In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, Jason sits down with Curt Maier. A U.S. Military Veteran, nuclear submarine reactor operator, engineer, and now M&A focused business leader who buys, builds, and transforms companies using a systems-driven mindset forged under extreme pressure.
Curt shares what it was really like working on nuclear submarine reactors, how the Navy shaped his discipline and problem-solving, and why the engineering habits he learned underwater still guide every business decision he makes today.
Jason and Curt dive into the lessons from nuclear operations that apply directly to leadership, M&A strategy, business turnarounds, systems thinking, and running companies in the real world.
Curt explains how he evaluates businesses, what founders usually get wrong, and why Veterans often make exceptional operators and acquirers. This episode blends military intensity, engineering precision, and entrepreneurial execution a rare combination and an incredibly valuable one.
Topics Discussed:
• What it's actually like to serve aboard nuclear submarines
• The mindset required to operate and maintain nuclear reactors
• How nuclear engineering habits translate directly into business leadership
• The transition from military engineering to entrepreneurship • How Curt evaluates companies for acquisition
• What most business buyers overlook during due diligence
• Systems thinking: the common link between reactors and businesses • Why Veterans excel at M&A, operations, and turnarounds
• Curt's career path from submariner → engineer → founder → acquirer
• The realities of buying and fixing businesses
• Lessons from high-stakes decision-making
• The future of engineering, leadership, and Veteran entrepreneurship
• Curtis' advice for Veterans considering acquisition entrepreneurship
Support CavnessHR Help Build the Future of Small Business HR CavnessHR is creating an AI-native HR system built specifically for small businesses with 49 or fewer employees combining automation with a dedicated HR Business Partner.
Here's how you can support the mission:
💸 Invest in CavnessHR on Wefunder https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr
📚 Download 7 Free eBooks based on The Jason Cavness Experience https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks
🤝 Join the CavnessHR Builders Club https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/
Connect with Curt Maier LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtmmaier/
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