Starting a business is tough for anyone, but many veterans face a different kind of challenge when they decide to build something of their own.
The shift from military service to entrepreneurship sounds exciting on paper. In reality, it comes with financial strain, long nights, and a learning curve that feels steep even for people used to pressure. For veterans working with limited resources, the climb can feel even steeper.
Most veterans don't come out of the service with a pile of savings. Many are raising families, managing medical conditions, or rebuilding their civilian life from scratch. Accessing capital is one of the biggest barriers. Traditional lenders want credit history, collateral, and long-term financial records—things many veterans don't have right away. Even small startup expenses add up quickly: business licenses, equipment, marketing, insurance, and the tools needed to keep the doors open.
Bootstrapping sounds admirable, but the reality is that many veteran-owned businesses start underfunded and stay underfunded for a while. Every dollar becomes a decision: invest in the business or pay today's bills.
Transitioning out of the military often means handling more than financial obstacles. Some veterans are managing injuries, PTSD, chronic pain, or other service-connected conditions while trying to build a business. These issues don't disappear because a business idea is exciting. They stay in the background and sometimes move front and center. There are days when the body doesn't cooperate, and nights when sleep is hard to come by. All of that affects focus, energy, and consistency.
But veterans also learn to push through adversity in ways most people don't see. It's a strength, but carrying everything alone can lead to burnout if support is limited.
In the military, structure and purpose are built in. Once you step out of that world, everything becomes more unpredictable. Many veterans talk about feeling disconnected or unsure of their next mission. Entrepreneurship becomes a way to rebuild that purpose, but it doesn't come with a roadmap. You're suddenly responsible for every role: strategy, marketing, budgeting, operations, and customer service. You have to create your own mission and stay committed even when progress is slow or unseen.
That adjustment can feel isolating, especially for someone used to strong teamwork.
You're suddenly responsible for every role: strategy, marketing, budgeting, operations, and customer service. You have to create your own mission and stay committed even when progress is slow or unseen.
Another challenge is the constant need to learn. Every new tool, regulation, platform, and system becomes one more thing to figure out. Many veteran entrepreneurs jump into industries they haven't worked in before. They're expected to understand branding, taxes, technology, sales, and customer behavior from day one. Mistakes cost money, and when resources are tight, the pressure hits harder.
The learning curve never really flattens, and patience becomes part of the job.
Professional Services
Built From The Ground Up
LNM1968 LLC was built from the ground up with the same mindset veterans bring to every mission: stay committed, stay prepared, and take pride in the work. What started as a small operation with limited resources has grown into a professional service company focused on commercial photography, content creation, and operational support for businesses and organizations.
Nothing about the process has been easy. Like many veteran-owned companies, LNM1968 LLC was launched without investors, without a financial cushion, and without a network of advisors or mentors to lean on. Every camera, lens, light, computer, and software subscription was paid for one piece at a time. Every skill had to be learned, refined, and perfected through long hours and trial and error.
The company reflects the reality of veteran entrepreneurship: resilience, discipline, and an ability to adapt quickly. Clients don't just hire a service—they work with a business built on integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to delivering quality results.
Built on veteran values and accountability
Delivering excellence in every project
Whether it's a commercial shoot, drone imagery, brand content, or business-focused imagery, the goal is always to produce work that helps clients move forward with confidence.
LNM1968 LLC continues to grow because of hard work, determination, and the belief that veterans can succeed even when the starting line isn't equal. It stands as proof that with persistence and a mission-driven mindset, veterans can build something meaningful for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Veteran entrepreneurs don't need charity. They need opportunity. They need customers who value their work, lenders who understand their circumstances, and partners who recognize the discipline and commitment they bring. A little support goes a long way, especially for a veteran working with limited resources and a big mission.
Who value quality work and veteran-owned businesses
Who understand veteran circumstances and challenges
Who recognize discipline and commitment veterans bring
Building a business as a veteran isn't glamorous. It's a daily grind shaped by sacrifice, determination, and resilience. The struggles are real, but so is the strength behind them. Every veteran-owned business has a story, and most of those stories include nights of doubt, days of hustle, and a commitment to keep going even when the path is rough.
Veterans know how to push forward. They've done it before, and they bring that same drive to their businesses—one step, one challenge, and one victory at a time.
"One step, one challenge, and one victory at a time."
LNM1968 LLC offers professional photography, drone operations, and creative services built on integrity, discipline, and commitment to excellence.