From F/A-18 fighter jet cockpits to AI-driven construction innovation, Rafael Ortega’s story is epic.

Rafael - a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who spent 10 years as a Navy F/A-18 aviator — completing seven overseas deployments, leading advanced training and operational squadrons, and earning West Coast F/A-18 Instructor of the Year (2021). He was also selected for the elite F/A-18 Demonstration Team.

Today, he’s the CEO & co-founder of RAKE ML, building category-defining technology and solving massive challenges at the intersection of machine learning and construction.

Most importantly, Rafael is a husband and father.

➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by: https://jet.build/

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Rafael's Info:

➡︎ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-ortega-736b1a222/

➡︎ Business: https://www.rakeml.com/

➡︎ Books:

- "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir

- "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari

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➡︎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKONY1n1qysTx2RiBiwj28QzLc8gI2oui

➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZizGddgHgKA4oimoLkNRc?si=cd7c0afd6b064292

➡︎ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3Vt3rCE

➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwbshow/

➡︎ X: https://twitter.com/TheVWBShow

➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstark512/

➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veterans-who-build

➡︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranswhobuild/

The Veterans Who Build Show

➡︎ At VWB, we are on a mission to provide a platform for Veterans to share their story, empower others for success, transition from Military to civilian to profession, chat translatable skills, professional and personal wins, and all things Built Environment

The VWB Show Sponsors

➡︎ The VWB show is sponsored by @jetbuild

➡︎ Find more information on Jet.Build, here: www.jet.build

➡︎ Jet.Build is THE central command for RE development and construction project management software. Solutions range from project finance to stakeholder collaboration, construction operations, and data reporting with AI. Jet.Build is the better way to build

Timecodes

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:35 Cultural Transition from Military to Civilian Life

12:39 Path to the Naval Academy

18:34 Aviation Aspirations and Flight School

21:33 Flight School Experience and Challenges

30:13 Navigating Flight School Challenges

33:20 The Journey Through Flight Training

40:05 Understanding the Rigorous Training Process

41:59 Transitioning to the Fleet Replacement Squadron

46:46 The Reality of Deployment

57:24 Experiencing Life in Japan

58:26 Life in Japan: A Unique Experience

01:00:39 Mission Objectives: Freedom Navigation and Force Presence

01:02:02 Engagements with Foreign Aircraft: A Tactical Perspective

01:03:36 Daily Operations: The Life of a Deployed Aviator

01:05:09 The Ready Room: Bonds and Stories of Aviators

01:06:58 Transitioning to Teaching: The Path to Instruction

01:09:25 The FACA Course: A Challenging Journey

01:10:33 The Role of a Combat Instructor

01:14:03 Future Aspirations: Planning Beyond Deployment

01:16:13 Final Days in Japan: Personal Milestones

01:19:23 Returning to the U.S.: New Beginnings

01:21:29 Managing Operations: The Role of an Ops Rep

01:25:05 The West Coast Demo Team: A Rock Star Experience

01:28:33 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

01:32:18 Navigating Business School as a Veteran

01:36:59 Finding Purpose in Civilian Life

01:39:42 Exploring Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

01:42:28 Launching a Startup in the Built Environment

01:46:57 Understanding the Built Environment and Its Challenges

01:51:43 Translatable Skills from Military to Civilian Life

01:53:57 Book Recommendations and Wellness Practices

01:56:53 Jet.Build Sponsor

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