Vets to CEOs: Military Skills Fueling Success

The transition from military service to civilian life can feel like landing on a different planet. Many veterans struggle to find their footing, unsure how their skills translate or where to begin. But countless others are not just surviving, they’re thriving. This article explores how to get started with and profiles of veterans succeeding in civilian life. We’ll also feature stories about veteran-owned businesses and veterans making a real impact. Can military discipline and leadership truly pave the way for entrepreneurial success?

Sergeant Major (Ret.) Marcus Hayes always knew he wanted to own his own business. After 22 years in the Army, including multiple deployments, he returned home to Atlanta feeling lost. “I was good at leading soldiers, fixing problems under pressure, and getting the job done,” Marcus told me over coffee at a Starbucks near the Marietta Square. “But translating that to a resume? That was a different battle.”

Marcus’s story is common. Many veterans underestimate the value of their military experience. They focus on the specific tasks they performed rather than the underlying skills. Leadership, problem-solving, adaptability – these are highly sought-after qualities in the civilian world. The key is learning how to articulate them effectively.

The first step is a thorough skills inventory. Don’t just list your job titles. Break down each role and identify the transferable skills you developed. For example, managing a team of soldiers translates to project management and team leadership. Maintaining complex equipment demonstrates technical aptitude and attention to detail. Handling logistics in a combat zone showcases organizational skills and the ability to perform under pressure. Frame these experiences in terms that civilian employers will understand. I had a client last year, a former Navy SEAL, who struggled with this until we reframed his experience leading covert operations as “strategic planning and risk management.”

Marcus started by attending a workshop offered by the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Veterans Business Development. “That was a game changer,” he said. “They helped me understand the resources available to veteran entrepreneurs.” The SBA offers a range of programs, including training, counseling, and access to capital. They also have a dedicated team of experts who understand the unique challenges veterans face. For example, the Boots to Business program provides entrepreneurial education to transitioning service members. Be warned: it’s not a quick fix. It requires commitment and hard work.

Networking is also essential. Connect with other veterans who have successfully made the transition. Attend industry events, join veteran-specific organizations like the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and engage in online communities like LinkedIn groups for veterans. These connections can provide invaluable support, mentorship, and job opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most veterans are eager to assist their fellow service members. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm: veterans hesitant to ask for assistance despite the wealth of resources available.

After attending the SBA workshop, Marcus decided to pursue his passion for woodworking. He started small, building custom furniture in his garage. He leveraged his military discipline to create a detailed business plan and secure a small business loan. He also tapped into the veteran network for advice and support. I know this sounds cliché, but it’s true: his military training in logistics and resource management proved invaluable.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Marcus struggled with marketing and sales. “I was good at building things, but I didn’t know how to sell them,” he admitted. He invested in online marketing courses and hired a business coach to help him develop his sales skills. He also learned to leverage social media to showcase his work and connect with potential customers. He started using Canva to create visually appealing posts.

Here’s what nobody tells you: the transition from military to civilian life isn’t just about skills and qualifications. It’s also about adapting to a different culture. The military is a highly structured environment with clear lines of authority and a strong sense of camaraderie. The civilian world can be much more ambiguous and individualistic. Veterans need to be prepared for this shift and learn to navigate the different social dynamics.

One of the biggest challenges is learning to self-promote. In the military, you’re often taught to be humble and focus on the team. In the civilian world, you need to be able to highlight your accomplishments and sell your value. This can feel uncomfortable for some veterans, but it’s essential for career success. Practice your “elevator pitch” and be prepared to talk about your strengths and achievements.

Marcus also had to adjust to a different pace of life. “In the Army, everything was urgent,” he said. “I had to learn to be more patient and prioritize tasks.” He found that setting clear goals and breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps helped him stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. He used Asana to manage projects.

Within three years, Marcus’s business, “Hayes Custom Woodworks,” had grown from a one-man operation to a thriving company with five employees. He specializes in custom furniture and cabinetry for residential and commercial clients throughout the metro Atlanta area. His workshop is now located in a renovated warehouse near the intersection of I-75 and Delk Road, and he’s even started mentoring other veteran entrepreneurs. He contributes to several veteran non-profits. According to a recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau, veteran-owned businesses contribute billions to the US economy each year, highlighting the significant impact veterans can have in the civilian world.

Marcus’s success story demonstrates that veterans have the skills, experience, and determination to thrive in civilian life. It requires careful planning, strategic networking, and a willingness to adapt. While it’s true that the unemployment rate for veterans has decreased in recent years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, finding meaningful and fulfilling work remains a challenge for many. Let’s not sugarcoat it: the transition can be tough. But with the right resources and support, veterans can achieve their goals and make a significant contribution to their communities.

Another veteran success story is that of Sarah Chen, a former Air Force pilot. After leaving the military, Sarah struggled to find a job that matched her skills and experience. She eventually decided to start her own consulting firm, specializing in aviation safety and risk management. She leveraged her military training and experience to provide expert advice to airlines and aviation companies. Sarah’s company quickly grew, and she now employs a team of consultants and works with clients around the world. She even secured a contract with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to review their safety protocols. Her success is a testament to the transferable skills and leadership qualities that veterans bring to the civilian workforce.

The key to success for both Marcus and Sarah was their ability to identify their strengths, leverage their military experience, and adapt to the challenges of the civilian world. They also understood the importance of networking and seeking support from other veterans. By tapping into the veteran community, they were able to find mentors, advisors, and potential business partners. (It’s amazing how much a simple phone call can help.)

The transition from military to civilian life is a journey, not a destination. There will be challenges and setbacks along the way. But by staying focused on your goals, leveraging your strengths, and seeking support from others, you can achieve your dreams and build a successful and fulfilling life. What are you waiting for? Start today.

For many veterans, mastering personal finances after service is key to a successful transition. Understanding how to manage budgets and investments can provide a solid foundation for building a business or pursuing a career.

One crucial aspect of the transition is avoiding common mistakes that can hinder progress. Identifying potential pitfalls and developing strategies to overcome them is essential for long-term success.

Forget the generic advice. Take action. Start building that skills inventory. Reach out to one veteran organization this week. The discipline and dedication you learned in the service are your greatest assets. Now, use them to build the civilian life you deserve.