Combat Pilot to Million Dollar CEO Jeff Moss
In this inspiring episode of Stories of Service, host Theresa Carpenter reconnects with the roots of her podcast — shining a light on ordinary people who do extraordinary work. This time, she sits down with Jeff Moss, a Bronze Star recipient, Army veteran, business leader, and author of My Leading Edge: An Inspired Flight of Faith.
Moss’s life story is one of perseverance, courage, and transformation — from flying AH-1 Cobra helicopters in Operation Desert Storm to leading high-performing corporate teams and later becoming the CEO of one of America’s top-performing franchises. His journey weaves together military discipline, faith-driven leadership, and the power of standing firm for what’s right.
GUEST BIO: WHO IS JEFF MOSS?
Jeff Moss is a U.S. Army veteran, Bronze Star recipient, author, and business leader whose life embodies service, faith, and leadership. A native of Plains, Georgia, Moss served as an AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter pilot during Operation Desert Storm, where his integrity and courage under pressure earned him the Bronze Star.
After his military career, he spent nearly two decades with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, where he built a reputation as an innovative and ethical leader. Later, he became the CEO and owner of Saw Dogs Enterprises, operating College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving in Wilmington, North Carolina—a business recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America.
Moss is also the author of My Leading Edge: An Inspired Flight of Faith, a memoir that blends his military experiences with lessons in leadership, integrity, and Christian faith. Today, he continues to inspire others as a speaker, mentor, and advocate for faith-driven leadership, proving that true service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.
From Small-Town Beginnings to the Skies of Desert Storm
Jeff Moss was born and raised in Plains, Georgia — the same small peanut-farming town that produced President Jimmy Carter. Growing up in a humble, faith-centered community, Moss was surrounded by examples of quiet service and integrity. His father, a Korean War veteran and aircraft crew chief, and his uncles, both World War II heroes, instilled in him a deep respect for duty and honor.
Joining the Army wasn’t originally part of a family legacy — it was a path Jeff found while seeking purpose and a way forward after college. “I met the girl of my dreams,” he recalls, “and I wanted to make something of myself.”
While studying at the University of Georgia, Moss was drawn to aviation. Watching helicopters like Marine One fly over his hometown as a boy had planted a dream. By his sophomore year, that dream took flight when he joined the Army ROTC, setting him on a path that would define his next decade.
Courage Under Fire: Leadership and Integrity in Combat
During Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Moss piloted AH-1 Cobra helicopters and faced decisions that tested his leadership and moral resolve. One such moment would define his character — and earn him the Bronze Star.
While stationed overseas, Moss and his maintenance team were ordered to receive replacement aircraft that were, in his assessment, unsafe to fly. Despite pressure from a superior officer, he refused to violate standing orders or compromise safety. “They wanted us to fly Cobras that had broken bolts in the rotor head — aircraft that could’ve fallen out of the sky,” Moss explained.
Choosing integrity over compliance, Moss stood firm. His decision ultimately saved lives and reinforced the Army’s core values: Duty, Honor, Country. His commanding officers later backed his judgment, recognizing that moral courage is as vital as physical bravery on the battlefield.
Faith as the Leading Edge
In his book My Leading Edge, Moss honors the mentors and family members who shaped his path — beginning with his father. The title pays tribute to his dad’s example: the “leading edge” of a helicopter’s rotor blade represents the part that meets resistance first, guiding everything that follows.
“My dad was always out there on the leading edge — leading by example, introducing me to faith, and showing me what it meant to live with purpose,” Moss said. “And I found that Jesus Christ was the ultimate leading edge.”
Through his reflections, Moss emphasizes that leadership isn’t about position — it’s about perspective. He believes that even the worst manager can teach valuable lessons, whether by positive example or by showing what not to do. “Everyone has some good in them,” he notes. “Sometimes you just have to look harder to find it.”
From the Battlefield to the Boardroom
After leaving the Army, Moss embarked on a 19-year career with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, where his leadership skills thrived. Rising through the ranks, he earned global recognition for innovation and performance. His ability to motivate teams and maintain integrity in a competitive industry became a hallmark of his corporate career.
Yet, the call to serve and lead never left him. Eventually, Moss transitioned to entrepreneurship, becoming the CEO and owner of Saw Dogs Enterprises, which operates College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving in Wilmington, North Carolina. Under his leadership, the company made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately owned businesses in 2023 — a testament to his continued drive for excellence and people-centered leadership.
Faith, Family, and the Power of Perspective
At the heart of Jeff Moss’s journey is faith — not just in God, but in people, purpose, and perseverance. In the podcast, he and Theresa discuss how perspective shapes resilience. “Everyone’s carrying a sack of rocks,” he says. “Some are heavier than others, but no one’s walking through life without burdens.”
That humility, grounded in faith and reflection, has carried him through both triumph and tragedy — including family struggles that tested his resolve. His message is clear: adversity doesn’t define us; how we respond does.
A Call for Leadership in Modern America
Moss and Carpenter also touched on the changing face of leadership and civic engagement in America. They discussed the need for moral courage — the willingness to speak truth, take responsibility, and lead by example, even when it’s unpopular.
“We need more leaders who will call things for what they are,” Moss said. “Not be bashful about it — just stand up and do what’s right.”
They also reflected on technology, media bias, and the importance of reconnecting face-to-face as communities. “We’ve become a society glued to screens,” Carpenter noted. “But real change happens when we show up — at the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, or wherever we can serve.”
Legacy of Service and Hope
Jeff Moss’s story is more than a tale of military valor or business success — it’s a reflection of what it means to live a life of service. From his small-town roots to the deserts of Iraq, and from corporate boardrooms to community entrepreneurship, he continues to embody the principles that make America strong: courage, faith, and integrity.
His journey reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about taking action when it matters most. As Moss puts it, “When the system fails or the moment demands courage, someone has to step up and say, ‘Enough. Stop.’”
In a time when integrity feels rare and courage often comes at a cost, Jeff Moss stands as proof that character-driven leadership still matters — and that the “leading edge” of every generation is made up of those who choose faith over fear.
WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE
🔑Key Takeaways
Leadership begins with integrity. Moral courage is essential — even when it comes with personal risk.
Faith is the ultimate leading edge. It guides, sustains, and shapes every decision.
Mentorship matters. Great leaders honor those who showed them the way.
Perspective builds resilience. Reflecting on challenges helps transform pain into purpose.
Service never ends. Whether in uniform or in business, the call to serve continues.
🎙️ Listen to the full conversation with Jeff Moss on the Stories of Service Podcast, available on all major podcast platforms.
📘 Read Jeff’s book: My Leading Edge: An Inspired Flight of Faith
