By: Jay Feldman

Veterans Jenna and Ted Soto have turned their military experience into a successful real estate venture in Oklahoma. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, their company, The Monroe Group, demonstrates why veterans are 45% more likely to start businesses than civilians. Their story highlights the impact of military precision in business.

The Journey Begins: From Battlefield to Business

Jenna and Ted Soto’s journey started in 2019 in Afghanistan, where their paths crossed during surveillance missions. In that high-stakes environment, they built a bond that later formed the foundation of their business partnership. “We learned to rely on each other in tough situations,” Jenna reflects. After transitioning to civilian life, they discovered real estate as their path to independence. “We kept taking leaps of faith,” Jenna says. “Watching renovation shows on TV sparked the idea, but we never imagined it would become reality. It’s allowed us to generate cash flow and grow our portfolio.” Ted adds, “We just focused on the next step, and before we knew it, we were working for ourselves.”

Photo Courtesy: Jenna Smeenk

Building The Monroe Group

The Monroe Group, named after Ted’s ancestor, President James Monroe, reflects their commitment to excellence. They focus on purchasing foreclosures and distressed properties for renovation and resale and acquiring long-term rentals in the Oklahoma City area. Last year, their portfolio grew to seven properties, including single-family homes and multi-family units. Ted’s electrical expertise and Jenna’s real estate license allow them to personally manage renovations, ensuring each project meets their high standards.

The Power of Hands-On Experience

The Sotos’ hands-on, DIY approach has become key to building equity. “We’ve spent countless long days learning every aspect of construction, financing, and taxes,” Jenna explains. “It’s changed how I view a house. Understanding the cost and effort of even small fixes gives you a new perspective. There’s so much information today, but nothing beats hands-on experience.” Their first renovation was a two-year live-in flip, allowing them to take their time, avoid taxes on profits, and get the financial boost to grow their business. “Every nail and wall brings us closer to our goals,” says Jenna, whose experience has sharpened their understanding of property values and renovation potential.

Jenna often shares her philosophy with others: “Real estate isn’t an overnight success—it’s about vision, grit, patience, and playing the long game. Our sacrifices now are about building the freedom to control our time and truly own our lives.”

Expanding Their Empire: Future Plans

The Sotos aim to expand their empire by hiring a team and launching a renovation division to grow their presence in Oklahoma’s real estate market. They recognize that scaling requires strategic networking and community involvement. “We’re focused on connecting with other professionals, learning from them, and sharing our journey,” Ted explains, emphasizing their commitment to collaborative growth.

Personal Endeavors: Balancing Business and Passion

The Sotos balance business with passion at Rockstar Ranch in Purcell, Oklahoma, where they raise and train quarter horses. For Jenna, a former professional barrel racer, the ranch is a way to stay connected to her roots while building their empire. Their commitment to sharing knowledge extends beyond real estate—Jenna’s book Enough offers strategies for financial independence and personal fulfillment, drawing on their military discipline and business expertise.

Photo Courtesy: Jenna Smeenk

The Mindset of Success

The Sotos’ approach to success is rooted in their military background, blending strategic thinking with determination. “Vision without action is just dreaming,” Jenna says. Their advice to fellow veterans: “Don’t be afraid to leap. Start small, but have a solid plan and support system. The resilience you had in uniform will serve you in business.”

Building a Lasting Legacy

The Sotos’ journey from military service to real estate success highlights the potential of veteran entrepreneurs. Their story is about more than wealth—it’s about creating opportunities, building community, and showing how military experience translates into business excellence.

Jenna and Ted remain dedicated to inspiring others as they grow their real estate portfolio in Oklahoma. Their success serves as a guide for veterans pursuing business ventures.

To learn more about their real estate and entrepreneurship approach, visit jennasoto.com/themonroegroup.

Published by Kaye A.