Scott Rider

Scott Rider’s Story

Scott Rider was born in June 1990 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and raised by his supportive parents, Steve and Lisa. From an early age, Scott showed both drive and discipline. As a student-athlete, he began running track and cross-country in sixth grade, eventually competing at the state level. His determination nearly carried him to a school record, missing a 27-year-old mark by less than half a second. That same competitive spirit would later guide him in life’s greatest challenges.

After graduating in 2008, Scott answered a higher calling. In June 2009, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman, beginning his journey at boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina. Following training at the School of Infantry in Camp Geiger, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, Kilo Company, serving as both a machine gunner and a SAW gunner.

Scott’s first deployment was aboard the USS Ponce with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. His unit was initially tasked with humanitarian aid in Pakistan, but their mission quickly shifted. They were sent to southern Sangin, Afghanistan, where they conducted disruption operations in support of the extraction of 3/5, a unit that had suffered devastating losses. It was in those unforgiving conditions that Scott and his fellow Marines relied on one another with unbreakable trust.

After returning stateside, Scott fell in love and married. Soon, he was preparing for another deployment, this time to Garmsir, Afghanistan. It was during this tour that he experienced one of the most profound moments of his life. While making a satellite call home, he heard his newborn daughter cry for the very first time—just minutes after her birth. That sound marked a turning point.

Recognizing that his priorities had changed, Scott made the difficult decision to leave active duty. Though he considered pursuing a path with MARSOC, he chose instead to focus on being present for his daughter. The transition to civilian life brought new challenges, including a difficult custody battle following the end of his marriage. Yet, true to his Marine training, Scott never gave up the fight. Through resilience and perseverance, he ultimately gained full custody of his daughter.

Today, Scott channels the same determination that carried him through combat and personal trials into his work as the leader of a successful technology company. His journey from Marine infantryman to entrepreneur is a testament to grit, discipline, and faith in the mission—whether on the battlefield, in the courtroom, or in business.

Scott’s message is simple yet powerful: Stay in the fight, and never lose sight of the mission.