Our Story: From Soldier to Contractor to Business Investor

Hi, I’m Lane Boland, and I’m here to share my journey with you — a journey that’s taken me from the battlefield to the boardroom, from the frontlines to the forefront of business innovation.

A Warrior’s Beginning

It all started with a commitment to serve. Graduating from West Point with a degree in Chinese, I embarked on my first career as a Soldier. My time in service wasn’t easy — discipline was a challenge, and I faced more disciplinary tours than most. Over 37 months in Iraq and 6 months in Central America, I earned both a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat and a Bronze Star, alongside enduring a broken neck.

Transition to Business

Following my military service, I transitioned into the world of sales, specifically financial sales at Edward Jones. But it was a pivotal moment when my mentor introduced me to real estate development, sparking a passion for venture capital and investment strategy.

A Bold Vision

Recognizing an untapped opportunity in the market, I devised a unique investment strategy: a portfolio comprising half multi-family real estate and half pre-revenue tech start-ups. It was a calculated risk, but one with the potential for significant returns.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

Venturing into the world of tech start-ups, I encountered a brilliant entrepreneur with a promising idea. However, despite our efforts, the venture didn’t pan out as expected, resulting in a significant loss. Undeterred, I saw an opportunity to pivot yet again.

Embracing the Challenge

Drawing from my experiences in real estate and contracting, I founded a general contracting company. Recognizing the changing landscape of the industry, I foresaw a wave of opportunity as the market shifted from boomers to Gen X and eventually millennials.

The Push/Pivot Framework

Through trial and error, I learned valuable lessons about perseverance and strategic decision-making. The Push/Pivot Framework emerged from these experiences, guiding my approach to business:

Push: Persist through challenges unless there’s clear evidence of needing to change course.

Pivot: Adapt when skills are lacking or time is of the essence.

The Journey Continues

Today, as I reflect on the scars of failure and the triumphs of perseverance, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story with you. From the battlefield to the boardroom, from setbacks to successes, each chapter has shaped who I am today — a resilient entrepreneur, committed to navigating the ever-changing landscape of business with courage and determination.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, let’s embrace the challenges, seize the opportunities, and write the next chapter of our story.