An Owensboro business owner and Army veteran has been named Kentucky’s Vetrepreneur of the Year, an honor recognizing military service members who have transitioned into entrepreneurship.
Natasha Conkright, who spent 12 years in the Army, received the state-level recognition from Military Friendly, an organization that connects veterans with career resources and highlights veteran-owned businesses.
Conkright, who owns Conkright Agency, an insurance firm offering home, auto, life, and business coverage, said the award was humbling and unexpected.
“It was really nice. It was really humbling, to be completely honest,” she said. “I never, ever in a million years imagined that the skills I learned in combat would translate to running a business. The award’s not necessarily about me. It’s every other veteran who has and will take a leap in entrepreneurship and show our community that we’re not done serving just because we’ve hung up our uniform.”
Military Friendly selects a Vetrepreneur of the Year for each state, with one national winner announced annually. Conkright said the national recognition is expected to be revealed this month.
Conkright is also involved with Veterans Empowered Together, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans. She recently joined the board and works with initiatives designed to ensure women veterans are recognized equally for their service.
As a woman in both the military and the business world, Conkright said she hopes her example encourages others to pursue their own goals.
“I definitely hope that it shines a spotlight on Owensboro, showing the next generation, whether it’s young women or veterans, that success doesn’t have to look a certain way,” she said.
Conkright also shared advice for other veterans considering business ownership.
“Don’t underestimate yourself, because the world outside the military can feel very overwhelming, but you’ve already done harder things,” she said. “Build a tribe, ask for help, and don’t be afraid to fail forward, because every mission you’ve ever had has taught you to adapt, and entrepreneurship is no different. And, obviously, tons of coffee helps too.”
Looking ahead, Conkright said she hopes to grow her agency and expand her work with nonprofits that serve veterans.
“I want to keep building spaces where people can feel seen, protected, and empowered,” she said.
