198 - Chad Fulkerson - From B-1 Bombers to Firehouse Subs

In this episode of the Mission Oriented Podcast, host Bob Louthan sits down with Air Force veteran Chad Fulkerson, a former B-1 bomber weapons systems officer who successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship as a Firehouse Subs franchise owner in Texas.

Chad shares his unique journey from growing up in a military family to joining the Air Force at age 28, earning his call sign “Henway,” and navigating combat missions with his B-1 crew. He talks candidly about the challenges of leaving military life after 10.5 years, the lessons learned in leadership and discipline, and how those skills transferred into running a thriving restaurant business.

We also dive into why Firehouse Subs’ values and Public Safety Foundation resonated with him, how the culture helped him find a sense of mission after service, and what it was like to steer a business through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chad reflects on the importance of community, supporting first responders, and the lasting impact of military camaraderie.

This episode is a mix of humor (including the story behind his call sign), resilience, and insight into how veterans can translate military experience into business success.