The Veteran (Semi) Professional

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Honesty and advice to help veterans crush it at grad school, in entrepreneurship, and in professional careers. Humor and language often not as professional.

Mark


    • May 22, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 245 EPISODES

    4.9 from 118 ratings Listeners of The Veteran (Semi) Professional that love the show mention: kyle and mark, active duty, vets, civilian, veterans, mba, sector, transitioning, podcast for anyone, members, current events, great resource, resources, analysis, provide, school, business, issues, helpful, experience.


    Ivy Insights

    The Veteran (Semi) Professional podcast is an exceptional resource for active duty military members and veterans who are looking to transition into the private sector. As someone who has been listening to various news outlets and learning at Harvard Business School, I can confidently say that this podcast complements my existing knowledge perfectly. The hosts, Kyle and Mark, provide insightful analysis and relevant information that is incredibly helpful for those considering a transition.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the diverse range of topics covered. From current events in both the military and business sectors to advice on navigating the MBA process, Kyle and Mark provide valuable insights that are applicable to both veterans and civilians. Their personal experiences allow them to provide context and analysis that truly resonates with their audience. Additionally, their delivery of information is straightforward and easy to understand, making it accessible for anyone interested in learning more about the business world or current events.

    In terms of negatives, it is difficult to find any major flaws in this podcast. However, one potential criticism could be that some episodes may not be as relevant or interesting to individuals who are not currently in the military or transitioning out. While Kyle and Mark do a great job of discussing current events from a broader perspective, there may be episodes that are more tailored towards those with a military background.

    In conclusion, The Veteran (Semi) Professional podcast is an incredible resource for individuals looking to transition from the military into the private sector. With its diverse range of topics, insightful analysis, and helpful advice on navigating different aspects of transitioning, this podcast provides a valuable platform for active duty military members and veterans alike. Whether you're currently serving or have already made the transition, I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen - you won't be disappointed.



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    Latest episodes from The Veteran (Semi) Professional

    Ep. 241: From Enlisted Marine to Corporate M&A with Robert Sterling

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 51:21


    Send us a textRobert is a former Marine who found his way into corporate M&A through grit and bit of luck.  He now runs a firm providing financial advisory services to small and medium-sized businesses. 

    Ep. 240: How to Start a Business With Your Spouse and Modernize the Home Services Industry with Gabe and Lindsey Chrismon of Oply

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 42:01


    Send us a textGabe and Lindsey are both Army veterans with impressive backgrounds, he an infantry officer and she was one of the first women in the 160th.  After leaving the Army, Gabe started a fire/water/mold remediation business, scaled it to $1 million in a few years and then sold it, while Lindsey is an MBA student at HBS. Oh, and they are married. Power couple.  Right now, they are building Oply.  Here is the pitch: "Just like your car tells you when to change the oil, Oply uses intelligent technology to tell you what your home needs next. Your Oply Home Score tracks the health of every major system—giving you predictive insights and helping you fix issues early with vetted pros, all in a tap. Oply thinks, predicts, and acts for you—so you can enjoy your home with peace of mind."

    SBA Loans and Why Banks Like Working with Veterans with Lisa Forrest from Live Oak Bank

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 51:47


    Send us a textLisa is one of the few 2x guests on the show.  She is the head of Search Fund lending at Live Oak Bank, one of the top SBA lenders in the country, and a premier expert on loans for buying small businesses.  She also loves to work with veterans and I had her on the show to talk about why.  

    Ep. 238: High-Paying Careers for Veterans in Software Sales with Navy Veteran Matthew Dykes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 41:54


    Send us a textMatthew talks about transitioning from the Navy to the VA and then ending up in software sales.  

    Ep. 237: How To Leverage Your Network and Veteran Status to Buy Small Businesses with Rob Kirila

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 37:52


    Send us a textRob retired from the Army as a Special Forces officer and then spent time working with a veteran transition nonprofit.  He was often the one raising money and that put me in contact with a lot of high-net-worth individuals.  After a bit, they started to ask him "Do you think you can do what we did?  Buy businesses?" He said yes, got his first investors, and started getting to work.  Listen in to hear how. 

    Ep. 236: Early Career Pivots After HBS and Being OK With Leadership with Jack Ambridge

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 40:45


    Send us a textJack is an Air Force veteran who went to HBS.  He was told "everyone thinks of veterans as "leaders" but don't let that define you" Turns out, Jack liked leading people.  He liked being labeled a "leader."  So he made some career pivots and ended up managing a $500 million business for a PE fund. Listen in to hear his story. 

    Ep. 198: Starting a Brand to Save Veteran Lives with Community Supporter Will Highland

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 24:09


    Ep. 235: Improving the Veteran Transition Experience through Data and Corporate Insights with Jason Anderson from PreVeteran

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 51:19


    Send us a textJason Anderson is a former Air Force O-6 who retired from the military and started what looked like was his dream job. Business development in a sector of the Air Force he knewGot to live in JapanMaking GREAT money But he realized he didn't feel like he was really going to succeed in the role and was not getting the feeling he wanted from his work.  So he started looking into the veteran transition process and really started to appreciate the MASSIVE jump that someone needed to make to have a successful transition.  Through this journey, he founded PreVeteran.  They run highly professional courses that help you go through the journey from military to civilian, backed by data and corporate learnings.  It's the real deal.  Listen in to hear Jason's story and what makes PreVeteran unique.

    Ep. 234: Focused Career Prep For $100k+ Jobs for Veterans with Bobby Payne from Shift Group

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 41:37


    Send us a textToday's guest is Bobby Payne from Shift Group. He is an Air Force veteran and a really awesome guy who I've gotten to know a lot more recently. Since starting The Veteran Professional in 2019, I have been contacted by a number of veteran-focused recruiting companies.  I even worked for one for a bit.  The only one I have decided to partner with in a meaningful way is Shift Group. Here is why: 1,000+ veterans and athletes placed300+ hiring partners9 months average time to promotion for new placements, compared to an average of 18 monthsAnd the stat that sealed this for me, they have

    Ep. 233: What Happens When You Buy a Business and It Fails? Real Talk on Failing with Air Force Veteran Jed Morris

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 71:47


    Send us a textI have had a lot of guests on the show to talk about buying a small business.  From lenders, buyers, and investors- everyone seems to be saying, "Go buy a business!  You will make a ton of money and can't go wrong!"  Well, today's guest is a story of what happens when it does go wrong. Jed Morris is an Air Force veteran who bought a landscaping business and then quickly bought another.  He did a lot of things right: Worked inside business #1 for 6 months before making an offerBuilt a great relationship with the ownerMade a good deal that made financial senseBut after a few months, the wheels started to come off and Jed ended up going bankrupt on the deal.  Despite this, he is still optimistic on buying small businesses.  His is a great story of resilience, grit, and how to think about risk.  

    Ep. 232: Combat Games by Combat Veterans and Veterans of the Video Game Industry with Old Glory Studios

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 45:12


    Send us a textGaming culture is huge in the military.  Video games are a way to blow off steam on a deployment, stay connected with friends around the world, and just have fun. So I'm really excited to bring this episode to you about two combat veterans who are starting their own video game studio, Old Glory Studios. Lewis and Matt served early in the GMOT.  Lewis was a combat engineer in the 82nd Airborne and Matt fought out of a Bradley in Iraq with 3rd ID.  They both went on to work on big-name games like Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, Tom Clancy's The Division 1 & 2, Dying Light 2, Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodhunt, Exoborne, and more.  Now they are working on their own studio, which you can even invest in here. "Founded by combat veterans and seasoned game developers Lewis Manalo and Matt Patak, Old Glory Studios brings over 25 years of experience in the gaming industry. Our founders have worked on some of the most popular tactical shooters in the world, bringing their real-life experiences into game development. Old Glory's goal is to make combat games that are easy to pick up, but hard to master. Backed by a talented network of developers, writers, and artists, our mission is to deliver games that are accessible to everyone while staying true to the authentic combat experiences of our founders. "Note: I am not a registered investment broker and am offering this as information purposes only. 

    Ep. 231: Using Military Experience and Veteran Status to Buy Logistics Companies with Donte McGaughy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 40:04


    Send us a textDonte McGaughy is a seasoned entrepreneur, former government employee, and a United States Air Force service-disabled veteran. As the Founder and CEO of Selenius Holdings, an Atlanta-based freight forwarding and truck hauling company, Donte is dedicated to driving growth through strategic acquisitions. His vision is to establish the largest minority-certified logistics firm in the United States.With a proven track record, Donte co-founded and served as the President of TDC Premier Trucking, where he played a pivotal role in building a robust infrastructure, managing 50 staff members, and expanding the fleet of box trucks to 35 for the Amazon box truck program. Under his leadership, the company expanded its 18-wheeler fleet to 27 trucks, operating nationwide and servicing major accounts such as Amazon, UPS, and Family Dollar.

    Ep. 230: WeWork, Buying 2x HVAC Businesses, and Recruiting Veterans for Small Business Leadership Roles with Nathan Lenahan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 40:05


    Send us a textI really like Nate.  He's just...a good dude.  He's got some serious business chops, too. He led $200 million in projects for WeWork and was a VP for a whole region.  Then he dove into the world of buying small businesses and acquired two HVAC companies.  AND he runs Smooth Operator, which places veterans in leadership positions in small businesses.  I like him a lot and I think you will also. 

    Ep. 229: Using AI to Get $100 million to Veterans at Vetclaims.ai with Lukas Simianer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 45:08


    Send us a textLukas is a previous guest and we talk about the VC-backed startup from our first episode that he shut down. But his new project, Vetclaims.ai , is pretty awesome.  They use AI to look over your records and find discrepancies in your VA claim.  What is their impact? $694,962 Average Lifetime Earnings Increase$111M Overall Economic Impact100% Veteran FeedbackListen in to hear why and how Lukas started this and be sure to check out Vetclaims.ai for your own needs. 

    Ep 228: A Deep Dive on the VA Home Loan with Mortgage Expert Chris Wesson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 31:04


    Send us a textToday we have a conversation going into all the ins and out of the VA home loan with former Marine and mortgage expert, Chris Wesson. 

    Ep. 227: Rich Routines for Business, Family, and Wealth with Steve Houghton

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 44:26


    Send us a textI got connected with Steve from a guy on X (formerly, Twitter).  Steve has been INCREDIBLY successful and was very gracious with his time to discuss his new book: Rich Routines: Simple Habits That Enrich Every Area of Your LifeWe get into business, fatherhood (I'm a new dad!), and making tough decisions in life.  He was an absolute pleasure to speak with. Steve's Bio: Steve Houghton is Chairman and CEO of Houghton Capital, a privately owned investment boutique focused on special situations in oil & gas, self-storage and finance. He is the former co-founder and chairman of ProPay, a payment solutions and processing firm acquired in 2012 by Total System Services, Inc. (NYSE: TSS). Steve's career began with the Trammell Crow Company after graduating with a BS degree from BYU. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Dallas, Texas and have five 

    Ep. 226: Living Abroad, Running Online Businesses, and Building a Great Life with Family with Alex Lisot

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 36:55


    Send us a textAlex went from flying fighter jets to running an e-commerce company, living abroad, and investing in real estate.  He is one of the coolest cats I've met-enjoy!

    Ep. 225: Starting a CBD Company, Finding a Purposeful Career, and Enlisted to MBA with Alexander Mikhailovsky

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 40:45


    Send us a textAlex is a first-year MBA student and founder of Organic Grit, a CBD company.  We talk about founding a company on active duty, applying to MBA programs, and choosing a purposeful career.  Resources mentioned: Veteran's Adventure Group (veteransadventuregroup.org)Outdoor Education Adventures & Wilderness Programs | Outward Bound | Outward BoundLeading Veteran CBD Company. One Farm | One Strain | Organic GritTeam-Based MBA Admissions Consulting | Stratus Admissions (stratusadmissionscounseling.com)

    Ep. 224: Running one a $700 Million Company That Helps Business Owners Build Wealth with Mike Stone from CertaPro Painters

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 37:14


    Send us a textI've had a number of franchisees and business owners on the show, but Mike is the first from the side of a franchisor (think: corporate).  He is the CEO of CertaPro Painting, where he gets to see how locations across the country perform inside their $700 million business. 

    Ep. 223: Heading to Medical School After the Military with Air Force Veteran Austin Almand

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 52:24


    Send us a Text Message.First- Austin would be on my short list for Most Interesting Man in the World. - Air Force SOF- Casually mentions going to Ukraine (during the war) - Tillman Scholar - Researched medicine for NASAPlus he's just a legit dude.  This is my first interview with a veteran pursuing medical school and there is a lot to learn here for any of you future MDs out there. 

    Ep. 222: Owning a Home Inspection Franchise after a Career in the Military and Law Enforcement with Shawn Degan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 35:57


    Send us a Text Message.Shawn spent time in law enforcement and retired from the Navy and then decided he wanted to own his own business.  He partnered with WIN Home Inspections and has been loving every bit of it. 

    Ep. 221: Using Surfing To Heal Veterans with Stephanie Dasher from Warrior Surf

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 31:11


    Send us a Text Message.Today's guest is Stephanie Dasher, executive director of Warrior Surf Foundation (WSF), a Charleston nonprofit founded in May 2015. WSF works to provide free surf therapy, yoga, wellness classes and community to Veterans struggling with PTSD and other mental health challenges. Stephanie is a Veteran herself, having served in the U.S. Navy for five years, and would love to speak to you about the unique challenges that Veterans face and why they need our support now more than ever.WSF's 12-week Surf Therapy program strives to enhance the psychological and physical well-being of Veterans, active duty service members and their families, and teaches resiliency, positive psychology and goal setting. Stephanie has also been instrumental in organizing countless community-building and fundraising events, including a Golf Classic that raised over $310k this past spring.Last year, WSF provided over 2,545 hours of direct support. To date, WSF has served more than 700 Veterans.

    Ep. 220: Running a Financial Services Business to Connect with Your Community and Contribute to Veterans with Brian McCarver

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 41:22


    Brian left the army and moved back home, eventually buying a small financial services firm and growing it.  We talk about how that helps tie him into his local community and how he uses his network and business to give back to other veterans. Brian McCarver, CFP®, CIMA® | Stonebridge Financial Group (stonebridgefg.com)DOD SkillBridge Program (osd.mil)Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania | Harrisburg PA (veteransoutreachofpa.org)Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org)

    Ep. 219: Using Military Experience to Consult with F500 Companies and Build in Private Equity with Afterburner, Inc. CEO Jim Murphy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 40:34


    Afterburner Fighter Pilots - Motivational Keynote SpeakersDown Range: A Transitioning Veteran's Career Guide to Life's Next Phase: Murphy, James D., Duke, William M.: 9781118790151: Amazon.com: BooksGet Expert Advice Instantly - MinnectJim "Murph" Murphy, the Founder and CEO of Afterburner, Inc., has a unique and powerful mix of leadership skills in both the military and business worlds. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Murph joined the U.S. Air Force where he learned to fly the F-15. He has logged over 1,200 hours as an instructor pilot in the F-15 and has accumulated over 3,200 hours of flight time in other high-performance jet aircraft. As the 116th Fighter Wing's Chief of Training for the Georgia Air National Guard, Murph's job was to keep 42 combat-trained Fighter Pilots ready to deploy worldwide within 72 hours. As a flight leader, he has flown missions to Central America, Asia, Central Europe and the Middle East. After years in the military, Murph returned to his love of business. Prior to his service in the U.S. Air Force, Murph had a successful career in imaging equipment sales, where he helped increase his company's sales by 500%. Years later, Murph became Director of Sales for a small paint company. Realizing that the concepts of the Flawless Execution model could be applied to business, he engaged the proven model — "Plan. Brief. Execute. Debrief." — and increased his company's sales from $5 million to $52 million. Realizing that many companies could benefit from these same concepts, Murph started Afterburner in early 1996. Through his leadership, Afterburner has landed on Inc. Magazine's "Inc. 500 List" twice. Murph has been regularly featured in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, Inc. Magazine, Newsweek, Meetings & Conventions Magazine and has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and Bloomberg news to name a few. He has also been named as one of Atlanta's top 50 entrepreneurs by Catalyst Magazine. To date, the Afterburner team of elite military professionals has led over 1 million executives, sales professionals, and business people from every industry through Afterburner's Flawless Execution Model, and its unique, high-energy programs. Afterburner notable clients include the Who's Who of the Global 1000 list of companies. Murph's groundbreaking book Business Is Combat, is now in its third printing, and his latest book Flawless Execution was released May 1st, 2005 by Harper Collins publishing. Murph has spoken at the world's notable business schools to include Harvard, Wharton, Cornell, Emory, and Duke. 

    Ep. 218: Former Marine to 22% Lifetime Returns Investing In Stocks with Erik Smolinksi

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2024 53:22


    Erik is the first stock trader I've had on the podcast and he talks about how he got started in investing and why he loves this path for building wealth. CORE Leadership Program | Deloitte USThe Intelligent Investor Rev Ed.: The Definitive Book on Value Investing: Benjamin Graham, Jason Zweig, Warren E. Buffett: Amazon.com: BooksesInvests | Investing without the BS esInvests - YouTubeErik @esInvests (@esInvests) / X (twitter.com)

    Ep. 217: Air Force Veteran Jon Stoddard on Buying Businesses

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 44:00


    Jon is a prominent voice in the business acquisition community and got his start in buying businesses after leaving the Air Force. Resources Mentioned: Ep. 150: Enlisted Marine to Working at the VA, Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs, and Founding a Veteran-Focused Marketing Firm with Barrett Bogue (buzzsprout.com)Ep. 154: Working in Finance, Taking the Leap, and Connecting Veterans with Capital: Bill Militello from Localvest (buzzsprout.com)Ep. 120: Army NCO to Business Owner by Acquiring a Small Business with John Hubbard (buzzsprout.com)Buy and Sell Online Businesses & Websites - Empire FlippersJon Stoddard | LinkedIn

    Ep. 216: The Art of the Career Pivot with Kathy Borkoski (Ex- Stunt Performer, Big Tech, Gov, Con, and Navy EOD)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024 45:56


    Kathy has QUITE a story.  She's bounced around from industry and industry and mastered the art of changing careers.  Listen how this Navy EOD veteran went from the military to being a stunt performer to names like Facebook and Crossfit. 

    Ep. 215: Navy SEAL to Private Equity and Launching a Search Fund with Jack Ogden of Island Search

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 48:38


    I've had a lot of people on the show talk about buying businesses and have tangentially mentioned the traditional search fund model before, but Jack Ogden is the first guest on the show who is currently running a search fund. Resources mentioned: The COMMIT Foundation | Veteran Transition AssistanceWith Your Shield: A McMorrow Veterans Initiative | USC Military & Veterans InitiativeHome - The Honor FoundationFourBlock – Veteran Career Readiness

    Ep. 214: Finding Common Ground through a Willingness to Learn and Investing in America with Jordan Blashek

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 48:18


    Jordan is using his love for our country to work with high-profile investors to invest in the American economy and defense. Union: A Democrat, a Republican, and a Search for Common Ground: Blashek, Jordan, Haugh, Christopher: 9780316423793: Amazon.com: BooksJordan Blashek — America's Frontier Fund (americasfrontier.org)Jordan Blashek (@JordanBlashek) / X (twitter.com)

    Ep. 213: Writing, Crowdfunding, and How Being Cheeky Can Get a Dream Job with Caleb Naysmith

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 32:25


    Caleb writes on equity crowdfunding.  See how his side hustle turned into a dream job for him.  Caleb Naysmith (@ccnaysmith) / X (twitter.com)Articles written by Caleb Naysmith - BenzingaDemocratizing.finance | Equity Crowdfunding News & Education

    Ep. 212: Army Combat Diver (Yes, it's a thing) to ATMs and Auto Parts E-Commerce with Charles Masters Rodriguez

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 43:33


    Charles left the army and immediately launched himself into entrepreneurship.  It wasn't all smooth sailing, but he found a way to his current niche and is finding a way to make it happen. MK3 Industries | Your Automotive Equipment Supplier | MK3 Industries

    Ep. 211: Enlisted Cav Scout to Software Developer and Building a Venture-Backed Software Company with Purpose with Luke Simianer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 46:34


    Luke's story of how he created Clusiv literally brought me to tears. You will want to hear it.  You will also laugh at his story of nervously pounding some red bulls before an investor pitch...and winning the competition.  Home-2023 - ClusivHome - Bunker LabsThink and Grow Rich: The Landmark... by Napoleon Hill (amazon.com)Amazon.com: The Compound Effect: 9781593157241: Hardy, Darren: BooksHomepage » Code Platoon | Code Camp for Veterans & SpousesWarrior Rising | Charitable Organization Empowering Veterans in BusinessAccelerate Your Success | Techstars Global Startup Network

    Ep. 210: Building the Veteran Coffee Company That is Actually Different with Michael Klemmer of Aerial Resupply Coffee

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 60:06


    A veteran with a t-shirt or coffee company?! How original.  In all seriousness, what Mike is building at ARC is different.  He wants to be the antithesis to Black Rifle Coffee Company and isn't afraid to say it.  We get into very practical and tactical details about getting started of a new company and how he thinks about brand positioning (it's smart). Aerial Resupply Coffee – Veteran Owned Coffee | Military CoffeeAerialResupplyCoffee (@aerialresupplycoffee) • Instagram photos and videosThe COMMIT Foundation | Veteran Transition AssistanceDOD SkillBridge Program (osd.mil)

    Ep. 209: Building a Business off of Having with Backyard Game Designer and Air Force Veteran Matt Butler

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 44:06


    Minnesota-native Matt Butler is the inventor of Rollors. The concept was first visualized on downtime between deployments overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan supporting combat operations. Upon return, Matt developed a prototype in his garage that was a hit at BBQs, parties, and other outdoor get-togethers. Around the time of the recession; Matt saw many local veterans out of work that had the resident wood working skills that helped spark the light bulb onto a means to help them. He then decided he wanted to employ local veterans to help construct the wooden disks and wooden, cone-shaped targets used in the game in their home workshops.After countless number of games were handcrafted, packaged and sold through the website, church, craft fairs, and other types of venues it was then distributed in brick and mortar retailers across American and has even started distribution outside of the United States. After helping numerous veterans get themselves back on their feet from the recession he has it developed outside of the United States to be able to get it to a price point so many more people and families can enjoy the fun.Rollors has turned into an award-winning and unique game which is revolutionizing beach and backyard fun.Rollors | The Next Great Outdoor Game – Rollors Outdoor Yard GameTally Tumbler – Tally TumblerDOD SkillBridge Program (osd.mil)

    Ep. 208: Army Ranger To Life Coach: What the Struggle We Have Enables Us to Share, with Nick Devlin

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 45:12


    https://www.nickdevlincoaching.com/aboutNick's bio:"I am a transformational life coach, entrepreneur, father and former US Army Ranger.  My mission is to empower you to live your life as an adventure - with peace, passion and intention.  I do this by helping you embrace uncertainty and envision the life you want to live (your adventure).  I guide you through first steps and hold you accountable for taking action.  In addition to coaching sessions by phone and in person, I take you out in the wilderness for "adventure coaching sessions" to get you out of your head and into your heart.  I listen, reflect, and support you to grow.  I celebrate your successes and push you to be brave, go farther, and we do it together.​Throughout this bold and adventurous life, I have won and lost.  I have played with the fear of the deep unknown. I have tasted the sweet victory resulting from dedicated effort and hard work.  I have felt the pain of trying to control things beyond my control.  As a recovering “control addict” and former corporate employee (asleep at the wheel of my life), I have felt the struggle of living disconnectedly – void of true purpose – a vassal to the grind and societal expectations.  I've been stuck in the preservation zone, playing safe and playing small.   I got unstuck when a life coach, and friend, asked me one pivotal question. It was the question that cut deep and shook me to the core. It shook me awake - wide awake.  I grabbed the wheel, and redirected my course towards passion and purpose.   I chose to live with intention and explore the possibilities of my most adventurous life.  With critical guidance from my coach – I now live my adventure.   It's my turn to help you live yours! "

    Ep. 207: Leaving the Military at the 10-15 Year Period, Using Twitter, and Building a Real Estate Private Equity Firm with John Plumstead

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 41:42


    John weighed the decision: is it worth it to stay until retirement?  For many, the pension and benefits seem too good to pass up, but John decided it was worth the risk and left when he everyone said he was crazy.  He then leveraged his grit (and Twitter) to build Gray Line Investments, a real estate private equity firm. 

    Ep. 206: Army Medic to Software Developer, Living Abroad, and Building Impactful Products in Web3 with Patrick Skinner

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2023 56:19


    Patrick did what a lot of people do after the military: he went into contracting.  Then he ended up applying to Y Combinator with a Web3 technology (listen if you don't know what that is) that helps curb counterfeit products and child labor.  This is not some new crypto, it's a way to track the authenticity of physical products. He is a guy with a lot of skills and using them to make a real impact. You are going to enjoy this one. Resources and Other Episodes:AGAMI Is Making Counterfeit Products a Thing of the Past. Read More---> (agamico.com)Ep. 114: Working in Tech as a Product Manager with Erik Huckle (buzzsprout.com)Ep. 164: PSYOP NCO, Dropping Out of College to be an Entrepreneur, Bitcoin, and Turning a passion for Crypto into a Business with Johnny Demaddalena (buzzsprout.com)Ep. 168: Working with Chaos, Lehman Brothers, and Investing in Blockchain and Web3 with Chris Perkins from Veterans in Digital Assets (buzzsprout.com)Y CombinatorHome - Bunker LabsSuper Founders: What Data Reveals About Billion-Dollar Startups - By Ali Tamaseb (superfoundersbook.com)

    Ep. 205: Writing, Travelling, and Being a Freelancer with former Green Beret Randy Surles

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 55:16


    You can learn more about Randy here, but I am glad to share this interview with you.  Randy has had a full life: -25 years active duty- Hiked El Camino (IYKYK)- Freelance writer and editorWe talk about freelancing and how to make a great life out of it. Randy is also eligible to work with through DoD Skillbridge, which is a super cool way to use that time.  You can learn more about that here. 

    Ep. 204: Air Force to Small Business Strategy and Consulting with Susan Maly of Maly Strategies

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 44:20


    Susan Maly runs a solo consulting business where she provides strategy and planning services to small businesses.  Maly StrategiesHere is Susan's official bio: " I spent over a decade at a large Fortune 500 management consulting firm with leadership roles across government and commercial businesses, as well as corporate headquarters.  Prior to my business career, I served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.  My life centers on my 5Fs - Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Fun. I strive to maintain integrity in all I do and enjoy life while I'm at it.  I hold a B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in German from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University. I also hold Project Management Professional (PMP), Change Management Advanced Practitioner (CMAP), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications, and earned an Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy certificate from MIT's Sloan School of Management.  "

    Ep. 203: Working with Companies to Make them Military Ready with former Marine Rob Arndt at BufferSprings

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 50:20


    Rob is a great guy and we had a fantastic conversation about the veteran recruiting landscape and what companies need to work on to be more ready for veterans. BufferSprings | Veteran Hiring, Retention, and Community BuildingLinkedIn | Rob Arndt

    Ep. 202: Building a Real Estate Empire While on Active Duty with Ricardo Torres at Vectored Equity

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 51:09


    Ricardo is crushing it and has a lot to share about real estate investing. 

    Ep. 201: Funding Government Contracting Businesses and Donating 50% of Profits to Veteran Causes with Leonid Finance

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 47:28


    Today I have a duo, Christopher Lay and James Parker, who have an amazing business.  They help gov con businesses get funding to grow and donate 50% of their profits to veteran causes. 

    Ep. 200: Owning Multiple Franchises of Different Brands, Without Industry Experience with Scott DeThomas

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 54:29


    Scott is a retired Air Force officer who owns multiple franchises in Colorado.  Notes: Ep. 129: Wharton MBA, Google, and Goldman Sachs to Improving Mental Performance with former SEAL Patrick Dossett (buzzsprout.com)Ep. 199: Veteran-Focused Franchise with Army Veteran Paul Huszar at VetCor (buzzsprout.com)Find Home Services Experts in Your Town, For Free | NeighborlyScott DeThomas | LinkedIn

    Ep. 199: Veteran-Focused Franchise with Army Veteran Paul Huszar at VetCor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2023 50:41


    Paul is a retired army officer who started a water and mold remediation franchise focused on getting veterans as franchisees.  Listen in on why franchises are a great model for veterans and why Vet Cor may be a great one for you. Paul Huszar, CFE, P.E. | LinkedIn24/7 Water and Mold Damage Restoration Services - VetCor ServicesTraction by Gino Wickman - Get a Grip on Your Business (eosworldwide.com)

    Ep. 198: Starting a Brand to Save Veteran Lives with Community Supporter Will Highland

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023 24:09


    Will is a consultant who doesn't have a military background but wanted to do something about the veteran suicide problem.  So he started Caritas Apparel, which makes GREAT socks, and 20% goes to veteran causes. Show Notes:Caritas ApparelCaritas Apparel (@caritasapparel) • Instagram photos and videosEp.156: Founding Hydro Flask, Doing Business in China, and Enjoying the Ride of Entrepreneurship with Travis Rosbach (buzzsprout.com)

    Ep. 197: Mental Fortitude and the Rigors of Combat: How Veterans Can Make it Out the Other Side with Brian Slade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2023 50:06


    Warning: This episode gets intense. Brian's Book: One in three will experience a significant trauma in their life. For Army Apache Pilot Brian Slade, his first was in Afghanistan. Offering a unique perspective on preparing one's mind for trauma, Cleared Hot puts readers in the cockpit of the most lethal helicopter in the world as Slade learns on the job, flying over an unforgiving landscape.Follow Slade as he navigates the ugliness of combat while working to preserve a difficult marriage to a wife suffering from mental illness. Witness the challenges that taught him universal lessons on resilience and coping—and how they equipped him to think fast under pressure and maneuver through a curtain of enemy fire that crippled his aircraft and wounded his co-pilot, ultimately earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross. Cleared Hot offers readers an exhilarating ride while giving them tools they can use to survive the traumas of their own lives.

    Ep. 196: Networking with Billionaires, Figuring it Out, and Not Settling for Anything Less than What You Want with Navy Veteran Chris Petkas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 53:10


    Chris is a great guy. He's taking his time in the SEAL teams to build tech for the defense world and invest in great entrepreneurs. 

    Ep. 195: SEAL to Wharton, Search Funds, and Betting it All to Keep Schools Safe with Mike Lahiff from ZeroEyes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 49:41


    Mike's official bio:Michael (Mike) D. Lahiff serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ZeroEyes, an intelligent video analytics company that uses artificial intelligence with existing security cameras to detect weapons and send alerts to local staff and first responders. Prior to founding ZeroEyes, Mr. Lahiff served as Director of Digital Programs at Comcast NBC Universal where he oversaw the coordination between project management teams and software development teams in order to deliver multiple digital products. Prior to joining Comcast, Mr. Lahiff was the managing member of Horsemen Partners, a private fund focused on acquisitions of small and medium-sized businesses. Mr. Lahiff also spent ten years in the United States Navy as a Navy SEAL.

    Ep. 194: How This US Air Force Veteran Made It: From Suicide to Psychedelics with Bob Taylor

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 44:48


    I love sharing the powerful stories of veterans using psychedelics to recover and heal.  Bob Taylor shares his experiences with these therapies to have a transformational and life-changing experience. Home - Patriot Promise FoundationPatriot's Promise (@patriots_promise) on InstagramAmazon.com: From Service To Success: New Mission, New Purpose, and a New Journey to a Great Life: 9781636980171: Taylor, Bob: Books

    Ep. 193: Entrepreneurship and Bringing Manufacturing Back to the United states with Navy Veteran Peter Mann

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 41:46


    Peter's bio: A US navy veteran (gunnery officer on the USS McCandless) and former Dell executive, he founded Austin-based Alen Corp in 2002, a company that designs and manufactures indoor air purifiers. After bootstrapping from zero to $14M, Peter sold Alen Corp in 2009 and founded Radford, Virginia-based Oransi – an electric motor technology and indoor air purification manufacturing company with a clean energy mission.Oransi recently bought a large manufacturing facility in Virginia and is hiring more than a hundred local workers to move the company's entire manufacturing to the US from China. He is also the Chair of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers' Air Cleaner Council.

    Ep. 192: From Enlisted Cavalry Scout to 15th Secretary of The Department of Energy: Life and Leadership with Dan Brouillete

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later May 25, 2023 37:13


    Here is my good thumb-in-the-wind technique to measure how much reach a guest has: Do they have their own Wikipedia page:  yes or no? For Dan Brouillete, yes.  Here is his official bio: Dan Brouillette is president of Sempra Infrastructure, a leading global energy transition company focused on three key growth platforms: clean power, energy networks and LNG and net-zero solutions.Prior to joining Sempra, Brouillette served as the 15th United States Secretary of Energy. In this capacity, he led a workforce of 105,000 employees and federal contractors, with direct responsibility for the nation's nuclear weapons arsenal, coordination of federal energy policy, management of seventeen national research laboratories, and direction of the department's $44 billion annual budget. He served as the President's primary advisor on energy and nuclear weapons matters, and was a member of the President's National Security Council as well as the Vice President's National Space Council. Under his leadership, the Department unveiled the world's fastest supercomputer, developed specialized transportation fuels and photographic equipment for the Mars Perseverance Rover, launched the nation's first quantum internet system, established the country's first scientific laboratory dedicated exclusively to the advancement of battery storage technologies, and initiated nearly $6 billion in research on issues related to carbon management, hydrogen development, and advanced materials and chemicals science.Brouillette also served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy, the chief operating officer of the department, managing nearly $38 billion of federal construction projects. Brouillette is the only person to ever be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve in both roles.In the private sector, Brouillette was a senior vice president and corporate officer of USAA, the nation's leading provider of financial services to the military community. Before joining USAA, Brouillette was a vice president of Ford Motor Company, where he served on its North American Operating Committee. At Ford and USAA, he was assigned to management teams that brought to market advanced consumer products related to remote deposit capture, a technology invented by USAA that allows for smartphone processing of financial documents, and the adaptive cruise control systems that were a precursor to fully autonomous vehicles.Brouillette is a veteran and former tank commander with the U.S. Army's highly decorated 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. He has been awarded Distinguished Public Service awards by both the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the U.S. Secretary of State, the highest award an individual can receive by either department.Brouillette holds a master's degree in intelligence and national security from The Citadel and a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Maryland. For his leadership in both the private and public sectors, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of the University of Maryland. He has attended numerous executive education programs in finance, management, and systems engineering, and has served as a guest lecturer at the National War College and the Army War College.

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