Iain Feeney’s Post

Who would have thought that a retired army officer's next mission would be eyelashes? Many veterans, tired of answering to someone else, explore business ownership as their next career path to take control of their lives. I met this gentleman at a Boots to Business seminar, where I discussed how to find happiness through entrepreneurship after a military career. He wanted to run a semi-absentee business with enough revenue to replace his military income while building a legacy for his children. And yes, a lash business was the perfect fit! If you're ready to explore your next mission through business ownership, contact me today! #VeteranOwned #BusinessOwnership #FranchiseSuccess #EntrepreneurLife

Today is National Superhero Day! 🦸♂️🦸♀️ While we celebrate the technological genius of superheroes like Batman, Iron Man, and Reed Richards, let's not forget about Forge! 🌟 Forge, also known as "The Maker," stands out as a beacon of technological brilliance in the superhero world. 🔧 Forge's Origins: - Mutant Genius: Forge, a mutant of the Cheyenne nation, possesses unparalleled technological prowess. - The Maker: His intuitive understanding of technology is as natural as breathing for him. 🛡️ Forge's Journey: - Military Service: Trained as a medicine man, Forge primarily relies on technology rather than mysticism. His conflict with his teacher, Naze, led him to join the military. - Vietnam War: Serving in Vietnam, Forge rose in the ranks to become a sergeant. His life took a fateful turn during combat. - Injury and Transformation: In a desperate act, Forge summoned otherworldly beings to protect his comrades, losing his right leg and hand. His cybernetic replacements marked a new chapter. 🔍 Forge's Legacy: - X-Men Connection: He associated with the X-Men, enhancing technology at the X-Mansion. - X-Factor Member: Forge was also a member of X-Factor. - Real-Life Inspiration: As VIP's patron superhero, Forge embodies innovation, resilience, and service. Salute to Forge and Veterans Intellectual Property (VIP)! Let's honor Forge and all veterans today. Just as Forge uses technology to protect others, VIP protects the intellectual property rights of veterans and military personnel. Through pro bono patenting services, VIP empowers veterans to thrive in civilian life. Share your thoughts on Forge or any other superhero who inspires you! 🇺🇸🙌🏾 #NationalSuperheroDay #SuperheroDay #VIP #VeteransIntellectualProperty

Transitioning from the military? At Boots In Business, we've got your six every step of the way. Whether you're navigating career options, educational opportunities, or entrepreneurial ventures, our support network is here to ensure your success. Together, let's chart a course for your bright future beyond service! #veteran #success #investing #realestate

Where can dozens of Veterans and military spouses come together to build a #connected #thriving #community? If you're in the #DMV, you can join ZeroMils and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce on March 20, from 5 to 7 PM at ThunderCat Technology HQ in Reston, Virginia -- to network, share fellowship, and get to #MilitaryThriving! We are excited to be a part of this second of an enduring series of quarterly networking events with the NoVA Chamber, sharing the journeys of 4 successful Vet Entrepreneurs. This panel description says it all. "Small businesses are the engine of our economy, and they are the engine for change in communities like Northern Virginia. According to SBA, there are more than two million Veteran owned small businesses in America, employing 6 million people; and Veterans are 45% more likely to own a small business than civilians. Moreover, 14% of Veterans own a franchise, making them twice as likely to own one than our civilian counterparts. All hiring, all growth and all impact is achieved at the local level, and Veterans as small business owners, can be at the forefront of change as it relates to perceptions about Veterans and the ability to influence propensity to serve amongst our next generation of warfighters." Tom Deierlein, CEO, @Thundercat Technology Dwight Hunt, former CEO, Octo Consulting and B3Group Jo McCabe, owner, Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia - Arlington to Haymarket Lawrence Nunn, Co-founder & CEO, Cyberspacial Moderator: ZeroMils

An amazing experience! Launching a business can feel like a monumental effort just to get that first sale, let alone grow. What would happen if you dedicated 10-weeks to focus on the fundamentals need to launch and move forward? What would happen if you joined a community of like-minded veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs also working to take the next big step to launch a business. When you join Bunker Labs Veterans in Residence (ViR), you have more than an entrepreneurial endeavor in common—you have a common ethos, shaped by a common experience. Hit the ground running with a community that never gives up, no matter the challenge.

Hard Truths About Transitioning Transitioning from military life to civilian entrepreneurship is not a walk in the park. The truth is, no one will hand you success; it’s earned. When I left the military, I thought my discipline would carry me through. But here’s the uncomfortable reality: Discipline without direction leads nowhere. It wasn’t until I built a support system and found my reason that things started to change. I had to stop waiting for things to fall into place and start creating the needed structure. It wasn’t easy. There were hard days when I questioned everything. But the minute I stopped waiting for things to happen and started taking control, I saw progress. If you're transitioning and expecting the path to be easy, let me be honest—it won’t be. But the rewards are there if you're willing to work and take ownership of your journey. If you’re ready to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them, The Stronghold is here to help. Join us and connect with veterans who understand the struggle but take action daily. Doors Reopen on Tuesday! #Veterans #Entrepreneurship #Transition #Discipline #TheStronghold #Action

1 year ago today, this was me leaving my corporate job to take on Aerial Resupply Coffee® full time. Man, what an awesome and exhilarating feeling. It had become clear to me that I needed to do this for myself. I needed to get back to Mike, and what he wanted to do. Did I enjoy my corporate career? Sure. But like anything, there was something missing. Something that I wanted to prioritize that the company I worked for did not. And that’s ok. I made this decision together with my wife and we never looked back. I’d say we made the right decision. Things I get to do because I now work for myself: - Take my daughter to school everyday. - Pick my daughter up most days - Sleep in if I need to. - Be as creative as I want to be. - Make decisions without a “matrix meeting” - Experiment Oh - and guess what? My marriage is STRONGER because I’m an entrepreneur. For those that say it can’t or won’t be that way, in the immortal words of veterans worldwide: “Sucks to suck” It’s hard to believe it’s already been one year at the helm of Aerial Resupply Coffee® as a full time entrepreneur. Given the new store here in Charlottesville, it feels like I just started. In many ways, I have. But I’ve also come so far. Don’t give up If you’re building your company. You can make it happen as well. I’m proof. And by all means, stay caffeinated. ✌️ Aerial Resupply Coffee® #veterans #coffee #marketing #military #transitioningmilitary #entreprenuership

Honoring the Vital Contributions of Veteran-Owned Businesses This Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions veteran-owned companies make to our communities and society as a whole. Veteran entrepreneurs bring with them a wealth of skills grounded in discipline, innovation, and unwavering leadership, cultivated through years of dedicated service. Their journey from the frontlines to the forefront of business embodies integrity, mission-driven focus, and a commitment to improving the lives of those they serve. In healthcare and beyond, veteran-owned businesses like Concordant Healthcare Solutions, Inc. don’t just operate to meet industry standards; they set new ones. These companies contribute to stronger, more resilient communities by applying military precision to innovation and problem-solving. Let us honor their service—not only for what they have done for our country but for what they continue to do daily in civilian life. So, on behalf of my military brothers and sister entrepreneurs, join us in supporting and celebrating the incredible impact of our veteran-owned businesses today and every day. www.concordanthealth.com #VeteransDay #VeteranOwned #Leadership #Integrity #CommunityImpact

Veterans, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss! Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with Jean-Pierre Bolat, U.S. Navy (RET) and VP of Veteran Programs at QuickMountTV, and he shared something game-changing for our veteran community. QuickMountTV has launched the Heroes Initiative. And they’re giving away 100 franchises to 100 veterans over the next two years! That’s right 100 veterans will be able to become franchise owners, step into entrepreneurship, and make a real impact in their communities. This initiative isn’t just about business. It’s about honoring the dedication, discipline, and sacrifice of those who’ve served. Led by Commander Jean-Pierre Bolat, this initiative is about turning your military service into a thriving future in business. If you're miserable in your corporate job and feel destined for more. If you’ve ever thought about starting your venture or taking control of your next chapter, this is the opportunity to make it happen. If you’re a veteran ready to explore this incredible opportunity, or if you want more information on how to apply, reach out! Let’s ensure this chance goes to those ready to take their entrepreneurial dreams to the next level. #Veterans #Entrepreneurship #QuickMountTV #HeroesInitiative #VeteranSupport #FranchiseOpportunity #Transition #VeteransInBusiness #Leadership

In the sixth chapter of his "Art of War", Sun Tzu said, "凡先处战地而待敌者佚，后处战地而趋战者劳。" Translated as: "He who first reaches the battlefield is relaxed. He who reaches later is overworked." The troops that are first to the battlefield have more time to make plans and prepare. They could occupy the higher ground or station their men near the water and food source. The troops that come later need to adjust to the conditions created by the enemy. Reminds me of the concept of "First Mover Advantage" in business. As the first one in the market, you can (at least should) - enjoy a big market share for a longer period - more time to establish brand recognition and customer loyalty - set the market standard for the product Of course, not saying competitors who come after cannot succeed. There are obviously many examples of companies who came later and displaced the incumbent. But they almost always have to spend more time and money or need to think of a really brilliant strategy. Else, you can choose not to fight in the same "battlefield". #axlplanner #artofwar #business #strategy #lessonsfromhistory