Vets to CEOs: Building Businesses After the Battlefield

The transition from military service to civilian life is often portrayed as a straightforward process, but for many veterans, it’s a complex journey fraught with challenges. Yet, within these challenges lie incredible stories of and inspiring stories of veteran achievement and resilience. How can we better support veterans in achieving their post-service goals, and what lessons can we learn from their successes?

Consider the story of Sergeant Major (Ret.) Marcus Hayes. After 22 years in the Army, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Marcus found himself back in his hometown of Columbus, Georgia, unsure of his next step. He’d always had a passion for woodworking, a hobby he picked up during his downtime overseas. But turning that hobby into a viable business? That felt like a different battle altogether.

Marcus wasn’t alone. The transition from a structured military environment to the often chaotic world of entrepreneurship can be jarring. Many veterans struggle with translating their military skills to civilian applications, accessing capital, and building a professional network. A 2023 study by the Department of Veteran Affairs [no link available] found that nearly 40% of veterans experience significant challenges during their first three years after leaving the service.

One of the biggest hurdles is simply knowing where to start. The military provides a clear chain of command and established procedures. Civilian life? Not so much. “I felt like I was dropped into the middle of the woods without a map,” Marcus admitted. He spent countless hours researching online, attending webinars, and networking with other small business owners. He quickly learned that the resources are out there, but finding them requires persistence and a willingness to ask for help.

Fortunately, several organizations are dedicated to supporting veteran entrepreneurs. The Small Business Administration (SBA), for example, offers a range of programs specifically tailored to veterans, including business training, counseling, and access to capital. Their Office of Veterans Business Development provides resources like the Boots to Business program, designed to equip veterans with the skills and knowledge they need to start and grow their own businesses.

Marcus took advantage of the SBA’s Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program. Through VBOC, he received personalized mentorship from a retired business executive who helped him develop a business plan, secure funding, and navigate the complexities of starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Georgia. This is where his resilience paid off. The process was slow, requiring endless paperwork and countless meetings. But Marcus, accustomed to overcoming obstacles in the military, refused to give up.

Another crucial aspect of veteran success is leveraging the unique skills and experiences gained during their military service. Veterans are often highly disciplined, adaptable, and possess strong leadership qualities. These traits are invaluable in the business world. As someone who has worked with transitioning veterans for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how these qualities translate into successful ventures.

For example, I had a client last year, a former Marine, who started a landscaping business. He applied the same meticulous planning and attention to detail he learned in the military to his business operations. He scheduled his crews with military precision, ensured that every job was completed to the highest standards, and quickly built a reputation for reliability and quality. Within two years, his business had grown from a one-man operation to a thriving company with multiple employees. He understood the value of planning, execution, and accountability.

This adaptability is critical, especially when facing unexpected challenges. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm. A veteran-owned construction company was awarded a major contract to build a new wing at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. However, they encountered significant delays due to supply chain disruptions and labor shortages (a common problem these days, isn’t it?). Instead of panicking, the owner, a former Army engineer, quickly developed a contingency plan, sourcing alternative materials and re-allocating resources to minimize the impact on the project timeline. His ability to think on his feet and make decisive decisions saved the project from disaster. That’s what leadership looks like.

Marcus faced his own set of challenges. Securing funding was a major hurdle. Banks were hesitant to lend to a startup with no established track record. He was eventually able to secure a loan through a combination of SBA-backed financing and a personal investment. But here’s what nobody tells you: the paperwork is daunting. Prepare for it. The SBA requires a detailed business plan, financial projections, and a personal credit history review. It’s a rigorous process, but it’s designed to ensure that the loan is used responsibly and that the business has a solid foundation for success.

Another challenge was marketing his business. Marcus knew how to build beautiful furniture, but he didn’t know how to attract customers. He invested in a website, created social media profiles, and started attending local craft fairs. He also partnered with other veteran-owned businesses in the area to cross-promote their products and services. “It’s all about building relationships,” Marcus explained. “Veterans have a strong sense of community. We support each other.” If you’re looking to cut through the noise to find real support, connecting with fellow veterans is a great start.

Fast forward to 2026, and Marcus’s woodworking business, “Hayes Handcrafted,” is thriving. He employs several other veterans and is a respected member of the Columbus business community. His furniture is sold online and in local boutiques. He even secured a contract to supply custom-made desks for the new Muscogee County Courthouse. His success is a testament to his resilience, his hard work, and the support he received from the veteran community.

Marcus’s story is just one example of the incredible potential of veteran entrepreneurs. But his journey also highlights the importance of providing veterans with the resources and support they need to succeed. We need to do more to connect veterans with mentors, provide access to capital, and create a supportive ecosystem that fosters their entrepreneurial spirit. After all, these are individuals who have already given so much to our country. Supporting their post-service aspirations is the least we can do. It’s crucial to ensure that we aren’t failing our veterans and their families.

The key takeaway? Veterans possess invaluable skills and experiences. By providing targeted support and fostering a culture of opportunity, we can unlock their potential and empower them to build thriving businesses and contribute to our economy. Let’s not just honor their service, let’s invest in their future.

Many veterans find that education is a new career path worth considering as they transition to civilian life. Also, remember that understanding skills that conquer civilian life is very important.

So, what’s the ONE thing you can do today? Research local veteran-owned businesses and make a conscious effort to support them. Even a small purchase can make a big difference.