From Service to Entrepreneurship: The Veteran-to-Business Journey of John Hamilton
Early Influences and the Call to Serve
In the small, sun-soaked town of Stuart, Florida, John grew up with a deep respect for the military. His father and grandfather, both veterans who served overseas in combat zones, filled their home with tales of bravery, sacrifice, and camaraderie. These stories planted a seed in John’s heart, igniting a desire to follow in their footsteps.
As John navigated his way through college, he realized that the traditional path wasn’t for him. The call to serve was too strong to ignore. At the age of twenty, with his family’s legacy guiding him, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a pararescueman in the United States Air Force. He was driven by a powerful mantra that would sustain him through the toughest times: “A moment of sacrifice is worth a lifetime of glory.”
Becoming a Pararescueman: Journey and Heroism in Afghanistan
The training pipeline to become a pararescueman was one of the most grueling experiences of John’s life. It tested every ounce of his physical and mental endurance. Each day presented new challenges, from intense physical exercises to rigorous medical and survival training. Yet, whenever John felt like he couldn’t go on, he remembered his family’s sacrifices and the motto that fueled his journey.
After successfully completing the pipeline, John graduated and was stationed at Hurlburt Field in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. His first major deployment was to Afghanistan, where he served in direct support of the 3rd Special Forces Group. It was there that John faced one of the most harrowing experiences of his career.
During a mission, his team came under direct fire. Amidst the chaos, one of his teammates was shot. Without hesitation, John sprang into action. He carried his wounded comrade over a wall and into a building, where he treated his injuries under heavy enemy fire. John then coordinated an evacuation via helicopter, ensuring his teammate’s survival. Despite the dire situation, John and his team continued their mission for another two days, all while under constant threat. For his extraordinary bravery and selflessness, John was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor.
From Military to Business: A New Mission
Throughout his military career, John always harbored an entrepreneurial spirit. He dreamed of starting his own business but wasn’t sure exactly what path to take. As he approached his medical retirement following an injury, a frustrating personal experience provided the clarity he needed. A terrible moving experience, marred by poor customer service and inefficiencies, inspired John to take action.
Recognizing the gaps in the industry, he decided to move back to Florida and purchase a moving company, Brooks Moving & Hauling. He saw a tremendous opportunity to improve and grow the business, driven by the same determination and problem-solving skills that had guided him through his military service. This decision marked the beginning of his journey as a business owner, focused on providing top-notch service and transforming the moving industry.
Building a Business with Integrity
The mission of John’s moving company is to bring integrity back to the moving industry. They are dedicated to showing customers that they genuinely care, ensuring their protection in a field that can often feel uncertain and risky. Unlike many others in the industry who might damage goods or take advantage of customers for profit, John’s company prioritizes honesty and customer care. Over the past three years, Brooks Moving & Hauling has seen significant growth and is committed to continuing this trajectory, always keeping the customer’s best interest at heart.
Commitment to Giving Back
While John’s moving company operates as a for-profit business, they have a strong commitment to giving back. One key cause they support is the Warriors’ Choice Foundation, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of combat veterans. This foundation offers non-traditional treatments and trains service dogs, which they donate to veterans in need.
Additionally, John likes to support organizations that combat human trafficking and work to save helpless children. These causes align with his commitment to making a positive impact beyond just the moving industry.
Leading with Responsibility and Care
One of the most motivational aspects of John’s journey is the deep sense of responsibility he feels toward his team. Knowing that his efforts directly impact their ability to provide for their families keeps him focused and driven. This sense of duty not only fuels his dedication but also reinforces the strong bond within his team, making them more than just colleagues—they are a family.
Word spreads quickly among local moving companies about exceptional employers, and John’s company has garnered a reputation as one of the best places to work. Many professionals flock to their doors, drawn by the company’s commitment to serving high-quality clientele, the excellence in service, and the integrity that John and his team embody. This positive reputation continues to attract top talent, further strengthening the team and ensuring exceptional service for their clients.
Resilience: The Key to Business Success
The key to resiliency in business, according to John, is the ability to be knocked down repeatedly and still find ways to get back up. It’s about continuously refining processes, building a stronger team, and improving with each setback. The most crucial part is to rise again each time, ensuring that the dream is pursued relentlessly and not abandoned prematurely. This relentless pursuit of improvement and determination to overcome obstacles has been central to John’s success in business.
You can find John below to learn more about him and his company Brooks Moving & Hauling.
