In this “Vetrepreneur Spotlight,” the transition of Lt. Leland Remias from a Navy surface warfare officer to a real estate entrepreneur is explored. Remias, having served on the guided-missile destroyer Forrest Sherman, decided to capitalize on the entrepreneurial spirit common among military veterans and become a ‘vetrepreneur’. Utilizing the Post-9/11 GI Bill, he embarked on the Veteran Entrepreneur Scholars program at the College of William & Mary. The five-week boot camp, aimed at fostering business innovation and entrepreneurship amongst veterans, has supported Remias in developing an app to revolutionize the real estate market. This program, along with others offered by St. Joseph’s University and Oklahoma State, helps tap into the untapped entrepreneurial potential of veterans.
Introduction
From Coffee or Die By Noelle Wiehe
Lt. Leland Remias: Transition from Navy to Real Estate Entrepreneurship
On June 12, 2019, on board the guided-missile destroyer Forrest Sherman, Navy surface warfare officer Leland Remias was promoted to lieutenant (junior grade). Now he’s becoming a real estate entrepreneur, thanks to a free program offered by the College of William & Mary in Virginia. US Navy photo.
Background and Motivation
Before Lt. Leland Remias left the Navy last summer, the surface warfare officer had done some cool things. He served on board the guided-missile destroyer Forrest Sherman, protecting the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman. And his warship even made a frigid blue nose patrol in late 2018. Remias, 27, told Coffee or Die Magazine about his experiences and aspirations.
The Rise of Vetrepreneurs
According to the US Small Business Administration, military veterans own nearly 2 million businesses that employ more than 5.2 million Americans. They are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and are less likely to be unemployed compared to other Americans. However, entrepreneurship rates among millennial veterans have been trending down. Remias saw an opportunity to become a vetrepreneur with the help of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Training and Support Programs
William & Mary’s Veteran Entrepreneur Scholars program, led by Will Gregory, offers a five-week boot camp to military veterans interested in business innovation and entrepreneurship. The program aims to tap into the untapped entrepreneurial talent of veterans and help them launch successful ventures. Other universities like St. Joseph’s University and Oklahoma State also offer similar initiatives to support veteran entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Remias is currently three weeks into William & Mary’s program, where he is developing an app to revolutionize the real estate market. His background in the Navy and his dedication to hard work have prepared him for the challenges of entrepreneurship. After completing the program, veterans receive certificates and support from organizations like the Veteran Startup Challenge.
Question & Answer
1. What motivated Lt. Leland Remias to transition from the Navy to real estate entrepreneurship?
Lt. Leland Remias was motivated by the entrepreneurial spirit common among military veterans and the opportunities provided by programs like the Veteran Entrepreneur Scholars program at the College of William & Mary.
2. How did Lt. Leland Remias utilize the Post-9/11 GI Bill in his entrepreneurial journey?
Lt. Leland Remias utilized the Post-9/11 GI Bill to participate in the Veteran Entrepreneur Scholars program at the College of William & Mary, which offers a five-week boot camp aimed at fostering business innovation and entrepreneurship among veterans.
3. What support programs are available for veteran entrepreneurs besides the one offered by William & Mary?
Besides the program at William & Mary, other universities like St. Joseph’s University and Oklahoma State also offer initiatives to support veteran entrepreneurs and tap into their entrepreneurial potential.
