45 Rafael Ortega - US Naval Academy, F/A-18 Aviator, 7 Deployments, Tech Founder, Father

From F/A-18 fighter jet cockpits to AI-driven construction innovation, Rafael Ortega’s story is epic.Rafael - a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who spent 10 years as a Navy F/A-18 aviator — completing seven overseas deployments, leading advanced training and operational squadrons, and earning West Coast F/A-18 Instructor of the Year (2021). He was also selected for the elite F/A-18 Demonstration Team.Today, he’s the CEO & co-founder of RAKE ML, building category-defining technology and solving massive challenges at the intersection of machine learning and construction.Most importantly, Rafael is a husband and father.➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/Mentions in This VideoRafael's Info:➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-ortega-736b1a222/➡︎ Business: https://www.rakeml.com/➡︎ Books:- "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir- "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah HarariSubscribe To Our Podcast Here➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKONY1n1qysTx2RiBiwj28QzLc8gI2oui➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc?si=cd7c0afd6b064292➡︎ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstark512/➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/The Veterans Who Build Show➡︎ At VWB, we are on a mission to provide a platform for Veterans to share their story, empower others for success, transition from Military to civilian to profession, chat translatable skills, professional and personal wins, and all things Built EnvironmentThe VWB Show Sponsors➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by @jetbuild➡︎ Find more information on Jet.Build, here: www.jet.build➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to buildTimecodesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:35 Cultural Transition from Military to Civilian Life12:39 Path to the Naval Academy18:34 Aviation Aspirations and Flight School21:33 Flight School Experience and Challenges30:13 Navigating Flight School Challenges33:20 The Journey Through Flight Training40:05 Understanding the Rigorous Training Process41:59 Transitioning to the Fleet Replacement Squadron46:46 The Reality of Deployment57:24 Experiencing Life in Japan58:26 Life in Japan: A Unique Experience01:00:39 Mission Objectives: Freedom Navigation and Force Presence01:02:02 Engagements with Foreign Aircraft: A Tactical Perspective01:03:36 Daily Operations: The Life of a Deployed Aviator01:05:09 The Ready Room: Bonds and Stories of Aviators01:06:58 Transitioning to Teaching: The Path to Instruction01:09:25 The FACA Course: A Challenging Journey01:10:33 The Role of a Combat Instructor01:14:03 Future Aspirations: Planning Beyond Deployment01:16:13 Final Days in Japan: Personal Milestones01:19:23 Returning to the U.S.: New Beginnings01:21:29 Managing Operations: The Role of an Ops Rep01:25:05 The West Coast Demo Team: A Rock Star Experience01:28:33 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life01:32:18 Navigating Business School as a Veteran01:36:59 Finding Purpose in Civilian Life01:39:42 Exploring Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition01:42:28 Launching a Startup in the Built Environment01:46:57 Understanding the Built Environment and Its Challenges01:51:43 Translatable Skills from Military to Civilian Life01:53:57 Book Recommendations and Wellness Practices01:56:53 Jet.Build Sponsor#veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans