Chad Sehlke of Iowa Discusses Veteran-to-Veteran Business Networks: Why Peer Support Matters
For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life is both a liberating and challenging experience. Among the many paths they pursue, entrepreneurship offers a unique opportunity to channel discipline, leadership, and resilience into building something new. Chad Sehlke of Iowa understands that like any business endeavor, the road to success is often filled with hurdles—financial, emotional, strategic, and logistical. That’s where veteran-to-veteran business networks step in, offering a sense of community, mentorship, and mutual growth that no civilian networking group can quite replicate.
These peer support networks are more than just professional associations; they are lifelines, built on shared values and mutual understanding. They represent a powerful ecosystem where veterans uplift each other, share hard-earned knowledge, and collaborate on ventures that have both economic and social impact.
The Military-to-Business Pipeline
Veterans bring a distinctive set of skills to the business world. Chad Sehlke of Iowa explains that their backgrounds often include leadership under pressure, strategic thinking, adaptability, and a team-oriented mindset. These qualities are deeply valuable in the entrepreneurial space, yet many veterans still find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory when launching or scaling a business.
Transitioning from the rigid structure of the military to the ambiguity of entrepreneurship can feel disorienting. That’s why connecting with other veterans who have already walked that path—or who are navigating it at the same time—can be incredibly grounding. Veteran business networks not only offer guidance but also provide emotional reassurance that the challenges are surmountable.
Shared Experience Breeds Trust
One of the defining strengths of veteran-to-veteran networks is the deep level of trust and mutual respect that comes from shared service. Veterans understand each other’s language, work ethic, and worldview. In business, where relationships often drive opportunities, that shared experience can accelerate connection and foster more meaningful collaborations.
Chad Sehlke of Iowa understands that when a veteran entrepreneur connects with another, there’s an unspoken understanding that transcends typical business networking. This bond fosters honest dialogue, constructive feedback, and a willingness to help—whether that means providing a supplier contact, offering advice on pricing models, or co-hosting an event.
Mentorship That Matters
Mentorship is one of the most powerful aspects of these networks. Veterans who have already started and scaled businesses can offer incredibly specific and relevant advice to others just beginning their journey. Unlike general business mentors, veteran mentors understand the nuances of reintegration and how military values can be a strength—or a stumbling block—depending on how they're applied in business.
These mentorship relationships are often reciprocal. Chad Sehlke of Iowa explains that even seasoned entrepreneurs can gain new perspectives or find renewed purpose by helping others. For many, giving back to the veteran community becomes a personal mission and a way to continue serving long after their military careers have ended.
Creating a Culture of Collaboration
Collaboration is another cornerstone of veteran business networks. Whether it's forming strategic partnerships, cross-promoting services, or simply sharing leads, these communities thrive on cooperation over competition. Veterans often prioritize collective success and have an ingrained habit of looking out for their teammates—traits that foster a generous and collaborative business culture.
This cooperative mindset is especially valuable in today’s fragmented and competitive marketplace. From co-working spaces and joint ventures to regional meetups and industry-specific alliances, veteran business owners are finding creative ways to combine their resources and amplify their reach.
Real-Life Impact: Success Stories
Across the country, veteran-founded companies are making waves in industries ranging from technology and logistics to construction and wellness. Many of these businesses credit veteran-to-veteran support networks as a critical factor in their growth.
Organizations like Bunker Labs, The Rosie Network, and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) have created platforms specifically for veterans to learn, connect, and grow together. Chad Sehlke of Iowa explains that these groups host pitch competitions, mentorship programs, training courses, and networking events that foster peer support and business development.
Veteran-run businesses also frequently hire other veterans, multiplying the impact and creating a cycle of opportunity. This not only strengthens the economic fabric of the veteran community but also addresses broader issues like veteran unemployment and underemployment.
Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
The emotional benefits of these networks shouldn’t be overlooked. Entrepreneurship can be isolating, and veterans, in particular, may struggle with feelings of disconnection after leaving the military. Chad Sehlke of Iowa says that being part of a supportive community where others understand their background can help combat loneliness and mental health challenges.
Peer support offers a form of informal therapy—through shared laughter, hard-earned wisdom, and real conversations about failure and perseverance. It reminds veteran entrepreneurs that they’re not alone, even when the pressure of running a business feels overwhelming.
Building the Future Together
As more veterans turn to entrepreneurship, the importance of veteran-to-veteran business networks will only grow. These communities are not just about career advancement; they are about legacy, identity, and purpose. They represent a continuation of service—only now, the mission is to support one another in civilian life, strengthen the veteran economy, and make a lasting impact in the business world.
Chad Sehlke of Iowa emphasizes that by fostering mentorship, encouraging collaboration, and creating safe spaces for connection, these networks are shaping a generation of veteran entrepreneurs who are not just surviving but thriving—and bringing others along with them.
If you're a veteran considering starting a business, or already on the journey, don’t go it alone. Reach out to a fellow veteran entrepreneur, join a support group, attend an event, or offer your own insights to someone just getting started. The camaraderie and support that once defined your military experience can be just as powerful in business—and you don’t have to leave it behind.
