Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight: How Adam Gaskill is Changing the Nonprofit Landscape
Introduction
Becoming a veteran entrepreneur comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Transitioning from military service or a corporate career into entrepreneurship often requires resilience, strategic thinking, and a clear vision. In this episode of VET S.O.S. | Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, we sit down with Adam Gaskill, a successful entrepreneur and founder of Innovate for Humanity and The Nonprofit Creators.
Adam has helped launch over 80 nonprofits, empowering others to turn their passion into impactful organizations. His journey from corporate burnout to purpose-driven entrepreneurship is filled with lessons, strategies, and inspiration for anyone looking to start a business or nonprofit.
If you’re a veteran entrepreneur looking for insights on starting a nonprofit, building a business, or creating a lasting legacy, this episode is for you!
From Corporate Success to Veteran Entrepreneur
Adam’s journey into entrepreneurship didn’t follow a traditional path. Before launching The Nonprofit Creators, he spent years in the corporate world working for Mutual of Omaha and other major insurance companies. While financially successful, something was missing.
"I was making a high six-figure income, but I felt empty. I had a yearning for something more—something meaningful," Adam recalls.
That need for fulfillment led him to a bold decision: leaving his corporate career to pursue a greater mission. He took inspiration from a powerful quote by Zig Ziglar:
"If I can help more people reach their dreams and reach their goals, naturally I’ll hit mine."
With this mindset, Adam transitioned into entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership, seeking ways to help veterans, business owners, and changemakers create impactful organizations.
The Inspiration Behind Helping Veterans
One of Adam’s biggest motivations for stepping into the nonprofit space was his connection with Bob Barringer, a veteran and nonprofit leader who had built three charities. Through their discussions, Adam realized a major gap in resources for veterans who wanted to start nonprofits.
"Many of our nation’s heroes return from service and struggle to find direction. They have skills, discipline, and leadership abilities, but they don’t always get the support or recognition they deserve," Adam explains.
This realization drove Adam to empower veterans through entrepreneurship—helping them launch nonprofits and businesses that align with their skills and passions.
For many veterans, starting a nonprofit or business is a way to continue serving their community, applying their leadership experience to solve real-world problems.
The Best and Worst Parts of helping Veteran Entrepreneurs
The Best Part: Making an Impact
When asked about the best part of working with veteran entrepreneurs, Adam is clear:
"I get to work with some of the most inspiring people on the planet—people tackling global challenges like sex trafficking, homelessness, and reforestation."
His work through Innovate for Humanity and The Nonprofit Creators connects him with changemakers who are solving the world’s toughest problems.
For veteran entrepreneurs, one of the greatest rewards is seeing their work make a difference in real lives—whether through a successful nonprofit, a growing business, or a community initiative.
The Worst Part: Financial Uncertainty
The biggest challenge of entrepreneurship? Financial uncertainty.
"When you move from a steady paycheck to running your own business, there’s a learning curve," Adam admits.
Many entrepreneurs struggle with consistent revenue in the early stages of their business. But Adam’s advice is simple:
✔ Stay focused on solving problems
✔ Continue adding value
✔ Build strong networks and partnerships
By sticking to these principles, he was able to grow his business and nonprofit efforts into a sustainable, impact-driven career.
Top Entrepreneurial Resources
Adam credits much of his success to two game-changing resources that helped him structure his business and maximize productivity.
1. Tony Robbins' RPM System
The Rapid Planning Method (RPM) is a time management system used by successful entrepreneurs to stay focused on high-impact activities.
"RPM stands for ‘Result-Focused, Purpose-Driven, Massive Action Plan.’ It’s about moving away from endless to-do lists and focusing on what truly drives results," Adam explains.
For any entrepreneur looking to manage time effectively, RPM helps clarify goals, define purpose, and execute massive action plans.
2. Traction (EOS Method) – Gino Wickman
The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), detailed in Traction, helps businesses streamline operations and scale effectively.
"If you're serious about growing your business or nonprofit, you need to read Traction," Adam emphasizes.
EOS provides a structured approach to:
✅ Clarifying vision and goals
✅ Tracking business performance
✅ Improving team communication
For veteran entrepreneurs, these frameworks can be game-changers in scaling a business efficiently.
How The Nonprofit Creators Helps Veteran Entrepreneurs
Starting a nonprofit is one thing. Building a successful, sustainable nonprofit is another. That’s where The Nonprofit Creators comes in.
"We help business owners and veterans turn their passions into impactful nonprofits by handling all the heavy lifting," Adam explains.
The 5 Pillars of The Nonprofit Creators
1️⃣ Nonprofit Formation – Setting up legal structures and compliance.
2️⃣ Digital Real Estate – Building websites, branding, and online presence.
3️⃣ Grant Acquisition – Securing six-figure grants with a 100% success rate.
4️⃣ Collaboration & Networking – Connecting with established nonprofits.
5️⃣ Cause Marketing & Fundraising – Using strategic marketing to attract donors.
For any veteran entrepreneur looking to make an impact, this program provides the roadmap to success.
Innovate for Humanity: A Global Network of Changemakers
Adam’s work extends beyond individual nonprofits. Through Innovate for Humanity, he has created a global network of impact-driven leaders.
"We bring together veterans, business owners, philanthropists, and nonprofits to share best practices and maximize impact," Adam explains.
With organizations reaching millions worldwide, this network is driving change in veteran support, global sustainability, and humanitarian efforts.
For a veteran entrepreneur, being part of such a network provides opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and exponential growth.
Final Thoughts: Advice for Veteran Entrepreneurs
Adam leaves us with a powerful message:
"You are just one connection away from changing everything."
For veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship, his advice is simple:
✔ Find a mentor or support network
✔ Leverage existing resources like RPM and EOS
✔ Believe in your ability to create meaningful change
Want to learn more?
🔗 Connect with Adam Gaskill:
🌎 The Nonprofit Creators – www.thenonprofitcreators.net
🌎 Innovate for Humanity – www.innovateforhumanity.com
🎧 Listen to the full episode now!
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