At the SEAL Future Foundation, our mission relies on a community of dedicated individuals who don’t just believe in our cause, but actively roll up their sleeves to support our veterans. Today, we are incredibly proud to announce that longtime supporter, entrepreneur, and business leader Nick Leopard is officially joining our Board of Advisors.
Nick is the Founder and CEO of Accordion, a global private equity-focused consulting firm, as well as an owner of the Binghamton Black Bears hockey team. While his business acumen is undeniable, it’s his deep-rooted respect for the SEAL community and his commitment to hands-on mentorship that make him a perfect fit for our advisory board.
We sat down with Nick to discuss his personal connection to the Teams, what he’s learned from working with our veterans, and his vision for the future of SFF.
How did you first get connected with the SEAL Future Foundation?
“I attended my first SFF Gala aboard the Intrepid in New York about four years ago and had the good fortune of sitting next to Aaron. We hit it off immediately, and I was hooked from that point forward.
I also grew up with a deep admiration for the SEAL community as my dad was a Team 2 guy, so there was already a strong personal connection and respect for what these men have done in service to our country.”
Why did you decide to get involved beyond just financial support?
“To me, I always had a connection that was beyond financial. Spending time with the team guys, building genuine relationships, and seeing firsthand the impact of helping them navigate transitions and challenges has been one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve been involved with. I have tremendous respect for their service and sacrifice. Writing a check is important, but investing time, energy, and relationships has been far more rewarding and impactful.”
What have you learned from spending time with the SEAL community?
“One principle I hear often in the SEAL community is ‘Mission, Team, Individual,’ in that order. That philosophy has reinforced a lot of what I’ve always believed about leadership. The best teams rally around a shared mission, put the team ahead of themselves, and understand that individual success follows collective success.
Whether in the military, sports, or business, I’ve found that when people truly buy into something bigger than themselves, they can accomplish extraordinary things. I often declare the unreasonable reasonable, and I’ve found SEALs to carry this same trait.”
What do you wish the broader public knew about these veterans?
“Most people recognize the incredible physical and mental toughness required to become a SEAL, but that’s only part of the story. Many of the team guys I’ve met are exceptional leaders, problem-solvers, and teammates who thrive in highly complex and demanding environments.
What often surprises me is that many are reluctant to talk about their own accomplishments or translate those experiences into civilian language. Organizations like SFF play an important role in helping them recognize just how valuable those skills are beyond the military.”
What is your vision for SFF moving forward?
“I’d love to see SFF continue to grow its national presence and expand its impact across the SEAL community. Of course, raising funds is critical, but I think the opportunity is even bigger than that.
I’d love to see more business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals give not just their money, but also their time, energy, networks, and mentorship. There is a large community of people who deeply respect these men and want to help, they just need a way to get involved. SFF can continue to be that bridge.”
About Nick Leopard
Nick Leopard lives on Long Island with his wife Melissa and their three sons. As the leader of Accordion, he helps investors and management teams create value through technology, data, AI, and business transformation. The SFF team is honored to have his passion, insight, and leadership on our Board of Advisors as we continue supporting our homeland’s finest heroes in their next chapters.
