Michael Dailey’s active membership with the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce has brought more than tremendous success to his business, Invictus Legacy Builders; he created lifelong friendships and found measurably impactful opportunities to give back to the city he calls home. 

“When I decided to make Arlington my home, joining the Chamber was my very first step,” Dailey said. “I wanted a community and a way to give back. The Chamber gave me that.”

After serving a combined 23 years in the Army and Air Force, 5 of those as a Green Beret, Dailey retired from the military and spent the next decade working for Homeland Security. When tragedy struck his immediate family, Dailey felt the call to be more present with his loved ones and moved to Arlington. With a deeply ingrained sense of community from his military service, Dailey wanted to find something similar now in the business sector. He jumped in with the Greater Arlington Chamber, joining as a Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) member with his commercial real estate company in 2018. 

“Some of the greatest opportunities to give back to the community are literally Chamber activities,” Dailey said. “Because I joined as a CLC member, I’ve been able to experience the full value and benefit of that membership. To me, it’s extremely meaningful to be a major investor in the Chamber because it allows me to play a part in the success of the Chamber and its members.”

Dailey also immediately joined the Veterans Business Council, one of the six Member Groups.

“Being a veteran, joining a Member Group was the easiest way for me to assimilate into something and be around people that I could instantly connect with and relate to,” Dailey said.

As he continued to get more involved at the Chamber and networked with other members, Dailey began to build lifelong relationships. His friendships with Chamber Members became more than celebrating professional accomplishments; these are the people he chooses to live life with, championing and cheering for each other in every moment. They are family.

“In the Chamber, you’re surrounded in many ways by like-minded individuals who understand those struggles,” Dailey said. “The relationships you develop with other Chamber Members are extremely important. When you face hard times, you’re surrounded by people who build you up, cheer you on and want to see you be successful. That’s the environment the Chamber fosters because, together, we really do succeed.”

In 2021, Dailey founded Invictus Legacy Builders, a company he felt better encompassed who he was: a developer of high-performing people, teams and cultures. Invictus Legacy Builders helps entrepreneurs and business owners overcome challenges and achieve their vision. Through coaching and advising, Dailey is a catalyst for business growth, igniting transformative change and providing effective strategies that turn goals into achievements.

Starting a new business is always difficult, and one of the hardest parts is getting the company’s name out in the world. When Dailey launched his new business, he utilized Business Over Breakfast, a Chamber-wide event where members share 30-second elevator pitches to 100+ attendees.

“As a small business owner, you really are dependent on relationships and the word of mouth of the people who believe in what you’re doing. The Chamber has been a huge part of that,” Dailey said. “All of my original clients came from the Chamber.”

Not only did Business Over Breakfast provide him with a platform to connect with crucial contacts to make his business a success, but it was the first time he said the words, “I am a coach, and this is how I can help,” out loud. It was a powerful moment for Dailey.

“It was the first time I believed those words myself,” he said. “Standing up in Business Over Breakfast, it’s huge psychologically because you’re reinforcing in your mind that this is who you are and this is what you do.”

When the Chamber sought to provide more Business Resources through a monthly Coaching Hour, Dailey once again jumped all-in, providing strategic presentations throughout the year as one of the many coaches. 

“To me, it’s always been something significantly important to transfer knowledge to others, and the Chamber gave me the opportunity to do that by contributing to Coaching Hour,” Dailey said. “It’s amazing to see what the program has blossomed into and how it will continue to grow and impact people’s businesses in the years to come.”

Dailey’s biggest advice to new members is to seek ways to serve others, be active, build relationships and trust that the business will come. 

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst for growing our members’ business, fostering economic prosperity, amplifying the voice of business and developing our community’s future. Through year-round events, members build lasting relationships and learn crucial strategies to grow their business. Interested in becoming a member? Contact Bryan Weatherford, Director of Member Recruitment.

Dailey currently serves on the board of directors for four local non-profit organizations demonstrating in action his call to serve. Learn more about how Invictus Legacy Builders can provide your business with a tactical plan to achieve your vision here.