Meet the Local Ride-Share Start-Up Driven by Purpose

In a city filled with endless ride-share options, one local business is taking a completely new route. Rides With Purpose, co-founded by Justin “J” Brown and his wife, is more than just another ride-hailing service – it’s a mission on wheels. Based in San Antonio, this veteran-led start-up is focused on putting drivers first and giving back to the community, especially fellow veterans.

 

A Mission Built from Experience

J, a military veteran himself with 17 years of service in both the Navy and the Army, understands the challenges that come with life after service. Having traveled across the country alongside his wife, a travel nurse, he found flexibility in driving for existing ride-share companies. But after years on the road, he envisioned something greater: a driver-owned platform that directly supports veteran causes.

 

How Rides with Purpose Works

That’s how Rides With Purpose was born. Unlike the traditional ride-share model, this company is built with a powerful mission. Drivers who join the platform become members and keep 100% of their fare and tips. No commission, no percentage taken. On top of that, riders and drivers are encouraged to donate a small percentage of each ride to help end veteran homelessness. These donations go directly to trusted veteran-support organizations.

 

Starting in Military Cities

The company is currently focused on launching in military-dense Texas cities, starting with San Antonio, Austin, and eventually expanding to Fort Hood (Killeen), Corpus Christi, Dallas, and Houston. “We’re building this for the community,” J says. “We want to support our veterans while giving drivers the opportunity to actually make a living.”

 

Partnerships that Make a Difference

One of the standout features of Rides With Purpose is its exclusive partnership with Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit military fraternity with over 1,000 U.S. veterans as members. Their mission is “Strengthening the local and veteran communities, restoring faith in the veteran communities, and broadening the knowledge of our veterans we serve,” with the lead objective of eradicating veteran homelessness. All donations through Rides With Purpose go directly to Mu Beta Phi to further this mission. Supporting this effort is LTC Boyd Melson, a West Point graduate, Army Reserve officer, former professional boxing champion, and WBC Ambassador to the Military, who has also received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more about Mu Beta Phi at www.mbphikings2017.org.

 

Vision for the Future

With plans to grow nationally and eventually expand to allied countries, J and his wife envision Rides With Purpose becoming a global movement. But for now, their feet are firmly planted in Texas soil, building from the ground up with a “mom-and-pop” approach. Their long-term goal? Pass the business on to another veteran to keep the mission alive.

 

A Life Anchored in Texas

Jay and his wife now call San Antonio home, having chosen the city for its strong military community and welcoming atmosphere. While they live in San Antonio, they also travel when needed for work—his wife uses their RV during her nursing assignments across the country. It’s a setup that lets them stay connected to both their business and the community they care about. “It just felt right,” Jay shares.

 

Founding Member Opportunities

As the business gets ready to launch, Rides With Purpose is offering founding membership discounts to early drivers. These include reduced monthly fees and access to higher-earning tiers during their first six months. It’s part of their vision to create a fairer system from the start.  This service is also an excellent opportunity for Army Reservists, National Guard members, and any other patriotic Americans who want to make a meaningful impact by driving for Rides With Purpose.

 

Driving Change, One Ride at a Time

With transparency, heart, and service baked into their business model, Rides With Purpose is out to prove that ride-share can be about more than just getting from point A to B. It can drive real change.

Rides with Purpose

San Antonio, TX

Website: rideswithpurpose.com