AMARILLO, Texas — Veteran entrepreneur Donald Corbin is turning craftsmanship and consulting expertise into a growing business — and encouraging fellow veterans to take the leap.
Corbin, owner of Prairie Hyde and founder of HeliCorbin LLC, recently shared his story with Texas Veterans Commission Veterans Employee Liaison Jacob Kavanagh during the Second Annual Amarillo Veterans Expo on June 13, 2026.
A military child who grew up around Army installations in the U.S. and overseas, Corbin eventually joined the Texas National Guard as a helicopter repairer before moving to active duty after the Sept. 11 attacks. He later became an Aviation Maintenance Technician and continued his aviation career for more than 20 years with Bell Helicopter.
When industry shifts prompted a career change, Corbin transitioned into a remote contract specialist role at Pantex — but said he still felt something was missing.
That changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he discovered leatherworking as a creative outlet. What began with small projects quickly gained momentum, with word-of-mouth bringing in new customers and larger jobs.
At the same time, Corbin’s professional network kept turning to him for guidance. The turning point came during a conversation on a date, when the woman pointed out he was routinely giving away valuable expertise for free — and should be compensated for his knowledge and experience.
That realization pushed Corbin to formalize his consulting work alongside his leather business.
As he built his companies, Corbin worked with Texas Veterans Commission Veteran Business Consultant Linda Lutthrall, whose guidance helped him navigate the startup process and earn certification as a Texas Veteran-Owned Business. He said the support made launching his business feel approachable and achievable.
Now, Corbin is focused on growing both Prairie Hyde and his consulting services while building a legacy for his children.
He says the biggest barrier for many veterans isn’t opportunity — it’s mindset.
“There’s nothing holding you back but your own ego and maybe fear of failure,” Corbin said. “I would say it’s kind of like the first two days of basic training. You don’t know what’s on the other end, but you’re there — you’re already in it. Just focus on the task at hand.”
For Corbin, entrepreneurship also represents something many aspire to: independence.
“I think everyone dreams of not having to ask somebody how long they can take for lunch or to ask for time off to spend time with their kids,” he said. “Stay focused on the impossible. Set your sights for Mars, and if you land on the moon, that’s great.”
Corbin’s journey underscores how military experience, combined with the right support and a willingness to take risks, can translate into business success — and serve as inspiration for other veterans looking to build something of their own.
