As SOF Week 2025 unfolds in Tampa, Florida, the energy is palpable. This premier event, co-hosted by USSOCOM and the Global SOF Foundation, brings together over 19,000 attendees from the international special operations community to collaborate, innovate, and honor the elite warriors who have dedicated their lives to service.

Among the myriad of exhibitors and thought leaders, Owners in Honor stands out with a clear mission: to empower special operations veterans to transition from the battlefield to the boardroom through Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA). Our presence at SOF Week underscores our commitment to guiding veterans in acquiring and leading small businesses, ensuring their skills and leadership continue to make a profound impact in the civilian sector.

The SOF Skillset: A Blueprint for Business Leadership

Special operations forces (SOF) veterans possess a unique blend of skills—strategic thinking, adaptability, resilience, and leadership under pressure—that are directly transferable to the business world. These attributes align seamlessly with the demands of entrepreneurship, particularly in acquiring and managing existing businesses.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth , in his keynote address at SOF Week 2025, emphasized the unparalleled caliber of individuals within the SOF community, stating:

"I cannot tell you how humbled I am to be in this room amongst the absolute and very best that our country produces"

At Owners in Honor, we recognize that the discipline and strategic acumen honed in special operations are invaluable assets in the business realm. Our programs are designed to harness these strengths, providing veterans with the tools and support necessary to thrive as business owners.

Owners in Honor at SOF Week 2025

This week, our team, including Patrick Flood and THERESA IRVING, is actively engaging with attendees at our booth in the SOF Community Corridor. We're sharing insights on ETA, connecting with potential partners, and highlighting success stories of veterans who have successfully transitioned into business ownership.

Theresa Irving, our Director of Development, shared her enthusiasm on LinkedIn:

"I had the privilege of attending the Create Your Own Mission: Opportunities for Veteran-Owned Businesses and Startups session at Tampa Marriott Water Street Collection, and it was packed with value.

Patrick Flood, our founder and CEO, shares:

"👊🏼Proud to see my friend Jarrid “Jay” Collins speak at SOF Week with Global SOF Foundation - Always leave it better than you got it! 🛠️Now let’s get to work🛠️"

These interactions underscore the importance of community and mentorship in the journey from military service to entrepreneurship.

Bridging the Gap: ETA as a Pathway for Veterans

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition offers a structured and strategic pathway for veterans to enter the business world. By acquiring existing businesses, veterans can leverage their leadership skills to drive growth and innovation.

Owners in Honor provides comprehensive support throughout this process, including:

• Education and Training: Workshops and resources to understand the intricacies of business acquisition.
• Mentorship: Connecting veterans with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
• Financial Guidance: Assistance in navigating funding options and financial planning.

Our goal is to ensure that veterans are not only prepared but also confident in their ability to lead successful businesses.

Join the Mission

As SOF Week 2025 continues, we invite attendees to visit our booth to learn more about how Owners in Honor is transforming the landscape of veteran entrepreneurship. For those unable to attend, we encourage you to explore our website at www.ownersinhonor.org to discover how you can support or participate in our mission.

Together, we can honor the dedication of our special operations veterans by empowering them to lead and succeed in the business world.

Call to Action

Are you a veteran ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey? Or someone interested in supporting veteran-led businesses? Visit www.ownersinhonor.org to learn more about our programs, success stories, and how you can get involved. Let's build a future where our heroes continue to lead with honor in every endeavor.

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