What does it take to grow a grassroots idea into a mission-driven nonprofit on the verge of ending veteran homelessness? In this episode, Vietnam veteran and retired executive Dale Mullin shares how he built Warrior Homes of Collier County from a single golf fundraiser into a thriving organization providing safe housing and support services for veterans.
Dale opens up about the realities of nonprofit leadership—from asking for his first major gift to building donor trust, navigating collaborations, and planning for succession. He shares practical insights on fundraising, donor trust, succession planning, and collaboration — the exact lessons nonprofit leaders want. His work with Warrior Homes is a living example of measurable impact: $9M raised, six housing properties, and a mission on the verge of ending veteran homelessness in Collier County.
Whether you’re a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, or Board member, this conversation will inspire and equip you with practical strategies for sustainable leadership, effective fundraising, and mission-driven growth.
Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube, https://youtu.be/S7eYxPHLte8.
Standout Quotes
- “We’re not selling anything but advocating. All we’re doing is selling hope.” — on the heart of nonprofit work (16:37)
- “The more you communicate with donors, the more they feel part of your strategy.” — on building donor trust (19:18)
- “It breaks my heart to think that men and women who served our nation would be sleeping on the streets.” — on the mission to end veteran homelessness (28:55)
Chapters & Timestamps
- 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to IMPACTability
- 01:10 – From Retired Executive to Nonprofit Founder
- 05:43 – How Warrior Homes Evolved to Meet Veteran Needs
- 09:40 – Building Community Support and Strategic Partnerships
- 12:11 – Nonprofit Leadership Lessons Learned Along the Way
- 17:41 – Overcoming Fundraising Challenges & Securing Major Gifts
- 21:26 – Collaboration Failures, Pivots, and Adaptability in Nonprofits
- 24:33 – Succession Planning: Knowing When to Pass the Torch
- 28:28 – Driving a Mission to End Veteran Homelessness
- 31:54 – Communicating Impact & Strengthening Donor Trust
- 38:17 – Advice for New Nonprofit Leaders
Guest Bio
Dale A. Mullin is the President and Founder of
Warrior Homes of Collier County, a nonprofit dedicated to ending veteran homelessness through housing, education, and mental health support. A Vietnam veteran and retired Fortune 500 executive, Dale turned his “second retirement” into a mission of service. Since founding Warrior Homes in 2010, he has raised over $9 million, acquired and operates six veteran housing properties, and mobilized broad community support to ensure veterans always have a safe place to call home.
Beyond Warrior Homes, Dale serves on local committees addressing mental health and addiction in Collier County and is active in the Healthy Minds Coalition. Known...
