Army veteran turned CEO, wildlife removal expert, and 2024 Veteranpreneur of the Year Brian Moss shares powerful military transition advice, entrepreneurship insights, and franchise success tips.
🎙️ In this compelling episode of the Strategic Veteran, host Adam Peters sits down with 🎖️🇺🇸 Brian Moss, a retired First Sergeant with 22+ years of U.S. Army service, Cavalry Scout (19D), and now President & Co-owner of AAAAC Wildlife Removal. Brian’s transition from uniform to CEO is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and following your passion—especially for veterans exploring post-military entrepreneurship.
From earning his spurs in the Army, to launching and owning one of the leading veteran-run wildlife removal franchises spanning 13 states, Brian unpacks:
• The emotional and tactical shift of leaving the military
• How his love for hunting and nature became a profitable mission
• The structure and support that made franchising a perfect fit for veterans
• Scaling from single shop ownership to national Franchise President
• Veteran employment, leadership, and transitioning with purpose
📍 CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction to Brian Moss and his Army career
1:35 - Growing up in Louisiana and joining the Army
5:54 - Why becoming a Cavalry Scout (19D) was the perfect fit
11:12 - Leadership in the Army and fast-tracking promotions
18:47 - Cultural shifts: pre- and post-9/11 Army dynamics
23:33 - Impact of seeing a soldier gain U.S. citizenship
28:59 - Emotional realities of leaving the military
35:22 - Finding a new purpose: Starting in wildlife
41:18 - Building & scaling his wildlife franchise
47:36 - Franchising for veterans and ideal ownership profiles
55:00 - Wildlife removal explained: rats, gators, and everything in between
1:07:33 - Freedom and purpose as a veteran entrepreneur
1:13:28 - How to get involved with AAAAC Wildlife Removal
1:15:06 - Final insights and community resources for veterans
🔍 KEY DISCUSSION POINTS:
• Transitioning from First Sergeant to franchise owner
• Why AAAAC Wildlife Removal fits post-military life
• The structure and camaraderie of franchise ownership
• The emotional toll of separation and rebuilding purpose
• Real-world leadership lessons from Army service
• Turning passion into a sustainable business model
👨✈️ MILITARY EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
• Branch: U.S. Army 🇺🇸
• MOS: 19D Cavalry Scout
• Roles: Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Spur Master
• Deployments: Desert Storm, Iraq, Korea (DMZ), Germany
• Leadership: Mentored junior soldiers, coordinated soldier citizenship
💼 EXPERTISE / CIVILIAN SUCCESS:
• Business: President & Co-Owner, AAAAC Wildlife Removal
• Achievement: 2024 Veteranpreneur of the Year
• Operations: 21 franchisees, 13 states
• Focus: Wildlife removal, pest control, veteran franchise development
• Community: Grows veteran entrepreneurship, peer mentorship
📣 Join The Stronghold: A free, veteran-led space to navigate transition + business ownership.
#Veterans #FranchiseOpportunity #MilitaryTransition #ArmyVeteran #BusinessOwnership
