About Us – Second Echelon Capital

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second echelon capital

What we do.

Second Echelon Capital expands economic opportunity for military veterans through entrepreneurship. Our mission is to empower veterans with capital, resources, and support throughout the business acquisition and ownership journey — from deal sourcing to daily operations.

Just like the military formation that inspires our name, we stand behind veterans as their second echelon — offering reinforcements, momentum, and strategic support when it’s needed most.

Our Name.

In military terms, the “second echelon” refers to units strategically positioned behind the frontline to reinforce, sustain, or advance a mission. We’ve adopted this identity with purpose: while veterans take the lead as business owners (the first echelon), we are their strategic backup — ensuring they don’t fight alone.

Veterans First, Always.

We provide:

• Capital (equity and/or debt) for business acquisition
• Business education and training resources
• M&A process support (deal flow, due diligence, financing)
• Post-acquisition coaching, mentorship, and advisory services
• We typically take minority, non-controlling stakes — putting veterans in command of their business while giving them access to long-term, mission-aligned partners.

THE FOUNDER

Meet Matt Brooks

Matt Brooks is the founder of Second Echelon Capital, where he partners with veteran entrepreneurs to acquire and grow small businesses.

A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Matt brings over 30 years of leadership experience across national defense, public policy, and private enterprise. Following his military career, he acquired and scaled RFID Hotel into a two-time Inc. 5000 company, culminating in a successful exit to a strategic acquirer.

At Second Echelon Capital, Matt focuses on supporting veteran-led acquisitions through disciplined capital, governance, and long-term partnership.

He holds degrees from the U.S. Air Force Academy and The George Washington University, and was a fellow in the Leadership & Society Initiative at the University of Chicago.