We recently connected with Robert Tolan and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Robert thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Deeply passionate about supporting our military heroes, I prioritize their well-being above all else. At the tender age of 16, I embarked on a journey to make a difference by establishing a nonprofit organization called Welcome Home Military Heroes. Regardless of the era, be it World War II or the conflicts in Afghanistan, I firmly believe that every individual who selflessly pledged their lives for our country deserves to be honored and supported. My primary objective was not only to unite communities in paying tribute to these brave individuals but also to educate them about the benefits they rightfully deserve.

Even after completing my service in the Army, my commitment to aiding our military heroes remained unwavering. I chose to specialize in assisting them with VA Home Loans, recognizing that only a mere 17% of these heroic individuals were utilizing this remarkable benefit. Curiosity led me to inquire why the remaining 83% did not avail themselves of this opportunity, and it became apparent that the lack of knowledge surrounding this benefit was the primary obstacle. Determined to rectify this issue, I made it my priority to educate our veterans about the VA Home Loan program.

Since I embarked on this mission in April 2021, I have had the privilege of helping veterans from all corners of the country achieve the American dream of homeownership. Each year, hundreds of veterans attend my VA Home Loan classes, empowering them with the knowledge they need to seize this remarkable opportunity. However, my journey revealed a disheartening truth—I noticed that many real estate agents were oblivious to the VA loan and would often reject offers made by veterans due to misinformation or insufficient understanding. I vividly recall a real estate agent claiming that the risk was too high to accept such an offer. This encounter sparked a realization within me: we urgently need to create a specialized class for these professionals, equipping them with the necessary knowledge about the tremendous advantages of the VA Loan. It is unequivocally one of the finest loan products available, deserving recognition and understanding.

My dedication to our veterans extends beyond the realms of the VA Home Loan or Welcome Home Military Heroes. I am privileged to serve as the co-chair for Honor Flight, a remarkable initiative that provides free three-day trips to Washington, DC, for WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans, allowing them to witness their memorials firsthand. This fulfilling endeavor aims to express our profound gratitude and ensure these courageous individuals receive the honor they deserve.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was fortunate to be born and raised on the scenic central coast of California, where the crashing waves and majestic landscapes became the backdrop of my childhood. However, my story truly began to unfold when I was just sixteen years old. It was during this time that my parents and I embarked on a remarkable journey together, co-founding a nonprofit organization called Welcome Home Military Heroes. From that pivotal moment onward, my heart has been devoted to serving our military heroes, both in my local community and throughout our great nation, filling me with immense pride.

As I transitioned into adulthood, I eagerly embraced a new chapter in my life. At the age of eighteen, I made a decision to join the United States Army, taking up the role of a Cavalry Scout stationed at Fort Hood in Texas. The experiences I gained during my time in the Army were invaluable, shaping my character and teaching me the true meaning of dedication and sacrifice.

Returning home from the hardships and challenges of Afghanistan at the age of twenty, I found solace and love in the arms of my high school sweetheart, with whom I joyfully exchanged vows. The strength of our bond became a source of inspiration and support as I transitioned into a new phase of life.

After my honorable discharge from active duty, I sought to find my place within the civilian world. Eager to explore my passions, I simultaneously joined the United States Army Reserves and began a career as an assistant winemaker at a local winery. For six years, I poured my heart and soul into the art of winemaking, relishing in the satisfaction of crafting award-winning wines.

However, my unwavering commitment to our military heroes continued to call me. I realized that my true purpose lay in serving those who had selflessly served our nation. With this newfound clarity, I made a life-changing decision to become a VA Home Loan specialist, dedicating myself to helping military heroes across the country achieve the American dream of homeownership. Witnessing the joy and gratitude on their faces as they unlocked the doors to their new homes became the fuel that propelled me forward on this meaningful path.

In addition to my work as a VA Home Loan specialist, I proudly serve as the Vice Chairman for Honor Flight, an organization that holds a special place in my heart. Through Honor Flight, we offer free trips to Washington, D.C., for courageous veterans of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. It is an honor beyond words to witness the awe and appreciation in their eyes as they stand before the monuments built in their honor.

My deep-rooted dedication to our military heroes extends even further, as I am an active member of over two dozen local and national veteran organizations. Together, we strive to create a supportive network that uplifts and advocates for those who have bravely defended our freedoms.

When I find moments of respite from my endeavors, I cherish the precious time spent with my beloved family. We often seek solace in the embrace of nature, relishing the joys of camping and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

My life’s journey has been shaped by a profound sense of duty, love, and commitment to our military heroes. It is a path I walk with pride, fueled by the unwavering belief that honoring and serving those who have selflessly served our country is a privilege beyond measure.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

Let me share one of the most fascinating marketing stories I’ve come across, and it revolves around TikTok. In today’s fast-paced world, traditional advertising methods like billboards often fail to capture people’s attention. Instead, platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become the go-to for engaging with content. Personally, I used to hesitate posting videos, and I’m sure many others felt the same way.

But then, something remarkable happened. One day, I summoned the courage to post a video, only to be met with criticism from a lady in the comments section. She called me a liar and urged people not to listen to me. Fueled by the heat of the moment, I responded to her comment with a video of my own. It was a spontaneous decision, and it happened at 1 am. I hastily threw on a shirt from the top of my hamper and tiptoed down to the kitchen, making sure not to wake anyone. In my video, I expressed my feelings with a mix of professionalism and anger.

The following morning, something unbelievable occurred. I woke up to find that my video had gone viral, accumulating over 10,000 views and hundreds of comments. However, when I rewatched the video, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. My shirt was wrinkled, my hair was disheveled, and the background revealed a sink full of dirty dishes. Despite these imperfections, the video became a catalyst for success, generating ten valuable leads.

To put things into perspective, obtaining ten leads is a remarkable achievement in my industry. Many professionals would spend thousands of dollars to achieve such results from a single source. And yet, I accomplished it all in just sixty seconds, completely free of charge.

Unfortunately, TikTok eventually removed the video, and I still have no idea why. However, the impact it had within that short span of time was truly astounding. It served as a powerful reminder that even in the face of imperfections, authenticity and genuine emotions can resonate with people in unimaginable ways. This experience has forever changed my perspective on the power of social media as a marketing tool.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Without a doubt, social media has become an incredibly powerful marketing platform for businesses of all kinds. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a law firm or selling cookies; social media has the potential to help your business grow. It baffles me when I come across people who claim their business is failing but refuse to embrace social media. In today’s age, the younger generation places their trust in businesses that have a strong social media presence and positive reviews. Simply posting three times a week can make a significant difference in building your brand. And the best part? It’s completely free!

However, don’t mistake my words for a get-rich-quick scheme. Social media success requires hard work and dedication over an extended period. I spent years posting videos and images before making my first sale, before my first post went viral, and before people started recognizing me. Now, I’m known as the “From War to VA Loan” guy or the “Welcome Home Military Heroes” guy. Social media consistently brings me leads, but it took years of effort to reach this point. One thing I’ve learned is that people forget about you quickly. I decided to take a few months off to focus on my family, and during that time, I stopped posting on social media. As a result, people stopped reaching out, sales plummeted, and only a select few noticed my absence. So, make sure to maintain a consistent posting schedule several times a week, and remember to make it personal. People don’t want to see constant sales pitches. In fact, I never ask for a sale. Instead, I share stories about my family, both my successes and failures. People crave authenticity and want to connect with a real person, not just a faceless company. Interestingly, my most viral posts have nothing to do with my career; they’re often videos of me dancing with my daughter or showcasing the nonprofit work we do.

Let me share an inspiring example with you. My mom, who is almost 60 years old, isn’t tech-savvy at all. When she started using social media, it was evident that she had limited knowledge of the platform. However, people loved that about her. She turned her lack of social media expertise into a unique selling point and successfully attracted business. So, enough with the excuses. Start posting on social media today, and you’ll thank me later. It’s an opportunity you shouldn’t overlook.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/from_war_to_va_loans/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FromWarToVALoans/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgtolan
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FromWarToVALoan