An Evening with Owners in Honor
Join CincyETA and Owners in Honor for a special evening dedicated to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA).
Have you ever considered a path to entrepreneurship that doesn't involve starting a company from scratch? Are you a military veteran or transitioning service member interested in learning about what it takes to acquire and lead a small business? This event is for you.
Join us for an insightful fireside chat and panel discussion with successful entrepreneurs and experts who have firsthand experience buying and operating businesses. You'll hear their stories, learn from their experiences, and have the opportunity to ask your most pressing questions.
Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of ETA or you're actively searching for a business to acquire, this event will provide you with valuable insights and connections.
Light apps and beverages will be served. The whiskey selection will be sponsored by Hard Truth.
Agenda
5:00 – 5:15 - Arrival & Networking
Check-in and light refreshments
5:15 – 5:20 - Welcome from DAV
Opening and purpose of the evening
5:20 – 5:30 - Opening Remarks: The Operator Economy
Speaker: Patrick J. Murphy - Former Acting Secretary of the Army, Chair of Geopolitical Advisory, Hilco Global
5:30 – 6:10 - Fireside Chat: Veteran Transition and the Opportunity Within the Silver Tsunami
Moderator and panel discussion
6:10 – 6:25 - Audience Q&A
6:25 – 6:30 - Sponsor Recognition and Closing
6:30 – 7:30 - Networking Reception and Bourbon Tasting
Our Moderator: Dave Knox (Moderator)
Dave Knox is the Executive Director of Blue North, an organization that supports entrepreneurs in Northern Kentucky. He is also a co-founder of The Brandery, a seed-stage startup accelerator, and the author of "Predicting the Turn: The High Stakes Game of Business Between Startups and Blue Chips." Dave has a background in brand marketing, having worked for Procter & Gamble and as the Chief Marketing Officer for Rockfish, a digital innovation agency. He is an active investor and advisor in the entrepreneurial community.
Panelist: Brandon Witt
Brandon Witt is the Director of Finance & Chief Compliance Officer at RKCA Investment Banking, a privately held, independent merchant bank providing M&A advisory, capital advisory, and direct investment services uniquely tailored to the needs of middle-market business. He has currently served nearly two decades in the Army National Guard, both in active and reserve status. He began as an enlisted soldier before commissioning as an Infantry Officer, currently holding the rank of Major. Brandon has completed multiple combat deployments, the most recent to Syria as an outstation Task Force Operations Officer in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. His prior experience includes serving as the Director of Finance at a commercial real estate development and investment firm, as well as roles in commercial treasury and credit at Bank of America, and in securities services at J.P. Morgan.
Panelist: Jeff McCabe
Jeff McCabe is the Co-CEO of Hard Truth Distilling Co., Big Woods Restaurants, and Quaff ON Brewing Co., a family of Indiana-based companies that have grown into regional icons in craft spirits, brewing, and hospitality. Under his leadership, the group has expanded to operate seven Big Woods Restaurants, distribute Hard Truth spirits in 30 states, and welcome more than 350,000 visitors annually to the Hard Truth Distillery campus. A 1978 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, McCabe served as a naval aviator and division officer with HS-3 and HS-1, piloting the SH-3 Sea King helicopter.
Panelist: Stephanie Markich
After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Stephanie Markich served six years in the U.S. Army in transportation and logistics. Stationed in Germany during the September 11 attacks, she supported large-scale operations by coordinating the movement of soldiers and equipment from the United States to Afghanistan. Today, as Senior U.S. Veterans Recruiter for Procter & Gamble, Markich leads efforts to attract, hire, and support military veterans transitioning to corporate careers.
Panelist: Kalen Weaver
As a Loan Officer at Live Oak Bank, Kalen Weaver brings extensive experience in evaluating and funding small business loans while cultivating strong partnerships with third-party lenders. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to fostering financial inclusion and supporting the sustainable growth of small businesses.
Panelist: Patrick Flood
Patrick is the CEO, Board President, and Founder of Owners in Honor. He was chosen to serve as the U.S. Special Operations representative to the U.S. Ambassador to Peru, advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Judicial Committee Co-Chair at Duke University - Fuqua, and co-founder of the Veterans Impact Group at Andersen. His father and grandfather were small business owners and Veterans themselves. Between his father, grandfather, and brother, his immediate family served for over 80 years in the U.S. Army. He earned an A.A. (Spanish) from the Defense Language Institute, a B.A. (English) from George Washington University, an M.A. (Organization Design) from the Naval Postgraduate School, and an M.B.A. (Entrepreneurship) from Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business.
For more details and to register for more events from Owners in Honor, please visit our co-producers at Owners in Honor: https://www.ownersinhonor.org/event-details/fireside-eta-with-owners-in-honor-dav-national-headquarters