This new PenFed Foundation Study highlights where the resources, networks and opportunities are strongest, ranking the top 20 large U.S. cities for veteran entrepreneurs. 👉 Read the full report: https://penfedfoundation.org/2026-top-us-cities-for-veteran-entrepreneurs/

Between Hal and I, we have about 20,000 LinkedIn connections. If you have not added us to your network, you are missing networking opportunities. It has taken us at least 20 years to get these contacts. Make sure you connect with us and ask for connections to people that may help you as an entrepreneur.

Most people who want to quit their 9-to-5 have no idea how much money their business actually needs to make. And that’s a big reason why their side hustle stays a side hustle. When I left the military and started building businesses, I learned pretty quickly that wanting to be your own boss and being able to afford to be your own boss are two very different things. A steady paycheck gives you something most aspiring entrepreneurs take for granted. Predictability. You know what’s coming in every two weeks. But when you’re running your own business, nobody guarantees that next paycheck. And here’s where a lot of people get the math wrong. They assume that if they’re making $80,000 a year at their job, they just need a business that generates $80,000 in revenue. Wrong. Your business has expenses. You have taxes to account for. You may need to pay for insurance, equipment, software, marketing, and other operating costs. And you need enough margin to survive the months when revenue isn’t as predictable. That’s why I teach you to figure out what I call your Bravo Foxtrot (Break Free) Number. It’s the number your business needs to generate so you can realistically break free from your paycheck. Let’s say you’re earning $80,000 a year. Depending on your expenses, margins, and financial obligations, your business might need to generate $150,000, $200,000, or more in annual revenue to replace that income sustainably. That’s a very different target. And once you know your number, something changes. You’re no longer just saying, “I want to quit my job someday.” You have a financial target you can work backward from. How many customers do you need? What do you need to charge? How many sales do you need each month? What kind of business model can realistically get you there? That’s when your side hustle starts becoming a business with a plan. It’s also why Day 1 of my FREE 5-Day Startup Veteran Challenge is dedicated to calculating your Bravo Foxtrot Number.

As a solo entrepreneur of 25+ years learning new things is vitally important to keep growing. I’m thankful for finding this group. See you guys soon.

There is a roofing company who went around putting pumpkins on people’s doorstep with this note. What are your thoughts?