JJ HardAt VET S.O.S., we understand that transitioning from military to civilian life isn’t always easy, and neither is entrepreneurship. That’s why we bring you inspiring stories of veteran entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated this journey. Today, we sit down with Jeremiah Hardy, a leadership coach, resilience advocate, and founder of Victory Leadership Coaching. With 18 years of experience, Jeremiah specializes in leadership coaching, helping leaders develop key skills such as empathy, communication, and mental toughness. His work focuses on fostering workplace culture, team dynamics, and personal growth to create lasting impact.Overcoming the Challenges of Military Transition
Jeremiah’s transition from the military wasn’t easy. Due to unforeseen health issues, he had to leave active duty earlier than expected. Like many veterans, he found the transition process challenging, but he leaned on available resources, networking, and veteran support groups to make the shift smoother.
“You really have to tap into your local community,” Jeremiah shared. “Beyond just the VA, organizations like DAV, the American Legion, and local veteran groups were instrumental in helping me find my footing.”
After transitioning from Fort Wainwright, he faced the tough challenge of finding meaningful work. He explored different jobs and industries before discovering his passion for coaching—a field where he could apply his military experience in leadership and resilience training to benefit organizations and individuals alike.
The Entrepreneurial Spark: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Jeremiah’s entrepreneurial journey started after working in various senior management positions. One common problem he noticed across all his jobs was the lack of effective leadership coaching and training.
“People struggled with the basics—interpersonal communication, having tough conversations, and knowing how to treat people at work,” Jeremiah said.
While working in the transportation and logistics industry, he developed a leadership coaching program for his company that significantly improved employee retention. However, when he proposed doing it full-time, the company hired someone else instead. That moment became the catalyst for him to launch Victory Leadership Coaching.
“If I could do this for one company, why not do it for many?” Jeremiah thought. And with that mindset, he took the leap into entrepreneurship. Since then, he has been dedicated to helping organizations cultivate strong, high-performing teams by developing effective and compassionate leaders through leadership coaching.
The Reality of Entrepreneurship: The Good, The Bad, and The Rewarding
Jeremiah doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of entrepreneurship. “It’s tough. If you’re looking for an easy route, go get a J-O-B. Entrepreneurship is rewarding, but it takes work.”
One of the biggest lessons he’s learned is the importance of having a strong support system. “Having a mentor or coach makes a huge difference. It’s about having someone to help you ask the right questions and guide you in the right direction.”
Through his business, Jeremiah has helped countless entrepreneurs and leaders develop the skills they need to thrive. “One of the most rewarding parts is seeing the impact. When you help someone grow as a leader through coaching, you’re not just changing their career—you’re changing their life.”
Jeremiah also emphasizes the need for resilience. “You’re going to encounter setbacks, but every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. The key is to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.”
Leveraging Veteran Entrepreneur Programs for Success
To help build his business, Jeremiah participated in Bunker Labs, a program that connects veteran entrepreneurs and provides essential training and networking opportunities.
“Bunker Labs is an amazing community. They not only teach you business fundamentals, but they also connect you with other veteran entrepreneurs. And with their recent partnership with IVMF, the opportunities have only expanded.”
These programs help veterans navigate the complexities of business ownership, offering mentorship, access to funding resources, and education tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs.
Jeremiah also encourages veterans to explore additional programs like Syracuse University's IVMF (Institute for Veterans and Military Families), Boots to Business, and SCORE mentorship programs. These initiatives provide step-by-step guidance, business planning resources, and one-on-one mentorship, all designed to support veterans in launching and growing their businesses.
What’s New with Victory Leadership Coaching?
Jeremiah’s company, Victory Leadership Coaching, offers one-on-one leadership coaching, leadership training, and consulting. But the big news? He’s launching a Business Basics Program, designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs build successful businesses without the stress and confusion.
“I wanted to create a program that’s more than just a course—it’s a community. The real value comes from the ongoing support, monthly calls, and problem-solving sessions,” Jeremiah explained.
In addition, he’s also launching the Warrior Leadership Coaching Certification, which provides tools to help aspiring coaches master leadership principles and mental resilience. This program is tailored for individuals who want to develop their coaching skills to positively influence others in their organizations or communities.
Jeremiah is also working on a leadership retreat program where participants can experience immersive training, networking, and skill-building in a hands-on environment. “Leadership isn’t just learned in a classroom. It’s about real-world application, and that’s what I want to offer through this retreat.”
Words of Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
As we wrapped up our conversation, we asked Jeremiah for his best piece of advice for new entrepreneurs. His response was simple but powerful:
“Do the hard things and don’t give up.”
“Success takes hard work and determination. You’re going to fail a few times—just like when you were learning to walk. But if you give up before you get an opportunity to see success, you’ll never know what it looks like.”
Jeremiah also stresses the importance of investing in yourself. “Continuous learning and self-improvement are critical. Whether it’s through books, mentorship, or formal education, never stop growing.”
Connect with Jeremiah Hardy & Victory Leadership Coaching
If you want to learn more about Jeremiah’s work, check out Victory Leadership Coaching online.
📌 Website: VictoryLeadershipCoaching.com
📌 Social Media: Find Victory Leadership Coaching on all major platforms
📌 Book a Call: Whether you’re interested in leadership coaching or just want to chat, Jeremiah welcomes the conversation!
Final Thoughts
We at VET S.O.S. love sharing stories like Jeremiah’s—stories of resilience, leadership, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the veteran community.
Don’t miss out on future episodes of the Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight! Follow us on YouTube, social media, and your favorite podcast platform. And as always—don’t try to see a transition, grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!
