How to Prototype Your Life and Find a Great Career in the Defense Industry - Patrick Malcor | Ep 46

After leaving the Army as an Armor officer in the early 2000s, Patrick Malcor didn’t follow a traditional path. Instead, he jumped into the deep end—taking on opportunities in Iraq and the defense contracting world before eventually becoming CEO of a family office-backed defense company in Europe.

Today, Patrick is the founder and CEO of Ajax Defense, a precision manufacturing firm that supplies mission-critical parts to companies like Raytheon. He’s also a veteran advocate, entrepreneur, and investor with a deep passion for helping service members avoid the “transition trap”—falling into misaligned careers after military life.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Patrick shares hard-earned insights on:

• What veterans get wrong about their first job after the military

• The value of asking good questions and having 50+ career conversations

• The pros and cons of working at big companies vs. scrappy startups

• Building companies with purpose and reinvesting in veteran talent

• Lessons from early mistakes and the power of reinvention after setbacks

• • Why your values—not your resume—should shape your transition

  -------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Patrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmalcor/

  https://ajax-defense.com/

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  Connect with Griffin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffinbrand/

  Connect with Jack: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiimortgagebroker/

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  If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow veteran or service member navigating their transition. Your review and rating help inspire more veterans with stories like Patrick's.

  And as always: Go do the thing. Make that decision. Find your next mission.