From Fighter Pilot to Founder: Mark Buchy on Service, Setbacks, and Moving Forward

Mark Buchy trained for the F-16 but ended up flying C-17s. A

retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with 22 years of service, Mark learned something his career setbacks taught him: how to adapt, assess what you have, and move forward. That lesson shapes everything he does today as CEO of Mach Funds, a hedge fund he co-founded focused on understanding markets and people.

In this episode of The Eleventh: The Mission Continues, Mark talks about the mindset military service instilled in him: continual forward movement. Not ignoring setbacks, but asking “What assets do I have? How do I use them to move forward?” He moved from active duty to the reserves to build his civilian career, proving that transition isn’t the end of service—it’s a shift in how you serve.

His message: service is a calling for every functioning person on this planet. See the objective. Move forward. Help those next to you. Don’t lose that heart.

Watch the full video below!