Jon sits down with Christian Ruf to discuss why labor-intensive small businesses need both affordable global talent and battle-tested leaders who thrive in chaos. Christian’s specialty is recruiting former military personnel. He’s not just thanking veterans for their service, but also solving a specific problem for lower-middle-market companies stuck between drowning in operations and being unable to  afford a $250K president. Christian personally experienced the ego death necessary to understand what small business operators actually need. After all, he’s flown helicopters in special operations and power-washing patios for country music stars, earning more than $20/hour. All drawn from real and raw on-the-ground experience! Jon and Christian distinguish between two hiring categories. First, the premium tier: former special forces operators with MBAs commanding $180-250K as COOs and presidents. But the real volume, and arguably bigger impact, sits in the second category: former company commanders earning their undergrad at state schools, serving 5-7 years, then spending a few years discovering they hate wealth management. These leaders command roughly $10K/month and provide asymmetric value to small business owners who need someone to "just run the show." Only 1 of 55 placements had industry experience. Operators need to read between the lines of a resume to find these guys and girls. A pilot who flew night missions at 300 feet over Syria while being shot at can probably manage restaurant operations. The military community provides a translated skill set that small business owners struggle to evaluate: leadership under chaos, accountability systems, and the ability to link strategic intent to tactical execution. TIMESTAMPS:(01:23) From Special Operations Helicopter Pilot to Small Business Operator(05:42) The Handyman Ego Death: Power Washing Investor Patios(10:17) Strategic Partnership: 50% Off Executive Recruiting for Sagan Members(13:35) Two Categories of Military Hires: Upper vs Lower End(15:07) Category One: Special Forces + MBA = $180-250K Leadership(20:56) Why Industry Experience Doesn't Matter(22:20) Category Two: The $10K/Month GM Who Just Runs the Show(31:50) Translation Services: Flying at 300 Feet Over Syria vs Restaurant Stress Stay connected for more insights and strategies by following:Jon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MatznerJon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on X and at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lazyleverage.beehiiv.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Peter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@pslohmann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on X and at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠peterlohmann.com