Andy Harrell’s Career and Transition Journey

• Military Career:
  • Served 11 years on active duty and 9 years in the Navy Reserves as an SH-60B helicopter pilot.
    
  • Retired as an LCDR in 2010.

• Transition Decision:
  • Declined a Navy retention bonus, felt uncertain about long-term career prospects in the military.
    
  • Stayed in the Reserves (which helped secure a civilian job and remain connected).

• Early Civilian Career:
  • Landed his first post-military job through college alumni networking.
    
  • Second job came via Reserve contacts, working as a defense contractor.

• Key Realization:
  • Noted the cultural and value shift between military and civilian workplaces—profit vs. service.

Entrepreneurship and AHA

• Founded AHA in 2003 while still employed and in the Reserves.
  
• Worked double duty for 4 years before going full-time in his business.
  
• Secured SBA 8(a) certification in 2007, spurring growth.
  
• Inc. 500 Recognition: Ranked #182 fastest-growing private company in 2010.

• Trigger to Entrepreneurship:
  • Faced potential layoff despite good performance.
    
  • Chose to take control by founding a business.
    
  • Early success came through subcontracting with his former employer.

Transition Advice & Discussion

Networking & Relationship Building

• Repeatedly emphasized relationships and networking—both in college and military.
  
• Encouraged using platforms like LinkedIn and revisiting past professional contacts.
  
• Stressed the value of NNOA and TAT as lifelong professional networks.

Mindset Shift

• Transitioning service members must reframe their thinking:
  • From “service-first” to “value and profit-driven.”
    
  • From hierarchical to more fluid organizational cultures.

Financial Preparation

• Andy emphasized avoiding pay gaps by planning carefully and building business while working.
  
• Start early. Don’t wait until after retiring to think about finances, insurance, or employment.
  
• Choose cost-of-living-friendly locations post-service.

Participant Insights & Concerns

• Stephen (Marine Major):
  • Transitioning due to non-selection for promotion.
    
  • Managing TAP, VA claims, and medical records while on tight timeline.
    
  • Seeking guidance on resume, job search, and life insurance options.

• Lloyd “Chili Mac” Mack (Navy Captain):
  • Retiring in November after 30 years.
    
  • On a “rediscovery journey” to understand passions and redefine post-service identity.

Advice Offered:

• Start early with VA claims and gather all documentation.
  
• Digitize records if possible and break large files into smaller ones for submission.
  
• Apply for life insurance before VA disability ratings are finalized (for better rates).
  
• Explore resources: MOAA, Navy Mutual, First Command, Onward to Opportunity, LinkedIn Premium, etc.

Closing Messages

• Mentorship Matters:
  • Several attendees credited NNOA and senior mentors with helping them advance in their careers.
    
  • Networking and community remain vital even after retirement.

• Andy Harrell’s Final Thoughts:
  • Be proactive, plan thoroughly, and be relentless in maintaining professional relationships.
    
  • Your military experience is valuable—learn how to translate it and sell it.
    
  • Keep building skills and don’t let fear paralyze you.

Resources Mentioned

• LinkedIn Premium (1-year free for veterans)
  
• MOAA Career Fairs
  
• First Command & Navy Mutual (for insurance)
  
• Onward to Opportunity (O2O) transition training
  
• NNOA Transition Assistance Team & Archived Fireside Chats

Key Themes & Takeaways:

1. Value of Relationships

• Managed relationships—mentorship, sponsorship, and friendships—played the most critical role in both his Navy and civilian careers.
  
• He emphasized continuous engagement rather than transactional networking, citing long-time mentor CAPT Andy Wins as pivotal.
  
• Personal connections (e.g., ADM Haney, ADM Harris, VADM Grooms) directly facilitated his post-military opportunities.

2. Career & Transition Path

• Navy Career: Spanned nearly 39 years, starting as an enlisted air traffic controller and culminating as a P-3 NFO and senior staff officer.

• Post-Navy Transitions:
  • Raytheon: Entered business development via mentor referral. Described it as a “war room” full of retired O-6s. Supported missile and naval gun systems.
    
  • Sparton: Moved to a smaller company, took on broader responsibilities (strategy, comms, marketing), and emphasized the difference between large and mid-tier companies.

3. Lessons from Transitioning

• Start early: Don’t wait until the last moment—he began too late, but was fortunate due to strong mentorship and networking.
  
• Multiple Transition Courses: TAP, MOAA, Korn Ferry—all offered unique value (resume prep, interviews, civilian expectations).
  
• Terminal Leave: Used all ~100 days. Highlighted the lengthy onboarding process in industry and the importance of understanding DoD post-employment rules.

4. Business Development vs. P&L Roles

• Business Development is often an easier entry for transitioning officers, especially from operational Navy communities.
  
• P&L Roles offer more responsibility, higher compensation—but come with greater pressure and accountability.
  
• Encourages identifying your ambition level early in “Phase Two” (civilian career) to shape your path accordingly.

5. Phased Career Philosophy

• Phase One – Active duty career: Service, performance, and advancement.
  
• Phase Two – Civilian industry: Build wealth, explore different sectors.
  
• Phase Three – Purpose-driven work: Travel, volunteer, or retire on your terms.
  
• He’s currently focused on winning a major contract at Sparton before entering Phase Three in ~2 years.

6. Diversity and Opportunity

• Acknowledged the lack of African-Americans in senior industry roles.
  
• Committed to recruiting and mentoring diverse candidates, with open positions posted via NNOA.
  
• Encouraged candidates—especially women and those without elite networks—to reach out directly and use organizations like NNOA to leverage relationship-based opportunities.

Final Advice from Capt. Wyatt:

• Leverage relationships at every level—peers, mentors, senior leaders—for mentorship, referrals, and compensation insights.
  
• Be clear about your goals in the civilian sector—whether it’s work-life balance or career ambition.
  
• Use your network to open doors, even if your resume doesn’t check every box.
  
• Stay prepared and proactive in job searches, especially when transitioning between companies.

Opportunities:

• Captain Wyatt is currently hiring for roles in business development and marketing at Sparton.

He encourages anyone interested to reach out through NNOA or directly, and emphasizes his willingness to mentor or connect others through his professional network (“Bubba Net”).