In this episode, **Sean Smith**, Managing Partner at **Search Fund Ventures** and CEO of **SMB Investor Network**, sits down with **Christian Ruf**, founder of **Uncommon Elite**, to unpack how elite military operators are thriving in the world of small business acquisitions.Christian shares his journey from flying helicopters in special operations to placing SEALs, Green Berets, and Rangers into leadership roles at businesses across the U.S.—from $50M HVAC companies to high-growth home services rollups. The conversation explores:- The top attributes that matter more than experience- What makes special operations veterans uniquely suited to lead SMBs- Why emotional intelligence and “compassionate tenacity” win over rigid leadership- How to vet leadership teams with better questions- Examples of successful placements, including CEOs, COOs, and integratorsIf you're an **investor, searcher, or operator** in the SMB world, this episode is a must-watch for learning how to build winning teams with unmatched resilience and adaptability.🟦 Subscribe for more interviews like thisLeave your thoughts in the comments – what traits do YOU look for in a leader?🔗 Connect with Christian Ruf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-ruf-221a6728a/🔗 Learn more about Uncommon Elite: https://www.uncommonelite.com/🔗 SMB Investor Network: https://www.smbinvestornetwork.com

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