Dec 5, 2025 · 1h 57m
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/ Mentions in This Video 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 Subscribe To Our Podcast Here ➡︎ 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 #veteranswhobuild #realestatedevelopment #construction #aec #cre #veterans