Tried It All? How One Veteran Found His Path by Figuring It Out Along the Way

What if the biggest barrier to entrepreneurial success isn't having a perfect plan, but being paralyzed by trying to find one?

In this episode of Engineer Your Success, Dr. James Bryant talks with Matt Thompson, Navy veteran, management consultant, and franchise owner, about the power of taking action without having all the answers. From missing out on the Naval Academy to opening a men's grooming franchise, Matt shares why "figuring it out along the way" often beats waiting for the perfect opportunity.

You'll discover why communication with your spouse is the most overlooked aspect of entrepreneurship, how to pivot when reality doesn't match expectations, and what it really means to "just do it" in business. Whether you're considering a career change or exploring franchise ownership, this episode will help you move from analysis to action.

Key Moments in the Episode

00:00 – The Cost of Poor Communication: Matt's biggest regret about starting his franchise and the hidden burden on spouses

02:10 – From Naval Academy Rejection to 20-Year Career: How being a "first alternate" led to an unexpected path of continuous growth

03:32 – The Chemistry Degree He Never Used: Why trying multiple paths until something fits is better than forcing the wrong one

04:43 – Accidental Entrepreneur: From retirement planning to owning a training company—how opportunities reveal themselves

05:42 – Hammer & Nails Franchise Discovery: Why his wife's "no food" rule led to the men's grooming industry

07:25 – Surprising Customer Insights: The unexpected demographics embracing men's self-care and manicures

08:35 – Marketing Reality Check: Why explaining your business concept to every potential customer is harder than expected

12:37 – Three Pieces of Franchise Advice: Just do it, ask for help, and talk to anyone who's done it before

15:25 – The Communication Lesson: What Matt wishes he knew about preparing his wife for the stress and uncertainty

18:50 – Role Reversal Interview: Matt turns the tables and interviews Dr. Bryant about entrepreneurial lessons

23:09 – Defining Success: How winning at work and home changes as life circumstances evolve

Key Insights & Takeaways

• Don't wait for the perfect plan—start moving forward and pivot as needed
• The biggest entrepreneurial challenge is often communication with your spouse, not business strategy
• Be willing to "figure it out" rather than having all the answers upfront
• Most business people are eager to help and share their experiences if you approach them relationally
• Success definitions must evolve with your life circumstances and family needs

🧠 Notable Quotes

"I don't know how to do it, but I'm gonna figure it out." — Matt Thompson

"Don't be paralyzed by trying to analyze it and find the perfect solution. Start moving forward and then pivot if you need to." — Matt Thompson

"Share your story sooner. There are more people that can be impacted by you showing up authentically as yourself." — Dr. James Bryant

👤 Guest Information

Matt Thompson – Navy Veteran, Management Consultant & Franchise Owner 20-year Navy veteran, DBA candidate, and owner of Hammer & Nails men's grooming franchise in San Antonio. Matt specializes in project management training and helps aspiring entrepreneurs through mentoring and real-world business experience.

💼 LinkedIn: Matt Thompson 📧 Email - mattt@hngrooming.com 📍 San Antonio, Texas

About Engineer Your Success

Engineer Your Success equips technical professionals and business owners to become confident, purpose-driven leaders who thrive at work and at home.

Through executive coaching, business consulting, and strategic content solutions, we help you:

• Lead with clarity and communicate with impact
• Build aligned systems that support your values
• Avoid burnout while achieving professional success
• Transform from technical expert to influential leader

🔗 Connect With Us

Learn more at www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com Follow Dr. James Bryant | https://sleek.bio/jbryant