Ep. 160 From Bomber Pilot to Business Owner: Matt Brooks on Winning After Service

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Matthew R. Brooks, Founder and Principal of Second Echelon Capital, Colonel, US Air Force (Retired) and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to explore his journey from the cockpit to entrepreneurship, and now to investing in fellow veterans.

A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Matt shares how a single touchdown catch against Notre Dame became a lifelong lesson in teamwork, humility, and mission-first leadership. He reflects on his Air Force career, commanding the 5th Bomb Wing, and the values that shaped him; integrity, service, and excellence.

But Matt’s story doesn’t stop at retirement.

After leaving active duty, he stepped into the world of entrepreneurship, acquiring and scaling his family’s hotel supply company before successfully exiting. Now, as founder of Second Echelon Capital, he invests in veteran-owned small businesses, helping other service members navigate the path of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA).

Throughout the conversation, Matt dives into:

• The realities of military transition; what he expected vs. what surprised him
• Entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) and why buying a business can be a powerful path for veterans
• The sleepless nights, financial pressure, and hands-on leadership required to run a small business
• Why community matters, and how organizations like Entrepreneurs' Organization help founders avoid going it alone
• Translating military leadership into building systems, processes, and high-performing teams
• Aligning your commercial pursuits with your personal passions
• The importance of mentorship, financial readiness, and learning when to say “no”

Matt also shares practical resources including books, podcasts, and conferences for veterans interested in business ownership, along with candid advice about preparing your family and finances before taking the entrepreneurial leap.

Whether you're a transitioning service member, a veteran considering buying a business, or a leader looking to invest with purpose, this episode offers a real-world look at what it takes to move from leading airmen to leading companies, and from operator to investor.

🔗 Connect with Matt Brooks → secondecheloncapital.com
🔗 Email → matthew@secondecheloncapital.com
🔗 Follow on LinkedIn → Matthew R. Brooks
🔗 Connect with TheMilVet → themilvet.org

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations empowering veterans to win after service.

#Veterans #AirForce #Entrepreneurship #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #VeteranOwned #SmallBusiness #Investing #ETA #PrivateEquity #TheMilVetPodcast

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