Military.com | By Nick Mordowanec | Published October 31, 2025 Barry Mattson represented his country in the U.S. Air Force and Army. Since his military days, he’s used his experience in community building and humanitarian efforts to pay it forward to the next generation of aspiring business owners and job seekers. Mattson’s leadership as part […]
Barry Mattson Joins the Brian Hamilton Foundation as Chief Executive OfficerAPEX, NC, October 14, 2025 – The Brian Hamilton Foundation announced today the appointment of Barry Mattson as chief executive officer. A combat veteran and seasoned nonprofit leader, Mattson has spent his life clearing obstacles so others can rise—on battlefields, in boardrooms, and across communities that have been left behind. Mattson previously served as CEO […]
Trump’s H-1B overhaul could kneecap startups in the talent warsFor US startups, the past few days have felt like whiplash. President Donald Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee threw founders and their employees into chaos, and a fresh proposal to overhaul the visa lottery has left founders fearing they can’t compete with deep-pocketed Big Tech companies for talent. Now, some young companies have frozen hiring as […]
Trump’s big change to the H-1B visa is a $100,000 hit to entrepreneurs, startupsHere we go again. Another policy that lands hardest on the people least able to absorb it: entrepreneurs and small businesses. Last week, the President issued a proclamation requiring a $100,000 payment for each new H-1B visa petition. The intent is to protect American jobs. That’s a worthy goal, but if you subtract out politics and look […]
AI told me hilariously wrong things about Elon Musk’s childhood job at a landscaping company—here’s why that matters on Labor DayLabor Day was created to honor the dignity of work. It’s a day that reminds us the economy isn’t powered by politicians or algorithms. It’s powered by people who get up every day and do the jobs that keep America moving. That makes this a good time to pause and think about the current narrative: […]
USO Launches Free Virtual Employment Summit for Active Duty, National Guard, and SpousesOperation Jump Start is being hosted by the United Service Organizations (USO), supported by the Brian Hamilton Foundation, on September 29 and 30 to bring together military service members and their families to help them prepare for the transition to civilian life following their service to the nation. All active duty, National Guard members, and […]
Private equity roll-ups are undermining the free enterprise system—and the American DreamAmerica has always been a nation powered by small businesses—local merchants, family-run service businesses, independent companies, restaurants, dry cleaners, and home service businesses. Such companies once formed the backbone of middle-class opportunity, offering a path to economic independence and intergenerational mobility. Entrepreneurship drove our rise, especially among immigrant communities, where opening a storefront or service […]
NC inmates on the rebound learn how to start a business — and break the crime cycleDays out of prison, Brandon Lowery borrowed a lawn mower, borrowed a weed eater, borrowed a truck and started cutting grass for cash — the first dollars in his ex-offender’s business plan. He would cut a lawn for free then knock on the neighbor’s door to show off his good work. As customers piled up, […]
Brian Hamilton of Inmates to Entrepreneurs Visits Forsyth Correctional In the US, all criminal records are life sentencesLast week, members of Congress once again introduced a bipartisan resolution declaring April “Second Chance Month” in the U.S. A worthy cause, Second Chance Month is a time to recognize the challenges faced by people with criminal records and to advocate for meaningful reform. Although the idea of a “second chance” is celebrated, the reality is that […]
