EP 184 - From Army Grunt to CEO - Steve Schwab’s Remarkable Journey

US Veterans Day Special — What happens when military grit meets entrepreneurship? In this special episode of Finding Better, John Suzuki sits down with Army Ranger veteran and Casago founder & CEO Steve Schwab to trace a remarkable journey: from joining the Army to running the largest vacation rental management company in North America. Steve shares the real, practical lessons he learned in uniform and on the road — lessons that translate to every leader, manager, and person pivoting careers.

Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:

1. Why joining the military (and the small wins inside it) builds the confidence entrepreneurs need. 2. How Steve designed and built his life by surrounding himself with the right people. 3. The surprising overlap between leading soldiers, running a fraternity, and managing vacation rentals. 4. Practical advice for vets (and civilians) transitioning into business or leadership roles. 5. How to spot poisonous relationships and the power of choosing good people.

💡 Key Takeaways:

1. Confidence is a stack of small wins — design systems so people can win often. 2. Surround yourself with people who lift you; people are either healthy or poisonous. 3. Discipline, courage, kindness, and loyalty are leadership cornerstones — discipline can be aspirational and built. 4. Military experience creates transferable skills for entrepreneurship: structure, risk tolerance, and leadership under pressure. 5. Start scrappy, be resourceful, and lead with humility — build teams with complementary skills.

Connect with Steve Schwab: 💼 LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/s.schwab 

If you liked this episode, please like, subscribe, and share — and leave a comment below with a veteran or leader who’s inspired you.