About Us

President

Mark Lusk born and raised in Weatherford TX, is a highly dedicated U.S. Army veteran and seasoned professional who brings a wealth of leadership and diverse civilian experience to his role as Chairman of the Board for the North Texas Veteran Business Council (NTXVBC).

Mark's dedication to service began with his time in uniform. As a Military Police K9 Officer in the U.S. Army, he completed a critical deployment to Iraq, developing invaluable skills in leadership, discipline, and strategic execution under pressure. Prior to his military service, he also served his community as a Civilian Police Officer, demonstrating a career-long commitment to protection and community well-being.

Since transitioning from the military, Mark has excelled across several diverse sectors, including commercial glass, security, and sales. This broad background gives him a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities veterans face in the civilian marketplace.

For the past four years, Mark has focused his expertise in finance as a Mortgage Loan Officer with Pure Funding. This role leverages his problem-solving skills to help individuals and families achieve their financial goals, a perspective that is highly valuable in guiding the NTVBC's mission.

As a founder and leader of the NTVBC, Mark is passionate about the organization's core mission: empowering veterans to successfully launch, sustain, and grow their businesses. His experience helping establish the NTVBC has connected him with a robust network of community members and businesses eager to support the veteran community.

"Starting the VBC has been a profoundly rewarding experience. Our focus is to provide the tangible tools, resources, and mentorship necessary to translate military discipline into lasting business success for every veteran we serve."

Mark’s history of involvement with various nonprofit organizations underscores his belief in community building and shared success, making him a driving force behind the NTVBC's growth and impact in North Texas.

Vice President 

Cameron Jones is a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, business owner, and dedicated advocate for the veteran community. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board for the North Texas Veterans Business Council (NTXVBC), where he is passionate about supporting veteran-owned businesses, fostering meaningful connections, and helping fellow veterans thrive in life after military service.

Cameron served in the United States Air Force for 10 years as an F-16 Avionics Specialist, where he developed a strong foundation in discipline, precision, and teamwork while supporting mission-critical aircraft systems. 

Following his military service, Cameron continued his commitment to excellence through a tenured career at Lockheed Martin, working as a Product Support Engineer on the F-16 program, where he helped sustain and support one of the most iconic fighter platforms in the world.

After more than a decade in the defense industry, Cameron transitioned into entrepreneurship, co-founding Old Souls Ink in Weatherford, Texas alongside his wife, Stephanie. Old Souls Ink is a faith-driven, veteran-owned tattoo studio built on the values of integrity, service, craftsmanship, and community. Through the studio, Cameron has found a unique way to serve others—helping clients tell their stories through meaningful, custom artwork while creating a welcoming, purpose-driven environment.

Cameron’s passion for serving veterans extends beyond business. He is deeply committed to mentorship, advocacy, and community involvement, using both his professional experience and personal faith to encourage purpose, healing, and connection among those who have served. His role on the Board reflects his belief that when veterans support one another, stronger businesses—and stronger communities—are built.

Secretary

Amber Garretson retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years, 9 months, and 27 days of service as a Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist. A native of southeastern Washington State, she eventually found her way to Texas “when the Navy told her to transfer” and has proudly called it home ever since.

Amber’s career included tours aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV‑63) and USS Port Royal (CG‑73), where she strengthened her abilities in coordination, planning, and team development. In her final assignment, she served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Naval Information Force Reserve, supporting the readiness and administration of more than 8,000 Navy Reserve Sailors nationwide.

After transitioning out of the military, Amber briefly enjoyed a lighthearted role in the Fabric Department at Hobby Lobby before seeking a career path that allowed her to support others more directly. She joined Workforce Solutions Weatherford in 2024, first guiding job seekers through resume writing, interviewing, and employment navigation, and later partnering with local employers to identify needs and connect them with workforce and training resources.

In 2025, Amber became the Operations Specialist for the Parker County Economic Development Council. In this role, she works closely with community partners, assists with business recruitment efforts, and helps showcase Parker County as a strong destination for new investment and job creation.

Amber’s combined experience in military operations, administration, workforce development, and economic growth provides a strong foundation for her role as Business Chair of the North Texas Veterans Business Council (NTXVBC).

As the youngest member and the senior ranked veteran on the board, Amber loves serving both “annoying kid sister” and “Boss B!tch” energy to her big Brothers-in-Arms. While she can often be found awkwardly standing in the back of a networking event, with RBF and not knowing what to do with her hands, she will gladly jump into action if you need help or a resource.

Treasurer

Tiger Conniff is a proud U.S. Navy veteran, business owner, and committed advocate for the veteran community. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Board for the North Texas Veterans Business Council (NTXVBC), where he is dedicated to supporting veteran-owned businesses, strengthening financial stewardship, and fostering connections that empower veterans to succeed beyond military service.

Tiger followed a family legacy of service by enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served for four years. During his time in the Navy, he developed leadership, discipline, and resilience—values that continue to guide his personal and professional life.

After completing his military service, Tiger began his entrepreneurial journey by launching his first business in Granbury, Texas. He later expanded operations to Idaho before ultimately returning home to North Texas and settling in Parker County, where he continues to build and grow within the local community.

In 2016, Tiger and his wife, Hannah, founded Fathom Ink, a screen printing and promotional products company based in Brock, Texas. The business is proudly recognized by the Texas Veterans Commission and serves organizations throughout the region with high-quality branded apparel and promotional solutions.

Tiger’s passion for supporting veterans extends far beyond business ownership. He is deeply committed to giving back, mentoring fellow veterans, and advocating for opportunities that promote long-term success and community impact. Through his role as Treasurer on the NTXVBC Board, Tiger strives to ensure strong financial leadership while helping advance the Council’s mission of empowering veteran entrepreneurs across North Texas.

Programs Chair

Veteran • Entrepreneur • Community Leader

John Shepherd answered the call to serve his country in 1996, enlisting in the United States Army with an unwavering sense of duty. Standing over 6’10”, he required special authorization from the Surgeon General to enter service, an early reflection of both his uncommon stature and his determination to wear the uniform.

During basic training and Advanced Individual Training, John began experiencing severe pain and swelling in his right leg. Trusting in the discipline instilled in every soldier, he pressed on, later discovering he had been training on a fractured leg that had repeatedly broken and attempted to heal under the strain.

Following completion of his training, John suffered a catastrophic break that led to extensive medical intervention, including full quadriceps reconstruction and a prolonged period of rehabilitation. Despite his commitment and readiness to continue serving, his injuries ultimately made it impossible to fulfill his military career. He was medically discharged in 1999.

The years that followed brought continued challenges, including multiple joint replacements and chronic pain, lasting reminders of the sacrifice he made in service to his country. Yet through it all, John has carried forward the values forged during his time in the Army: resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Today, John is the co-owner of Shep’s and SALT Seafood & Steakhouse in Weatherford, Texas, where he and his wife, Jenn, have built more than restaurants, they have created gathering places rooted in community, hospitality, and service. A proud supporter of veteran initiatives, John remains deeply committed to honoring those who serve and strengthening the community he calls home.

Though his time in uniform was cut short, John Shepherd’s legacy of service continues, steadfast, enduring, and defined not by circumstance, but by character.

Marketing & Communications

 Matthew A. Rorebeck is a retired U.S. Army Major, entrepreneur, and veteran leader with 20 years of military service dedicated to developing leaders and strengthening communities. As an Infantry officer, he led Soldiers through demanding operational and leadership assignments, including  multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

A Ranger-qualified Infantry officer and recipient of the Combat Infantryman Badge, Matthew built his career on discipline, resilience, teamwork, and servant leadership. Following his retirement from the Army in 2024, Matthew co-founded Earned Everyday, a veteran-owned lifestyle apparel company based in Weatherford, Texas. Inspired by raising a family through years of military service, the company encourages youth athletes and families to embrace a mindset built on hard work, accountability, and perseverance. Earned Everyday's mission is simple: confidence isn't given—it is earned every day.

Together, Matt and Crystal have raised six resilient children through military service, deployments, moves, and transition. Four are grown and building lives in Washington, Pennsylvania, and Texas, including one stationed at Dyess Air Force Base. Their two youngest are still at home, with one entering her senior year and one beginning the fifth grade.

Today, Matthew continues his passion for developing the next generation by coaching his son’s youth soccer and basketball teams, emphasizing character, teamwork, perseverance, and confidence through consistency. He and Crystal also enjoy life on their small homestead with their four goat besties and on their way to owning horses in the near future.

Matthew is committed to helping veterans transition from military service to entrepreneurship through collaboration, mentorship, and business growth wherever needed.

Marketing & Communications

Crystal A. Rorebeck is a retired U.S. Army Major, entrepreneur, and advocate for veteran and military family success. During her 26-year Army career, she served in logistics leadership roles, leading Soldiers and organizations through complex sustainment, operational, and strategic logistics missions around the world. She completed multiple combat deployments to Iraq and to Afghanistan—supporting military operations in some of the Army's most demanding environments. 

Following her retirement, Crystal co-founded Earned Everyday with her husband, Matt, a veteran-owned lifestyle apparel  based brand Weatherford, Texas. Inspired by raising six resilient children through decades of military service, Earned Everyday promotes confidence, discipline, hard work, and perseverance, encouraging families to embrace the mindset that success is earned through daily effort.

Crystal and Matt have six children—four grown and two still at home. Their children are building successful lives in Washington, Pennsylvania, and Texas, including one proudly serving at Dyess Air Force Base. Their two youngest remain at home, with one entering her senior year of high school and one beginning fifth grade.

Outside of work, Crystal and Matt enjoy life on their small Texas homestead with their four goat besties and are looking forward to fulfilling their dream of owning horses in the near future.

Crystal is passionate about mentoring veteran entrepreneurs, strengthening the veteran-owned business community, and helping transitioning service members transform military leadership into successful businesses. She believes veterans continue serving long after they hang up the uniform by creating businesses, strengthening communities, and investing in future generations.

Governance

Chad Marbut is a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve with over 23 years of service spanning both enlisted and officer ranks. He is a proud advocate for the veteran business community and serves as the Governance Chair of the Board for the North Texas Veterans Business Council (NTXVBC).

Chad enlisted in the Air Force in 2002 and began his career as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief on F-15 fighter aircraft at the 95th Fighter Squadron. He later transitioned to the Reserves and crewed F-16s with the 301st Fighter Wing while also earning his civil engineering degree in 2011. In 2013, he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, directing end of runway armament and launch operations for F-16 fighter aircraft in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Chad was selected for Officer Training School in 2013 through the deserving airman program and graduated as a Distinguished Graduate in 2014. As a commissioned officer, Chad went on to serve as a Civil Engineer Officer, Operations Flight Commander, and Deputy Commander of the 433d Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio, where he was responsible for the readiness of over 200 Airmen across 13 specialties. He later served as Wing Executive Officer of the 433d Airlift Wing, supporting the Wing Commander in oversight of more than 2,700 Airmen. Today, Chad continues to serve as the Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Basing and Beddown Branch Chief for the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, where he provides staff level engineering and infrastructure support to Pacific Air Forces Command and its nine Wings across a multi-year, multi-billion dollar defense program.

Chad's military and civilian careers have never been separate chapters, they have run alongside each other for over two decades, each one sharpening the other. While serving in the Reserves, he has simultaneously built a career in civil engineering and public administration, currently serving as Assistant City Manager for the City of Weatherford. Here he provides executive leadership over engineering, water, wastewater and electric utilities, development services, public works, and parks and recreation. Chad is a licensed Professional Engineer with a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. Aligning both careers, Chad has drawn on the leadership, discipline, and large-scale infrastructure experience gained through his Air Force service to strengthen his work managing growth and infrastructure across Parker County. In turn, his civilian role in municipal engineering and development has made him a more effective officer, overseeing complex defense infrastructure programs. Chad is also an active member of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, the Weatherford Noon Lions Club, and a Director on the Millsap Education Foundation Board.

A sixth-generation Texan, Chad and his wife, Lisa, are high school sweethearts who have built their life together in Parker County, raising their two daughters, Calissa and Kyleigh. Chad is passionate about helping fellow veterans discover the same kind of dual success he has found, showing that military service and civilian ambition can grow together rather than compete, and is honored to support NTXVBC's mission of empowering veteran-owned businesses across North Texas.