From Military Service to Entrepreneurial Success: The Journey of a Veteran Entrepreneur
The Challenge of Military Transition
Transitioning from military to civilian life is a unique challenge that many veterans face. For Michael Parks, a veteran entrepreneur and owner of Daystar Photography LLC, the journey was different than he expected. Having joined the Air Force just three days after high school, Michael had only ever known a life of military structure and discipline. His father was an active-duty Army member, which meant that from childhood, military life was all he knew.
Michael ParksAfter years of serving as an Air Force K9 handler and traveling extensively, Michael found himself transitioning into civilian life. He moved back to Atlanta and started working for the United States Postal Service (USPS). However, the shift wasn’t as easy as he had hoped. The mentality was different, the structure was different, and the expectations in a civilian workplace felt unfamiliar.
“I was still in the military mindset,” Michael recalled. “It took me about a year to adjust to civilian life.”
As if fate had other plans, 9/11 happened, and his desire to return to a structured, mission-driven career led him to become an Air Marshal. This move helped ease his transition by providing a familiar sense of duty and discipline. But even then, Michael knew that he needed something else—something that was his own.
The Spark of a Veteran Entrepreneur
Michael always had an entrepreneurial spirit, even before the military. Growing up, his parents instilled in him the importance of earning his own money. At the age of 12 or 13, he was already going door to door, offering to mow lawns for a few dollars.
“I didn’t realize at the time that twenty bucks wasn’t much, but when you make it on your own, it feels like a lot,” he said.
While in the military, that entrepreneurial mindset took a backseat as he focused on excelling as a K9 handler. However, about ten years before retiring, Michael received valuable advice from another veteran:
“You need to have something lined up for when you transition.”
This advice stuck with him. He began exploring photography as a hobby and creative outlet, which later turned into a business idea. Photography allowed him to stay connected with the veteran community, as he primarily focused on capturing images of military personnel, veterans, and their families.
The Best and Worst Parts of Being a Veteran Entrepreneur
Like any business venture, entrepreneurship comes with its highs and lows. For Michael, one of the biggest challenges was dealing with inconsistency.
“People are finicky,” he explained. “One quarter, the business might be booming, and the next quarter, it could be slow. Holidays, economic factors, and unpredictable shifts in consumer behavior all play a role.”
The uncertainty of revenue flow was an adjustment compared to the steady paycheck of government and military work. However, the rewards made it worthwhile.
“I love seeing my clients' faces when they see their photos. Many come in saying, ‘I’m not photogenic, I don’t look good in pictures.’ But when I show them their portraits, their reaction is priceless. It’s a gift that lasts forever—not just for them, but for their children and future generations.”
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)
One of the biggest factors in Michael’s business success was The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV), a program run by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University.
The EBV program provides veterans with a comprehensive, hands-on training experience in building and scaling a business. It includes an in-residence bootcamp, where participants learn from successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and mentors.
“They group you with other veterans who match your business interests, and for 30 days before the residency, you work on business projects together,” Michael explained. “The program is completely free, covering everything from lodging to transportation.”
Having been in the veteran entrepreneurship space for six to seven years, Michael considers EBV one of the best programs available for veterans looking to start or grow a business.
Expanding as a Veteran Entrepreneur with Daystar Photography
Michael is now expanding Daystar Photography LLC beyond traditional photography and videography. His goal is to secure government contracts, work with corporate clients, and continue helping veterans and businesses with branding and media production.
He also dabbles in drone photography and videography, adding an innovative touch to his services. However, his most ambitious project to date is something that could change the way veteran stories are told in the media.
The Veteran Road Show: Bringing Veteran Entrepreneurs to Prime Time
In 2023, there were zero veteran-focused television shows in prime-time TV. In contrast, there were over 500 general TV shows.
Michael saw this as a problem—and an opportunity.
With the help of his production team, he is launching a Veteran Road Show, an initiative where he and his team will travel across the country in an RV, stopping in small towns and rural communities to interview veteran entrepreneurs about their experiences.
His mission? To showcase veteran-owned businesses, families, and the communities that support them.
“I want to highlight the real impact veteran entrepreneurs are making,” Michael said. “People don’t realize that veterans are the ones running businesses in these small towns, strengthening communities, and making a difference.”
The goal is to get these stories on major networks, ensuring that the contributions of veterans are seen and recognized nationwide.
Paying It Forward: Mentorship and Community Support
Michael’s passion for helping other veterans doesn’t stop at photography or business. He also serves as a mentor with IVMF, helping fellow veterans navigate entrepreneurship.
“The thing that pushes me is seeing other veteran entrepreneurs grow and support each other,” he said. “It’s not just about the veterans—it’s about their families, their children, and the communities that stand behind them.”
By sharing knowledge, experiences, and opportunities, Michael ensures that veterans don’t have to navigate the transition to civilian life alone.
Connect with Michael Parks
If you’d like to learn more about Daystar Photography LLC or support Michael’s mission, visit his website:
🌐 Website: www.daystarphoto.com
Michael is also in the process of launching social media channels dedicated to the Veteran Road Show, so stay tuned for updates!
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