Fred Moss, a U.S. Navy veteran, never anticipated that building a backyard grill would ignite a national movement. In 2010, during his transition from military to civilian life, Fred handcrafted a barbecue pit for a friend who insisted on paying him $200. That small gesture sparked a big idea—and Moss Grills was born.

Based in Spring Valley, California, Moss Grills specializes in custom barrel-style barbecue grills and smokers that are both functional and visually striking. The company gained national attention when actress Whoopi Goldberg purchased a grill and invited Fred to deliver it personally. Moved by his story and commitment to hiring homeless veterans, she introduced him on ABC’s Made in America. The result? Overnight, Fred received 118 orders and more than a million hits to his website.

As the business grew, so did Fred’s impact. He expanded his team by hiring fellow veterans and partnering with local youth programs, earning a reputation not only for high-quality products but also for social responsibility. Today, Moss Grills serves a diverse customer base that includes celebrities, film studios, military installations, and backyard chefs across the country—and now, internationally.

Despite his entrepreneurial drive, Fred encountered major roadblocks when trying to navigate the federal contracting landscape. Registering in SAM.gov, identifying the right NAICS and PSC codes, and securing a CAGE code all proved challenging. That’s when Fred turned to the San Diego, Orange, Imperial APEX Accelerator.

With help from the APEX team, Fred completed his SAM registration, got his CAGE code, and learned to market his business to government agencies. APEX provided personalized advice and technical support. They helped him find the right contracting opportunities and create a strong capability statement. Fred won several contracts in 2023. This includes a recent delivery of custom grills to the USS Portland.

“APEX helped me when I was ready to give up,” Fred shared. “Their support opened doors I didn’t know existed.”

Today, Moss Grills continues to thrive. The company has shipped products internationally, been featured by five major online retailers, and even provided grills as wedding gifts to American families in Missouri. With continued guidance from APEX and a mission rooted in service and innovation, Fred Moss is paying it forward by mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and showing what’s possible with vision, perseverance, and the right support.