Home from Iraq, Woodbury Man Goes Wireless

Woodbury resident and Iraq war veteran Gabe Braaten-Lee took over a Wireless Zone franchise last spring. He sat down with Woodbury Patch to talk about being a small-business owner, how his military experience has helped him and his plans for the future.

The 28-year-old, who served in Kuwait with the , has owned the Wireless Zone of Maplewood since May 2010.

Woodbury Patch: What’s it like starting a business in this economy?

Gabe Braaten-Lee: It’s exhilarating. I was amazed that we were able to get the loan, but it definitely helped that I was a veteran. (He got a Patriot Express Small Business Association loan.) And the people at City and County Credit Union were great to work with. The wireless industry so far has been recession-proof. You get to create jobs for people even when the economy is not so good.

Patch: How did you decide on the wireless business?

Braaten-Lee: I was doing it through college and during my military experience. I started at in 2004 and was with corporate at the Maplewood Mall. I got out of the military and said, “What am I going to do next?” I’d been doing it through college so I thought I’d apply my experience.

Patch: How has your military experience helped you?

Braaten-Lee: It’s helped a lot. When I got out I was a sergeant, so I was put in a position of leadership. That has definitely helped with overseeing employees and meeting business demands. And I wouldn’t have gotten the loan without being a veteran. It helped with making decisions, leadership, and (the Army) helped me pay for my education. The experience of being in the military and being overseas kind of gives you a feeling of fearlessness.

Patch: What are your plans for expansion?

Braaten-Lee: We have a pretty lofty goal: we’d like to get 10 new stores in the next five years. We have plans to go to Iowa, that’s where I’m originally from.

Patch: What’s your business background?

Braaten-Lee: I went to Bethel College for media communications, but I have a lot of friends who are in business. My business partner is Ken Babin, he’s a Woodbury guy, and he’s done some things in real estate and been in business. So putting two heads together definitely seemed like a good idea. We share ownership. I’m 90 percent and he’s 10 percent.

Patch: What’s the best part of running your own business?

Braaten-Lee: I like working for myself. I like not having to answer to somebody and to be in a position to help create jobs. I like when things are falling on my shoulders rather than relying on somebody else to keep me employed. It’s really fun to see something you worked so hard on be a benefit to society. It’s a cool thing.