HERO INVEST is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to funding free
fitness bootcamps led by military veterans in communities across America.
A Mission Beyond Service
"Veteran leadership doesn't end with service — it evolves. We're here to help Veterans succeed every step of the way."
Captain Ben Harrow, HRO Founder
In 2018, Marine veteran Ben Harrow returned to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to find his community struggling with rising healthcare costs and declining social connections. His response was simple: apply military fitness principles to civilian community building.
What started with eight people in a local park grew to 200 participants within months. The transformation wasn't just physical - it was social, emotional, and economic.
WHY VETERANS LEAD BEST
PROVEN LEADERSHIP
Military service develops leadership under pressure. Veterans understand how to motivate diverse groups toward shared objectives while maintaining high standards.
STRUCTURED DISCIPLINE
Military discipline creates consistent, reliable programming. Participants develop sustainable habits through structured, predictable routines.
COMMUNITY TRUST
Veterans have earned community respect through service. This credibility accelerates program adoption and creates lasting participant commitment.
TWO CRISES. ONE SOLUTION.
Veteran Transition Crisis
Loss of purpose and community connection are primary factors
Seeking meaningful ways to continue serving their communities
Community Health Crisis
Preventable conditions cost $190B annually
Social isolation impacts both mental and physical health
Our Story
Foundation
Pilot Programs
National Expansion
Our Mission
To empower military veterans with meaningful employment opportunities while providing communities with accessible, structured fitness programming that builds physical health, mental resilience, and social connection.
Our Vision
A nation where every community has access to veteran-led fitness programs that strengthen individuals, families, and neighborhoods through discipline, accountability, and shared purpose.
Our Values
SERVICE
We are dedicated to serving our veterans and communities with the same selfless commitment that defines military service.
LEADERSHIP
We empower veterans to lead with purpose, translating military discipline and experience into transformative community impact.
BELONGING
We build inclusive spaces where veterans, families, and community members find connection, support, and a shared sense of purpose.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency and responsibility — to our donors, our veterans, and our communities.
INTEGRITY
We operate with unwavering honesty in every decision, ensuring trust is earned and maintained at every level of our organization.
COMMUNITY
We believe stronger communities start with stronger individuals. Every bootcamp we fund is an investment in collective well-being.