Todd Connor, CEO and Founder of Bunker Labs, here for a live Q&A Wednesday. What questions do you have about entrepreneurship?

LT Todd Connor — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 12:46:58 -0500

Todd is the CEO and Founder of Bunker Labs, a national entrepreneurship organization dedicated to helping military veterans start and grow businesses. Announced in June 2014, Bunker Labs has expanded to cities across the U.S. through local chapters, with further expansion plans underway. Bunker Labs works to support military veterans by creating locally thriving networks, educational programs, and platforms for military veteran entrepreneurs to connect with the people and the resources they need to be successful with early stage ventures. The newest innovation is “Launch Lab Online,” an online gamification approach to new venture development for current and former service members. Todd Connor is a former management consultant, U.S. Navy veteran, and has held many leadership roles in the public and private sector. He is a two-time entrepreneur and the founder of The Collective Academy. Todd holds a BA from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He is a Commissioner of the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, was honored as a 2015 Crain Chicago Business 40 Under 40, winner of the Chicago Inno 50 on Fire award, is a 2016 Presidential Leadership Scholar, and a 2017 Presidio Institute Fellow.

Response by Sgt Trevor Barrett made Dec 14 at 2017 1:16 PM

Sgt Trevor Barrett — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 13:16:21 -0500

I'm in the beginning stages of starting up a company and have been working a lot on foundation work. Like the problem, mission, vision statements, learning about the formation of an LLC, researching IP, product designs ...etc. However, my partner and I have had a very hard time trying to name the company/brand. Perhaps its our methodology that's holding us back or our own personal bias but we haven't been able to agree on anything. Any suggestions/recommendations for us on how to decide on a name?

Response by A1C Dustin DeMoss made Dec 15 at 2017 9:36 AM

A1C Dustin DeMoss — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 09:36:01 -0500

Hey Todd, can I send you my business plan for one of my "big ideas?" I'd really like to send it to you directly.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 15 at 2017 12:27 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 12:27:03 -0500

No questions sir, but wish to thank you for the support you give to veterans.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Dec 15 at 2017 1:59 PM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 13:59:17 -0500

Todd, thank you for coming to RP...and for your work at Bunker Labs!

Two part question, based on your experience w/entrepreneurship and vets:
- what attributes do vets have that make us uniquely positioned for entrepreneurial success?
- what are the early adjustments for vets to make when they re-enter civilian land that will help accelerate/acclimate us to this (civilian) operating environment?

Respectfully,
Mark

Response by SGT Chaz Wellington made Dec 17 at 2017 1:48 AM

SGT Chaz Wellington — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 01:48:30 -0500

Can you give a comprehensive list of the best companies that give Veterans small business grants?

Response by CPT Brian Delrosario made Dec 17 at 2017 9:04 AM

CPT Brian Delrosario — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 09:04:21 -0500

Hey, Todd! At what point could you look back and say, "Here. Here's where I can say I made it!"?

Response by Pvt Tim Sparks made Dec 18 at 2017 11:58 PM

Pvt Tim Sparks — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:58:33 -0500

As former civilian-soldier thank you helping vets. My son is Active Army right now but has expressed a desire to start his own business when he gets out. Could your company help him now plan while he is still in?

Response by Georgeann Carter made Dec 19 at 2017 6:15 AM

Georgeann Carter — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 06:15:42 -0500

Comcast is at the forefront of military led startups.........absolutely love the partnership and the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation being ignited through these initiatives.

Response by CPT David Gowel made Dec 19 at 2017 7:49 AM

CPT David Gowel — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 07:49:57 -0500

Todd - thanks for joining us on RP. As a two-time entrepreneur, what are the biggest lessons you learned while "in the fight" that you wish you knew beforehand?

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Dec 19 at 2017 10:09 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 22:09:26 -0500

LT.
Your business is a success. Because, you solved a problem for your customers. How did you get customers to believe you were a win win for them?
How was your business model different than the others? As owner, did you get dirty working too and it was personal?
Thank you,
Strategic parterships?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2017 10:50 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 10:50:30 -0500

I have money wasting away in a savings account with little to no interest. I have at least 8 more years before I retire. What can I do with my money now that will help me in the long run if I want to start a business?

Response by LT Todd Connor made Dec 20 at 2017 3:21 PM

LT Todd Connor — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:21:57 -0500