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Building the Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference with Patrick E. Alcorn, USMA

Mar 21, 2025

“Entrepreneurship is another form of service, and through business, veterans continue their mission to protect and strengthen the American way of life.” – Patrick E. Alcorn, USMA 

Patrick E. Alcorn is a business strategist, veteran, and leadership coach committed to empowering entrepreneurs and organizations. As Director of the Veterans Business Outreach Center, he supports military-connected business owners at every stage of growth. 

A former combat engineer and West Pointer, Patrick applies strategic thinking and leadership to drive economic development and innovation. He founded Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference to foster community and provide resources for veteran entrepreneurs navigating business ownership. As a Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, he mentors executives and emerging leaders, helping them advance into senior roles. Through his work, Patrick is reshaping perceptions of veteran entrepreneurship and highlighting the impact of veteran-led businesses on the economy and local communities.

In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Patrick about:

  • Empowering Military Entrepreneurs: Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference provides education, inspiration, and networking for veteran business owners.

  • Expanding Veteran Business Outreach: Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) offers free business resources to veterans across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Nevada.

  • Changing the Narrative: Advocating for veterans as leaders, innovators, and economic drivers beyond their military service.

  • Scaling Through Sponsorship: Seeking a title sponsor to expand Business Beyond the Battlefield.

  • Coaching Future Leaders: Maxwell Leadership-certified coaching helps professionals transition into executive roles.

  • Building a Lasting Legacy: Positioning Business Beyond the Battlefield for long-term success under a nonprofit.

Timestamps:

  • 01:06 Military Background and Family

  • 01:53 Entrepreneurial Journey

  • 02:11 Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference

  • 05:28 Conference Evolution and Impact

  • 12:48 Changing the Veteran Narrative

  • 19:17 Coaching and John Maxwell Affiliation

  • 22:45 Goals and Future Plans

Connect with Patrick:

If you found value in today’s episode, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you’re a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we’d love for you to join our community and get started today.

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A special thank you to Patrick for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

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