Ep # 014: “I see a real need for community.”

In a recent episode of the Warrior Rising podcast, we had the privilege to hear from Reggie Ordonez , a Marine Corps veteran who has transitioned into impactful roles within the veteran entrepreneurial ecosystem. Reggie’s journey is one marked by resilience, community building, and the search for purpose, offering valuable insights for both veterans and entrepreneurs alike.

Reflecting on his early years, Reggie admitted that he wasn’t initially on a path toward success.

“Long story short, man, I didn’t have a lot of options,” he shared.

Like many young people, Reggie faced challenges in school and life, made even more poignant by the impact of 9/11, which became a catalyst for his enlistment. he recalled, noting that joining the Marines allowed him to shape his desire to give back in a tangible way.

Reggie’s decision to enlist came from seeing family members serve before him and witnessing the transformation that military life could offer.

“I remember seeing who [my cousin] was when he left, and I remember seeing who he was when he came back… I was like, I don’t know what they did, but I need that.”

Like many young recruits, Reggie found that military service provided a structure that helped him make sense of his identity and purpose.

The Importance of Transitioning with Intent

After multiple deployments and over a decade in the Marine Corps, Reggie knew he wanted to make a difference in a new way. “I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up,” he admitted, yet the Post-9/11 GI Bill provided him with an opportunity to pursue education and gain new skills. This pivotal decision led him to study social entrepreneurship with a focus on economic development, paving the way for a career supporting other veteran entrepreneurs.

“I committed myself to learning,” Reggie emphasized. “I didn’t act impulsively to get into a career yet… so let me just figure out what that looks like.”

Reggie’s transition into the veteran support sector allowed him to leverage his new skills and experience, especially in roles like his work with the Veteran Business Outreach Center and Bunker Labs. “I was actually able to see behind the scenes on what it really takes to get a business loan,” he explained, speaking on the mentorship he provided to entrepreneurs. Through his work, Reggie learned the value of guiding veterans through not only the technicalities of business but also the psychological aspects of transitioning to civilian life.

Throughout his career, Reggie has consistently highlighted the importance of community for veterans and entrepreneurs alike.

Working with teams that understand the unique challenges veterans face allows for more effective support systems. Reggie’s dedication to fostering these networks led him to focus on creating environments where veterans feel both supported and challenged.

Warrior Rising’s mission to empower veterans resonates deeply with Reggie, who sees a unique space for the organization. “We are not what Bunker Labs was, we are not what IVMF is… how do we leverage this team to pour ourselves out for the greater good?” This sense of purpose drives Reggie’s work, as he aims to provide resources and build connections that genuinely empower veteran entrepreneurs.

Reggie’s journey from a young Marine to a leader in the veteran entrepreneurial community is a testament to the impact of purposeful transition and the power of service. His story reflects the importance of both personal growth and the need to support others on a similar path, demonstrating that with the right guidance and a supportive community, veterans can thrive beyond the military.