#283: Funding Real Estate Operators through The Academy Fund and 10X Vets with Bill Militello and Scott Mackes

Service Academy Business Mastermind

“Almost four years later, two funds, multiple loan participation opportunities…we’ve lent north of $60 million and have never missed a monthly distribution to investors. From idea to $60 million in under four years. I’m proud of all the support we’ve provided to our fellow vets who are entrepreneurs out there swinging for it.” -Bill Militello, USNA ‘92

On today’s podcast, Bill and Scott express their gratitude to the investors who have supported the Academy Fund and its growth over the past four years and discuss a new project emerging within the community

In 2023, a member of 10X Vets approached them with a compelling idea. Having recently sold his business, he sought a network of trustworthy and capable investors within the group to conduct due diligence and invest together in high-quality opportunities. Inspired by his vision, they formed a steering committee to gather feedback and shape this initiative. By June 2024, the Investor Syndicate was born.

Their vision for the 10X Vets Investor Syndicate is to foster camaraderie, collaboratively analyze investment opportunities, and become the premier funding source for top commercial real estate operators within the military veteran community. Through the syndicate, they aim to create a strong, supportive network that enhances investment success and strengthens the collective financial future of the group.

Bill’s secret tip for operators who want a “fast pass” to having their deal evaluated? Join 10X Vets! By contributing to the group and participating in meetings and events, we get to know you as a person instead of just a number.

Congratulations to Bill, Scott, and the rest of the Academy Fund and 10X Vets team on their incredible growth over the past four years!

In this episode, we discuss:

• How far the Academy Fun has come since it started in 2020
• The guiding principles of the Academy Fund and how it is attractive to both investors and real estate operators
• The “fast pass” for real estate operators to get their deals evaluated and the importance of the 10X Vets community
• The broader vision of the 10X Vets Investor Syndicate that recently launched

Learn more:

• Academy Fund: https://www.academyfund.com/
• 10X Vets: https://www.10xvets.com/

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today. Subscribe and help out the show:

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Special thanks to Bill for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01