Podcasts about bunker labs

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Joe is joined Army Veteran Brandon Mills, the CEO of Total Promotion Company. Brandon shares his post-military transition journey, which initially involved obtaining his CDL and later working in the oil industry. While the pay was good, he ultimately desired the autonomy and control of being his own boss. Brandon eventually decided to purchase an existing business, recognizing the inherent benefits of this approach. He discusses his process for finding the right business opportunity and the strategies he implemented to modernize and grow the company. A key focus for Brandon was improving the business's systems and growing a team, allowing him to concentrate on strategic growth rather than being bogged down in daily operations. Brandon also highlights the importance of resources like Bunker Labs for connecting with fellow veteran entrepreneurs. Episode Resources:  Total Promotion Company Brandon Mills - Owner - Total Promotion Company | LinkedIn   About Our Guest Brandon Mills is a Nevada native, Army veteran, and the CEO of Total Promotion Company. With a strong foundation in leadership and discipline from his military service, he has built a business that stands out for its use of cutting-edge print technology to deliver top-quality decorated apparel and promotional products. Beyond entrepreneurship, Brandon is a devoted father, passionate world traveler, and former Nevada State Senate candidate (2022). His drive for innovation and community engagement fuels his mission to help businesses and organizations elevate their brand through high-impact merchandise.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union has made it their mission to help people in the military community. Navy Federal Credit Union is open to all branches of the military, Veterans and their families. They have lots of flexible savings and investing options to help their members reach their financial goals. Don't miss out. The sooner you start building your finances with savings and investing options, the better off they could be in the long run.  At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane's Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

In this episode of The Phoenix Pod, host Jovica Djurdjevic sits down with Blake Hogan, a legacy member of the Phoenix Club of Nashville, Marine veteran, and former CEO of Bunker Labs. Now leading Nashville Door Closer, Blake is focused on growing a 50-year-old company while reconnecting with the city he's called home for nearly a decade.Blake and Jovica dive into his transition from running a national nonprofit for veteran entrepreneurs to leading an established business in a hands-on industry. They explore the challenges of leadership—whether it's building something from scratch or stepping into an organization with deep roots. Blake also reflects on the impact of fatherhood, how stepping away from Bunker Labs led to a hard reset, and the lessons he's learned about balancing ambition with being present for his family.From career shifts to community building, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of showing up.The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to benefit underserved youth in Middle Tennessee while developing its members into community and business leaders.

Nate Carden is a serial entrepreneur with an amazing story of redemption, finding purpose, and learning how God is opening and closing doors for him.He is an Air Force Academy grad, founder of CEO Amplifier, Jesus Academy, and former Director of Programs and Partnerships at Bunker Labs.Today we dive into how he is constantly pursuing what God is calling him into, while continuing to focus on how he can use his specific talents to better the world.Connect with Nate here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natecarden/Learn more about CEO Amplifier here: https://www.ceoamplifier.com/---Interested in joining our Kinetic Man weekly online Zoom call? Get more info here: https://thekineticman.com/Join our Kinetic Man Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thekineticman ⁠⁠⁠Know someone who would make a great guest on our podcast? Let us know! ⁠⁠Email: takeaction@thekineticman.com⁠

Thanksgiving gatherings and football games have us in the mood for food! So, we're serving up the story of Army veteran Andrew Arbogast, who went from flying combat missions to building Arbo's Cheese Dip into a national success. We start with some epic memories from inside the Apache cockpit- the world's most advanced attack helicopter. Arbogast also recalls enjoying care packages filled with meats and cheeses on a Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan, and how those moments eventually inspired him to take a chance on creating a business. He also explains how Bunker Labs, veteran business development programs, played a pivotal role in the explosive growth of Arbo's Cheese Dip. He shares how they provided the training and connections he needed to expand his home-based business into a cheese dip brand that's now available nationwide!Plus, we hear about his appearance at the 2023 CMA Awards, and his encounter with Country superstar Jelly Roll. Find Arbo's Cheese Dip at a retailer near you:https://www.arboscheesedip.com/ Are you a veteran looking to start a business? Check out the programs from Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and Bunker Labs:https://bunkerlabs.org/ To reach CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggsphil@connectingvets.com Follow on social:@philbriggsVet@EyeOnVeteransSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wondered how a simple idea can transform into a thriving brand? Beth Benike, the innovative founder of Busy Baby, reveals the fascinating journey from a mom's necessity-driven solution to leading a successful business. Learn how Beth harnessed customer feedback and resources like Bunker Labs to evolve her product line, from bibs with tether systems to compact mats for high chairs. This episode is packed with insights into the power of customer interaction and the developmental milestones that shaped Busy Baby's growth.Transitioning from an online sensation to retail success entails more than just great products. Beth shares her experiences as a female Army veteran navigating diversity certifications that opened doors to major retail opportunities, such as Target's accelerator program and Walmart's supplier diversity initiatives. Understand the intricacies of being retail-ready, from logistical readiness to managing margins, and how these elements collectively drive a brand's strategic positioning in the market.Prepare for a rollercoaster ride through Beth's Shark Tank journey, filled with unexpected outcomes and lasting impacts. From securing a spot on the show to leveraging the Shark Tank alumni network, discover how Beth's military training fostered a resilience that has been vital in overcoming e-commerce challenges. We also touch on the importance of strong manufacturing partnerships, overcoming overstock dilemmas, and future growth strategies. Beth's story is a treasure trove of entrepreneurial wisdom, practical advice, and an optimistic outlook on the road ahead.

What happens when design is the bottleneck? You came up with a great business idea, maybe even raised some capital for it, and then decided to hire an outside design agency, like ours at The MisFits, to build your brand identity. You had good momentum at first, but you can't agree on the right design yet. Now what. This is a frustrating challenge for the client and the design team. If I sound like I'm speaking from first-hand experience, it's because I am. Design can be a huge bottleneck when launching a venture from scratch, especially if you need it for your website, packaging, and other collateral before you can move forward. Today on the show, Drew and I discuss the challenges of getting clients through our design process and some words of advice for those of you working with an external design team. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

When I first took the leap into entrepreneurship full-time, back in 2018, one of the first books I recommended was Allan Dib's, The 1-Page Marketing Plan: Get New Customers, Make More Money, And Stand Out From The Crowd. In the book, Allan gives a step by step process for creating a marketing plan that converts warm prospects into paying customers.  I use Allan's framework from the book for podcasts, clients, and my own personal business ventures, including IRONBOUND Boxing and the MisFits.  A few months ago, I signed up for the 1-Page Marketing Plan Online course, which sparked me to finally reach out to Allan and invite him on the show to talk through his framework, and also discuss his more recent book, "Lean Marketing: More Leads, More Profit, Less Marketing". I feel like there's a lot of woohoo when it comes to marketing, but at the end of the day it needs to be sustainable, and put money in the bank, which is what Allan and I discussed on today's show. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgCheck out Allan's latest book here: https://leanmarketing.com/

How do you drive traffic to your website? I know this is a question that I've been pondering lately as we continue to grow the MisFits and think of ways to help our clients. One way is through Killer Creative, badass videos, and other forms of content that catch your perfect customers' attention, leading them down a rabbit hole that eventually converts them into paying customers.One of the best in the business that I personally know is Rob Mains, Founder of RebelVictory Media, a content production house for emergings brands, including the nationally recognized Beard Club, which Rob is a partner and content creator for. More recently however, Rob's focus is on helping veterans get the support they need through Guardian Revial, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to revive and preserve the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and first responders — our guardians — at no cost to them.Like me, Rob is a bit of a bearded Renaissance man, but he's still a content creator at heart. On the show, we talk about how to leverage video to drive leads, his thoughts on the creative business, and his calling to serve the veteran community at Guaridan Revival.Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn more about Guardian Revival here: https://www.guardianrevival.org/

The moment you start to get comfortable and complacent, you're already dead; you just don't realize it yet. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

If you're afraid to invest in your brand, in the words of Logan Roy from the HBO show Succession, You are not serious people. I'm all about staying lean, driving sales, and maximizing profitability. I'm a bootstrapper and proud of it. Truth be told, you can start a business these days with a Google Doc, a menu of products and services, and a hit list of potential prospects. I've done it multiple times at this point, but even I'll admit that can only get you so far. If you want to be taken seriously and become a category of one, you must be willing to invest in your brand, which Drew and I discuss on today's show.Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn more about Lincoln Design. Co here: https://www.lincolndesignco.com/“Succession” clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIauW3roDm0

Drew and I chop it up with fellow veterans and video storyteller extraordinaire Sean Bell, Founder of Loud Media, which helps brands tell epic stories through video content.  On the show, Sean shares how he thinks about storytelling, why he's so passionate about video,Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur,” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgCheckout out Sean's website: https://loudvisualmedia.com/Here's a trailer to Sean's Film “This is Why We Training” : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baRJa1xvdY4

I share what a local bar and barbershop taught me about brand loyalty. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgCheckout our new website: www.IRONBOUNDMedia.com

I discuss IRONBOUND Media's rebrand and category expansion to serve ‘Underdogs & Misfits' (Challenger brands led by Veterans, Black women, and anyone else use to being one of one). Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgCheckout our new website: www.IRONBOUNDMedia.com

Do you ever come across a founder with an idea that makes you think to yourself, “damn, I really think they're onto something here.” That's how I feel about today's podcast guest, Shante Frazier, Founder of WellCapped, a data-driven beauty company that provides online wig rentals through a monthly subscription. I'm not a venture capitalist yet, but if I was, I would definitely invest in Shante, and you'll hear why on today's showBe sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn more about WellCapped here: https://wellcapped.com/

Today on Dog Whistle Branding, my boy Drew O'Brien, from the design company “We Make Cool Shit,” chop it up with Legendary designer and studio owner, Dan Janssen, Owner/Creative Director of Lincoln Design Co., a Portland-based branding and design studio that represents the gold standard for modern designers, whose clients include Nike, Hot Wheels, and WWE just to name a few. I wanted Dan on today's show to talk about Lincoln's unique approach to internal branding, the business of design, and where the opportunity lies in the future for small studios like We Make Cool Shit and IRONBOUND Media. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn more about Lincoln Design. Co here: https://www.lincolndesignco.com/

What does it take to build a billion-dollar company? If you're like most people, you probably assume it requires raising venture capital, building some sort of SAAS product, and scaling it to millions of users. The last thing you'd probably think of us is maxing out your credit cards to start a  manufacturing company that produces supplements stocking the shelves of your favorite PX or GNC store. Well,l that's exactly what Marine Corps Veteran Marc Krauthhamer and his Co-Founder of AMP Neutraceuticals are doing. On the show, Marc takes his armor off and shares how he racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in credit card debt, to bootstrap his multi-million dollar manufacturing company, producing high-quality and high-volume dietary supplements for some of the most well-known brands in the industry, with the ultimate goal of being billion dollar company one day.Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn More about Bunker Labs by visiting: www.BunkerLabs.orgLearn more about AMP Neutraceuticals here: http://www.ampnutra.com/

In this episode of Dog Whistle Branding, I discuss the problem with focusing on marketing when you should be focusing on sales. Trust me, this problem is more common than you think. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

With another year in the books and another one head, have you thought long and hard about what you're hoping to accomplish in the next twelve months? Either way, today's episode is for you. Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn More about Bunker Labs by visiting: www.BunkerLabs.org

In this episode of DWB, I reflect on my goal for the new year goal of acquiring 10,000 True Fans, as opposed to 1,000 as recommended by Kevin Kelly in his essay, “1000 True Fans.Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

In this episode of the Transition, I catch up with Navy Veteran Lee Mills, Founder & CEO of Pixly,  a visual documentation & collaboration platform for Construction, Insurance, Facilities and Field Service Professionals. In 2022, Lee won the Veteran Funds 100k Pitch Competition at the Military Influencer Conference. Since then, Lee and I frequently chat back and forth online, talking about the struggles of entrepreneurship and what's keeping us up at night. Between raising funding, managing his development team, and navigating long sales cycles, Lee shares brings an honest point of view, on what it takes to launch and grow a successful startup on today's show. Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgTo learn more about Pixly visit: https://www.pixly.ai/

Elizabeth Gore, President Hello Alice | The Riderflex Podcast Elizabeth, with her remarkable background as an entrepreneur-in-residence at Dell Technologies, has significantly contributed to the scaling and prosperity of small and medium businesses globally. Her commitment extends to her role on the Board for Bunker Labs, an organization dedicated to supporting veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. Beyond this, she actively advises growth-oriented, purpose-driven companies such as Scoop and Go-Fund-Me, and invests as a limited partner with Portfolia fund. Elizabeth's expertise is also valued as an advisor to Ring Ventures, a Texas A&M University-oriented investment fund, and she is a part owner of Gore Family Vineyards in Sonoma County. Her previous tenure at the United Nations Foundation as vice president of global partnerships and founder of impactful initiatives like Nothing But Nets and Girl Up showcases her deep commitment to global causes. An accomplished individual, Elizabeth has been recognized in various media and holds degrees from Texas A&M University, blending her professional acumen with a passion for global entrepreneurship and community impact. Hello Alice, is your go-to platform for entrepreneurial success. As a free online resource, they are dedicated to guiding small business owners and entrepreneurs through every stage of their journey. With Hello Alice, you gain access to invaluable knowledge, funding opportunities, expansive networks, and a vibrant community of over 1 million small business owners. Our focus is on empowering underrepresented founders, providing mentorship, expert advice, and the support needed to help your business flourish. Meet Hello Alice: https://helloalice.com/ Watch the Full Interview: https://youtu.be/a-dPrThy_zU Unlock career success with "Riderflex Guide 2.0: Mastering Job Interviews." Over 30 years of recruitment expertise. Strategies for new graduates, seasoned professionals. Master virtual interviews,  and challenging questions. Get your copy today at: https://tinyurl.com/Mastering-Job-Interviews Listen to real stories from successful business leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs on the Riderflex podcast hosted by CEO Steve Urban. The Riderflex Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5NDLaxEqkMsnlYrc5ntAPw Trust Riderflex, a premier headhunter and employment agency based in Colorado, to recruit top talent for your team. Visit https://riderflex.com/ to learn more about our executive recruiting services. Podcast Sponsor: Kura Home Services, Air Duct Cleaning & Home Maintenance. For All your Home Maintenance needs!   https://www.kurahome.com/kura-home-services-colorado/ #HelloAlice #EntrepreneurshipEmpowered #SmallBusinessSuccess #InclusiveInnovation #LeadershipGoals #riderflexpodcast #careeradvice #Podcast #entrepreneur #ColoradoRecruitingFirm #recruiting #Colorado #National #Riderflex #TalentAcquisition #Employment #JobTips #ResumeTips --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/riderflex/support

In this episode of DWB, I discuss why “painstorming” is the new brand storming.Before we jump into the show, make sure you subscribe to my newsletter at the link in the show notes and also Download the official Dog Whistle Branding playbook at ironboundmedia.comBe sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

In this episode of the Transition, I sit down with Patrick Mate, Army Veteran and Founder of Patriot Jean Company, An Arizona-based American-made apparel company that produces 100% grown, sewn, and built Jeans. Manufacturing is a hard business, but that's not stopping him. Although he's still in the startup phase, Patricks invested over six-figures to bring his American-made brand to life, which officially launches in a few weeks with their two products, the Defender and the Innovator. I invited Patrick on the show to share his story and why he thinks American-made jeans represent a golden opportunity. Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgTo learn more about Jeff, visit:  https://www.thayergateproject.com/

Today on DWB, I share my thought process for creating an authority machine at IRONBOUND Media, a process for sharing thoughts and ideas in a systematic way that positions us as an authority on brand building. I share a framework I came up and hopefully, you can apply it in your own business. Before we jump into the show, make sure you subscribe to my newsletter at the link in the show notes and also Download the official Dog Whistle Branding playbook at ironboundmedia.comBe sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

In this episode of the Transition, I share a simple framework to set you and your team up for success heading into the new year. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8NeOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

Today on the Transition, I challenge conventional wisdom by challenging you to build a better mouse trap (i.e. build upon an existing product or service already in the marketplace) rather than trying to come up with market a new idea out the gate, especially if you're a first-time founder or find yourself in a bit of a revenue lull. Apply for the next cohort of Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship here: https://bunkerlabs.org/breaking-barriers/Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgCheckout “The Entrepreneur's Playbook: More Than 100 Proven Strategies, Tips, and Techniques to Build a Radically Successful Business by Leonard C. Green here: https://tinyurl.com/5cpznb3h

Today on DWB, I'm joined by Navy Veteran and retired Firefighter, Luke Schneider, Founder & CEO of Fire Department Coffee, a veteran-owned and firefighter-run coffee company that is dedicated to roasting high-quality coffee while giving back to first responders and other heroes in need.Inspired by the vital role that coffee plays in helping firefighters stay alert and energized through long shifts, Fire Dept. Coffee was founded by Luke and his wife, Kate in 2016 What fascinates me the most about Luke and his company is their ability to gain such massive traction in a saturated market such as coffee and CPG as a whole. On the show, Luke peels back the curtain and brings up to speed on Fire Department Coffee Started, How It's Going, and what the road ahead looks like. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn more about Fire Department Coffee here: https://www.firedeptcoffee.com/

One topic that consistently comes up in my conversations with aspiring entrepreneurs is pursuing entrepreneurship through acquisition, a fancy way of saying buying a business as opposed to building one from scratch. There's an old saying that, “There are multiple ways to skin a cat,” and as great as it is to start a business, buying one can be just as impactful. To discuss the process, I invited on the Transition, Jeff Evenson, an Army Veteran, Business Coach, and Acquisition Entrepreneur, with experience purchasing multiple businesses, as well as working with others to do the same. Over the years, Jeff's acquired hair salons, a pillow company, and a manufacturing business, just to name a few. On the show, we discuss why buying a business may or may not be a right fit for you, how to spot a good deal, and what pitfalls you should avoid along the way.Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgTo learn more about Jeff, visit:  https://www.thayergateproject.com/

In honor of Veterans Day, in this special episode of Women on the Move Podcast Host Sam Saperstein talks with Lenore Karafa, Marine Corps veteran, venture capitalist, and chair of Bunker Labs. Lenore discusses her military career and her transition into the finance industry, and describes why a military background provides an excellent mix of skills and experiences for success in the corporate world. Minority female Lenore started at the Naval Academy in 1996, when it was less than 12 percent women. And in 2000, she was commissioned as an officer in the Marine Corps, part of just 5 percent of the officer corps that was female. “In those very early years, you first learn followership and then you learn how to lead,” she tells Sam. “So I really had the opportunity to fail early, fail often, and truly learn from those mistakes.” Another thing she learned was being comfortable as a minority female: “When I step into a classroom in front of a bunch of hedge fund managers and I'm the only woman, it's not a new experience for me. So it's made everything else a lot easier.” Lenore says she's intensely grateful for everything she learned in the military, and especially for the men and women she served with. Although she joined during peacetime and expected to serve during peacetime, 9/11 occurred just a year after her commission. She says that shaped the trajectory of her time in the military. She ended up in deployment in Iraq, including time as a military police officer in Fallujah. She tells the story of two women she admired who lost their lives: one, Captain Jennifer Harris, in the course of duty in Iraq, and another, Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas, of metastatic breast cancer likely caused by exposure to chemicals during her service. “I'm grateful to both of them,” she tells Sam. “Grateful for their sacrifice and truly thankful that I get to be here and be called a veteran.” Transition to finance Lenore emphasizes that it was other veterans who helped smooth her transition out of the military and into the corporate sector. Through Merrill Lynch, she applied for a full tuition fellowship at the business school of her choice in 2007. She tells the story of how a veteran helped her in that process: “I literally go from running around the woods of Quantico in a green tree suit . . . to the next day in the most expensive outfit I've ever worn, interviewing on Wall Street. I get brought into the wrong interview room and in that room is a man by the name of Art Gorman. He looks at me and he says, ‘So you're the other Marine.' He's like, ‘Give me your resume so I can vote for you later.' Thirty-second interaction, totally serendipitous, doing what Marines do, he absolutely supported me.” Today, Lenore is the chair and president of the board of Bunker Labs, a firm that provides community programs and courses to help military veterans and military spouses start and grow successful businesses. “We've got stages for early-stage entrepreneurs like our Breaking Barriers workshop and our veterans and residence program,” she tells Sam. “And we also have programs for more senior experienced business leaders who also happen to be military connected. And that's the J.P. Morgan CEO Circle—truly grateful for J.P. Morgan for supporting that particular program.” She's also a partner at First In, whose vision is to empower entrepreneurs who secure our freedom and provide opportunity for those who have served. They have a core team of military veterans who invest in early-stage security technology companies. “We all have had unique experiences,” she says. “We have complimentary overlapping skill sets to bring to bear when we think about our investments. Our goal is to ensure that the companies that we invest in are truly positioned for long-term success.” As Lenore describes, veterans love hiring other veterans, and so there's what she calls a magnifying effect each time one veteran supports another. She explains that the faith in other veterans is well-placed: “Veterans are used to functioning in high-performing teams in high-stakes environments. Without a doubt, they know how to lead, that's table stakes. But when you're coming into a junior role in an organization, you're not going to get the chance to lead right off the bat. So you're going to have to rely on some other skills, and that is being part of high-performing teams, knowing how to contribute. You do fall back a little bit on that followership initially, and you just perform.” Disclaimer: The speakers' opinions belong to them and may differ from opinions of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates. Views presented on this podcast are those of the speakers; they are as of November 9th, 2023 and they may not materialize.   Full transcript here 

Almost a year ago, I had an opportunity to teach a branding workshop to the Founders Institute, The World's Largest Pre-Seed Accelerator. After the workshop, one of the participants reached me on Linkedin, asking for advice and to keep me updated on his journey. The founder, Blake Berman, was in early stages of launching a San-Diego based premium sparkling soda brand. He sent me early mockups of the brand identity, website, and product. Earlier this year, Blake and his team officially launched Spade, a soda brand for health-conscious consumers like me who refuse to settle for high-sugar formulas and questionable ingredients. I invited Blake on the podcasts to talk about why he and his co-founders decided to go after the soda industry, what they've learned since launching, and where the biggest opportunity lies from a category and positioning perspective for Spade. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn more about Spade here: https://drinkspade.com/

In this episode of the Transition, I discuss how to survive and thrive during tough times using Jim Collin's Framework of the Twenty Mile March.Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

Today on DWB, I share what stop drinking alcohol taught me about competitive alternatives and pricing.Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

In this episode of the Transition, I'm joined by Marine Corps Veteran and Chicago Bunker Labs Ambassador, Patryk Stanczak, Founder & CEO of GeekHeros, a digital marketing agency providing a plethora of services from website and logo design, to SEO support and beyond. I met Patryk a few years ago online and we finally caught up in-person at the Bunker Labs Ambassador Fly-In down in San Antonio, TX. Specifically, I asked Pat to come on the show and talk about his transition from an Enlisted Marine to Entrepreneur and leader within the Bunker Labs Community. Since discovering the Bunker, I feel like Pat has taken the torch and run it, not only supporting the community through free website audiences, but also just being a trusted resource on all things digital marketing. On the show we talk through his Transition, what keeps him sticking around, and what he's looking forward to next.Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn more about Geek Heros here: www.Geekheros.com

Frank is a Marine Corps Veteran and proud supporter of our nation's military. He is a 7 ½ year veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Frank is a serial entrepreneur starting his first business in 2004 Frank's Web Design Ended it in 2013 when he moved to California, He started his second business in 2017-Kamikaze Wood Werks. Frank is the visionary and true front man of Crayons Ready-to-Eat & MilTreats Inc.  Frank has been part of programs such as Bunker Labs and Warrior Rising and often donates his time mentoring and coaching his fellow Veteran Entrepreneurs. Frank has been featured in Military Times, Military.com and many other national publications for his work at Crayons Ready-To-Eat.  Frank resides in Lakeside, CA, has two children and loves creating anything he can in his spare time using his woodworking skills, laser engraving or 3D printer. Sponsored By: Diesel Jack Media: https://dieseljackmedia.com/ Warrior Rising: http://www.warriorrising.org Moxie Fitness Apparel: www.gowithmoxie.com The Neutral Position is Hosted by Nick Palmisciano Nick Palmisciano is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Filmmaker, Founding Board Member of the international rescue non-profit Save Our Allies, and the CEO of the full-service marketing agency Diesel Jack Media. Nick is a Graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and received his MBA from Duke University. He received the prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” award from the Entrepreneur Organization in 2015 and is a proud recipient of the U.S. Army Ranger Tab. You can find this episode wherever podcasts are streamed:  Itunes: https://apple.co/3MrPlNE Spotify: http://bit.ly/43dBUGS Facebook: https://bit.ly/3mf56wD Instagram: https://bit.ly/3ZRY7Hq TikTok: http://bit.ly/3A0bhrL Nick Palmisciano Facebook: https://bit.ly/43h4erR Twitter: https://bit.ly/40SKQ2N IG: https://bit.ly/40WADlZ Diesel Jack Media Facebook: https://bit.ly/3UnGvlJ Instagram: https://bit.ly/43h4o2r

Today on DWB, I'm going to teach you how to close your perfect customer, by taking all the risks off the table and giving them a brand guarantee. Visit our website to Download your free copy of the Dog Whistle Branding Playbook here: https://ironboundmedia.com/Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

In the following episode of the Transition, I'm joined by Army Veteran, Published Author, and Serial Entrepreneur, Mike Erwin, Founder & Executive Director of Team Red, White, and Blue. Founded in 2010, Team RWB is a nonprofit organization with chapters all across the country, that delivers consistent, local opportunities for veterans and the community to connect through physical and social activity. Team RWB was one of the first veteran nonprofits I came across back in 2017, just after getting connected with Bunker Labs. Mike is also the co-author of multiple books, including Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude and Leadership is a Relationship: How to Put People First in the Digital World. On the show, Mike and I discuss the origins of Team RWB, including the importance of physical fitness, leading yourself first, and why life is a team sport. Make sure you have some pen and paper handy for this episode, in order to write done the multiple gems Mike drops throughout the show. Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn more about Team Red, White, and Blue here: https://teamrwb.org/Purchase Mike's books here: https://rb.gy/ol0bc

A few years ago, I met an inspiring young female officer, Haley Marie McClain Hill, who was building an apparel line specifically for female warriors. She was still in the early days of launching her venture, while also preparing to transition out of the military. From the moment I met her, I knew that given her background as an Air Force Officer, NFL Cheerleader, and passion for serving others, her business idea had steam. Face forward to today, Haley and her brand Torch Warrior Wear, a direct-to-consumer military apparel line for female service members and first responders, has been featured in multiple media outlets, including most recently, ABC's hit show Shark Tank. Haley has built her brand through social media and word-of-mouth. I had a chance to interview Haley on my other platform, The Transition for Bunker Labs, two years ago, but wanted to invite her on Dog Whistle Branding to discuss what she's been up to lately, how she's approaching growth, and why she wants to continue bootstrapping Torch. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn more about Torch Warrior Wear here: https://torchwarriorwear.com/

Today on DWB, I'm joined by Army Veteran Neil Whitney, CEO of Plankk, a tech company helping today's fitness brands turn their following into revenue with custom fitness & wellness apps. Prior to becoming CEO of Plankk, Neil founded and exited, Menud's, which provided personalized &  curated meal plans, allowing users to shop for a week's worth of groceries in less than 30 seconds. Learn more about Plankk at: https://plankk.com/I get hit up by countless veteran entrepreneurs seeking advice on their entrepreneurial journey. Visit our website to Download your free copy of the Dog Whistle Branding Playbook here: https://ironboundmedia.com/Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

Today on the Transition, I talk about the importance of getting back to “why.” When you get caught up in the day to day of running your business, and all the  blocking and tackling that comes with chasing revenue, managing your team, and dealing with your personal life, it can start to wear on you. It's all fun and dandy the first few months,  when you're fueled off dopamine, or what I like to call, the honeymoon phase of entrepreneurship. After a while, the reality of the grind sets in ? You go through a break up or a divorce, you start losing friends and family? Now what? You lose motivation and you find it hard to show up. If that sounds familiar, today's show is for you.  Apply for the next cohort of Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship here: https://bunkerlabs.org/breaking-barriers/Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

I get hit up by countless veteran entrepreneurs seeking advice on their entrepreneurial journey. Some take my advice and run with it, others not so much. All I try to do is point people in the right direction. Today's guest, Dominique Wright reached out to me over two years ago, in order to discuss her idea for an app serving collegiate athletes. With the change in policy allowing college athletes to earn income based on their name, image, and likeness, commonly referred to as NIL, Dominique so an opportunity to leverage technology. A few months later, she officially launched FAND, NIL Operations Software that automates communication, streamlines notifications and provides 24/7 athlete support. Dominique is a former collegiate athlete, and Naval Officer, and holds a law degree from American University's Washington College of Law. She's spent time working at the NFL Players Association and the National Football League, working on contracts and other legal affairs. FAND is a Hivers and Strivers portfolio company, which only invests in military veterans. On the show, Dominique and I discuss the origins of FAND, the challenges of bringing tech to the sports and entertainment industry, and what category her product falls in. Visit our website to Download your free copy of the Dog Whistle Branding Playbook here: https://ironboundmedia.com/Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

I know it's been a while since I've been on the Mic, but make no mistake, I've been work hard behind the scenes on all things IRONBOUND and DWB. I launched a new series FRAGO Friday, which I drop each week via our newsletter. I got a fellowship to the Fund For New Leadership, a social impact fellowship supporting change makers across the country, and I went on Vacation to Peru. Needless to say it's been an eventful summer. With that said, I am back and happy to announce our official sponsor for Dog Whistle Branding, Mission Plus, a tech platform that helps nonprofit organizations upgrade their websites and leverage technology to deliver services online. The Mission Plus team is based in Newark, NJ and has actually been supporting me for over 5 years, through their nonprofit the G.I. Go Fund, where IRONBOUND Media is incubated. Now, I get a chance to return the favor, by highlighting their efforts on the DWB Platform. On today's show, I caught up with Mission Plus CEO Jack Fanous, to talk about the platform and the market opportunity with the nonprofit sector.Visit our website to Download your free copy of the Dog Whistle Branding Playbook here: https://ironboundmedia.com/Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.comOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

Today on the Transition, I discuss Blue Ocean Strategy, a method of thinking that allows you to identify uncontested market opportunities. Apply for the next cohort of Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship here: https://bunkerlabs.org/breaking-barriers/Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

On today's episode, we talk about mental health. Mike reflects on recent events in his life, how they impacted him, and what the reality of managing mental health looks like for many of us.Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8NeOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

For first-time founders, it's easy to fall in love with your idea and build a company that places you as the hero of the story. Jim Collins, renowned business author and famous for his books, Good To Great and Built To Last, believes that in order to build an enduring company, you have to be willing to do the hard work of building a company that doesn't solely rely on you. Additionally, you can't just fall in love with your idea, you need to fall in love with the process of coming up with multiple ones. Collins refers to this concept as “Clock Building,” which I discuss on today's show. Apply for the next cohort of Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship here: https://bunkerlabs.org/breaking-barriers/Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg

Do you ever feel there's never enough time in the day to get things done? I know I do,  but one thing that's been helpful for me, is carving time to build an ideal workweek. So for this episode of the Transition, I walk through my ideal work week template and how I structure my time, and share guidance on how you can do the same in your own business. Apply for the next cohort of Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship here: https://bunkerlabs.org/breaking-barriers/Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgDownload a copy of the “Ideal Work Week Template here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1L0AlCaC0uYMpcqpnfk02bKNcN-3WIVv4wShDemJx9V4/copy?usp=gmail_thread

On this episode of the Transition, I'm joined by Army Veteran, Leadership Coach, and Serial Entrepreneur, Sean Patton, Founder of Stronger Leader Stronger Profits, which helps companies increase their profitability by developing stronger leaders. I met Sean last year when the Bunker Labs Crew flew into Nashville, TN for a team fly-in. After hearing him speak about his journey from the Army, his passion for Brazilian Ju Jitsu, and the challenge of opening up his own gym, I had to get him on the show. After graduating from West Point, Sean spent ten years as an army officer, half of which was in special forces. On the show, Sean discusses how he's managed to leverage his leadership experience in the military and apply it in the business world through leadership/executive coaching, as well as his experience founding and running multiple jujitsu gyms in the Nashville area. Apply for the next cohort of Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship here: https://bunkerlabs.org/breaking-barriers/Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgTo learn more about Stronger Leader Stronger Profits click here: https://strongerleadersstrongerprofits.com/

I tell people that it takes at least three years or so to fully transition, but that's not based on any peer-reviewed data only my personal experience after spending 10 years in the military, five including my time at the Naval Academy Prep School and Annapolis, followed by five in the Marine Corp, for ten years total. Today's guest, Jessica Van De Vop Jesus, left the Marine Corps as Lieutenant Colonel, in order to follow her passion for Food and Travel. Her first few years post-transition were rough, which she shares intimate details about on the show, for the first time. Through her struggles, Jessica managed to find meaning and purpose in the next stage of her journey, as an Author and Solopreneur, On today's show, Jessica shares her story and I hope that those of you in the throes of your own transition, whether you're just getting off of active duty, changing jobs, or making the leap to start a venture, I'm confident you'll find inspiration in Jessica's journey. Apply for the next cohort of Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship here: https://bunkerlabs.org/breaking-barriers/Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgTo learn more about The Dining Traveler, click here: https://diningtraveler.com/

In the following episode of the Transition, I break down how to achieve marketing momentum in your business that attracts high-quality leads, by walking you through the following frameworks:The 1-Page Marketing Plan and the Weekly Marketing Cadence.I use my company, IRONBOUND Media, as a case study on how to effectively implement themOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgDownload a Copy of the 1-Page Marketing Plan Framework here: https://www.thestrength.co/

When I'm not hitting the heavy bag at the IRONBOUND Boxing Academy in Newark, you can find me under a barbell at my CrossFit gym, doing squats, bench presses, and other strength training exercises, something I'm picked up playing football in high school and carried with me into the Marines. While doing research on how to incorporate running into barbell training, I came across today's guest, Grant Broggi, Founder of The Strength Co, which includes a Brick-and-Mortar Gym, Online Coaching, and a manufacturing arm producing American made plates and other barbell equipment. As an active duty Marine Artillery Officer, Grant jumpstarted his entrepreneurial journey moonlighting as a coach on the weekends, before opening up a gym, and eventually building his strength empire. Shortly after transitioning off of Active duty and into his business full-time, like most, Grant got royally punched in the face due to COVID, eventually forcing him to shut down one of two gyms, but presented the opportunity to start his own manufacturing company. On the show, Grant opens up about how he managed to pull it off, the pains of running a brick-and-mortar gym, and why he believes there's a future in American-made Iron. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8NeOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgLearn more about Grant and The Strength Co here: https://www.thestrength.co/

Today on the Transition, I revisit quarterly planning, and how to set yourself for success over the next 90 days, using objectives and key results. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8NeOrder my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg