The Texas Business Hall of Fame has named Joseph Kopser, President of Grayline Group and retired U.S. Army Cavalry Officer, as the 2025 recipient of the Greg Armstrong Future Texas Legend Veteran Award. The award was presented during TBHF's annual induction ceremony on October 29, 2025, recognizing Kopser's entrepreneurial achievements, leadership in technology and energy innovation, and ongoing contributions to the Texas business community. Established in 2019, the Greg Armstrong Future Texas Legend Veteran Award honors exceptional veteran entrepreneurs who exemplify leadership, innovation, and business growth across the state. The award was created by TBHF members Greg Armstrong, Doug Foshee, and John Nau to celebrate veteran business leaders whose impact—or potential impact—is truly transformational.
Recipients are chosen for their ability to translate military discipline and strategic thinking into entrepreneurial success and receive a cash award to further their ventures. "Veteran entrepreneurs embody the civic and servant leadership that defines Texas business," said Meredith Walker, spokesperson for the Texas Business Hall of Fame Foundation. "Leveraging our foundation to connect these leaders with aspiring founders has become one of the most impactful parts of our mission." Amanda Brock, 2025 TBHF Chairman, added that "Our veteran honorees are our stars—business founders who will no doubt one day stand on our main stage. Joseph Kopser's record of achievement, mentorship, and service to others exemplifies the spirit of this award."
A 1993 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Kopser served 20 years in the U.S. Army, earning the Combat Action Badge and Bronze Star before transitioning to a career in technology, energy, and defense innovation. "The military teaches you to focus on the mission, build strong teams, and embrace uncertainty," Kopser said. "Those same skills define entrepreneurship. This recognition is a profound honor and underscores the potential every veteran brings to the Texas economy." Beyond his own ventures, Kopser is a dedicated advocate for veteran entrepreneurs. He plays a key leadership role in the West Point Association of Graduates' "West Point Entrepreneurs" Shared Interest Group, expanding its outreach and annual West Point Entrepreneur Summit to foster collaboration and networking among military alumni.
Through his leadership at Grayline Group and mentorship across veteran networks, Kopser continues to shape the intersection of technology, national security, and economic growth in Texas. His recognition by TBHF underscores the vital role veterans play in driving innovation and strengthening communities statewide. For HR vendors and talent management professionals, this award highlights the growing importance of veteran talent pipelines and entrepreneurial support systems. The skills veterans bring—such as discipline, strategic thinking, and team-building—are directly transferable to business leadership roles, making them valuable assets in sectors like technology, energy, and defense. Organizations looking to tap into this talent pool can benefit from initiatives like the West Point Association of Graduates programs, which foster networking and collaboration among military alumni.
The TBHF's focus on veteran entrepreneurs signals a broader trend in the HR and talent management industry: recognizing and leveraging the unique competencies of veteran professionals to drive innovation and economic growth. As veterans like Kopser demonstrate, their contributions extend beyond individual success to mentoring future leaders and strengthening Texas's business ecosystem. This award serves as a reminder for HR vendors to develop targeted recruitment, training, and support programs for veteran entrepreneurs, who are poised to make significant impacts in high-growth industries. By understanding and supporting this demographic, businesses can enhance their talent strategies and contribute to a more dynamic and resilient economy.
