As a nuclear-trained mechanic and scuba diver on a US Navy Submarine, Mr. Barnes traveled underwater at extreme depths, running a nuclear power plant and taking charge of complex systems. His innate leadership ability and understanding of complex machinery allowed him to run the largest division on his submarine and oversee the ship’s quality control program.
During his career in the Navy, Mr. Barnes earned a reputation as the “go-to” guy for getting things done. His submarine, the USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) earned the Battle “E” award during his deployments, and he personally received several commendations throughout his career.
After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. Barnes transitioned to Corporate America, where he leveraged his expertise as a risk management consultant. He helped clients grow their businesses and facilitated strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. His ability to navigate uncertainty and drive innovation set him apart in the corporate world.
Working for one of the world’s largest companies, Mr. Barnes was instrumental in helping drive innovation and success by partnering with corporate venture firms, incubators, and accelerators. He’s lead digital transformation initiatives at the highest levels for enterprise businesses.
Mr. Barnes spearheaded international projects as an Innovation and Technology Director, introducing cutting-edge technology and ideas to the global marketplace. His clients have generated over $1 Billion in capital for their companies, and have created hundreds of millions in value through licensing and partnership development.
I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life after a shoulder injury eliminated my chances of playing baseball, my passion until I was 18.
Not knowing what to do or where to go, I joined the Navy and was selected to be a part of the nuclear training program. Ultimately I went on to become a mechanic (MM1/SS/DV) on a submarine, managed the quality assurance programs, was a scuba diver, and led the machinery division and engineering watch team onboard the USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) during Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom campaigns.
I realized during my Naval career that I wasn’t made for politics or bureaucracy, and left the military in 2006.
I went on to work in corporate America as a risk management professional, visiting and inspecting well over 10,000 locations in my career, and learned how to manage large remote teams, decaying and antiquated technology, and ultimately was put in charge of technology innovation for a 500-person division.
During that time I married, had two boys, and helped many small business owners launch and grow their businesses as a consultant. This included my ex-wife’s business that is still running to this day.
It wasn’t all roses, however.
In spite of having a 6-figure salary and incredible freedom in my job, I wasn’t satisfied.
I wanted more. More fun, more freedom, and more excitement.
It was this drive that led me down the path of one entrepreneurial venture after another, most of them failing miserably.
But in 2018, we finally found one that worked, and worked well.
I quit my corporate career after my wife’s business was able to sustain our lifestyle, and embarked on my own full-time entrepreneurial journey.
Our eCommerce business began taking off, and we were quickly doing $1-$2 Million in revenue per month.
And then it happened…
My wife wanted out. She was over the long trips and my unending search for “more”.
We divorced in 2019, and at that same time, our eCommerce business went from a track record of over $30 Million in its first year to being completely shut down in August 2019.
I lost my house, my marriage, two businesses, and several friends in the process. Not to mention piled on over $100k in debt trying to save my business.
When Covid caused the world to shut down, even my event-based business, Angel Investors Network suffered, and we lost over $250k in 2020 after our events were canceled and deposits and marketing dollars evaporated.
To say I was lost would be an understatement.
It was in March of 2020 when I met my wife, Amara, and we suffered through the government shutdowns together.
I vowed I’d never be at the mercy of external forces ever again.
Now I buy and build businesses only for the purpose of selling them and making money along the way.
That is my motto.
Now we invest in, buy, partner with, and scale businesses for the purpose of building wealth and security, which ultimately leads to freedom.
And I help entrepreneurial leaders do the same. If you’d like to partner with my team or me, please fill out the form below so we can get started.
Mr. Barnes’ mission is to empower individuals to build lasting legacies, achieve personal autonomy, and live on their terms.
My vision is to create a thriving community of empowered individuals, united by the shared purpose of taking control of their destinies, leaving indelible legacies for generations to come, and fully embracing the power of personal autonomy.
