Strategy·Thought Leadership·Regional Collaboration
Strengthening America's Defense Innovation Ecosystem from the Heartland
An independent strategy and thought leadership platform advancing defense innovation, regional competitiveness, and collaboration across the Dakotas and Upper Midwest.
An Independent Platform
America's long-term security depends on a strong, innovative, and resilient Defense Industrial Base.
We believe that America's next generation of defense innovation will increasingly emerge from regions that combine strong leadership, advanced manufacturing, world-class research, entrepreneurial innovation, and a deep commitment to serving those who defend our nation.
Through independent thought leadership, strategic collaboration, and selective executive advisory engagements, we work to strengthen the ecosystem that supports the warfighter and America's long-term national security.
Our Mission
Regional strength in service of national security.
To strengthen America's Defense Industrial Base by advancing strategic thinking, fostering collaboration, and promoting defense innovation across the Dakotas and Upper Midwest.
What Guides Our Work
Our Principles
A small set of convictions shapes every engagement, every partnership, and every idea we put forward.
Mission Before Transactions
Purpose guides our work. We measure success by long-term impact rather than the number of engagements we undertake.
Support the Warfighter
Every stronger supplier, every successful partnership, and every capable leader contributes to the readiness of those who serve.
Long-Term Thinking
Meaningful progress requires patience, sustained leadership, and enduring institutions.
Regional Strength. National Impact.
The Dakotas and Upper Midwest possess strategic advantages that can contribute meaningfully to America's national security.
Collaboration Creates Capability
The strongest defense ecosystems emerge when industry, government, academia, investors, and military leaders work together toward a shared purpose.
Where We Focus
A Deliberately Narrow Scope
Dakota Defense Strategies concentrates on a limited number of areas where thoughtful leadership and collaboration can create lasting impact.
Defense & National Security Strategy
Helping leaders understand the evolving defense landscape and identify strategic opportunities that strengthen both organizational success and national security.
Innovation & Regional Competitiveness
Advancing the Dakotas and Upper Midwest as nationally recognized contributors to America's Defense Industrial Base through stronger collaboration among industry, government, academia, and the military.
Capital Strategy & Corporate Leadership
Providing executive-level perspective on governance, long-term financial strategy, organizational growth, and institutional development.
Board & Executive Advisory
Serving founders, chief executives, boards of directors, investors, and institutional leaders facing complex strategic decisions. Engagements are intentionally limited to ensure meaningful senior-level involvement.
Thought Leadership
Publishing articles, research, and strategic perspectives that encourage informed discussion around defense innovation, leadership, and regional competitiveness.
Regional Strength · National Impact
The next hub of American defense innovation is taking shape in the Heartland.
Strong leadership, advanced manufacturing, world-class research, and a deep commitment to service — the foundations of a defense ecosystem built to last.
Ideas Matter
Insights & Perspectives
Ideas often precede institutions. Institutions shape ecosystems. Strong ecosystems strengthen national security. We regularly publish perspectives on defense innovation, regional competitiveness, leadership, capital strategy, and the future of the Defense Industrial Base.
Why America's Next Defense Innovation Hub Will Rise from the Heartland
The advantages that once defined coastal defense clusters are increasingly found across the Dakotas and Upper Midwest — and the nation should take notice.
Read the Article ›Mission Before Transactions: Rethinking Advisory in the Defense Base
The most valuable advisory relationships are measured not in deal count, but in the durability of the institutions they help build.
Read the Article ›Collaboration Creates Capability: Building Defense Ecosystems in the Dakotas
Capability rarely comes from a single company. It emerges when industry, government, academia, and the military pull in the same direction.
Read the Article ›The People Behind the Work
Leadership & Advisors
Decades of experience at the intersection of leadership, finance, governance, innovation, and military service.
Glen Herrick
Founder & Managing Principal
After more than three decades serving in executive leadership, public company governance, capital markets, strategic investing, and military service, Glen established Dakota Defense Strategies to help strengthen America's defense innovation ecosystem.
Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of leadership, finance, governance, innovation, and long-term strategy. Today, his focus is advancing defense innovation across the Dakotas and Upper Midwest through thought leadership, strategic collaboration, and selective executive advisory engagements.
Glen believes the nation's future security will increasingly depend upon regions that combine innovation, manufacturing, entrepreneurial leadership, academic excellence, and a shared commitment to supporting the warfighter.
Name to Come
Senior Advisor
A concise professional biography, current board and leadership roles, military background, and selected accomplishments will appear here.
Name to Come
Senior Advisor
A concise professional biography, current board and leadership roles, military background, and selected accomplishments will appear here.
Connect
Let's Continue the Conversation
Whether you represent industry, government, academia, the investment community, or the military, we welcome opportunities to explore ideas, build partnerships, and strengthen the ecosystem that supports our nation's security.