Jet Vertz is a retired aviation executive, US Navy veteran, author, and lifelong educator who embodies the American dream. Immigrating from Korea as a young boy with limited English, Jet rose through perseverance to become Vice President at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, a global leader in aerospace engineering. A Vietnam War-era Navy officer, he later earned degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, and an MBA. Now based in Rhode Island, Jet teaches at the University of Rhode Island’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where he leads the popular “Purpose Driven Retirement” workshop. 

In this episode, Leonard and Jet discuss:

• Choosing education over enlistment and returning to aerospace after Navy service
• Visionary leadership and risk-taking in engineering and beyond
• Today’s youth face tougher paths to achieving the American Dream
• Retirement success requires purpose, not just financial readiness
• Jet’s workshop helps retirees rediscover meaning and direction

Key Takeaways:

• Perseverance, a clear vision, and the courage to take calculated risks form the foundation of impactful leadership. These traits propelled Jet from humble beginnings to the executive boardroom.
• While the American Dream is still within reach, it now demands more resilience and creativity—especially for younger generations navigating rising costs and shifting opportunities.
• Retirement shouldn’t signal the end of ambition. Instead, it offers a unique opportunity to channel energy and experience into something deeply meaningful.
• Jet proves that finding purpose after retirement can be more challenging—and more rewarding—than navigating a career in aerospace. Helping others uncover that purpose has become his greatest mission.
• Financial preparation alone won’t lead to fulfillment. Without a strong sense of purpose, even the most comfortable retirement can feel directionless.

“Make sure you are financially stable, so you don’t have to worry about money—then you can focus on doing three things: something for yourself, something for your family, and something for your community.”

- Jet Vertz

Connect with Jet Vertz:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jetvertzprofile/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Jet’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/American-Dream-Jet-Vertz/dp/B0B4PDC7WM 

Connect with Leonard Raskin:

Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal 

Email: [email protected]  

Leonard’s BOOK: FiduciWho?: What a Real Fiduciary Will Tell You about How to Protect, Grow, Enjoy, and Transfer Your Wealth

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

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