Most veterans can build a business. The hardest part isn't skill—it's taking the first step.EPISODE PREMISEMany veterans leave military service believing the safest path is government work or contracting. Kevin Capozzoli chose something different. After serving 25 years in the Army, he intentionally spent three years preparing to become an entrepreneur, building a roadmap that allowed him to leave military service with purpose instead of uncertainty.If you've ever wondered whether entrepreneurship is worth the risk, Kevin shares the mindset, financial planning, and practical decisions that made it possible.In this episode, you'll discover:• Learn how to prepare years before military retirement for entrepreneurship.• Understand why financial planning is just as important as your business idea.• Recognize why imposter syndrome affects nearly every new entrepreneur—and how to push through it.• Discover how one graduate program helped transform an idea into a venture-backed defense company.About Kevin CapozzoliKevin Capozzoli served 25 years in the U.S. Army before becoming Co-Founder of Critical Materials Group. His company is helping strengthen America's defense industrial base by expanding domestic explosives manufacturing, while his background in technology commercialization gives him a unique perspective on building businesses that solve national security challenges. If this episode helped you, please follow the show and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more veterans, service members, and military families discover conversations that could change the direction of their transition.EPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 — Introduction01:12 — Planning Retirement Three Years Early04:08 — Why Kevin Chose Entrepreneurship08:24 — The Reality of Building a Business11:28 — Why Veterans Fear Entrepreneurship16:31 — Building Critical Materials Group20:29 — Closing & ResourcesExplore the Full VET S.O.S. Network▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony StrongConnect with VET S.O.S.Website: <a href="https://vetsospodcast.com">https://vetsospodcast.com</a>Twitter: <a href="">https://twitter.com/vetsospodcast</a>LinkedIn: <a href="https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast">https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast</a>YouTube: <a href="https://youtube.com/@vetsospodcast">https://youtube.com/@vetsospodcast</a>Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast">https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast</a>Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast">https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast</a>TikTok: <a href="https://tiktok.com/@vetso

Veterans Are Built to Be Entrepreneurs — Kevin Capozzoli, Army Veteran

Get Started

Download the App