Rebuilding American Manufacturing | Bret Boyd | AO 61

What does combat leadership have to do with running a business?More than you think.In this episode of the American Operator Podcast, Bret Boyd—West Point graduate, Army Ranger, and founder of Sustainment—shares how his experience in war shaped the way he builds teams, leads people, and is now working to rebuild American manufacturing.From War to BusinessBret was at West Point during 9/11—watching history unfold in real time.“We were packing our gear, ready to go to New York that day.” That experience—and the years that followed—shaped how he thinks about leadership, responsibility, and mission. The Leadership Shift Most People MissIn the military, leadership isn’t about control.It’s about orchestration. Empowering people to make decisions  Trusting teams in high-stakes environments  Coordinating chaos—not controlling itAnd that same mindset applies directly to business. The Real State of American ManufacturingMost people think manufacturing is dominated by massive corporations…But the reality is:~250,000 manufacturing businesses in the U.S.  ~99% are small businesses  ~70% of the workforce is in those small shopsThese are the businesses quietly powering America.  The Mission Behind SustainmentBret’s company is building a platform to: Connect American manufacturers  Make them easier to find and work with  Strengthen local supply chains Because right now?It’s often easier to find overseas suppliers than local ones.The Big TakeawayWhether in combat or business:Great leaders don’t do everything They build teams that can operate without themAmerican OperatorStories from the people building, operating, and protecting the backbone of America.Subscribe for more:Real operators. Real leadership. Real ownership.Join the MovementTactical insights and behind-the-scenes stories from America’s operators:Website: www.americanoperator.comAO In Action: https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOperatorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanoperatorNewsletter: https://americanoperator.substack.comLocally Owned and Operated: https://www.locallyownedandoperated.org/