Warriors in the Workforce - Scott Hopper
Making the Business I Wanted to Work For
Thank you so much for being here! And for being patient with me while my family and I battled a nasty cold. Unfortunately, my newsletter fell to the back burner while we recovered.
We’re back now - thanks for sticking with me.
My next guest on “Warriors to Workforce” is someone I am so thrilled to be back in contact with after several years. Scott Hopper was my Commandant of Cadets as a Captain when I was a cadet in ROTC.
He retired from the Air Force after 22 years, and after a successful post-military career in various roles, Scott ventured out on his own and established Hopper Consulting LLC.
Here’s Scott!
Why did you choose to serve in the Air Force?
It was very serendipitous really, almost accidental. My sister married an Air Force lieutenant between my junior and senior year of high school. He convinced my parents to submit me for an Air Force ROTC scholarship.
Thanks to a supportive friend group in my ROTC detachment, I managed to graduate in four years and earn a commission as a 2d Lt.
You spent most of your Air Force career in the logistics field. What drew you to that career path?
I really didn’t have a passion for any specific career field. I was married to another ROTC cadet in college, and my focus was on getting a joint-spouse assignment.
My wife and I were both sent to Scott AFB, IL where I was assigned to a Supply Squadron. Logistics was my fourth choice, but I am glad that is where I landed.
Supply Chain Management is a valuable skill set with direct relatability to corporate jobs.
When did you know it was time to retire from the Air Force?
I was an O6, a single Dad, and was selected for group command. I knew that I couldn’t do both things well. My kids deserved better, and our airmen deserved better.
I opted to retire and make my priority being a great Dad.
What were the biggest challenges you had to overcome during and after your retirement?
Anxiety.
It all works out.
But that is hard to believe in a moment where everything you encounter is unknown.
Finding a job was a source of anxiety for me and I see it in many of my friends.
I have been told that your first post-military job is like your first girlfriend. She is great, and you will never forget her, but she likely isn’t the one for you. It’s okay to take a job initially, settle in, learn a little about industry, build a reputation, and then pick your spot.
Tell us about your first post-military position: how you found it, how you liked it, and why you left it.
I was brought into a large consulting firm by a friend I went to Eisenhower School with. I was recruited because of my experience with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program which has a huge industry footprint.
I enjoyed the job, learned a lot from my counterparts, but it was not a fit for me. I enjoy the small business environment better.
I stole this from a great industry mentor.
He tells me: “Find your 40.”
Decide the five most important criteria for your dream job. Score each job on a scale from 1 to 10 against the criteria you have chosen. It is very unlikely you will find 50; so, instead try and find your 40.
My five criteria are:
· Empowerment: I want to have the authority to make change.
· Culture/co-workers: I want a fun place to work.
· Quality of Life/travel: No 12-hour days and I don’t want lots of traveling.
· Mentoring: I really enjoy coaching and mentoring young professionals.
· Pay: I want to be paid well.
I would encourage veterans to ask themselves: What are your top five criteria?
How did the skills you learned in the Air Force help you in your civilian career? And what new skills did you need to learn for your civilian roles?
We talk about leadership a lot.
It is important; however, the DoD does not have an exclusive patent on building great leaders.
There are also very skilled leaders in the corporate world. Situational leadership is exceptionally important.
The things that may have made you a successful leader in the DoD are not necessarily the things that will make you a successful leader in commercial industry.
A lot of folks don’t get that. I know I didn’t at first and had to make some adjustments to my leadership approach.
You recently started Hopper Consulting LLC. Why did you decide to open your own business?
Instead of finding my 40, I decided to make it.
And hopefully, create a work home for others that are aspiring to find their 40 as well.
After leaving the military, I struggled to find that thing in my work that inspires me to wake up every day. Starting my own business is a way to still contribute to the defense mission, while striving to best serve the employees that join my company.
I can help people find jobs and make their lives better with enjoyable work.
What were the steps you took to establish your business and how did you prioritize them?
I started my LLC over three years ago, but I didn’t commit to it until now.
There is security in getting a regular paycheck from a W-2 position versus being on your own and unsure where your next check will come from. Plus, I wanted to learn everything I could from the jobs that I have held until I was ready to do this on my own.
I was fortunate to work with some incredible people that took the time to teach and explain things as we went along. Thanks to those people, I feel like I am ready to launch on my own.
Jumping into small business ownership can be daunting. Were you nervous or anxious about the decision to go out on your own? If so, how did you overcome it?
I am scared, there is no doubt about it.
What gave me the courage is the community of friendships I have built since retiring. When I decided to go independent, the outpouring of support from friends, associates, and others in my government contracting circle of friends was incredible.
Karma is real.
Likeability is important.
Be good to others, be likeable. It will come back to you.
What advice would you give other veterans who are interested in starting their own business?
If you view relationships as transactional, then you will only have transactional relationships. Be kind, help others for no reason, and say “yes” anytime someone asks for help.
If you build a strong network of people that think highly of you, it will come back around in good ways.
The most important thing you can do up front is building your network.
The market is flooded with retired officers that believe they are unique, and smart, and great leaders.
The market is NOT flooded with people that are kind and are willing to help others with nothing expected in return.
Make that your differentiator.
That will be what makes you successful.
Do you (or someone you know) have a great story or insight to share with other military veterans?
Leave a comment below!
Hey, I'm Sam.
I'm an Air Force veteran and military spouse. I write LinkedIn posts and newsletter articles to help veterans with their transition from the military and to advocate for military spouse employment.
Need help with your personal brand or the content strategy for your business?
Shoot me a note with “Hey Nav!”