In this episode of VES, we sit down with Peter Cline, the founder of Boots to Books, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting military members and their families through education, upskilling, career resources, and employment opportunities. Peter shares his compelling journey from serving in the Army to navigating the challenges of transitioning into the civilian workforce, ultimately leading him to entrepreneurship.
Peter recounts the hurdles he faced during his military-to-civilian transition, including difficulties in translating his skills and networking effectively. A turning point came with the help of a mentor, which inspired him to create Boots to Books—a platform that now supports thousands of military community members in building meaningful careers.
The conversation dives into the nonprofit's multifaceted programs, including:
- Scholarships for education and certifications, enabling financial support for upskilling.
- Soft skills development, such as resume writing, interview preparation, and professional branding, offered through monthly events in partnership with major companies like Oracle and Publicis Media.
- Networking opportunities that connect upskilled individuals with recruiters eager to hire their unique talents.
Peter also previews the upcoming MilMentor.com platform, set to launch in about a month. This innovative initiative will provide free mentorship, resources, and job opportunities, all supported by Fortune 500 companies. With features like unlimited mentorship connections and one-stop access to career-building tools, MilMentor aims to revolutionize the transition experience.
As a serial entrepreneur, Peter reflects on the highs and lows of starting and running businesses. He emphasizes the value of gaining corporate experience, learning from failures, and building skills in areas like finance and marketing to ensure long-term success. His passion for learning and giving back shines through, as he shares actionable advice for veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.
Listeners will also enjoy insights into Peter’s personal growth, his pursuit of a law degree while managing a full career, and his philosophy on balancing life and work in the fast-paced world of startups.
For more, connect with Peter Cline on LinkedIn, explore the Boots to Books website at bootstobooks.com, and stay tuned for the launch of MilMentor.com. Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with inspiration, practical advice, and valuable resources for veterans and beyond.
Whether you’re a transitioning service member, entrepreneur, or someone looking to make a difference, this episode offers a roadmap to success. https://boots2books.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cline/ And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, for a variety of business training and consulting services:
https://spearpointonline.com/
Referral Code: VETSOS #vetsos #VeteranSuccess #BootsToBooks #MilitaryTransition #CareerDevelopment #Entrepreneurship