Celebrating Resilience and Service: A Veteran’s Journey from the Air Force to Entrepreneurship

By ICIC | November 15, 2024

Colleen Middleton’s life reflects her family’s proud military legacy, a path that ultimately shaped her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up in Wisconsin, Middleton felt the call to serve, inspired by two older brothers who were Marines. Determined to carve her own path, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during her sophomore year of high school and served six years. Her dedication to service extended beyond herself, as she would later marry a career Army man and build a family deeply connected to the military.

From Corporate Life to an Entrepreneurial Journey

After leaving the Air Force, Middleton transitioned to a career in accounting, earning her CPA and MBA. For more than 15 years, she thrived in a corporate role. But in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced an unexpected job loss that would lead her down a new path. Her son, a truck driver, suggested she explore the trucking industry. What began as a family-driven idea soon turned into a business. Yet, like many small business owners, Middleton quickly realized she was spending more time on operational tasks than strategic growth.

In August 2021, Middleton’s health took a serious turn when she contracted COVID-19, leading to a hospital stay that forced her to pause and reassess her life and business. It was during this challenging period that her connections at FedEx led her to the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, which would prove to be a transformative experience for her.

“I have an MBA, but things change so fast. The ICCC program was a great way to brush up on some things and take a deeper look at my business.”

The ICCC program came highly recommended by a FedEx team member who recognized Middleton’s potential. Intrigued by the chance to refresh her MBA knowledge and acquire new skills, Middleton eagerly accepted the nomination. “I have an MBA, but things change so fast. The ICCC program was a great way to brush up on some things and take a deeper look at my business,” she shared. This fresh perspective was exactly what Middleton needed to pivot her business in a direction that better aligned with her strengths.

Perseverance Through Setbacks

Getting to the ICCC opening seminar in Dallas, however, was no small feat. Just before the event, her mother suffered a hip injury, and Middleton found herself making frequent trips to be by her side in the hospital. “The doctors didn’t think she would make it through the surgery,” Middleton recalled, but she was determined to be there for her mother while also attending the program. On the morning of the seminar, Middleton faced another obstacle: her car broke down in Dallas rush hour traffic. True to her military discipline, she pressed on, her son picked her up, and she made it just in time. “I did make it to the seminar,” she said. “The speakers were phenomenal—they were so engaging.”

Middleton expressed that the support from ICCC’s staff was essential throughout her journey. “The ICCC staff are incredible—they weren’t just there to guide me through the program; they genuinely cared about my journey and my success. They were with me every step of the way. It felt like more than just a program—it was a partnership.” This support made Middleton’s experience with ICCC feel more personal and purposeful, inspiring her to fully engage with the trainings, network, and resources.

“The ICCC staff are incredible—they weren’t just there to guide me through the program; they genuinely cared about my journey and my success. They were with me every step of the way. It felt like more than just a program—it was a partnership.”

Finding Strategy and Community through ICCC

The ICCC program offered Middleton both practical tools and invaluable connections. She was struck by the program’s user-friendly structure, which broke down complex topics into manageable parts, making the learning process more accessible. This format allowed Middleton to integrate new insights into her business strategy, providing her with the skills to focus more on growth.

For Middleton, the ICCC program also provided a critical sense of community. “Sometimes, when you’re running a business, it’s pretty lonely,” she explained. But the program’s collaborative environment helped her connect with other small business owners facing similar challenges. The 2023 ICIC Annual Conference in Miami, a program highlight, became a pivotal moment for Middleton, giving her the space to step away from the emotional toll of personal losses and embrace a new chapter of personal and professional growth.

Leveraging Business for Veteran Empowerment

By the end of the program, Middleton had gained the clarity she needed to expand her business. Excerebus, originally focused on the trucking business, would now pursue government contracts, drawing on Middleton’s strengths as a CPA and MBA. The shift enabled her to move from day-to-day operational tasks to strategic initiatives, including securing a subcontract to assist with military moves and other government services.

This shift also reinforced Middleton’s commitment to supporting other veterans. As a service-disabled, veteran-owned business, Excerebus provides opportunities for veterans in need of flexible employment. Beyond her business, Middleton launched the Excerebus Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans at risk of homelessness. Her nonprofit’s programs help veterans secure basic necessities and gain access to trade skills training, ensuring they have the tools to rebuild their lives.

A Purpose-Driven Future

The journey hasn’t been easy for Middleton. She has faced profound personal losses, including the deaths of close family members and friends. Reflecting on these challenges, she shared, “I know that they wouldn’t want me to just sit down and give up. So, when I get down, that’s what I try to think about: get up and get moving.” This resilience, which she honed in the military, now fuels her mission to make a difference in her community.

As Middleton looks to the future, her mission remains clear: to support and uplift others. “My why,” she says, “is to help lift other people up.” Whether through her business, nonprofit, or simply a word of encouragement, Middleton embodies the spirit of service and community. For her, success is not just about business growth; it’s about creating opportunities for others to succeed.

“My why is to help lift other people up.”

Middleton’s story serves to highlight the power of resilience, community, and service. Her journey reminds us that veterans bring a unique strength to the world of entrepreneurship, one grounded in discipline, adaptability, and a commitment to others. Through programs like ICCC and the support of organizations like FedEx, veterans like Middleton are empowered to continue their service in new ways, transforming both their businesses and their communities. 

About ICCC

Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) is a tuition-free executive leadership training program designed by ICIC to help business owners in under-resourced communities build capacity for sustainable growth in revenue, profitability, and employment. ICCC is uniquely designed to provide three critical elements for sustainable growth: capacity-building education, one-on-one coaching, and connections to capital and capital providers. ICCC annually hosts in-person and virtual cohorts across the U.S. and Canada.

To learn more and apply visit icic.org/iccc.