Not Every Day You Wake Up to a Video Shoutout from Mark Cuban on Linkedin
What today's Texas Business Hall of Fame Award means to me
Not every day you wake up to a video shoutout from Mark Cuban letting you know you’re joining the Texas Business Hall of Fame as a Veteran Future Texas Legend. Not gonna lie—it was pretty cool. More than anything, it’s a reflection of the coaches, teachers, and mentors who believed in me and invested in my future. Here is the Linkedin post.
Thanks to the Texas Business Hall of Fame for recognizing me and my fellow veterans in business here in Texas. Those are big shoes to fill, and I’m humbled to join a list of alumni I’ve long admired.
With the Hall of Fame announcement this morning, I felt it would be helpful to reflect on how I got to now and what continues to drive me.
When I left the Army after 20 years of service, I had no idea how my next chapter would unfold—whether in startups, public service, education, or helping others grow their own ventures. I only knew that I wanted to keep solving problems and building teams, the same way I had in uniform.
That mission has taken many forms over the years, guided by what I call my "Bright Lines"—five key areas that shape my work and the mission of USTomorrow:
1. Fixing Our Broken Political System
Our political system often feels more polarized than productive. Through USTomorrow, I aim to foster cross-party collaboration and restore trust in our institutions. In my Medium article, "The Bright Lines: Understanding what drives you," I delve into the importance of this mission.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation with former Speaker Joe Straus in San Antonio, discussing the importance of bipartisan dialogue and understanding.
I'm also inspired by the work of my longtime friend Todd Connor, CEO of Veterans for All Voters, who is mobilizing veterans to lead political reform efforts across the nation. You can check out out video conversation here.
2. Updating the Workforce and Preserving the American Dream
The future of work is rapidly evolving. At the University of Texas at Austin, I support veteran entrepreneurs through programs like the JBTVL. Additionally, initiatives like the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT) aim to prepare our workforce for emerging industries.
I encourage everyone to follow the work of Texas 2036, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a modern workforce and improving education for all Texans.
3. Mainstreaming Innovation
Innovation shouldn't be confined to tech hubs. Through my work with Capital Factory and the Austin Technology Incubator, I strive to bring innovative solutions to broader communities.
I also had the pleasure of discussing leadership in business with Riffat Manasia, exploring how networks and connections can drive meaningful change.
4. Building the Infrastructure for the 21st Century
Modern challenges require modern solutions. As a board member of Sustainment, I'm involved in reimagining American manufacturing. Our book, "Catalyst: Leadership and Strategy in a Changing World," co-authored with Bret Boyd, discusses strategies for navigating disruptive change.
I'm also closely following the work of Doug Lewin, a nationally recognized energy expert, who provides insightful analysis on Texas's electric grid and the clean energy transition through his newsletter.
5. Mentorship & Entrepreneurship
Mentorship has been pivotal in my journey. At the McCombs School of Business, I engage with programs that support military veterans and their families, fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs. My participation in the West Point Association of Graduates Entrepreneur Roadshow further emphasizes this commitment.
This award isn’t about one moment or one company. It’s about the journey—and the people who made it possible. Coaches, mentors, teachers, partners, and teammates across every chapter.
To the fellow recipients—Jake Newbold, John Alers, John Elmore, and Brad Harrison—congrats. I’m proud to be in your company.
And to every veteran entrepreneur out there: keep pushing. Your service doesn’t stop when you hang up the uniform. It evolves.
Let’s keep building.
Let me know what you’re seeing out there,
Joseph Kopser
Co-Founder of USTomorrow
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