Lessons from Six Tours and 24 Years of Service
Gary White shares how military values and discipline shape smarter business decisions
At BankCherokee, we know that veteran-owned businesses strengthen our communities. Their discipline, focus, and mission-first mindset create resilient companies, and we’re proud to support the entrepreneurs who have served our country.
Inspired by Veteran’s Day, and to honor veteran-led businesses in our region, we sat down with Gary White, Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending at BankCherokee. Gary spent 24 years in the military and completed six tours of duty before transitioning into banking. Today, he works closely with veteran entrepreneurs and CEOs across Minnesota, helping them plan, grow, and navigate the financial decisions that shape their companies.
Below, Gary shares his top leadership advice for veteran CEOs, insights from his service, and the banking programs that can help veteran-owned businesses succeed.
Three Leadership Tips for Veteran CEOs
When asked what veteran leaders should prioritize as they grow their companies, Gary didn’t hesitate: everything starts with mission clarity.
1. Lead with intent, then trust your team.
“In the military, command intent is everything,” Gary explains. “You set the mission, make the objective incredibly clear, and empower capable people to execute.” According to Gary, the same principle drives business success. “Great leaders don’t micromanage. They give their people the why so they can figure out the how. Empowering a strong team reduces operational risk, increases productivity, and builds a culture where people thrive.”
2. Protect your cash flow like your business depends on it. Because it does.
“Profitability doesn’t matter if the company runs out of cash,” Gary says. He encourages CEOs to keep reserves, monitor burn rate, and avoid relying on hope as a financial strategy. “Cash flow discipline is tactical readiness,” he adds. “Just like in the military, resources must be managed intentionally. When you’re prepared, you’re harder to surprise.”
3. Stay adaptable, but grounded in data.
“Conditions change; flexibility wins battles,” Gary says. Veterans often excel under pressure, but Gary emphasizes the importance of pairing adaptability with analytics. “The best veteran-led businesses don’t just push through; they pivot wisely. They use market data, metrics, and financial insights to guide decisions.”
How Veterans Can Leverage Banking Resources
Veteran entrepreneurs have unique opportunities, and Gary wants them to know what’s available.
1. Explore specialized SBA loan programs.
Many banks offer SBA products designed to support veteran-owned businesses. These may include Advantage loans, Patriot Express loans, or veteran-preferred lender programs. “At BankCherokee, we work closely with our in-house SBA expertise to help veterans determine the right path,” Gary notes. “Veterans who own 51% or more of the business may qualify for additional benefits.”
2. Take advantage of BankCherokee’s Veteran Business Account.
“We’re one of the few banks that offer a designated checking account for veteran-owned companies,” Gary explains. “It provides special incentives and reduced fees, because we want to support people who’ve served.”
3. Build a partnership, not a transaction.
Gary believes veterans intuitively understand the value of strong allies. “In the military, logistics and relationships determine success,” he says. “The same applies in business. Your banker should be part of your unit; someone who helps you plan, adapt, and succeed.”
Advice for Veterans Starting a Business Today
Gary’s guidance is straightforward: “Success, whether in combat or business, comes from collective strength, not individual effort.” He encourages new entrepreneurs to put the right advisors around them, identify risks early, and build strong financial partnerships.
“With 24 years in the service and now many more in banking, I see my role as another set of eyes,” Gary says. “Someone who can spot issues early, offer honest advice, and help a veteran build a stronger company than when we first met.”
Whether you’re launching a business or scaling a growing company, BankCherokee is here to support veteran entrepreneurs with tailored tools and experienced guidance. Reach out to Gary or another BankCherokee team member today. We’ll help you build what’s next.
