What’s Jack’s Why? Inspiring Change

A Veteran’s Quest to Empower Others Through Purposeful Business

By ICIC | November 11, 2024

In the world of entrepreneurship, every journey is unique, and Jack Smith’s path stands out for its resilience, vision, and community focus. As a military veteran turned CEO of Fortuna Business Management Consulting, Smith’s story is not only about personal success but also about lifting others, especially veterans, along the way. From serving as a programmer in the Air Force to leading a rapidly growing consulting firm, Smith’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and community commitment. With a heart for service and a mind for business, Smith has built a company that embodies his dedication to veterans and his passion for purpose-driven entrepreneurship. His journey, bolstered by the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, shows what’s possible when a strong vision is paired with the right resources.

Turning Military Skills into Business Strengths

Smith’s story is rooted in his deep connection to the military. He comes from a proud military family with several generations who served in various branches of the armed forces. Growing up with a love for technology, Smith chose to apply his technical skills as a computer programmer in the Air Force, where he honed professional knowledge while learning about the importance of adaptability and teamwork. Transitioning to civilian life kept him close to his military connections, with a position on base in project management, an experience that led him to the same role in the private sector. Smith noticed consistent challenges around consultants across sectors in this field. A gap in employment allowed him to try something new–running his own consulting company.

Building a Veteran-Centered Company  

When Smith founded Fortuna, he aimed to disrupt the traditional consulting model by putting people first. In time, he realized that it could fulfill a greater mission: to create quality jobs for veterans and their families while meeting the high standards of consulting services. His company doesn’t just employ veterans; it actively seeks ways to equip them for meaningful, flexible civilian careers. Fortuna’s “vets first” policy ensures that veteran candidates and their immediate relatives are prioritized and given ample training and support to integrate into civilian roles.

“Fortuna’s ‘why’ is to provide quality jobs to veterans, their spouses, and reservists—meeting them where they are, as they are. If they’re not ready, we focus on getting them ready. We aim to be the trusted confidant that tells you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.”

With this new mission in mind, Smith enrolled in ICIC’s ICCC program to help grow his business knowledge. Joining the ICCC program marked a turning point for Smith. As he worked to scale Fortuna, ICCC provided valuable resources, networking, and knowledge that equipped Smith with the skills to lead a fast-growing business. “ICCC gave me knowledge and access to a community of entrepreneurs facing similar challenges,” Smith explains. “It’s lonely as an entrepreneur, so having a support network is invaluable.” ICCC’s focus on community impact and small business growth resonated with Smith, whose goal was not just to succeed but to create positive change for veterans and their families. Through ICCC’s training and resources, Smith gained practical insights that helped him navigate the challenges of rapid expansion and build a resilient, purpose-driven company.

Primed for Growth

The clear veteran-focused mission combined with the knowledge and resources from ICCC primed Fortuna for success. The company quickly became known for its commitment to community and integrity, partnering with state and federal agencies to support public programs in healthcare, unemployment, and more. Fortuna went from managing a handful of projects to running large-scale contact centers, expanding from 40 employees to more than 800 within months at the height of the pandemic. This rapid expansion came with challenges, but Smith’s resilience and focus on hiring veterans and military spouses gave Fortuna a unique strength and purpose. “I want to make a difference in the community,” Smith says, a goal that continues to fuel Fortuna’s growth.

Fortuna’s mission-driven approach has earned it national recognition and numerous prestigious awards. The company received its first IC100 win in 2021 after the explosive growth seen during the pandemic. The IC100 Award recognizes high-growth small businesses making a difference in under-resourced communities, and for Smith, it’s a testament to his team’s hard work and impact. “It immediately gives you brand recognition and reputation,” Smith says, reflecting on how the award has opened doors for Fortuna. Being part of the IC100 is more than a milestone for Fortuna; it’s a reminder of what the company stands for and an encouragement to keep pushing forward. “ICCC and the IC100 award have given us credibility and a platform to grow,” Smith notes, adding that the recognition, which he has now achieved four times, motivates him to keep building a business that serves both clients and the community.

In addition to the IC100 Award, Fortuna has been named one of Silicon Review’s “50 Innovative Companies to Watch” and “50 Fastest Growing Companies of the Year.” Other honors include AMVETS National Veteran Friendly Employer of the Year, placements on the Inc. 5000 and Vet100 lists, and ongoing recognition for its impact on the veteran community and beyond. These accolades highlight Fortuna’s commitment to excellence and community-centered work.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Smith’s entrepreneurial journey is a story of persistence, vision, and giving back. To him, business isn’t just about profit but about creating lasting impact.

“My personal ‘why’ is inspiring entrepreneurs to be the change they want to see in the world. I believe entrepreneurs are the key to creating the heart-centered, human-centered way of working that we all deserve. My goal is to show that good people can win—and win better by being good. I want to be the courage to act for future entrepreneurs.”

To fellow small business owners, he emphasizes the importance of staying calm in the face of challenges and leading with integrity, a lesson he’s learned through both military service and business. “Our job as leaders is to set the tone, especially in times of chaos,” he says. As Fortuna continues to grow, Smith’s commitment to his team, his community, and his mission of “purposeful prosperity” remains at the heart of his work.

Looking ahead, Smith’s vision for Fortuna is clear: continue creating opportunities for veterans, build partnerships that make a difference, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to “be the change they want to see in the world.” With the continued support of ICIC’s resources and the IC100 award as a marker of his achievements, Smith is excited to push Fortuna to new heights. His story exemplifies the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship—a reminder that, with the right support and a relentless drive, small businesses can create lasting impact in their communities.

About the IC100 Awards
Since 1999, ICIC has identified and honored the 100 fastest-growing businesses located in under-resourced communities through the prestigious Inner City 100 (IC100) awards. Throughout this period, ICIC has had the privilege of learning about and highlighting more than 1,000 remarkable business leaders and companies from across the United States. These firms have proven to be catalysts for job growth and promoters of a thriving, inclusive economy, even amidst challenging circumstances. Furthermore, they have actively contributed to the enhancement of their communities by generously donating their time and resources to local organizations and charitable causes.

Learn more about the IC100 Awards and eligibility criteria for this year’s list at icic.org/ic100.

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.