Organization Overview
Inspiring veterans to build the foundation of success and empowering them to become the backbone of society after the uniform.
The Challenge
Advancing The Line
Many veterans experience a loss of identity once they leave behind the uniform. They manage feelings of disconnectedness, struggle to adapt, and can have trouble making meaning of their past experiences in the present moment.
On the surface, veterans can appear to be stable, high-functioning, and successful; it's not until a crisis or tragedy occurs that friends and family recognize how deep the silent struggle is.
Among veterans ages 18–44, suicide is the second leading cause of death.
Too often, after losing a fellow veteran to suicide, we hear: “I never saw that coming.”
Who We Are
Overview
ATLVets is a 501(c)(3) organization that is designed by a veteran for veterans. We are on a mission to create a new purpose and passion for each service member as they begin one of the most difficult transitions dealt with in society — a transition that leaves each person feeling lost, alone, and desperate for a reason to get out of bed each morning. We provide executive and leadership development in order to truly ‘Advance the Line’ for each veteran.
We've identified four areas that are the most troubling learning opportunity for veterans: Marketing, Mindset, Movement, and Money Management — the pillars, our “Four M's,” that we stand on. Our four pillars empower them to identify a new purpose through business seminars, community networking opportunities, specialized mentorship, and development retreats. Each of these endeavors empowers a veteran by providing them with workforce development, professional education, and personal development.
Executive Summary
A Unique, Purpose-Driven Organization
ATLVets is a unique and purpose-driven 501(c)(3) organization, born out of the personal experience of a veteran with a profound commitment to support and uplift their fellow service members.
Our core mission is to guide veterans through one of the most challenging and disorienting life transitions faced in our society — the shift from military service to civilian life. This transition can often leave veterans feeling adrift, isolated, and in search of a renewed sense of purpose each morning.
The objective of this initiative is to provide comprehensive support to veterans and entrepreneurs, empowering them to harness their skills and experiences to build successful businesses. This, in turn, will not only improve their individual well-being but also contribute to the broader community and the nation's economy. ATLVets seeks to address the critical problem of veterans' post-service transition by aiding veterans in discovering their sense of purpose, stability, and a fulfilling civilian life.
Our Approach
How We Advance The Line
At ATLVets, we embrace a holistic and empowering approach to address the issues and challenges veterans encounter during this critical phase of their lives. Our primary goal is to help veterans rediscover their passion, cultivate a new sense of purpose, and ultimately thrive in their post-service careers.
VetOPS — Veterans Optimizing Professional Success
VetOPS unfolds over the course of a year, marked by strategic milestones and engagements. Participants engage in monthly in-person workshops and bi-weekly virtual calls covering career advancement strategies, leadership development, networking skills, and personal branding. Each session is followed by debriefs where participants apply learned concepts collaboratively, with ongoing mentorship and support through follow-up discussions after each event.
Senior Leader Track
The Senior Leader Track within ATLVets' VetOPS Program is designed for mid-management and executive-level veterans seeking to elevate their leadership and business acumen. This exclusive track provides tailored mentorship, strategic networking opportunities, and advanced professional development to help veterans transition into high-impact roles — engaging with industry leaders, refining executive decision-making, and gaining insights into corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and career advancement.
Business Consultation Services
Our team of experts provides tailored business consultation to veterans who aspire to become entrepreneurs or grow their existing businesses. We understand the unique skill set and determination veterans bring to the table, and we aim to harness that potential to create successful ventures.
Project-Based Grant Funding
Recognizing the financial constraints that many veterans face when starting or expanding a business, ATLVets offers project-based grant funding. This financial support can be a game-changer for veteran-owned organizations, allowing them to turn their business dreams into reality.
Impact
The Numbers Behind the Mission
Growth
Where We've Been — and Where We're Going
Where We've Expanded
In our first full year, we expanded into seven communities:
Where We're Going
In our second year, we are strategizing growth into:
Our Veteran Partners
Stronger Together
Merging Vets & Players
Combat veterans and former professional athletes coming together online for exercise and peer support.
VETLANTA
Working to make the Greater Atlanta area the premier community in the country for veterans and their families.
Vets 2 Industry
Building the most comprehensive online library of free resources, benefits, and services for the military community and their families.
VFW Atlanta
The Veterans of Foreign Wars — a nonprofit veterans service organization of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard, and reserve forces.
Our Partners
Top Donors
- Steve Hennessy
- Bob Parsons
- General David Petraeus
- Dan & Nancy Robitaille
- Richard & Karen Cope
- Billy Lovett
- Carey Brown
- Tommy Breedlove
- Keith Gause
- Rob McCleland
With the generous support of corporate and community partners including lululemon, Hennessy Automobile Companies, The Benefit Company, Emory University, Business Executives for National Security, The Atlanta Press Club, The Mountain Top Lodge, Stonewood Team, Town Point Club, Buckhead Club, PXG, UPS, National University, Centre Club, Georgia Tech Research Institute, Brookwell Capital, GFG Solutions, College Football Hall of Fame, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, ClubCorp, Invited, KGM Technologies, and Legendary Life Movement.
Meet the Founder
Zack Knight
Zack served as a police officer and SWAT operator in metro-Atlanta and then left to become an Army Infantry leader, deploying alongside Green Berets during a combat tour in Afghanistan. After 14 years of uniformed service, Zack was going to become a statistic of another lost veteran as the uniform was taken from him with a career-ending surgery due to nerve damage. He discovered a new purpose in business and devoted himself to that mission while he took the time to heal his physical and mental wounds.
Why Your Support Matters
Stand With Us
The challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life are multifaceted. Your support can make a real difference in helping them discover new purposes, cultivate their entrepreneurial spirit, and positively impact their communities.
ATLVets envisions a future where veterans thrive in their post-service careers, contributing their skills, determination, and leadership to the business world. We invite you to be a part of this vision, to stand with us, and to empower veterans to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
