Boots in Business, anchored by retired Lieutenant Colonel Ray Ferguson, is propelling military personnel, both past and present, into successful entrepreneurship. The program offers a forum for military entrepreneurs set to transition out of military service into the civilian business sector. Metrics revealing the organization’s explosive growth include over 1,500 members and monthly physical meetups in Colonial Heights, VA.
For many transitioning military personnel, the move into the civilian business sector can be a challenging transition. Boots in Business aims to facilitate this by offering education in starting businesses and real estate investing tailored around the unique skills, benefits, and experiences of those in the military.
Ferguson, a former military member and entrepreneur, infuses a combination of personal passion for education, real estate investing, and business startups into Boots in Business. His staple program holds events at the Colonial Italian Restaurant in Virginia, happening every third Tuesday of the month to offer free networking and learning opportunities.
Experiencing his own post-military transition challenges along with growing concerns over spikes in military suicides during transitions, Ferguson commenced on his Boots in Business journey in January 2024. He views his program as a necessary continuation of the basic transition course provided by the military. By using tools such as podcasts, blogs, and courses, he furnishes those soon-to-depart the military with a complete education on how to navigate the civilian business world.
Ferguson’s significant accolades include a 2022 Business Person of the Year award from both the SOVA Chamber and Petersburg, VA, along with a 2019 Real Estate Developer of the Year award from Petersburg, VA. His longstanding connection with the military saw him enlisted as a Medic & Cook for seven years and a Sustainment Officer for 22 years.
Coming Projects on the Boots in Business platform include the launch of the Basic Training: Entrepreneurship Course in July 2024, and a monthly subscription-based Community Networking group that will offer weekly webinars, networking opportunities, and mentorship in real estate and entrepreneurship.
Boots in Business has hit the ground running by launching the Boot Camp: Real Estate Investing Basics Course, as well as an increasingly popular Boots in Business Podcast, providing additional tips and ideas to those transitioning out of the military.
Ferguson envisions his program as an essential platform for military members, hoping to impart the skills necessary for them to utilize their military benefits fully, stabilize post-military life, and encourage successful entrepreneurship.
For more information, visit the Boots in Business website or their Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Linkedin pages, or tune into their Spotify Podcast.
Feedback from customers demonstrates the program’s life-changing impact. One customer, Realtor Anna Barlow, praised Boots in Business for being “tailored for military members, empowering you with the knowledge and tools to succeed in real estate investing.” Alyssa “Lyss” Johnston, a Debt-Freedom Coach, similarly applauded the program as “full of quality information that considers military service when investing in real estate.”
