Boots on the Ground: 7 Reasons SOF Week Launches Big Opportunities for Charlotte County
May 28th, 2025
Introduction: SOF Week Economic Development Opportunities Take Flight
SOF Week Economic Development Opportunities don’t happen by accident. They’re earned through proactive leadership, strategic vision, and showing up when it counts.
Charlotte County’s Economic Development Office did exactly that during SOF Week 2025. By stepping into the national defense spotlight, Mark O’Dell and Kristy Sisler uncovered new partnerships, attracted the attention of global firms, and spotlighted the unmatched workforce and innovation ecosystem here at home.
Let’s walk through how Charlotte County leveraged SOF Week to create long-term momentum for business growth and community impact.
How SOF Week Economic Development Opportunities Positioned Charlotte County as a Defense Powerhouse
Charlotte County didn’t just attend SOF Week — it stood out.
While more than 12,000 attendees flooded Tampa’s convention halls, Charlotte County was the only county-level EDO from Florida to show up. That kind of initiative speaks volumes. It signals that we’re not waiting for opportunity to knock — we’re opening the door ourselves.
Because Charlotte County holds a rare accreditation in defense industrial base readiness, our region can help local businesses tap into military contracts and become essential players in the national defense supply chain.
📍 Explore Charlotte County’s capabilities
Meet the Leaders Behind the Strategy
Mark O’Dell helps local businesses strategize, grow, and access new markets, including government contracting. His role is about solving problems before they grow and unlocking new avenues for success.
Kristy Sisler brings high-value industries into Charlotte County. Whether it’s aviation, medical manufacturing, or logistics, Kristy aligns business recruitment efforts with what Charlotte’s infrastructure — and people — can support.
Together, they made Charlotte’s presence at SOF Week impossible to ignore.
What Is SOF Week and Why Should It Matter to Us?
SOF Week is hosted by U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). It’s where high-stakes defense meets high-tech innovation. This isn’t just another trade show — it’s where vendors, operators, and procurement officers talk real deals.
Over 800 companies attend, from drone manufacturers to suppliers of battlefield-ready ATVs. And yes — those Polaris vehicles can be weaponized with rocket launchers and turrets. Kristy saw it firsthand.
Taking Charlotte County’s Message to the Defense Industry
Why does showing up to SOF Week matter?
Because Charlotte County already offers what these companies are looking for:
- Affordable industrial land in Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park
- Runway access through Punta Gorda Airport
- A business-friendly, low-bureaucracy climate
- An aligned workforce pipeline
These ingredients are what national defense firms need to grow — and Charlotte County is delivering.
Exploring SOF Week Economic Development Opportunities in Aviation and Air Mobility
While walking the show floor, Kristy discovered one of the event’s biggest attention-grabbers: the BlackFly personal drone aircraft by Pivotal.
This isn’t a prototype — it’s real. It’s already for sale. And you can be trained to fly it in just three days.
Now imagine a vertiport in Punta Gorda. Picture a future where Charlotte residents fly to Miami in under an hour. These ideas aren’t sci-fi anymore — they’re possible, and Charlotte wants to help make them real.
Boeing Behind the Curtain: When Opportunity Meets Access
At SOF Week, you never know who you’ll run into.
Thanks to Kristy’s hustle and a bit of “redhead luck,” both she and Mark were invited into Boeing’s private suite. Those one-on-one conversations revealed real supply chain opportunities and highlighted Charlotte County as a future hub for aerospace logistics.
Their message was clear: We’re not here to window shop. We’re here to collaborate.
Connecting with Veterans: A PCS Program That Works
Charlotte County’s Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Program is more than a slogan — it’s a lifeline for veterans.
At SOF Week, Kristy met with The Honor Foundation, an organization that helps elite service members transition into civilian careers.
If you’re an employer looking to support veteran hiring, get added to our PCS page today:
👉 View the PCS Program
The Next Big Thing: Spouse Support for Relocating Veterans
Veterans aren’t relocating alone.
Charlotte County is now developing support programs for trailing spouses — helping them reskill, network, and integrate into our community.
Kristy’s meetings revealed that this support is often the missing piece in successful transitions. We’re working to fill that gap.
The Workforce Is Already Here — We’re Just Activating It
Charlotte County doesn’t need to build a workforce pipeline. We already have one.
From Middle School through Charlotte Technical College, students are learning real-world skills — and businesses are already hiring them.
One manufacturer in ECAP even partnered with the school district to build a custom certificate program. That’s the kind of fast, responsive education that employers crave — and we’re already doing it.
SOF Week’s Startup Accelerator: Innovation at the Edge
In addition to defense titans like Boeing, SOF Week highlighted startups and early-stage ventures. These nimble companies are often overlooked — but they’re the next big thing.
Mark and Kristy made it a point to connect with these rising stars. They’re agile. They’re ready to scale. And they could find their future in Charlotte County.
And It Cost Taxpayers… $0
How much did it cost Charlotte County to attend?
Nothing. Zero.
Thanks to our government credentials, the team attended for free — turning SOF Week into one of the highest-ROI outreach efforts of the year.
That’s what strategic economic development looks like.
Final Word: Charlotte County’s SOF Week Economic Development Opportunities Are Just Beginning
From advanced aviation to robotics, from disaster response tools to new veteran pipelines — SOF Week delivered.
But more importantly, Charlotte County showed it’s ready to lead. Mark and Kristy didn’t just take notes — they took action.
With partnerships forming, leads maturing, and innovative ideas circulating, Charlotte is prepared to capitalize on every opportunity ahead.
FAQs
What is SOF Week?
SOF Week is an annual event hosted by U.S. Special Operations Command featuring over 800 vendors in defense, innovation, and supply chain sectors.
What are SOF Week economic development opportunities?
They include federal contracting access, veteran workforce partnerships, advanced mobility innovations, and supplier connections with major defense firms.
What is the PCS program?
Charlotte County’s PCS initiative connects veterans and their families with employers committed to hiring them as they transition out of the military.
Are there internal workforce pipelines in Charlotte County?
Yes — programs across middle schools, high schools, and Charlotte Technical College align with aviation, manufacturing, and medical sectors.
Where can I learn more about Charlotte County’s business strategy?
Visit Charlotte County Economic Development for resources, property listings, and program details.
