and their families. Recognizing their contributions and sacrifices, we strive to create a workplace culture rooted in respect and support for those who have served.

Veterans at NSA Labs benefit from tailored initiatives, including quarterly luncheons where they can connect, share concerns, and discuss ways to improve work-life balance. Job openings are posted to Job4TN for veterans before becoming publicly available, ensuring priority consideration for employment. NSA Labs also proudly signs and abides by ESGR agreements, demonstrating our commitment to National Guard and Reserve employees.

Our policies include generous PTO and paid time off for veteran-specific benefit appointments, reflecting our dedication to supporting their needs. We prioritize providing military service members with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in their careers and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.

For more details about our veteran-specific programs, employees can contact Human Resources or reach out via hr@nsalabs.com. At NSA Labs, we are proud to honor and support those who have served our nation.

Learn more at nsalabs.com         (Veteran Ready Business 2025 - 2027)

USGI is proud to support veterans, service members, and their families through meaningful opportunities and unwavering commitment. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with over 50% of our workforce comprised of veterans, we value the leadership, discipline, and mission-focus veterans bring to our team. Their unique skills and experiences enable us to fulfill our mission of “preserving and protecting American security,” achieved through dedicated support to US Federal, State, and Local government customers.

At USGI, we honor veterans by fostering a work environment where their service is celebrated and their contributions are integral to our success. We offer professional development, mentorship, and comprehensive benefits tailored to the unique needs of veterans and their families as they transition into civilian careers or continue serving in the National Guard or Military Reserves.

By integrating the perspectives of veterans and military families into our company culture, we build a stronger, more inclusive community rooted in respect and the acknowledgment of their sacrifices. Our mission goes beyond employment, as we actively recognize and leverage the expertise and dedication of those who have served to strengthen both our workforce and the communities we serve. At USGI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to honoring the extraordinary contributions of our nation’s heroes.

Learn more at teamusgi.com/         (Veteran Ready Business 2025 - 2027)

Verizon powers how millions of customers live, work, and play, delivering reliable network connectivity, mobility, and security. Headquartered in New York City and serving countries worldwide, including nearly all Fortune 500 companies, Verizon generated $134 billion in revenue in 2023. With a relentless focus on innovation, Verizon equips its customers to meet today’s challenges and prepare for the needs of tomorrow.

More than 8,000 veterans have found a home at Verizon, drawn by a culture of community, camaraderie, and purpose. Our dedicated military recruitment team provides support throughout the transition from active service to civilian careers, ensuring veterans have the resources and tools they need to succeed. Verizon’s VALOR employee resource group fosters a sense of belonging, encouraging participation in programs that benefit military members and the broader community.

Recognized as a top 10 Military Friendly Company for five consecutive years—three of those as #1—Verizon demonstrates its unwavering commitment to the military community. Partnerships with organizations like American Corporate Partners, Hiring Our Heroes, Wounded Warrior Project, the USO, and the Army Museum Foundation further amplify our efforts to support veterans, active service members, and their families.

At Verizon, we are proud to empower those who have served our nation, offering meaningful career opportunities and a culture that honors their sacrifices and contributions.

Learn more at verizon.com/military/         (Veteran Ready Business 2025 - 2027)

Waterdogs SCUBA and Safety LLC, founded in 2013 by combat veterans Cecil Stout and Richard Holladay, is a premier PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center based in Clarksville, Tennessee. With over 100 years of combined diving experience, the veteran-owned business offers high-quality scuba training, CPR, and first aid courses for beginners to professionals, serving Middle Tennessee and Kentucky. As a hub for recreational, technical, and public safety diving, Waterdogs provides dive travel excursions, equipment sales, rentals, and repairs, boasting Tennessee’s largest retail selection. Committed to safety and community, their Advanced Lifesaving Solutions division promotes accessible safety training. Known for a welcoming, fun environment, Waterdogs supports veterans with discounts and VA-benefit career programs, earning a global reputation for excellence.

Learn more at waterdogs-scuba.com        (Veteran Ready Business 2025, 2026 - 2028)

Werner Enterprises created a military friendly and military ready work environment through our Operation Freedom Program, a comprehensive military community member program sponsoring multiple initiatives inside and outside of the organization. The Operation Freedom program is led by veteran associates who focus on military community initiatives and provide a centralized point of contact for military issues and assistance.  We honor and support those in uniform and those who have worn the uniform in a variety of ways; Patriotic Parade, 50 Mile March, Remember Everyone Deployed, Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence, Veterans Day Ceremonies, Veteran Resource Group, and Veteran/Spouse Hiring Events. 

Learn more at wernerhiringheroes.com       (Veteran Ready Business 2026 - 2028)