Today we’d like to introduce you to Zack Knight.
Hi Zack, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am a multifaceted individual with a diverse background and a deep commitment to leadership and service. My journey began as a metro Atlanta police officer, where I was responsible for patrolling neighborhoods, enforcing laws, and ensuring public safety. As a SWAT operator, I participated in high-risk operations and crisis situations, and I also trained future law enforcement professionals at the regional police academy.
I then transitioned to the Army, serving as an infantry officer. I led and managed infantry soldiers in combat operations, planned and executed missions, and provided tactical guidance. In 2019, I deployed to Afghanistan alongside the Green Berets, where I applied my skills and leadership in challenging combat situations. After my deployment, I was fast-tracked for promotion but had to retire due to severe nerve damage in my left arm discovered during a career advancement course in 2021.
Following my military service, I channeled my background in law enforcement and the military into business development and operations consulting. I became a valuable resource for businesses, assisting them through consulting, in-person PR events, and podcasting. As the founder of Advancing the Line for Veterans (ATLVets), I focus on supporting military veterans in entrepreneurship. I oversee strategic planning, fundraising, and program development to provide resources and guidance for veterans starting their own businesses. This includes grant funding and social events centered around networking and business seminars.
Through my varied roles, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to leadership and service, leveraging my unique experiences to help others safeguard and grow their businesses. My story is one of resilience, adaptability, and dedication to empowering others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I transitioned to the Army, serving as an infantry officer, I led and managed infantry soldiers in combat operations, planned and executed missions, and provided tactical guidance. In 2019, I deployed to Afghanistan alongside the Green Berets, where I applied my skills and leadership in challenging combat situations. Unfortunately, we lost several fellow soldiers during this deployment, which deeply affected me and contributed to my experience with leadership guilt and survivor’s guilt.
After my deployment, I was fast-tracked for promotion but had to medically retire due to severe nerve damage in my left arm discovered during a career advancement course in 2021. This medical retirement marked the beginning of a rough transition from the military. The sudden change in my career, coupled with my physical injury and the emotional toll of losing comrades, led me into a dark period. I almost became a statistic of the 22 veterans a day who take their own lives, struggling with the weight of my experiences and the shift to civilian life.
There were so many times where I felt that I didn’t belong anymore, and I didn’t fit into society. Those feelings let me to alienate most of my friends and family and begin isolating myself. I think my greatest struggle during this time is that I had no idea what I wanted to do at this point. I had no purpose, no passion, and no mission.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Desperate to continue operating at a high level, I searched for a community of high achievers that would support my drive and ambition. However, instead of finding that community, I found myself floundering, feeling isolated, and unsure of my path forward. This difficult transition and the lack of a supportive network led me to launch Advancing The Line for Veterans (ATLVets).
ATLVets is an organization dedicated to supporting military veterans in their entrepreneurial endeavors and professional development. As the founder, I oversee strategic planning, fundraising, and program development to provide resources and guidance for veterans looking to start their own businesses. We offer grant funding, social events centered around networking, and business seminars designed to empower veterans and help them succeed in their post-military careers. By creating this organization, I aimed to build the community I once sought, providing veterans with the support and opportunities needed to thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
ATLVets is focused on expanding its reach and impact within the veteran community. Our growth strategy includes enhancing program development to introduce new, innovative initiatives tailored to address the evolving needs of veterans and their supporters. We aim to deepen our ties within the local community by partnering with more businesses, educational institutions, and veteran organizations, creating a robust support network for veterans, and fostering greater community integration. By leveraging digital platforms, including our YouTube channel and other social media, we will provide accessible resources, share success stories, and offer virtual workshops and webinars, extending our reach beyond our immediate geographic area. Additionally, we are committed to advocating for veteran issues at the local, state, and national levels, working with policymakers to influence positive changes that benefit the veteran community.
To broaden the range of supportive services we offer, we will expand our mental health resources, financial planning assistance, and family support programs, ensuring that veterans and their families receive comprehensive care. We will also invest in organizational capacity building by training staff, recruiting volunteers, and securing additional funding through grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships. Through these strategic initiatives, ATLVets is dedicated to creating a future where veterans are empowered, supported, and integrated into their communities, ensuring their long-term success and well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atlvets.org/ – zackaknight.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zack_a_knight/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZackAKnight14
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackaknight/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCac8SWHKBKZVKNjhYzBwB4Q
