Dad. Entrepreneur. 5x-Founder. Impact-focused CEO. Nonprofit Leader. Investor. Military veteran. Not from John D. Rockefeller fam. #SecondService #SmallBusiness
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Articles by Mark L Rockefeller
Doing Well by Doing Good with Mark Rockefeller's StreetShares
Mark’s active duty pay and allowances were not a fortune but allowed him to provide for his wife and children with enough of a cushion that he and his wife were able to invest in real estate. He recommends this segue way to entrepreneurship for anyone who feels that itch; Indulge it on the side, as a side hustle, without giving up your day job. Mark returned from Iraq in 2008, just in time for this country’s biggest economic disaster in decades.
Holiday Gifts That Might Just Save America (Yes, Really!)
Holiday Gifts That Might Just Save America (Yes, Really!) Are you concerned that American values, such as individual liberty, freedom, and limited government are slipping? Do something about it. Read Full Article »
Mark Rockefeller: Three holiday gifts that might just save America (yes, really)
Are you concerned that American values, such as individual liberty, freedom, and limited government are slipping? Do something about it. This holiday shopping week, let’s give the gift of entrepreneurship. Join me in shopping for gifts that encourage and prepare the next generation to become independent business owners and entrepreneurs.
The Best Career Advice I've Ever Heard
Bill CopelandGlacier Confection Bill Copeland is an Army veteran, serial entrepreneur, and master of re-invention. Bill's current passion? Chocolate. “Chocolate makes you happy, plain and simple,” Bill said. Bill is currently chief chocolate officer of award-winning Glacier Confection in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After years of mastering several industries, acquiring skills and following passions, Bill, now 62, has provided what I think is the single best piece of career advice I've ever heard.
Meet the Blockchain Entrepreneur Who Pulled Down the Saddam Hussein Statue
“I’ve always liked taking risks and being first – both when I was an active Marine and now as an entrepreneur. It’s exhilarating to go into the unknown and lead the way for others.” USMC veteran Casey Kuhlman’s calling card is his fearless spirit. From the time he served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, to becoming an entrepreneur and the CEO of Monax, Casey’s tenacity and drive to go in first, has served him well.
Epiphany: Veteran Entrepreneur Finds Inspiration In An Unusual Place
Ideas require a seed. In funding military community entrepreneurs at StreetShares, I’ve noticed that many entrepreneurs find seeds of inspiration in their own personal experiences. In Renette Dallas’ case, inspiration came at the Doctor’s office, as a personal health challenge became the seed that resulted in the founding of True Pop Popcorn. Renette Dallas and friends enjoying True Pop popcorn.
From Bankruptcy To 200 Franchises: Military Veteran Entrepreneur's 6 Keys To Success
Jerry Flanagan and TeamJerry Flanagan They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and no one knows that better than Jerry Flanagan, CEO and Founder of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling. Jerry and I will be “sharks” at the 6th Annual Veterans Pitch Competition in December, where one military-veteran-run company will walk away with $25,000 from Comcast to fuel their business.
3 Business Secrets This Woman Entrepreneur Learned In The Military
Erica Webster of Dub Fitness Peter Gravinese When Erica Webster tells you to drop and give her twenty, you don’t think twice. The Army veteran and fitness professional formerly worked at the only Department of Defense maximum security prison as a member of the U.S. Military Police. Can your personal trainer say that? Erica Webster, military veteran and CEO of Dub Fitness. Peter Gravinese Erica is the Founder and CEO of Dub Fitness, LLC.
Actions, Not Words: 4 Tips From Businesses Doing More For Veterans This 4th of July
Yesterday, I appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box to discuss military veterans and entrepreneurship. Co-Host Joe Kernan asked what the private sector can do to help veterans. It's an important question, and the companies below set a great example for others to follow. During the CNBC segment, we discussed the work Boston Beer Company, the makers of Samuel Adams beer, is doing for veterans through the StreetShares Foundation (disclosure: I'm Chairman of the StreetShares Foundation).
Why Military Veterans Should Become Entrepreneurs
I’m one of the 2.5 million veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. I’m also an entrepreneur. And I’m not alone. The men and women of today’s armed services are uniquely positioned to become successful veteran entrepreneurs. By nature of your military service, you possess the skills that are required to run your own business. As a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, you learned the importance of communication, focus, and drive to accomplish the mission at hand.
Taming The Red Bull: Navy SEAL Joins 5-time Entrepreneur to Disrupt $65 Billion Energy Drink Market
In running StreetShares, I get to meet great entrepreneurial teams. One thing I've noticed is that military veterans-turned-entrepreneurs have a unique tenacity and skillset. They apply what they learned in combat and they win in entrepreneurship. Sean Matson of Strike Force Energy.Sean Matson But the best “vetrepreneurs” also have a secret ability: they possess the humility to understand that they don’t know everything, and they need to partner with more experienced entrepreneurs to win.
Money, Love & Shark Tank: 3 Ways This Successful Couple Keeps It All Together
Not surprisingly, life as a Navy SEAL taught Eli Crane, co-founder and CEO of Bottle Breacher, countless leadership lessons that he would apply to his journey as an entrepreneur. But less talked about is the other half of the equation: What being a military spouse taught his wife and co-founder, Jen. While Eli might be the face of the multi-million dollar operation that turns .50 caliber bullets into bottle openers, Jen is the heart. They are a storybook American success.
How This Veteran Entrepreneur Brewed $30 Million From Coffee And Passion
The best entrepreneurs are like a good cup of coffee: fresh, strong, and bold. Army Green Beret turned coffee brew master, Evan Hafer, is exactly that. As the CEO of Black Rifle Coffee, Hafer says they’re selling freedom, one cup at a time. It’s a great tagline. You know what else? It's an incredible business. The company roasts over a million pounds of coffee per year and grosses over $30 million annually. This isn’t a veteran with a hobby; this is a savvy businessman with a passion.
The Anti-Snowflake: 4 Lessons From The Most Interesting Millennial Entrepreneur In America
Think you’ve got Millennials figured out? You’ll think differently when you meet Colin Wayne Erwin. Colin Wayne, as he prefers to be called, is a 28-year-old millionaire from Huntsville, Alabama and the CEO of Redline Steel. He is a high-school dropout and military combat veteran who was injured by an enemy rocket attack in Afghanistan. He is also a former male fitness cover model, social media savant, and he has built a multi-million-dollar industrial manufacturing business in only 18 months.
Entrepreneur's Winning Secret: Use These 3 Elite Military Tactics in Business
Derek Sisson of Merica Bourbon at the Army/Navy Game, Dec. 2017. Derek Sisson Hang out with entrepreneurs long enough and you notice patterns. At StreetShares, we fund thousands of veteran-owned small businesses. I’ve noticed many successful veteran-owned small businesses are run by veterans from elite special operations units. These elite units include the Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces (“Green Berets”), Marine Corps’ MARSOC (formerly “Force Recon”), Army Rangers, and others.
Don't Just Thank A Veteran, Invest In One: 5 Ways To Support Military Entrepreneurs
Studies tell us two things about military veterans as business owners: Veterans are more likely to own a business than civilians (those without military experience). These well-known truths were repeated in a new study just released last week from Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families. But the study also revealed what veteran entrepreneurs (“vetrepreneurs”) say they need most to succeed.
"I Want To Show The World That Entrepreneurs Like Me Can Exist"
He's a Marine Corps veteran who owns a sizable chunk of the real estate rental market in the same Texas town where he once picked up cans on the side of the road to make money. His path to prosperity has been hard-fought and incremental: he has launched multiple successful companies, closed over $250,000,000 of real estate finance transactions, personally invested in over 100 real estate deals, and is currently hosting a TV show for HGTV, Flip or Flop Fort Worth.
Nejdrsnější podnikatel Ameriky: bývalý seržant vybojoval 100milionový brand | Forbes
23. ?ervence 2017 Daniel Alarik nevypadá jako typický podnikatel v mód?. Vlastn? o ní na za?átku nev?d?l v?bec nic. Alarik je totiž armádním veteránem s vojenským sest?ihem a ob?ími potetovanými bicepsy. Je nevylé?iteln? patriotický, taky zábavný a o politické korektnosti nikdy neslyšel. A možná práv? to je tajemství jeho úsp?chu. Alarik vytvo?il brand lifestylového oble?ení, jak to dokázalo jen málo lidí p?ed ním. Svá trika za?al navrhovat a pak prodávat v kufru auta.
America's Grittiest Entrepreneur: How An Army Sergeant Created A $100 Million Lifestyle Brand
Grunt Style CEO Daniel Alarik excites the crowd on stage at Grunt Fest 5 in Colorado SpringsGrunt Style 2017 Daniel Alarik doesn't look like a typical fashion entrepreneur. He is an Army combat veteran, with a tight military haircut, barrel chest, and large tattooed arms. He’s unapologetically patriotic, pro-military, and pro-Second Amendment. He’s also funny, authentic, and irreverent. He’s not politically correct.
4 Secrets to Become a Successful Veteran Government Contractor | Credit.com
The U.S. government constantly adjusts and grows as new needs arise. The government needs an army of contractors to support its massive consumption requirements. As a result, the benefits available through government contracts are abounding. Veteran contractors are perfect candidates to fill this growing landscape because of their previous employment by the government.
7 Tips for Funding Your Veteran-Owned Small Business | Credit.com
Military veterans often face challenges when it comes to funding their business with a veteran small business loan, but finding capital that works for you is not impossible, especially when you have help. (Full Disclosure: I am the CEO and co-founder of StreetShares, a financing community for veteran business owners.) If you find yourself in this situation, here are seven tips to help get you started on getting your business finances in order.
7 Free Resources Veteran Entrepreneurs Will Use to Crush It In 2017
For many veteran entrepreneurs, that means starting or growing a new business. Here are 7 absolutely free resources veteran entrepreneurs will use to crush it in 2017 . Bonus: Keep an eye on current legislation. The Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Act (VET Act), originally proposed in 2015, would allow the SBA to conduct a 3-year pilot program for up to 250 veterans to use their GI Bill benefits to start a business.
Top Employers For Veterans - pg.1
As hiring continues to pick up, many companies are eager to capitalize on the technical and managerial skills of those with military experience. To determine the top employers for veterans, Forbes worked with compensation information site Payscale.com to develop a ranking of companies that hire the most veterans for work in which military experience is highly relevant.
The Top 25 Veteran-Founded Startups In America
“Vetrepreneurship” is sweeping the country. The SBA reports that 25% of Post-9/11 veterans want to start their own businesses. Over the past two months, we scoured the country for the best veteran-owned startups in the nation. We asked venture capitalists, angel investors, veteran founders and industry experts to send us ideas. We received 85 nominations, and culled those based on five factors to rank the companies and create this list.
Forget Silicon Valley: 5 Reasons Veteran Entrepreneurs Launch Startups In Unexpected Places
The US Navy Blue Angels numbers 5 and 6 fly near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California as part of a practice run for Fleet Week on October 6, 2016. / AFP / JOSH EDELSON (Photo credit should read JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images) I recently read a list of the [...]
Why The Military Is The Best Entrepreneurship Training Program In America
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Justin Hathaway, United States Forces-Iraq Provost Marshal Office operations non-commissioned officer in charge, braves a sandstorm after leaving the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq and U.S. Forces-Iraq Provost Marshal office at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Sept. 27, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo/Released.
Why Military Veterans Should Become Entrepreneurs
I’m one of the 2.5 million veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. I’m also an entrepreneur. And I’m not alone. The men and women of today’s armed services are uniquely positioned to become successful entrepreneurs. You have what it takes. By nature of your military service, you possess the skills that are required to run your own business. As a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine, you learned the importance of communication, focus, and drive to accomplish the mission at hand.
Why Veterans Lending to Veterans May be the Future of Small Business Lending
I recently had a chance to interview Mark L. Rockefeller, the co-founder and CEO of small business social lending platform, StreetShares. Mark is an Air Force veteran who served in Iraq. He has a strong desire to help other vets, which in part inspired the creation of StreetShares. Disclosure: I am the co-founder of FitBiz Loans, a small business loan broker. FitBiz Loans has recently started to refer business to StreetShares. We derive less than 1% of our revenues from the relationship.
Nonbanks Rethink the Lending Marketplace
After underwriting loans at Citigroup just after the 200809 recession, David Snitkof concluded that even in a healthy economy there had to be a better way to lend. Banks were pulling back from making loans of all kinds, and the market seemed increasingly unattractive to everyone but distressed-debt investors. Many institutional investors werent comfortable with that kind of risk, so opportunities to buy debt dried up.
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