BufferSprings 3rd Anniversary: A Raw Reflection on What We’ve Built

Today, August 14th, 2024, marks 1,096 days since BufferSprings became a reality—1,096 days of relentless effort, focused action, and more than a few sleepless nights. Three years ago, I didn’t have much—just a vision, a gut feeling, and an obsession to make a real difference for veterans and military spouses. What started as a simple idea has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined. BufferSprings isn’t just a company anymore; it’s a mission, a calling, and a movement that’s tearing down barriers and changing lives.

Let’s cut to the chase—most startups don’t make it past six months. We had plenty of moments where we could’ve been another statistic. But here we are, three years in, not just surviving, but thriving. Why? Because people believe in this mission. It’s our BufferSprings crew, proudly comprised of 100% veterans and military spouses—who show up every single day, committed to building something real for our people. It’s the companies that trusted a “little guy” to create powerful programs that don’t just check a box but actually make a difference. And it’s the military-connected community and installation partners who’ve stood by us through every challenge and watched us grow.

My Life, Defined by Service

My life has always been about service. I spent 14 years leading Marines—deploying, recruiting, and building strategies for the DoD. After that, I spent another 14 years in the trenches of corporate America, working with some of the smartest employers and sharpest military-experienced talent, alongside government agencies, practitioners, consultants, and lawyers who are now our strategic partners, marching with us. No one knows more about this space, and no one cares more about the outcomes—I can promise you that.

We’re not here for profit, and we’re definitely not here for pity. We’re here to make real progress. Our goal is simple but ambitious: eradicate underemployment in the military-connected community within the next ten years.

But let’s be real. I also happen to be a human being and couldn’t do any of this without the unwavering support of my incredible wife and three sons. They’ve seen me through the long nights, the tough calls, and the painstaking push to make this vision a reality. They’ve sacrificed right alongside me, and their confidence and love is what keeps me going. For that, and so much more, I’m forever grateful. I love you more than you’ll ever understand.

We Chose the Hard Road, and Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way

The team and I didn’t take the easy path. We bootstrapped this company from day one. No outside investors, no shortcuts, just tireless work, determination, and a belief in what we’re doing. We’ve faced down every obstacle, rolled up our sleeves, and gotten our hands dirty because we believe in this mission with everything we’ve got. And let me be clear—we’re not stopping until the job is done.

There’s a reason BufferSprings was founded on August 14th. 8/14 isn’t just a date; it’s the area code for Erie, PA where my path started. Growing up dirt-poor in Erie taught me resilience, grit, and the value of hard work. These lessons are the foundation of everything we do here at BufferSprings. We’re not just building a company; we’re building a future where veterans and military spouses aren’t just part of the workforce—they’re leading it.

A Call to Action

No matter who you are—an employer looking to build a military-effective program, a veteran or military spouse seeking more than just a job, a community partner ready to drive change, or a military installation eager to create life-changing opportunities, BufferSprings has a pathway designed just for you. Visit BufferSprings to see how we can work together to make a real impact.

To everyone who’s been with us from the start. THANK YOU! And to those who haven’t joined us yet—what are you waiting for?

The future is in our hands, and we’re just getting started.

Happy Birthday to the entire BufferSprings family and partnership universe.

Rob Arndt
Founder & CEO, BufferSprings
Marine Veteran

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