In the landscape of veteran entrepreneurship, Barry Mattson stands out not only for his military service but also for his commitment to empowering others. As the recently appointed CEO of the Brian Hamilton Foundation, Mattson is preparing to lead a series of initiatives aimed at fostering business acumen and opportunities for veterans.
Celebrating Veteran Entrepreneurs
National Veterans Small Business Week, set from November 3-7, will spotlight veteran entrepreneurs across the nation. The event, organized by the Small Business Administration (SBA), will feature 32 virtual and in-person gatherings designed to support current and former service members, their spouses, and National Guard and Reserve members in business ventures. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 data, there are 1,651,542 veteran-owned businesses in the U.S.
Barry Mattson’s Journey
Hailing from Yam Hill, Oregon, Barry Mattson’s path led him from the United States Air Force Academy to a significant role in the Brian Hamilton Foundation. Despite discovering his partial colorblindness, which curtailed his flying aspirations, Mattson transitioned to acquisitions program management in the Air Force. His career includes a combat deployment to Balad, Iraq, and a subsequent business stint after earning an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
From Business to Purpose
Mattson initially pursued agribusiness, utilizing his MBA to engage in commodity trading. However, seeking a deeper sense of mission, he returned to military service as a civil affairs officer in the Army, deploying again to Iraq in 2010-11. There, he leveraged his private sector skills to bridge gaps between the Department of Defense and Iraqi agricultural entities.
Advancing Veteran Success
Mattson’s work with the Brian Hamilton Foundation and his experiences in various humanitarian and nonprofit roles have shaped his vision for veteran empowerment. He emphasizes the importance of providing veterans with job opportunities and a renewed sense of purpose. As he notes, “The No. 1 first and foremost thing that the data has shown us is that people are looking for a job.”
Mattson advocates for veterans to harness their military-learned skills in areas resilient to technological changes, such as carpentry and advanced manufacturing. “I’m also partnering with community organizations that have 10-week courses on carpentry or advanced manufacturing, trade skills that are not going away because of AI,” he said, stressing the value of practical skills amidst a rapidly evolving job market.
