There’s a quiet shift happening in cities like Cincinnati—one that doesn’t make headlines but could change the economic landscape for decades to come. Small business owners, many of whom have spent their lives building something meaningful, are preparing to retire. And with that, we’re faced with one big question: who will take over?

This is where people like JT Harp come in. He’s the owner of Transworld Business Advisors of Cincinnati and he works at the intersection of legacy and opportunity. His job is to help business owners find the right successor—and to help qualified buyers understand the steps involved in buying an existing company. It’s a role that requires a deep understanding of value, confidentiality, and relationships. And it’s one that becomes even more important when veterans enter the picture.

What most people don’t realize is that buying a business doesn’t require inventing a product or being a serial entrepreneur. Sometimes, it means stepping into something that already works—and taking it to the next level. For veterans who already have leadership experience, operational discipline, and a strong sense of mission, owning a business can be a natural transition. But the process is complex, and that’s where business brokers make a real difference.

JT doesn’t just list businesses for sale. He helps determine their value, markets them discreetly, vets potential buyers, and works closely with attorneys, accountants, and lenders to see the deal through. That’s not something you learn on YouTube. It’s something you learn by doing—and JT has quickly built a reputation for doing it well. Since opening his Transworld office in 2023, he’s helped dozens of Cincinnati-area owners navigate their exit while making sure buyers step in with clarity and support.

There’s a bigger story here, too. As more veterans explore entrepreneurship through acquisition—often called ETA—they need people like JT in their corner. Starting a business from scratch isn’t the only option. In fact, buying a business that already has revenue, customers, and employees can be a much more stable path. The challenge is access: access to deals, to financing, and to mentorship.

That’s why we’re bringing JT to the Owners in Honor Fireside Chat on June 18th in Cincinnati. This isn’t just another networking event. It’s a room full of people who care deeply about the future of veteran leadership in the small business world. JT will be speaking alongside bankers, fellow entrepreneurs, and veteran advocates about what it really takes to transition a business—and why veterans are often the right people to take the reins.

If you’re a veteran curious about business ownership, or a small business owner wondering what’s next for your company, this event is for you. It’s not about theory. It’s about real people, real transitions, and what happens when you pair experience with opportunity.

The Fireside Chat will be held at the Fueled Collective Cincinnati on June 18, 2025. There will be open networking, a panel conversation, and a chance to connect with people like JT who are actively shaping what small business succession can look like when veterans are given a real shot.

You can RSVP at www.ownersinhonor.org or by scanning the QR code on the invite. And if you can’t make it but want to get connected, reach out—we’re always looking for future business owners, sellers, and partners who believe in what we’re building.

Because transitions are coming, ready or not. The question is—who’s prepared to step in? With the right guidance, the answer might be you.

📍 Where: Fueled Collective, Cincinnati, OH

🗓️ When: June 18, 2025

🎤 Who: JT Harp (Transworld), Patrick Flood of Owners in Honor, and other veteran business leaders.

This event is for:

• Veterans exploring acquisition as a business model
• Sellers looking to transition to capable, mission-driven owners
• Community partners supporting veteran economic empowerment

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