Vernon Green: The Embrey Mill Trailblazer

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

The journey from teenage parenthood to becoming a CEO is a remarkable testament to the power of determination, hard work, and unwavering ambition. Vernon Green and his wife Ceroma are initially from Poughkeepsie, New York. They met in their high school math class. Vernon described himself as a “bad boy troublemaker,” and Ceroma wanted nothing to do with him. Naturally, this made Vernon pursue even more. He found his life companion. She became his best friend and number one supporter of his ventures. 

They ended up having their daughter Tequa, before graduating high school. As they were expecting a child, Ms. Mary Steward, Ceroma’s mother, took Vernon in off the streets and treated him as one of her own. She is now his mother-in-law and an important part of the family.  They were married upon graduation, shortly after Vernon enlisted in the Army. 

As many in this community know, life in the Army is a unique blend of structure, sacrifice, and camaraderie. Vernon began his career in the Army as a 31U communications. He then transitioned to a 31F during his second enlistment. He reached the rand of E-7 in ten years. It was during this time that he decided to become a Warrant Officer. 

His Army career took him all over the United States and worldwide. He has four combat deployments, three of which were in Iraq. His last duty station before he retired in 2014 was in the Pentagon as a communications officer for the Army “Top 5.” This included the Secretary of the Army, the Under Secretary, the Chief, the Vice Chief, and the Sergeant Major of the Army. 

Vernon retired from the Army as a Warrant Officer 3 and was more than ready for his next venture. The transition from military service to civilian life is a significant change that demands careful planning and self-reflection. 

Vernon had a solid plan A, as is common in the National Capitol Region he had a government job lined up for him. As is also common, the in-processing is lengthy and cumbersome. While waiting for this job he started working for a small business. It was this exposure that would ultimately change Vernon’s life. 

He had clear goals, he translated his military skills, he networked and soon realized that he could do this for himself. He knew he had the strength, discipline, and dedication he acquired in the military to start his own business. 

He launched GCubed Enterprises, Inc. in April 2014 and had his first government contract by June. Presently, Vernon is the CEO of a multi-million-dollar company. 

The most significant challenge was having the start-up capital and resources. He is grateful for his military retirement, which allowed him to financially support his family while figuring out how to pay for his business.  He took many risks, and it paid off. 

If he could go back and change one thing, it would be to take some time off during his transition from the military to spend time with the family. However, his wife has supported him from day one. He remembers fondly, that even as teenagers, she would tell him, “You were meant to be somebody.” 

When Vernon isn't busy running his business, he switches gears and puts on his nonprofit CEO hat. His nonprofit G3 Community Services was founded in 2014. Their mission is to improve lives and strengthen the community by providing coaching, mentoring, and education. 

The Green family has the distinction of being among the earliest residents in Embrey Mill, thus making them one of the most established members of the community. Their home was the fourth home to be built. 

They have since added to their family with the addition of their two daughters, Cevon their middle child, and Jovani their youngest. Cevon and Jovani both attended Colonial Forge High School, with Jovani being a current senior. Jovani is currently the co-president of the Black Student Union, takes AP and DE classes, and hopes to be a doctor. 

Vernon has always been involved in his daughter’s school and activities. He has chaperoned many field trips, and his company has donated computers to the robotics program. 

The Green family loves their Embrey Mill neighborhood. Ceroma and Vernon can be found enjoying many neighborhood walks, especially walking their three Shih Tzu puppies, Gizmo, Gadget, and Rosco. The neighborhood get-togethers include incredible community events like mazes, sleigh rides, and movies in the park.

Embrey Mill is unique in the sense that there are so many entrepreneurs and business owners in the neighborhood. The conversation can go from, “Can I borrow a tool?” to, “Do you know anyone with a clearance who wants to work IT?” and they deliver! 

Balancing work and life is an ongoing process that requires mindful planning, prioritization, and self-awareness. The Greens ensure to get the whole family together at least once a year and go on a cruise. The military has instilled a love of travel in them, and something they continue to do. 

A fun fact about the Greens: They are predisposed to break out into song any time of the day. Sometimes it feels like they are a walking musical. 

Vernon Green has worked hard for everything he has. He had the odds stacked against him. Growing up in foster homes, being a teenage parent, being a young Soldier, being on deployments, and getting rejected by banks, here he is, not only is he an influential member of the Embrey Mill community, but he is also a man of action. 

His company and nonprofit speak for itself, “mission first, people always.”
To connect with Vernon regarding any of the fantastic things he does, visit his website gcubedinc.com.