“THERE’S A MUCH GREATER RECOGNITION NOW OF THE VALUE AND KNOWLEDGE THAT OLDER PEOPLE CAN BRING TO ALMOST ANY AREA OF ENDEAVOR.”
A CAREER BUILT ON ADAPTABILITY For Dillon, reinvention wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. After decades in the professional services industry, he found himself drawn to work that truly mattered to him: helping veterans navigate the same challenges he faced. Dillon’s work advocating for veteran entrepreneurs isn’t just about creating opportunities—it’s about reversing a troubling trend. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, veteran business ownership has declined sharply in recent years, dropping from 11% in 2014 to just 8.1% in 2020. That means fewer veterans are translating their leadership skills into business success, not because they lack ability, but because they often lack access to the right networks and resources. “Veterans don’t just follow orders; they build, adapt, and lead,” Dillon says. His work with Bunker Labs isn’t just about supporting entrepreneurship—it’s about ensuring that those who served their country aren’t left behind when they return home. He launched Dillon Consulting Services LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, turning his experience into advocacy. When he saw a gap in support for veteran entrepreneurs, he helped shape Bunker Labs, which is now a part of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. His expertise made him a sought-after voice on veteran employment, leadership, and mental health, leading him to represent veterans at The Kennedy Forum and teach a course on veterans’ issues at Duke University. Through all of this, Dillon’s core belief remains unchanged: “A life lived for others is a life well-lived.” He cites the words of St. Luke—“To whom much has been given, much is expected”—as a personal mantra.
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