Send us a text Ever wonder what happens when military discipline meets civilian work culture? Jon Floyd's remarkable journey from undesignated fireman to business owner provides fascinating insights into leadership across vastly different worlds. When Jon first approached a Navy recruiter after being rejected by the Marines, he had no idea his career would span two military branches, multiple combat deployments, and eventually lead to entrepreneurial success. Growing up working with horses in Southern California taught him early lessons about responsibility that would serve him well through a career that defied conventional paths. As we follow his evolution from a young sailor aboard the USS Belleau Wood to an Army Special Forces operator through the "Blue to Green" program during the height of the Iraq War, Jon reveals the cultural differences between service branches and the persistent leadership principles that transcend them. What truly sets Jon's story apart is how his military experience came full circle in unexpected ways. After 20 years of service and multiple combat deployments, he discovered a business opportunity cleaning commercial kitchen exhaust systems—work he had coincidentally performed as a punishment detail during his early Navy days. Now as a business owner, he faces a new battlefield: managing civilian employees who lack military conditioning. His approach combines clear expectations with hands-on leadership, working alongside his team rather than directing from above. The conversation delves into profound questions about generational differences, parenting challenges, and finding purpose after military service. Jon's straightforward philosophy—"The only time you fail is when you quit"—has carried him through transitions that derail many veterans. Whether you're a veteran navigating civilian life, a business leader seeking fresh perspectives, or simply fascinated by stories of remarkable resilience, Jon's journey offers valuable wisdom about leadership, adaptation, and the unwavering determination to succeed regardless of circumstances. https://www.wordsfromthewise.net/
