In this episode of Tactical Wealth, former Navy SEAL, entrepreneur, and Defense Strategies Group founder Mike O’Dowd shares the unconventional path that took him from nearly a decade in the SEAL Teams to building his own security and training company.
Mike opens up about his time in the SEAL Teams, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the lessons he carried with him after leaving the military. He shares what happened when he moved into the corporate world, why he struggled with the siloed nature of traditional business, and the moment he realized he needed to build something of his own.
Then came 2020. Mike’s company went under with roughly 12 hours’ notice. With little savings and no clear safety net, he took two unemployment checks before deciding to start teaching shooting classes through Instagram. His first class sold out, but the road from there was anything but easy.
Mike talks about why he kept going through setbacks, what the SEAL Teams taught him about grit and commitment, and why he believes success comes down to seeing things through to the end.
In this episode, we dive into:
Nearly a Decade in the SEAL Teams: What Mike learned from his time serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and teaching combatives and weapons
The Transition Out of the Military: Why Mike struggled with corporate environments and eventually realized he needed to build something for himself
The 12-Hour Notice: What happened when Mike’s company went under in 2020 and left him without a financial safety net
Starting From Scratch: How teaching shooting classes through Instagram became the beginning of Mike’s next chapter
The $11,000 Setback: How Mike’s first range class ended with a broken-down Land Cruiser and a massive repair bill
Losing $30,000 in Gear: The setback that came when his truck and trailer were stolen and why he refused to quit
The Power of Commitment: Why Mike believes you have to go all in and see things through to the end
What the SEAL Teams Taught Him: How BUD/S and the Teams taught Mike to keep showing up even when things get difficult
Knowing When to Pivot: Why commitment doesn’t mean refusing to change course when a better opportunity appears
Building Defense Strategies Group: How Mike turned his experience into a security and training company serving everyone from beginners to elite SWAT teams
The Military-to-Entrepreneurship Connection: How the military mindset of finding a way to complete the mission translates into building a business
The Cost of Playing It Safe: Why Mike believes getting too comfortable can keep you from reaching your full potential
Advice for Veterans: Mike’s perspective on commitment, risk, failure, and building something of your own after service
Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, business owner, or simply interested in the mindset behind building something from the ground up, Mike’s story offers a firsthand look at what it takes to keep moving when the plan falls apart.
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EPISODE RESOURCES
📸 Instagram: @mike_oscar_delta
👤 LinkedIn: Michael O'Dowd
Connect with Kaj Larsen:
🌐 Website: KajLarsen.com
📸 Instagram: @KajLarsen
👤 LinkedIn: Kaj Larsen
What is Tactical Wealth: From Military to Money?
Tactical Wealth is the show built to empower the military and veteran community to take control of their financial future.
From navigating the military to civilian life transition, to launching businesses, growing your income, and building long-term wealth, each episode brings you real stories and actionable insights from those who’ve gone from boots on the ground to building lasting wealth.
Hosted by Kaj Larsen, former Navy SEAL, award-winning journalist, and mission-driven entrepreneur. Kaj successfully co-founded a financial technology company and sold the company in 2024. The podcast features hard truth conversations with successful veteran entrepreneurs, CEOs, and top financial experts.
Whether you're still in uniform or already charting your next chapter, this podcast gives you the tactical tools to lead with impact in your finances and beyond. Let’s get tactical.
Tactical Wealth is a Gebbia Media production, brought to you by Siebert.Valor, a military-focused initiative from Siebert Financial. The Tactical Wealth podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Siebert Financial. This podcast does not constitute investment advice, an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy any securities. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.
For more information and disclosures, please visit siebert.com/disclosures.