We are grateful to all veterans that are actively serving and that have in the past. If you’re a veteran reading this, thank you for your service.
Every November, we’re reminded of the leadership, grit, and service that veterans bring to every arena, including business. Many of the companies we interact with daily were started by veterans whose experiences shaped their discipline, teamwork, and vision. In honor of Veteran’s Day, we’re highlighting founders who carried their military experience into entrepreneurial success; they’ve built iconic brands that continue to shape industries and inspire others.
Fred Smith — FedEx
After serving two tours in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, Fred Smith returned home with a vision for faster, more reliable overnight delivery. His military logistics experience inspired the foundation of FedEx, a company that now moves millions of packages worldwide each day.
Sam Walton — Walmart
Before founding Walmart, Sam Walton served as a U.S. Army intelligence officer during World War II. His leadership and operational precision became the backbone of a retail empire built on efficiency, accessibility, and service to community.
Phil Knight — Nike
Nike’s co-founder, Phil Knight, served in the U.S. Army and later in the reserves. The discipline and competitiveness he developed through service, and as a collegiate athlete, became central to Nike’s performance-driven culture and enduring global appeal.
Frances Dawn Halfaker — Halfaker & Associates
A U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Frances Dawn Halfaker founded Halfaker & Associates, a technology and data services firm dedicated to supporting federal health and defense agencies. After being injured in combat, she built her company around a mission of “continuing to serve”. She employs veterans and advances solutions that make government systems work better for people. Her leadership reflects resilience, service, and purpose in action.
Jack Taylor — Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Before launching Enterprise, Jack Taylor flew fighter planes for the U.S. Navy during World War II. He named the company after the USS Enterprise, the aircraft carrier he served on; this name was a tribute to integrity, respect, and teamwork that remains core to the brand’s identity.
Bob Parsons — GoDaddy
A decorated U.S. Marine and Purple Heart recipient, Bob Parsons returned from Vietnam determined to build something lasting. He founded GoDaddy in 1997 and grew it into one of the most recognizable names in tech. Later, Parsons channeled his success into philanthropic initiatives supporting veterans and mental health.
Ralph Lauren — Ralph Lauren Corporation
Before creating one of the most iconic American fashion brands, Ralph Lauren served in the U.S. Army. His vision of confidence, timelessness, and American identity was deeply rooted in purpose — qualities that continue to define his brand’s DNA.
Paul Newman — Newman’s Own
After serving as a U.S. Navy radioman during World War II, Paul Newman built a second career as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded Newman’s Own with a promise to donate 100% of profits to charity. An inspirational model of purpose-driven, Newman’s Own has given more than $600 million to good causes worldwide.
Bill Hewlett and David Packard — Hewlett-Packard
Both Hewlett and Packard served in the U.S. Army during World War II before founding HP in a Palo Alto garage. Their combination of technical precision and collaborative leadership helped define Silicon Valley’s culture of innovation.
Veterans embody a rare blend of discipline, adaptability, and teamwork. These qualities translate naturally into entrepreneurship and leadership. Their stories remind us that the same traits that define great service members also define great founders and leaders: commitment to purpose, a drive to serve others, and the ability to see opportunity in challenging times.
At Clarity, we are thankful for all veterans who lead with humanity and purpose. Thank you for your service today and every day!
