Jake Wood: From the Battlefield to Boardroom – A Legacy of Leadership and Impact

How a Former Marine Sniper Built Two Game-Changing Organizations – Team Rubicon & Groundswell

Jake Wood’s journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. From serving as a Marine scout-sniper in Iraq and Afghanistan to co-founding Team Rubicon, one of the world’s most impactful disaster response organizations, and later launching Groundswell, a revolutionary corporate philanthropy platform, Wood has continually reinvented what it means to lead with impact.

The Making of a Warrior

Born in Bettendorf, Iowa, Jake Wood’s leadership abilities were evident early on. A former offensive lineman for the Wisconsin Badgers, he later graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in real estate, urban land economics, and political science. However, rather than taking a traditional career path, Wood enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2005, seeking a greater sense of purpose.

As a scout-sniper, Wood served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, earning the Navy-Marine Commendation Medal with valor. His time in the military exposed him to high-stakes decision-making, adaptability, and an unbreakable commitment to his team—qualities that would define his post-military career.

Building Team Rubicon: Veterans in Disaster Response

In 2010, following the devastating Haiti earthquake, Wood saw an opportunity to mobilize veterans for disaster relief, leveraging their unique skills in logistics, crisis management, and leadership. He co-founded Team Rubicon with William McNulty and two Milwaukee firefighters, setting in motion a new model for disaster response.

Under his leadership, Team Rubicon expanded to over 150,000 volunteers, deploying veterans to provide aid in nearly 1,000 crisis situations across the globe. The organization not only brought rapid, efficient relief to affected communities but also helped veterans transition back to civilian life by giving them a renewed sense of mission.

Wood’s leadership at Team Rubicon earned widespread recognition, including the Pat Tillman Award for Courage at the ESPYs in 2018.

Disrupting Philanthropy with Groundswell

After stepping down as CEO of Team Rubicon in 2021, Wood turned his focus to another bold mission: redefining corporate philanthropy. He launched Groundswell, a fintech platform designed to make charitable giving more accessible and employee-driven.

Groundswell enables companies to create personal charitable accounts for employees, allowing them to direct funds to causes they care about. By democratizing philanthropy, Wood is bridging the gap between corporate social responsibility and grassroots impact, ensuring that charitable giving is not just a top-down initiative but a personal, empowering experience for employees.

Author & Thought Leader: “Once a Warrior”

Beyond his ventures, Wood is also an author and thought leader. His book, “Once a Warrior”, provides a raw and deeply personal account of his combat experience, the struggles of returning home, and his journey in building Team Rubicon. The book has been praised for its honest portrayal of resilience, trauma, and the power of purpose.

Wood has also shared his insights on leadership, mental health, and social impact through keynote speeches, podcasts, and business forums, inspiring leaders across industries.

A Legacy of Leadership and Impact

Jake Wood’s story is more than just a tale of success—it’s about transforming adversity into action. Whether leading in combat, responding to disasters, or revolutionizing philanthropy, his impact is undeniable.

From helping communities rebuild after disasters to empowering employees to drive social change, Wood continues to prove that true leadership is about service, adaptability, and relentless commitment to a greater purpose.

As he continues to push boundaries in business and philanthropy, one thing is certain—Jake Wood is a leader redefining what it means to make a difference.