John R. Siver II
Carving my own path
About John Siver
From surviving combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan to competing as a high-level athlete, navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and more. My journey has been anything but ordinary. I’ve faced life on the lacrosse field, battlefield , board room and in the courtroom. Today, I’m using those lessons to create positive changes for veterans, business leaders, and people dedicated to the expanssion of their being. As a father, I’m passionate about second chances, resilient mindsets, and living with purpose. In my Blog, I dive deeper to uncover the real stories behind the noise allowing you to meet the person I’ve fought to become. "Connect with me on social media for more of the journey and adventures.
John Siver's Blog
My Story
Strength through Adversity: Rising above the Storm
Life has a way of testing us—through loss, failure, and unexpected detours. These moments can shake our foundation, leaving us searching for meaning. But within every challenge lies an opportunity—to simplify, refocus, and reconnect with what truly matters. Adversity doesn’t define us; our response to it does. The setbacks, the scars, the paths we never expected to walk—they are not signs of defeat, but of resilience. True strength isn’t in avoiding hardship but in standing back up, learning, adapting, and forging ahead with renewed purpose.
For many men, struggle is a silent battle, but we’re not meant to face it alone. Rebuilding isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about embracing growth, rediscovering values, and finding strength in connection. The years of chasing adrenaline, facing failure, and enduring hardship have led to incredible new opportunities—professionally, personally, and physically. In the rebuild, what no longer served me fell away, making space for what truly fuels my fire. Success isn’t about what you’ve lost; it’s about what you choose to build. Find what lights your fire—and never stop moving toward it.
An Athlete's Life
John’s athletic journey began as a toddler, strapped into his first pair of skis, and has evolved into a lifelong passion that spans continents and generations. With roots in a family tradition that started with handmade wooden skis, John competed fiercely, skiing some of the steepest and most challenging slopes across the globe. From local hills to world-class peaks, skiing has been more than a sport—it’s a legacy of adventure, resilience, and joy passed down through his family. Today, John shares this tradition with his sons, Jack and Bennett, instilling in them the love for the mountains and the values that skiing has taught him: perseverance, embracing challenges, and the thrill of the descent. Lacrosse filled spring and summer when the snow melted.
Government and Military Experiences
Explore the compelling experiences of John Siver’s Military Career in the U.S Navy as a non commissioned officer. John’s story is one of perseverance. After sustaining injuries during Naval Special Warfare Training (BUD/S Class 225/226) in 1999, what began as a seemingly disappointing detour to the traditional Navy soon transformed into life-altering opportunities that shaped his career ,perspective. and service to our nation during times of conflict. From Passing on a stable and steady career in the U.S Secret Service for a gamble that paid off as GS-15 Contractor for the Department of Defense and Department of State in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Jordan and other third world war torn regions.
Inspiring Stories by John Siver: Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Faith, and Defining Success
From IED Blasts to New Beginnings: Embracing Second Chances
Life as a contractor in war zones comes with its own set of perils. For John, surviving an IED blast and vehicle rollovers in Iraq wasn’t just about physical recovery—it was a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of the human spirit. This story is a powerful reminder that every day is a second chance to redefine your life and live with purpose.
The Restaurant Dream: Passing the Torch and Building Legacies
John’s journey from a college athlete to a restaurateur was fueled by the values instilled by his father, John Sr., who ran The Sugar Bowl tavern. The father-son duo restored a 145-year-old building into what became Toliver House, later leading to the opening of Fellini’s. This isn’t just a story about business success—it’s about legacy, family, and the courage to turn dreams into reality.
Leaning Into Faith During Life’s Storms
Facing legal and personal turmoil, John leaned heavily into his faith, finding solace and strength in prayer and reflection. In moments of isolation and despair, it was his spiritual grounding that kept him focused on his mission to overhaul his life, help others and to be an amazing father to his children.This journey through adversity shows that faith is not just a belief—it’s an anchor that can guide you through the roughest seas.
The Athlete’s Battle: Overcoming Pain and Pushing Forward
John’s life as a competitive college lacrosse player, Big Mountain Skier and veteran has left him with the scars of numerous injuries. But these physical challenges have never defined him. Instead, they’ve fueled his ongoing quest to stay active and healthy, defying the odds and proving that the mind and spirit can triumph over any physical setback. The mindset required to be a high performer in Athletics, the mountains, Military and War. This story is a testament to perseverance and the relentless pursuit of one’s passions.
Siver International: Turning a War Zone into a Business Opportunity
Co-founding Siver International during the height of the Middle Eastern conflict. Providing much solutions paramount to the overstretched Department of Defense and Department of State. Fulfilling training, technical and security services to and for the U.S. Department of Defense and State Department in some of the most hostile environments while navigating some of the most challenging national security concerns, in modern history. It’s a story of turning chaos into opportunity and using one’s skills to make a meaningful impact on a large scale, while chartering and unknown business model.
Family Values at Baldi Creek: Lessons from the Hunting Lodge
At Baldi Creek, the Siver family’s private hunting preserve, John learned lessons that would shape his life: a strong work ethic, the importance of service, and the power of family traditions. Passed down from his grandfather, this story is more than a tale of outdoor adventures—it’s about maintaining a legacy of values and honoring those who came before.
Helping Others: A Personal Mission Beyond Success
Whether it’s through consulting work with the Virginia Department of Corrections or supporting veteran causes, John’s life mission extends far beyond personal achievements. For him, true success lies in lifting others, providing opportunities, and making a positive impact in the community. This story highlights that giving back is not just a duty—it’s the greatest reward of all.
These stories are meant to inspire, challenge, and uplift. They remind us that life’s greatest achievements often come on the other side of adversity, and that with faith, determination, and a commitment to helping others, we can all create our own legacies.
Books & Media
John's experiences have been captured in several books, including the New York Times bestseller "Lone Survivor" by Marcus Luttrell, and "Big Boy Rules" by Steve Fainaru, which chronicles experiences contracting in Iraq. Additionally, he was featured in Lee Deckelman's book "Internal Volume," which describes the tolls the life of a security contractor takes on oneself.
Family Service
The Siver family legacy is deeply rooted in service, resilience, and a profound sense of duty passed down through generations. Guided by the values instilled by grandfather, Harry J. Siver—strong work ethic, unwavering moral fiber, and answering the call of service—his 15 children and their descendants have continued this proud tradition. The men of the Siver family have primarily served in sea-faring branches like the U.S. Navy, yet their commitment extends across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, participating in every major conflict since World War II.
Their family home, a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has a storied past of its own. During the War of 1812, it served as a waypoint for Union officers traveling to Sackets Harbor, where American forces triumphed over the British, securing the nation’s freedom and independence. This home, and the Siver family’s enduring dedication to service, stand as testaments to a legacy that honors both family and country.
