When Kevin Laliberte took the stage at Warrior Rising’s MCON 2025 Business Shower, he wasn’t just pitching a company. He was sharing a calling.
As the founder of Surf Brigade LLC and the Surf Brigade Foundation, Kevin is using entrepreneurship as a vehicle for service. His two ventures work hand in hand: Surf Brigade manufactures American-made surf equipment and military-inspired apparel, while the Foundation channels proceeds from every purchase into surf-therapy and veteran-resilience programs.
A career of precision
Before launching Surf Brigade, Kevin served 23 years in the United States Air Force as a Special Operations Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), completing nine combat deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa. His final post placed him among the first Chief Master Sergeants selected to stand up the U.S. Space Force, a role that capped a career of precision, leadership and adaptability.
Today, that same mindset drives his work along the Florida coast, where he lives with his wife and two children. Through Surf Brigade, he continues his lifelong commitment to serve, this time through waves instead of warfare.
A $20,000 grant to keep growing
At MCON 2025, Kevin’s clarity of purpose and authenticity resonated with judges and peers alike. Surf Brigade earned the $20,000 Warrior Rising Business Shower Grant, which will be reinvested directly into the company to expand production, outreach and community impact. In all, more than $40,000 was awarded to military-connected founders at MCON 2025.
After the event, Kevin reflected on what the experience meant to him and how mentorship shaped his path:
“Years ago, I was teaching a rifle and pistol course when a young Combat Controller kept bragging about how tight his shot group was. After a round of drills, we walked downrange and he proudly called me over to show off his grouping — which was tight… but he’d shot the wrong target.
It created the teaching opportunity for us to discuss the critical difference between being precise and being accurate.
I walked into this weekend with a pretty tight shot group, but it would’ve been off target. I really appreciate you helping me make corrections and bring it all together.”
Kevin Laliberte, Founder of Surf Brigade
That reflection captures the heart of what Warrior Rising stands for: guidance, growth and the power of community to help founders stay on target.
“This grant is incredibly important for Surf Brigade, but this process has been just as important for me.”
Kevin Laliberte
Kevin’s story is a reminder that precision matters, but purpose is what gives direction. With the support of the Warrior Rising network, Surf Brigade is poised to keep making waves in business, in the veteran community and in every life its mission touches. Learn more and support the mission at surfbrigade.com.
Thank you to our MCON 2025 sponsors
Veteran Benefits Guide, Fastenal, Patriot Mobile and Black Rifle Coffee Company
About Warrior Rising
Founded in 2015, Warrior Rising is a nationwide 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers military veterans and their families through entrepreneurship. Through education, mentorship and grant funding, it helps veteran entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses. Learn more at warriorrising.org.