The founding of Military.com is a story of entrepreneurial spirit meeting a genuine need within the military community. Christopher P. Michel, the founder, was a naval flight officer and an MBA graduate from the University of Illinois. His journey began with a realization during his service in the U.S. Navy.
In the late 1990s, the internet was rapidly becoming a transformative force, but Michel noticed that there was a significant gap in online resources dedicated to the military community. Recognizing this, he saw an opportunity to create a platform that would serve military members, veterans, and their families, providing them with tailored news, resources, and a community network.
Michel started Military.com in 1999. His vision was to build a comprehensive online resource that could help service members and veterans in various aspects of their lives, including career transitions, understanding military benefits, and staying informed about military news and affairs. What set Military.com apart was its focus on creating a community where members could connect, share experiences, and support each other.
The website quickly grew in popularity due to its unique positioning and the value it offered to its audience. It provided a one-stop shop for military news, benefits information, job resources for veterans, and an online community – all of which were relatively scarce at the time.
Michel’s background in the military and his understanding of the specific needs of this community were crucial in shaping the direction and offerings of Military.com. His entrepreneurial approach combined with a mission-driven focus on serving the military community led to the creation of a platform that continues to be a valuable resource today.
The success of Military.com is a testament to Michel’s foresight in recognizing an unmet need and effectively leveraging technology to address it, demonstrating a blend of innovative thinking and a commitment to service.
Military.com, a website that provides resources and news for military members, veterans, and their families, was founded by Christopher P. Michel in 1999. Michel, an entrepreneur and former naval flight officer, started the site with the goal of creating an online community and information resource for those connected to the military. The site offers a wide range of services, including news on military and veterans affairs, benefits information, job resources for veterans, and tools for connecting with others in the military community. Michel’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to serving the military community are evident in the growth and success of Military.com. His background and experiences in the military likely played a significant role in shaping the direction and focus of the website.