Podcasts about vets2industry

In this episode of The Faces of Business, Brian Arrington M.S., MBA Candidate, Founder, and President of VETS2INDUSTRY, shares his insights on hiring veterans transitioning into the private sector and how businesses can benefit from their unique skills and experiences. Brian is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in the USAF and a dedicated advocate for veterans and their families. Through VETS2INDUSTRY, he has created a vast resource library and networking platform that connects veterans with career opportunities, mentors, and essential services—all free. His mission is to break down barriers and provide veterans and their families with the tools they need for successful transitions into civilian life.   Check out the Blog post here: Hiring Veterans Transitioning into the Private Sector   Thanks for taking the time to listen today.   Find Damon Pistulka on LinkedIn talking about life & building businesses you can sell or succeed.    On Twitter as @dpistulka with inspiration and sharing thoughts.    Find out more about Damon when he's not working.  @damonpistulka on Instagram, or Damon Pistulka on Facebook.      More information on building businesses you can sell or succeed and the Exit Your Way method on our website   View our blog page for this episode here.   Email us for more information info@exityourway.com

Shawn Welsh recently retired from the US Army after serving in the intelligence field, but he started his transition years prior. Using his intel skills, Shawn took advantage of 26 military transition programs and obtained 7 different certifications. He currently works in business continuity and is the host of the VET S.O.S. podcast, which he launched in May of 2022.Shawn teamed up with a fellow transitioning service member, and together they explored different events and programs in the months leading up to his retirement. One of the most beneficial events for Shawn was experiencing a Who Ya Know Show Career Summit. This event allowed Shawn to understand what civilians are looking for in a new hire. The Who Ya Know Show encouraged Shawn to start his own podcast. As a result, the VET S.O.S. podcast launched with their support and sponsorship. Through LinkedIn, Shawn connected with others who recommended programs like FourBlock, Vets2Industry and Veterati. The tagline for the VET S.O.S. podcast is Don't drown in the sea of transition; grab the S.O.S. lifeline. With thousands of transition resources available, the amount of information can be overwhelming to navigate, not to mention time consuming to research. To help service members organize their military transition, Shawn hosts different organizations each week on his podcast and allows them 30 minutes to showcase their services.Shawn recently presented at the VET Summit and shared his tactic for organizing the 40,000 VSOs to a more manageable number. He narrowed down his top 3 VSOs to Vets2Industry, The KEY Community and 50strong. Vets2Industry hosts virtual events that bring in 200 attendees and dozens of vetted recruiters and organizations. After the event, a summary is emailed to all the attendees for their reference. The KEY Community and 50strong also offer virtual events and networking opportunities.  Of the 26 military transition programs that Shawn participated in, Veterati ranks in his top 5. The informational interviews with the mentors at Veterati helped him figure out what he didn't want to do. Another organization that Shawn used was American Corporate Partners (ACP). The mentor he was given was such a good match that they continue to regularly talk. FourBlock hosts companies and recruiters that are interested in hiring veterans. The COMMIT Foundation and Leader Transition Institute round out his top 5. Shawn was methodical in his transition preparation. He and his wife had many conversations about finances, moving and career paths. After settling on a location, he networked and conducted informational interviews to help him find his focus. From there he used Hire Our Heroes to find an internship in business consulting. The internship became his current full-time job. You may be wondering how Shawn was able to use so many resources during his transition and still fulfill his military duties. It's not that he had leadership that just let him stop coming to work. Instead, he planned ahead and started 2 years prior to his retirement. Little by little, he slowly went through the programs and earned certifications. He fit in informational interviews when he could and took advantage of virtual opportunities.Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Shawn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnwelsh00/ Listen to the VET S.O.S. podcast at https://vetsospodcast.com/SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

After serving 21 years as a soldier in the Army, Army National Guard and Active Guard Reserve, Matthew Langseth retired in 2019. His first post-military role was working for 3 years as a Knowledge Manager for an organization that supports the Army. He is currently the Military Veteran Programs Coordinator for the City of Tucson and is the Marketing and Events Director for Vets2Industry. After working 3 years for the DoD, Matt decided to go in a completely new direction. After landing a role as the Marketing and Events Director for Vets2Industry, Matt took advantage of Coursera's educational resources and earned several applicable certifications. Matt encourages people to research their passions and figure out what really drives them. Find mentors in the field you want to pursue and set up informational interviews. Research job postings and make a plan to upskill or reskill. Consider finding mentors through Veterati, American Corporate Partners (ACP) or LinkedIn. People want to help, but you need to ask. Leverage your free year of LinkedIn Premium and take advantage of free courses through LinkedIn Learning. Even though you may stumble in the beginning, your hard work will produce results.Matt credits networking for his career success. LinkedIn is a platform that has allowed him to stay connected to the military community while providing an opportunity to meet new connections who have become lifelong friends. In addition, LinkedIn has given him educational tools and resources and provided him with job opportunities. Matt uses his network to help others reach their goals. While staying humble, hungry and genuine, Matt believes LinkedIn is the best platform for career transformation.As a volunteer for Vets2Industry, Matt interacts with many service members each month. Most transitioning service members have similar struggles with the biggest one being figuring out what they want to do next. Finding your focus is the first step in your military transition. It will dictate what resources you decide to use, who you choose to network with and how you craft your resume. Starting the transition process early will allow you the time to research career fields and conduct informational interviews. Matt admits that it took him the 3 years he worked for the DoD to find his focus. Realize that your focus may change over time. Be open to new opportunities. The second biggest struggle transitioning service members face is learning how to translate their skills. If Matt were to transition again today, he would find out what he really wanted to do and then use the appropriate resources. In 2019, Matt was using the trendy resources of the time and checking the boxes instead of putting in the hard work of finding his focus. He likens it to fishing with no bait or the wrong bait. Matt encourages transitioning services members to find a focus, make a specific goal and then use applicable resources to achieve the goal. Use volunteer work to gain experience in the civilian sector.Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Matt at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewplangseth/Check out Vets2Industry at https://vets2industry.org/Join the waitlist for the resume writing course Lori is building here: https://www.nextforvets.com/resumeSUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

After a two-year pause in producing this podcast, JB begins this new season by sharing his experience of transitioning out of the U.S. Army following a 23-year career, and how he pursued his passion for sports. He details his need for assistance during his military transition and discusses three Veteran Service Organizations that he contributes to his success outside of the military. You may find more information about these organizations and others mentioned in this podcast through their websites below: - The Leader Transition Institute: https://www.leadertransitioninstitute.org/ - The Honor Foundation: https://www.honor.org/ - FourBlock: https://fourblock.org/ - Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ - Still Serving Veterans: https://ssv.org/ - USO Pathfinder Transition Program: https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-pathfinder-transition-program - Veterans Business Outreach Center Program: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program - Onward to Opportunity: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/ - Hiring Our Heroes: https://www.hiringourheroes.org/ JB also discusses the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report that was published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and how 16.8 Veterans commit suicide daily. You may read the full report at: https://news.va.gov/108984/2022-national-veteran-suicide-prevention-annual-report/ If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

An Army veteran with 21 years in the Active-Duty and the National Guard with a passion for assisting veterans, military spouses, and those in the military transition process to connect with free resources and programs empowering them to transition into the civilian sector or pivot careers successfully.

David is a retired Naval aviator living in the Jacksonville area. David currently works for Bank of America, a position he earned through the BoA Global Technology and Operations Military Development Program. He is extremely active in the veteran support community serving with organizations like VETS2INDUSTRY, Operations New Uniform, Vets on Tap, FourBlock, and Veterati.

Bruce Thompson is an advocate and supporter of all things military, Veterans, and military spouses. Retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant. Currently spends his time working with transitioning service members, Veterans, and military spouses with their military to civilian transition planning, execution, and employment search. Currently working with Talents ASCEND/Veterans ASCEND. Has also served as the Vice President of Vets2Industry, Co-Chair of the Northeast Florida Community Veterans Engagement Board, mentor on Veterati with over 900 hours volunteered, and multiple other groups and associations.

Brian Arrington, is retired Air Force, President/Founder of VETS2INDUSTRY LLC and Vets2Industry Foundation Inc. and is Director, Military Programs and Recruiting for Military Hiring Accelerator, LLC. Brian started VETS2INDUSTRY after realizing a huge gap between available free Veteran, Military Spouse, and dependent children resources and benefits and the knowledge of their existence among our nations heroes and their families. Brian's mission is eliminate the knowledge gap and ensure the success of every veteran and their family by creating an online library, a free single-site repository of every free Veteran Service Organization to include providing mentorship and information services to each knowledge-seeker. Since the library's creation, March 2019, Brian has led VETS2INDUSTRY's growth by reaching 120,000+ veterans and military spouses with over 325,000 page-views on the website and he continues to supply employment opportunity success with the ever-growing grassroots volunteer force of veterans and military spouses he leads.

In this special holiday message from Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Soliva shares a few of her favorite things about this time of year – including Operation Christmas Drop, the Department of Defense's longest-running humanitarian airlift operation.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/holiday-message-veteran-voices-vv73

Respect for other people should exist and be earned on an individual level, but that doesn't mean differences of opinion and perspective based on things like appearance and gender don't continue to present challenges.In this classic Veteran Voices episode, host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Mary Bell, the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Team Themis and a Veteran of the United States Navy who joined at age 17. She spent her years in the Navy as a linguist, serving most of her time in Iraq but also being stationed in Africa and AfghanistanIn this episode the two “MKs” talk about Mary Bell's 10 years of active duty and 13 years in the reserves:• Which mentors and officers made the greatest impression on her and how those impressions became the source of lasting change• The importance of following and maintaining the chain of command no matter what happens, personally or professionally• Why you can't take transition advice from someone who hasn't transitioned from active duty to the reserves or from service to civilian lifeAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-voices-classic-mistake-kindness-weakness-vv72

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the U.S., meaning that schools and many businesses are closed for the day in recognition of all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We have the opportunity to thank our Veterans and attend local ceremonies to mark the occasion, but what does Veterans Day mean to Veterans?In this special Veterans Day livestream episode of Veteran Voices, co-hosts Mary Kate Soliva and Scott Luton were joined by Zach Knight, U.S. Army Veteran and Marketing Chair with VETLANTA, and Marina Rabinek, U.S. Navy Veteran and Founder and President of the Military Women's Collective.Zach, Marina, Scott, and Mary Kate took this opportunity to discuss:• What Veterans Day means to them personally and why• Why their service didn't stop just because they stopped wearing an active-duty uniform• Veterans' communities and causes that continue to need investment and supportAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veterans-day-2022-service-leadership-march-on-vv71

On this week's podcast, we celebrate our 100th episode by recapping some of the most common and important military transition lessons that our guest speakers have shared over the past 99 episodes. We welcome 7 previous guests on this episode to speak on a key issue they either talked about in their episode or have since focused on as their career has progressed.✩ Gregory Austin: Season 1, Episode 11. As USAF retiree, Greg planned over 10 years for his transition. His methodical approach gave him the confidence and skills he needed for his next career. One approach Greg used for his transition was conducting his own SWOT analysis. Whether you plan 10 years or 10 months for your transition, Greg's methodologies can help you. ✩ Don Gleason: Season 1, Episode 52. Don retired from the USAF and is now a certified John Maxwell coach, business owner and co-founder of the Military Transition Roundtable. Don reflects on his interactions with service members through the Military Transition Roundtable and encourages every service member to find a mentor or coach to help identify their focus.✩ Matthew Langseth: Season 1, Episode 7. After serving in both the Army and Army National Guard, Matt retired and has learned the art of networking. Finding mentors through American Corporate Partners and networking through Vets2Industry, Matt has become a positive voice in the transition space. ✩ Adam Braatz: Season 1, Episode 19. After serving a diverse military career in music, public affairs and as a military training instructor, Adam recently published a book on how to leverage LinkedIn for the military transition. Adam encourages everyone to ☑ Optimize your LI profile. ☑ Organically develop your network. ☑ Create content. ✩ Peter Cline: Season 1, Episode 44. Co-founder of Boots to Books, Peter uses his experience in the US Army to help others research education and certification opportunities before leaving the military. Boots to Books offers a wealth of resources for transitioning service members, veterans and their families to gain competitive education and employment opportunities. ✩ Chris Dreisbach: Season 1, Episode 25. After retiring from the US Air Force, Chris had multiple job offers. Accepting what he thought was a dream job quickly turned into a nightmare. Chris shares his lessons learned on how money can't buy happiness, not getting hung up on loyalty and being unafraid to walk away from a job that is not working.✩ Ray Jokie: Season 1, Episode 38. Ray opens up on his struggles with depression, suicidal thoughts and extended unemployment after retiring from a career in the US Air Force. Many transitioning service members and veterans have similar experiences and Ray shares resources of support.As your host, I have had the privilege of sharing in your victories and struggles. One lesson I want to reemphasize is YOUR job to make sure your target audience – your potential employer – understands how you can add value to their organization. You must translate the skills you learned in the military on your resume, LinkedIn profile and in your interview. Need a mentor or want to grow your network? Explore:✔ American Corporate Partners: https://www.acp-usa.org/✔ Military Transition Roundtable: https://www.militarytransitionroundtable.com/✔ K.E.Y Mentor Group: https://thekeymentors.com/✔ Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/Check out Boots to Books at: https://www.boots2books.com/Order your copy of LinkedIn Mastery for Veterans and Transitioning Service Members at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ7Y2HCH

Before he came back home to serve as a police officer, Michael Sugrue traveled around the world as part of the U.S. Air Force, going to South America, the Middle East, and Germany, among other places. Although the greatest risks may have laid abroad, the greatest toll came from what he encountered day after day as a first responder. Training and treatment for traumatic stress injuries have changed over time, but there is still work to be done. In this interview, Michael speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about: • The mental toll that comes with being ‘on' and constantly vigilant as a police officer, even compared to military service • Why our choice of words can be the difference between someone who needs help reaching out to ask for and receive assistance and struggling on alone • How he ended up writing a book, ‘Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma' with clinical psychologist Shauna 'Doc' Springer, Ph.D. Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/always-path-service-air-force-vv70

After serving a career in security forces, Brian Arrington retired from the United States Air Force ready for a new challenge. Landing a role with Wells Fargo as a business consultant right after retirement, Brian's successful transition is a testament to his hard work and determination. In 2019, Brian launched Vets2Industry, a non-profit dedicated to serving service members and their families. Today, Brian is the Director of Military Programs and Recruiting for Military Hiring Accelerator. The far-reaching impact of Vets2Industry is a product of Brian's own transition. Rewind back to March of 2018 when Brian stumbled upon a website called LinkedIn. His first connection led him to Centurion Military Alliance. From there, he connected with mentors who helped him navigate the transition beyond the TAP curriculum. Like many veterans who have transitioned before him, Brian thought his veteran status and leadership experience would be enough to land a role as a marketing manager – a position that required a background in marketing which Brian didn't possess. Through informational interviews, Brian realized that the skills he developed in the military would translate well to a consultant role. Intentional, consistent networking led him to a recruiter from Wells Fargo who was eager to hire a veteran for a business consultant role. When asked what his biggest challenge has been since leaving the military, Brian is quick to reply that an obstacle he faces now and faced while transitioning is not having a vast knowledge of companies. He tells a story about attending his first career fair and only going to the Amazon table because it was the one company he had heard of before. Recounting this story to others, he says lots of transitioning service members approach job fairs this way. He encourages everyone to visit all the tables, engage with the recruiters, learn about opportunities and build connections. Every organization has infrastructure, projects, operations and facilities.The idea for Vets2Industry began early in Brian's transition. Realizing that TAP wasn't enough and learning independently that there are over 40K VSOs, Brian wondered how many airmen he had failed as an NCO with his lack of awareness for the free resources beyond TAP. Over 100,000+ military-affiliated people have been served through resources offered by Vets2Industry. Their monthly networking events attract recruiters from all industries, and the webinars cover topics like salary negotiation, resume writing, TSP rollover, life insurance and budgeting. Every VSO featured on the website has been vetted. For those who would like to gain valuable skills, increase their marketability and strengthen their resumes, Vets2Industry needs volunteers. As the Director of Military Programs and Recruiting at Military Hiring Accelerator, Brian Arrington focuses his attention on finding great paying positions across the country for the military community. Brian oversees sourcing and runs the organization's SkillBridge program. Head over to the Lessons Learned for Vets YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22 to hear a bonus clip from Brian on how to rock your next networking event with Vets2Industry.You can connect with Brian on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianarrington933/Explore Vets2Industry resources at https://vets2industry.org/Browse the jobs board at Military Hiring Accelerator at https://www.militaryaccelerator.com/Connect with Brian about SkillBridge, internships and open positions by emailing him at brian.arrington@militaryaccelerator.com. Don't forget to mention that you learned about Military Hiring Accelerator on this podcast!

For Army Veteran Rob Campbell, 27 years of active-duty service went by in the blink of an eye. From Ranger school to Airborne school, Louisiana to Hawaii, and Germany to the Army War College in Pennsylvania, he moved around the world and had amazing experiences. When he transitioned, he knew that his core purpose would be to make a difference in the lives of others through optimistic leadership. He didn't know exactly how or where he would apply that, but it was his answer to the question, “Why was I placed on this earth?” In this interview, Rob speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about: • What it was like bringing women into his brigade and leading a brigade of 5,000 women, some of whom he took forward into Afghanistan • Why he believes it is so important for Veterans to remain connected to other Veterans • How he is applying the lessons he learned in the military to entrepreneurship and leadership coaching Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/dedicating-yourself-something-bigger-army-veteran-vv69

After a career in the US Coast Guard, Jason Heering retired from an overseas location which added an extra layer of complexity to his transition. Throughout his military career, he served in several positions related to facility and construction project management. As he weighed his options closer to retirement, Jason made the decision to accept a role with the federal government. Hired as the Deputy Director of Facility Maintenance for the US Space Force at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Jason reflects on navigating the federal job application process.Jason's last duty station was in El Salvador, and it was there that he and his family lived during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jason began teleworking during the pandemic and took advantage of virtual networking and informational interviews while working from home. Learning about Vets2Industry during the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Jason connected with various mentors who gave him career advice. While Jason categorizes himself as an introvert, he successfully built new relationships through networking and always followed up with a personalized thank-you note as a token of his appreciation. Two questions that often get mentioned on this podcast are “What do I want to do after the military?” and “What is my why?” While the two are related, they are separate questions. Reflecting on his transition, Jason admits he wasn't ready to answer, “What is my why?” After taking a few personality tests and reflecting on the results, Jason decided it wasn't the right time to change career paths and fell back on the skills he had developed during his service. Transitioning is a process that should start months, if not years, in advance and needs to include asking and answering those two questions. With enough time, it's possible to take advantage of education benefits while serving to reskill or upskill. Additionally, it's important to look at all the factors when considering your next career. For many service members, family plays an important role in determining salary needs and job location. Jason applied to 20 jobs both in the private sector and in the federal government. He successfully navigated the federal job process and landed several interviews. With each federal resume he created, he pulled bullets that matched the job description from a master list that included all his positions and accomplishments. Jason was ultimately hired for a role under a Direct Hire Authority (DHA). In this scenario, Jason was selected through a resume review without an interview. As a first-time federal government employee, Jason took the opportunity to negotiate his salary and annual leave hours.Jason encourages people interested in a federal job to take advantage of the HR representative information located at the bottom of each job announcement. Search for people on LinkedIn with federal jobs and start networking. Recently, Jason joined the Air Force's Civilian Leadership Development School's book club. The program is still relatively new but has already inspired Jason with its first three books. He encourages everyone to continue learning and gaining new perspectives through reading. His recommendation list includes:What Color is Your Parachute by Richard BollesStart with Why by Simon SinekCrucial Conversations by multiple authorsMake Your Bed by Admiral William McRavenHead over to the Lessons Learned for Vets YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22 to hear a bonus clip from Jason. You can connect with Jason at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-m-heering/SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this to other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

Some barriers are harder to break than others – at least until the right person comes along. Vernice “Flygirl” had to fight to get into the Marine Corps, but once she got in, she was determined to rise to the top and seize every opportunity. Vernice is a retired United States Marine Corps Officer and holds the distinction of being the first black female combat pilot in the U.S. military. She is also a bestselling author, an in-demand keynote speaker, a successful coach and entrepreneur, and served two tours of duty in Iraq. Veteran Voices co-hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, host of Digital Transformers, were thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Vernice about: • Overcoming the fear of following your passion through conventional thinking and artificial barriers • Why providing people with access to information and exposure to ideas can be a solution and a “gutsy move” • Her key for successful networking – which involved asking people how she could be of service instead of asking what they did for a living Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-voices-classic-reimagine-reassess-reinvigorate-vv68

Saving lives: Bridging the Knowledge Gap for Military Service Members and Families to Avoid Loss of Life, and the Loss of HOPE! Brian Arrington, USAF (ret), M.S. is President/Founder of VETS2INDUSTRY LLC and Vets2Industry Foundation Inc. and is Director, Military Programs and Recruiting for Military Hiring Accelerator, LLC.  Brian retired July 2019, from the United States Air Force with Robins AFB, GA as his final duty station. His distinguished career led him to deploy to Iraq, Afghanistan, Thailand, and Qatar and provide humanitarian relief throughout SE Asia during the tsunami, Haiti during the earthquake, and in Turkey supporting refugee  evacuations during the Israel-Lebanon Mideast Crisis. Brian's career has taken him to 90 countries and 5 of the 7 continents.  In his last year of 20-years devoted service to the U.S. Air Force, Brian learned there were over 45,000 Veteran Service Organizations nationwide that provided free services and support to U.S. military families and realized a huge gap existed between available free Veteran, Military Spouse, and dependent children resources and benefits and the knowledge of their existence among our nations heroes and their families.  With this newly discovered knowledge, Brian vowed to eliminate the knowledge gap and ensure the success of every veteran and their families by creating an online library, a free single-site repository of every free Veteran Service Organization to include providing mentorship and information services to each knowledge-seeker.  Since the library's creation, March 2019, Brian has led VETS2INDUSTRY's growth by reaching 100,000+ veterans and military spouses with over 300,000 page-views on the website and he continues to supply employment opportunity success with the ever-growing grassroots volunteer force of veterans and military spouses he leads.  Brian is married with 6 children, resides in Atlanta, is an active alumnus of Centurion Military Alliance, Hiring our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program, FourBlock, American Corporate Partners, volunteers with VETLANTA, the National Black MBA Association Atlanta Chapter, and is a student veteran leader and student ambassador at Syracuse University where he is currently pursuing his MBA and an M.S. in Entrepreneurship.  He holds 2 A.A.S. from the Community College of the Air Force, a B.A. in History, a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, and a M.S. in Management from Thomas Edison State University, and is a certified Georgia State Hostage Negotiator.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having the right to speak up and feeling an obligation to speak out are two very different things. For many women in the military, standing out because of their gender makes them want to ‘go with the flow' to fit in. But not all women – some view it as an opportunity to be the voice that speaks on behalf of everyone. In this interview, Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Katheryn Basso, Founder and CEO of KADRI Clothing and a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, to talk about finding her voice in the military. It took her an entire year to tell her parents she had joined the Marines, but once she was in and had their full support, she was off on an entirely unplanned life journey. Katheryn talks about: • The opportunity she saw to design active clothes for women that not only fit but met the storage needs associated with rugged outdoor activities • The important role that male officers and servicemembers play in ensuring women are treated and regarded fairly • What it was like transitioning from Marine officer to civilian entrepreneur Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/speaking-loud-clear-marine-corps-veteran-vv67

In this classic Veteran Voices episode, host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Marina Rabinek, President and founder of the Military Women's Collective and a Veteran of the United States Navy, to the show. While still in the Navy, Marina faced the unwanted advances of a fellow service member, and although she reported it up the chain of command, no action was taken until much later, when others had come forward as well. That experience became part of her drive to start the Military Women's Collective, a 501c3 dedicated to ensuring that women veterans (past, present & future) do not feel INVISIBLE and UNHEARD. Mary Kate and Marina take this opportunity to discuss: • The surprising benefits of speaking French in the U.S. Navy • When servicemembers should start thinking about the process of transitioning out • Her work to support military diversity inclusion today and in the future Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-voices-classic-women-military-vv66

Service members are often faced with lines to cross: enlistment, tactical decisions, transitioning out of the military, and deciding what to do next. The decision they make at each crossroads not only determines the path of the journey they are on, it also plays a role in shaping the person they will become. Mark Ormrod is a former Royal Marine, Invictus Games athlete, author, and motivational speaker. He joined the Marines for adventure and found direction, although not immediately. He completed his minimum service in 2006, but re-enlisted in 2007 and was deployed to Afghanistan where he found himself patrolling on foot, protecting local villages and disrupting enemy positions. On Christmas Eve, he was on patrol with his unit when he stepped on an IED, losing both legs and his right arm and only keeping his life thanks to a risky new procedure that had just been approved for use in the field. In this classic episode of Veteran Voices, co-hosted by Kim Winter, Founder of Logistics Executive Group, and Scott Luton, Mark is open and honest about: • The journey with the Royal Marines that took him into Helmand Province in Afghanistan and changed his life forever • His fight back from triple amputation and how found a new plan for the future • The power and opportunity he has found in sharing his story with others Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Winter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-voices-classic-identity-pride-purpose-vv65

Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/finding-bigger-purpose-support-marine-veteran-vv64

Some people want to do something bigger right from the very beginning of their lives. Once they get the opportunity to begin on that journey, they don't look back. Fortunately for all of us, many people with that drive make the decision to do so by spending time in military service. In this interview, Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Jennifer Foxworthy, U.S. Navy Veteran and the Founder and CEO of Inspirationally Speaking, LLC and Unstoppable You Ministries, Inc. Jennifer speaks with Mary Kate about: • What it was like being one of a very few Black members of her Naval unit, and often the only Black woman • Why her Christian faith is an important part of her personal relationships and professional drive • The drive to become a substance abuse counsellor and how they changed her perspective on working with people Some people want to do something bigger right from the very beginning of their lives. Once they get the opportunity to begin on that journey, they don't look back. Fortunately for all of us, many people with that drive make the decision to do so by spending time in military service. Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/feeding-desire-thrive-navy-veteran-vv63 Mentioned in this episode: WEBINAR- 3 ways to stay afloat through the supply chain crisis: A distributor's story: https://bit.ly/3uaUBeC

Today we have a husband and wife combo. To start we have Bruce Thompson, who is an advocate and supporter of all things military, veterans, and military spouses. He is a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant with a proven track record of working with diverse teams to accomplish projects and establish programs. Bruce is currently working with Veterans ASCEND on a special project, and he also worked as the Vice President of Operations for Vets2Industry, Co-Chair of the Northeast Florida Community Veterans Engagement Board, mentor on Veterati with over 900 hours, and a member of the Board for Veterans Village (homeless Veterans tiny home project), and multiple other groups and associations. His wife, Nila Thompson is a Marine Corps spouse and current Chief of staff for Veterans Ascend and she served as a Family Readiness Officer for two commands in the Marine corps and also served as the VFW Unmet Needs Coordinator, and has been taking care of veterans for over 15 years. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vets2pm/support

Military transitions can be very difficult. There are so many unknowns, and it takes time. But if mentors are willing to educate those that come after them, to share what they have learned, and to provide advice, then it doesn't have to be as hard. In this interview, Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Matt Quick, a fifth-generation service member and Veteran of the both the Marine Corps and Army. Matt speaks with Mary Kate about: • Growing a thick skin as a kid growing up on an apple farm in New York • What it was like getting an opportunity to work his dream job at the Pentagon • How Veterans can solidify their networking and project management skills Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/educating-those-come-after-marine-army-vv62

There is a reason that so many Veterans exit their military service with an abundance of consistency, determination, and discipline. They need those qualities to get through successfully. In this episode of Veteran Voices, produced in partnership with Vets2Industry, Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Paul Peng, Founder and President of Century Institute, Inc. He was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and again in 2008. When the time came to reenlist in the Army, he made the decision not to because he was almost certainly going to be redeployed again (and again). Not that escaping deployment made his transition any easier. Paul had difficulty finding a job because of the recession and turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms. After one particularly close call, he had an epiphany, accepted that he needed help, and went to graduate school so he could take his life in a new direction. Paul Peng shares a raw and up close look at: • His overseas deployments • How Veterans should leverage their time in the military so that it resonates with hiring managers • His unexpected ‘walk on' movie role as a gangster thanks to his weapons training Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/saving-lives-training-us-army-veteran-vv61

Each of us goes through life making choices, and some of those choices have a more significant impact than others. When your cumulative choices prevent you from fitting ‘the mold,' especially in the Marine Corps, the path won't be easy, but it will be truly unique. In this interview, Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Josh Atkinson, a Marine Corps Veteran. Josh was fortunate enough to attend Annapolis, and because of the disciplined household he grew up in, he didn't have to overcome the culture shock that many of his classmates did. He ultimately decided to join the Marines because of the wide range of options they could offer him. And, as he points out in this interview, once you are a Marine, you are never NOT a Marine. John shares his unique story into, through, and out of the Marine Corps, including: • Why each obstacle in life is an opportunity to get to know yourself better, and to know what you are capable of • How he faced up to some of the most challenging times in his military career, when he made the choice to do what he felt was right even though he knew it would not be popular • The impact that having his transition timing decided for him had on his professional journey Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/bonds-create-without-adversity-josh-atkinson-marine-corps-veteran-vv60

For many people, the military functions as a big “leadership school.” Service members have contact with different types of leaders and learn to become leaders in their own right. From finding the right mentor to building a tribe of supportive people around you, who each person surrounds themselves with will often determine the path that they follow. In this interview, Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Shirley Baez. Shirley started thinking about joining the Army as a way of paying for college, and then the Twin Towers fell on 9/11. In that moment, perspective changed and she went from “just being a girl that wanted to go into the military for college money” to someone who genuinely wanted to serve her country. She is now a veteran of the U.S. Army special operations community, but her service is not over. Shirley shares her honest reflections with Mary Kate about: • What it means to know you have the trust of leaders that you respect • The role she played as a part of civil affairs, reestablishing essential services in parts of the world where the population is not connected to its government • Why it was so important to have a ‘tribe' when the time came to end her military service and enter private industry Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/taking-road-less-traveled-army-special-operations-veteran-VV59

On this special episode of Veteran Voices, brought to you in proud partnership with Vets2Industry, Scott and Kelly reflect on the powerful history of Memorial Day and the many heroes we honor on this special day. Tune in to learn more about the history of the holiday and hear the remarkable stories of some of the extraordinary countrymen and women that we've lost. Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Supply Chain Now:https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now ( https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now) Subscribe to Supply Chain Now and all other Supply Chain Now programs:https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe ( https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe) Leveraging Logistics and Supply Chain for Ukraine: https://vectorgl.com/stand-with-ukraine/ (https://vectorgl.com/stand-with-ukraine/) WEBINAR- The 10 Best Competencies of Best in Class Warehouses: https://bit.ly/3vh3MLd (https://bit.ly/3vh3MLd) WEBINAR- Can AI be the Unexpected Ally for Demand Planners? https://bit.ly/3sJ4GOO (https://bit.ly/3sJ4GOO) WEBINAR- Preparing for the Rise of Sovereign Supply Chains: https://bit.ly/3NmCIAC (https://bit.ly/3NmCIAC) 2022 Q1 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index:https://bit.ly/3pwmWKC ( https://bit.ly/3pwmWKC) This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kelly Barner. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/honoring-ultimate-sacrifice-memorial-day-907

On this special episode of Veteran Voices, brought to you in proud partnership with Vets2Industry, Scott and Kelly reflect on the powerful history of Memorial Day and the many heroes we honor on this special day. Tune in to learn more about the history of the holiday and hear the remarkable stories of some of the extraordinary countrymen and women that we've lost. Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Supply Chain Now:https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now ( https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now) Subscribe to Supply Chain Now and all other Supply Chain Now programs:https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe ( https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe) Leveraging Logistics and Supply Chain for Ukraine: https://vectorgl.com/stand-with-ukraine/ (https://vectorgl.com/stand-with-ukraine/) WEBINAR- The 10 Best Competencies of Best in Class Warehouses: https://bit.ly/3vh3MLd (https://bit.ly/3vh3MLd) WEBINAR- Can AI be the Unexpected Ally for Demand Planners? https://bit.ly/3sJ4GOO (https://bit.ly/3sJ4GOO) WEBINAR- Preparing for the Rise of Sovereign Supply Chains: https://bit.ly/3NmCIAC (https://bit.ly/3NmCIAC) 2022 Q1 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index:https://bit.ly/3pwmWKC ( https://bit.ly/3pwmWKC) This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kelly Barner. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/honoring-ultimate-sacrifice-memorial-day-907

Sometimes in life, when there is an important decision to be made, all you can do is sit down and make a list of ‘pros' and ‘cons.' Understanding the relative priority of short-term opportunity versus long term vision, or the kind of care you need versus what others in the same position will decide to do – those are hard decisions that decide the course a person's life will take. In this interview, Mary Kate Soliva and Scott Luton welcome Selina Meiners. Selina is the Director of Communications for the Veterans' Health Administration's Office of Clinical Services, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. She served in active duty as a U.S. Army officer for more than 10 years, and during that time she learned what she was capable of as well as the direction she wanted her life's journey to take. Selina shares her honest reflections with Scott and Mary Kate about: • The value of flexibility and self-determination, even when it comes at a great cost • What she really thinks Veterans should do with the window of time between when they leave service and when they enter the private sector • The dedication she has had the opportunity to experience and show towards Veterans in her time working for the Veterans' Administration Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva and Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/limit-way-beyond-us-army-veteran-vv58

We are calling our shot! It's the military spouse takeover where Act Now Education is helping 1,000 military spouses launch their careers…This is a podcast special.I have an active-duty military spouse who's an extremely active member of the military engagement community. She's volunteered for Hiring Our Heroes, served as the director of Service2Software, served again as a Director for Vets2Industry, and is now the Vice President of American Corporate Partners (ACP). Join me on this podcast to hear all about Leslie's organization and the Military Spouse Takeover with Act Now Education!Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-coffey/American Corporate Partners Website:http://www.acp-usa.org/Act Now Education Website:www.actnoweducation.com

While there are many resources available to Veterans transitioning to the private sector, knowing which ones will be the best help for you can be a challenge. From housing to education to advice and counseling, there are plenty of people willing to help along the way. In this interview, Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Kai Henderson. Kai was working as a police officer in Arkansas, but he wanted to see more of the world. When he made the decision to enlist, he selected a branch of the military that he knew would not send him back to Arkansas: the Navy. Kai and Mary Kate compare their perspectives on: • Why transitioning out of the military is so different from leaving a typical job to take on a new role • How education – just like the military – can often be the best thing to help people get ‘unstuck' in their lives • The importance of investing in mental health, and the reality that many people struggle with anxiety and/or depression Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/humble-hungry-hardworking-navy-veteran-vv57

Mary Kate Soliva is a Reservist in the U.S Army and Veteran Fellow at the Hoover Institution.  As a Business Development Analyst at the Project Management Institute, she is spearheading the Military and Veteran Program.  Her efforts include working with the military, veterans, and families towards a career in Project Management. She is a doctoral student, public speaker, and has trained the public, military, and law enforcement in the U.S and abroad on the signs and impact of human trafficking. Her initiatives include working with local policy makers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to change policy and impact change. Mary Kate is a member of the Rotary e-Club of Pago Bay Guam, Association of the U.S Army, and Student Veterans of America. She volunteers for Vets2Industry, Shared Hope International and numerous other organizations.   Mary Kate holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Guam where she focused her studies on human trafficking in Guam and Micronesia.  Her email address is: marykate.soliva@pmi.org and you can learn more about the military programs at PMI at the following sites:  https://www.military2pm.com/ https://projectmanagementinstitute.grsm.io/Military https://projectmanagementinstitute.grsm.io/Military https://www.military2pm.com/ Mary Kate Soliva | LinkedIn

In this interview, Veteran Voices host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes John Freeman, a U.S. Army Veteran and Director of Law Enforcement Operations at the Human Trafficking Institute. After being raised in a military family, he became a combat paratrooper and went on to serve and work in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Bosnia, Panama, St. Criox, Nigeria, and Korea. It was while working as a Special Agent for the U.S. State Department in Korea as part of a visa/passport fraud detection unit that he came across a connection between many of the people they were investigating – just 5 IP addresses. It ended up being a crucial missing link between Korean organized crime and human trafficking. He had found the cause that would drive his work going forward. Mary Kate and John take this opportunity to discuss: • The surprise at finding himself on humanitarian missions while in the Army • Why transitioning out of the military can create such a feeling of insecurity and instability for Veterans • Just how pervasive and close to home the problem of human trafficking is today Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/wherewithal-look-yourself-vv56

In this interview, Veteran Voices host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Marina Rabinek, President and founder of the Military Women's Collective and a Veteran of the United States Navy. While still in the Navy, Marina faced the unwanted advances of a fellow service member, and although she reported it up the chain of command, no action was taken until much later, when others had come forward as well. That experience became part of her drive to start the Military Women's Collective, a 501c3 dedicated to ensuring that women veterans (past, present & future) do not feel INVISIBLE and UNHEARD. Mary Kate and Marina take this opportunity to discuss: • The surprising benefits of speaking French in the U.S. Navy • When servicemembers should start thinking about the process of transitioning out • Her work to support military diversity inclusion today and in the future Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/womens-place-military-vv55

Samira Searcy retired from the US Army in 2020. She went from a SkillBridge internship into a role before her final out-processing date. Unfortunately, before she was even officially retired from the military, she was laid off from her position. After taking a pause to recover from that terrible experience, she quickly got back in the game.Samira talks about how she made the big decision to leave the military. She evaluated herself physically – could she still meet the physical requirements and show up with her “A” game every day. She evaluated her family situation and assessed if she was still as committed. She followed the transition checklist to the letter. Unfortunately, the COVID situation delayed her out-processing for 6 more months and gave her some time to do market research and take advantage of the SkillBridge program. It turned out to work perfectly for her timing and she was offered a full-time role. As she was settling into the role, she was let go from the company.Her next position was with an employer who she had never heard of before. After a chance meeting at a Vets2Industry networking event the day after she was let go, she met her soon-to-be boss who created a position just for her. Her employer brought her in to create Aston Carter's military and veteran recruiting program after spending a bit of time getting to know her in a follow up conversation. Samira shares how she made a connection with her future boss. She trusted her network, she picked herself up off the floor after a huge setback and she went into the networking event with an open mind, a positive mindset and represented herself honestly and authentically in that networking event. Her future employer saw something special in her and believed in her ability to build their military and veteran recruiting programs.Samira is the host of “On the Bounce” podcast, which is focused on resilience. She talks about how she tapped into her own resilience to bounce back from losing that first role. She trusted in her skills. Losing her first job didn't change her skills or her value as an employee. Losing the first job didn't make her less capable, she was just in the wrong position. She looked at what lessons she could learn from the experience and then moved on to the next role. Bad things might happen in your career, you might need to quit, you might get laid off or even let go. That doesn't mean YOU are a failure. How you react to those bumps in the road will determine your future path.Samira has learned that she does not have all the knowledge she needs to be effective and remain relevant in her role. She has dived in to conducting research, gaining knowledge and building her skills. Skills gaps don't mean you are not a good candidate, you just have to be willing to do the work to fill those gaps and keep yourself relevant. It doesn't need to feel like a threat, you just have to get to work and gain the knowledge you need to be successful. You must take ownership of your own career once you leave the military.Samira compares the military transition with planning a long road trip. You prepare the basic plan of the journey and then you find yourself deciding that the road trip is taking too long or wearing on you and start being more reactive instead of following the plan. The same goes for transition, you can make a choice to be negative, filled with stress and anxiety or you can welcome those bumps, shifts and changes and learn to enjoy the journey and know that you are still moving toward the end goal. Your positive mindset will help you deal with those obstacles. It's not easy, but it's doable and what is on the next side will be worth the journey. You can connect with Samira Search at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samira-searcy/You can find On the Bounce Podcast at https://onthebounce.buzzsprout.com

Respect for other people should exist and be earned on an individual level, but that doesn't mean differences of opinion and perspective based on things like appearance and gender don't continue to present challenges. In this interview, new Veteran Voices host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Mary Bell, the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Team Themis and a Veteran of the United States Navy who joined at age 17. She spent her years in the Navy as a linguist, serving most of her time in Iraq but also being stationed in Africa and Afghanistan. In this episode, the two “MKs” talk about Mary Bell's 10 years of active duty and 13 years in the reserves: • Which mentors and officers made the greatest impression on her and how those impressions became the source of lasting change • The importance of following and maintaining the chain of command no matter what happens, personally or professionally • Why you can't take transition advice from someone who hasn't transitioned from active duty to the reserves or from service to civilian life Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/dont-ever-mistake-kindness-weakness-VV54

The experience each person has in the military varies by branch, unit, and whether they served in wartime or peacetime. But there are also differences between fully enlisting and serving in the National Guard, or – as the British Army calls it – the Territorial Army. In this interview, host Scott Luton speaks with two Royal Engineer veterans from the British Territorial Army: Dan Reeve (who regular Supply Chain Now listeners will know from Esker) and Rob Chell. They served together in the same troop, and although they didn't initially get along, they found a way to “figure it out” in the end and became good friends. Dan and Rob joined Scott to share their stories and thoughts about: • Why serving in peacetime can be more dangerous than serving in wartime • The importance of decompression – and the process associated with settling down from a high state of alertness • Why even journeys taken side by side can be very different from the perspective of each traveler Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/adventure-hard-mentally-physically-vv53

When President George Bush went on TV to announce the beginning of the Gulf War, Rob Tiffany was working his way through college and he immediately felt called to go. He wanted to fly the latest planes with stealth technology. There was a waiting list to enter the Air Force, so he enlisted in the Navy. After all, it worked for Tom Cruise… Today, Rob Tiffany is the Executive Director at the Moab Foundation, focused on the use of connected intelligence to achieve global sustainability. Prior to that, he was the Vice President and Head of IoT Strategy at Ericsson. He has received a number of awards and recognitions and is routinely ranked as one of the top IoT experts and influencers in the world by Inc Magazine, Onalytica, and others. Rob joined Veteran Voices host Scott Luton to share the honest truth about his journey into, through, and out of the Navy: • What it was like serving aboard a submarine – and the preparations and screening he had to go through in advance • How being in the military transformed him as a person • Why he decided to write a children's book - Submarine Warriors: The Enemy Beneath Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/manufacture-valor-rob-tiffany-vv52

Stacey M. Gordon is a Veteran Advocate & Military Transition Coach on a mission to assist with transition and reintegration efforts and veteran suicide prevention initiatives. A former classroom teacher, Stacey teaches lessons on how to be confident, overcome your inner critic, identify your values, set goals, time management, and how to identify spark teams (support networks) to increase productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness for individuals and organizations, both military-connected and civilian alike. Named ‘the Mister Rogers of the Veteran Community' by a Marine Corps veteran and “adopted” by Vets2Industry as a civilian ally and supporter, Stacey is passionate about providing support, friendship, mentorship, social connection, emotional intelligence, and resources and tools to help her clients create a clear vision and holistic strategy for success beyond service in academics, career, business, and life. Stacy wouldn't be who she is  today without her V2I Family and their love and support during her own "transition and transformation" from classroom teacher to military success coach, and we have only just begun!) Vets2Industry - https://vets2industry.org/ PEOPLE FIRST, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES ALWAYS. This FREE resource library is for active duty, guard, reserve, veteran, military spouses, dependent children, Blue Star & Gold Star Families, and caregivers. Vets2Industry Foundation Inc. is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides knowledge, connections, opportunities, and more importantly, HOPE. https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-m-gordon-9772b8120 https://staceygordon.com/  https://vets2industry.org/

Hello listeners! I'm Caroline Schafer, the Podcast Producer for the AMSE Agency.  Maybe it's just me, but with all the things March is bringing, I feel a strong desire to purchase some green clothing, start planting some tulips and make sure I have dark curtains for those days when I want to forget we lose an hour of sleep because of Daylight Savings Time. BUt, spring is all about new growth, and AMSE has ways to fertilize that growth for your business.  We will plant the seeds of excitement by joining CEO and Founder Moni Jefferson on March 3rd at 12:00 pm EST for our monthly Facebook Live. Moni gives you all the information you need to bring growth to your business this month. When you join her, you'll see why spending time being intentional in your business garden will help it flourish! Then, following our Facebook Live, at 1:30 pm EST, join us for our monthly Member Orientation. No more digging into the membership site by yourself. This is the time to find out all of the fruitful benefits of being an AMSE member.    March 8th at 1:30 pm EST is a Masterclass with Katie Wayan from Excelsior College. Katie's love for education will be the fertilizer for this event, and she will supply informational seedlings to add to your garden. Sign up for this class today on your member dashboard.  Since March is about growth, this next Masterclass is designed just for that! Join us on March 10th  at 1:30 pm EST as Brian Arrington and Leslie Coffey team up to teach you “How to Grow Your Virtual Network.” Brian is the Founder and President of Vets2Industry, a non-profit organization free to service members, military spouses, dependent children, Goldstar families, and caregivers. Each month, Vets2Industry hosts free Virtual Networking Circuit Events. Leslie Coffey is not only a military spouse of 25 years but the Director of Military Spouse and Family Engagement of Vets2Industry. She is a connector, a life-long learner, career coach, and more! This will be a class to help you sprout some new connections and ideas. March 15th at 1:30 pm EST is the time to come together with other AMSE members. This virtual sunny get-together helps you find ways to deal with the rain showers that can come during seasons of your business. Join other members while we help each other pull the weeds of struggle and help your business begin to blossom.  Every gardener needs to take a break and put their feet up. So March 16th at 10 am EST, join us for our monthly Coffee Chat. We understand and see how hard you work, so we wanted to provide a time for you to chit-chat about life. So consider this your virtual time to open the windows and breathe in some fresh, spring air, and we will see you there!  Tending to your business garden is vital in the early months of spring. This is why we have another Masterclass for you! On March 17th at 1:30 pm EST, join CEO of InEvent, Pedro Góes, while he teaches a class titled, “Preparing and Maximizing Your Virtual Networking Event.” Pedro started InEvent in college with over 10,000 active paying users. Currently, InEvent is a Y Combinator, venture-backed company providing an event, marketing, and sales platform for Forbes 2000 Global companies, including Amazon, Coca-Cola, Boeing, and more!  Before we head in April, we still have one more event designed with you in mind! March 22nd is our monthly Group Coaching event at 1:30 pm EST. This event will be filled with vibrant enthusiasm and the fragrance of spring!      Remember, your AMSE Member dashboard has all you need to register for events, connect with other members, and share your wins! You can find all you need to start, grow, and elevate your business!  If you're new to Owning Up, make sure and subscribe, so you'll know when a new episode drops. You can also join our Facebook group to see what other milspouse entrepreneurs are up to and receive the latest AMSE news. If you're a milspouse who has a business or is thinking of starting one, join us here at AMSE Membership. As always, check out our previous episodes for encouragement, connection, and information.    We'd love to have you join our fantastic community! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Follow Moni Jefferson on Instagram. Visit our website to become a member: AMSE Email us at hello@amseagency.com

Some barriers are harder to break than others – at least until the right person comes along. Vernice “Flygirl” had to fight to get into the Marine Corps, but once she got in, she was determined to rise to the top and seize every opportunity. Vernice is a retired United States Marine Corps Officer and holds the distinction of being the first black female combat pilot in the U.S. military. She is also a bestselling author, an in-demand keynote speaker, a successful coach and entrepreneur, and served two tours of duty in Iraq. Veteran Voices co-hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, host of Digital Transformers, were thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Vernice about: • Overcoming the fear of following your passion through conventional thinking and artificial barriers • Why providing people with access to information and exposure to ideas can be a solution and a “gutsy move” • Her key for successful networking – which involved asking people how she could be of service instead of asking what they did for a living Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/reimagine-reassess-reinvigorate-first-black-female-combat-pilot-VV51

Some barriers are harder to break than others – at least until the right person comes along. Vernice “Flygirl” had to fight to get into the Marine Corps, but once she got in, she was determined to rise to the top and seize every opportunity. Vernice is a retired United States Marine Corps Officer and holds the distinction of being the first black female combat pilot in the U.S. military. She is also a bestselling author, an in-demand keynote speaker, a successful coach and entrepreneur, and served two tours of duty in Iraq. Veteran Voices co-hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, host of Digital Transformers, were thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Vernice about: • Overcoming the fear of following your passion through conventional thinking and artificial barriers • Why providing people with access to information and exposure to ideas can be a solution and a “gutsy move” • Her key for successful networking – which involved asking people how she could be of service instead of asking what they did for a living Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/reimagine-reassess-reinvigorate-first-black-female-combat-pilot-VV51

About Paul Cummings: Visionary Paul Cummings is a retired 20-year US Navy Information Systems Technology Chief, currently working as an Information Systems Security Engineer and Cyber Security Research Engineer for Stephenson Technologies Corporation. He brings a comprehensive background in executive-level planning, managing IT and Cyber Security teams, and program management derived from both global and domestic maritime operations. Mr. Cummings has led 15 Navy War Fighting Ships and 176 Information Security Managers and Security Network Engineers to support over 7,000 enterprise users, enforced a 95% patch management and hardening efficiency for five consecutive years with less than 24 hours of critical service downtime. Built and Established a 38-person Cyber Protection Team and managed a $6M training budget that led the team to be fully qualified a year ahead of schedule and successfully led a large-scale incident response operation which was awarded the Department of the Navy IT Team Excellence Award for 2017. He has helped realign budget for personnel by forecasting Life Cycle Ends and computer system upgrades. Paul's career is supported by CompTIA CASP, and he is the recipient of multiple awards for outstanding performance and professionalism. His dedication to the success of others has led him to establish Veterans Breaking into IT/Cybersecurity Mentorship Campaign, an organization where he hosts monthly engagements with transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and aspiring civilian professionals found on YouTube under https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi-DIEYwsRquVzPXoBssNwQ (Paul Cummings Veterans Breaking into IT Cyber). He actively volunteers with Vets2Industry, Npower, Evolutionary Skills Development Network Discord, and Vicious Vineyards Discord. Career is supported by CompTIA CASP and receipt of personal achievements awards: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (4 awards), and the Navy Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and Department of the Navy IT Excellence Award 2017. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-cummings/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-cummings/)  WCHI: https://www.wholecyberhumaninitiative.org/ (https://www.wholecyberhumaninitiative.org/)  Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Background and How Paul Got Into Cybersecurity Uncle was his recruiter Was bored of the 9 to 5 jobs Took ASVAB Started as a computer repairman, moved to help desk than ISSM Intro to cyber was in Iceland with an introduction to Red and Blue Teams 5:30 - Assignment in Iraq 16:00 - Complaints on Certifications Certifications and the demands around having them Difference between military and civilian requirements What happened to the CISSP? 25:00 - Importance of STEM Middle School and High School - Why not get a monitor, computer and raspberry Pi? Colleges - Very few doing it, but failing globally - Defining Cyber in IT College classes requiring classes that are not needed....follow the money 31:00 - The different options in Cybersecurity Do personality tests and Cybersecurity tests 37:00 - Transitioning and Recommendations Focus on skills that compliment where you know  For those in transition, look at the the people in your industry Final Thoughts Teach your children Digital Citizenship EARLY!

On this episode of the FourBlock Podcast, we are honored to be joined by former Under Secretary for Benefits in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Army Veteran Dr. Paul R. Lawrence. In conversation with FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams, Lawrence generously shares details of his background and upbringing, his military career and transition, and his post-military career in the private sector before giving us a behind the scenes look at his time as the Under Secretary for Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Lawrence talks about the priorities that he focused on as Under Secretary, including getting veterans the benefits they earned in a manner that honors their service, fiscal stewardship, and collaboration -- working more with veterans' stakeholders like VSOs, nonprofits, and others who wanted to help. A businessman, author, and passionate veteran advocate with 35 years of experience solving management problems in large, complex organizations, Lawrence also shares what he continues to do to advocate for veterans today. As a private sector executive, Lawrence was a consulting Partner at two Big-Four accounting firms and a Vice President in two Fortune 500 companies. He is a government management thought leader, having written several books on the subject. For almost three years, Lawrence served as Under Secretary of Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, unanimously confirmed by the Senate on April 26, 2018. As Under Secretary, he was in charge of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) leading a team of 25,000 people with an operating budget of $4 billion, administering $120 billion in benefits annually. He implemented proven business practices, streamlined the bureaucracy, and created a public presence rebranding VBA as an organization successfully supporting Veterans. Prior to becoming a political appointee, Lawrence was a Vice President at Kaiser Associates, a Partner at Ernst & Young, a Vice President at Accenture, a Senior Director at the MITRE Corporation, a Vice President with IBM, and a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He has written extensively on management, government, and technology. He is the co-author of Succeeding as a Political Executive: 50 Insights from Experience, What Government Does: How Political Executives Manage, Paths to Making a Difference: Leading in Government and the co-editor of Transforming Organizations and Learning the Ropes: Insights for Political Appointees. He serves on the Board of Directors of Vets2Industry, a non-profit organization helping Veterans pursue a career in the private sector. He is also a Senior Advisor to Search & Acquire, a non-profit focused on helping Veterans become CEOs via Entrepreneurship through Acquisition. He was selected three times by Federal Computer Week as one of the top 100 public service leaders. In 2019 he was recognized as Government Executive of the Year by Service to the Citizen. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. Lawrence earned his Master of Arts and Ph.D. in economics from Virginia Tech. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He is an Army Veteran. He completed his ROTC requirement as an Airborne-qualified Captain. Find Paul Lawrence on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaullawrence/. Lawrence's book, “Transforming Service to Veterans: How I Pursued Performance Excellence at the Veterans Benefits Administration in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Transforming-Service-Veterans-Performance-Administration/dp/B09DMQZN4N/   ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.  FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.  Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.  Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media  LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.  

Many people join the military to have life experiences that wouldn't be possible anywhere else – some of those experiences are formative and other ones just leave veterans grateful that what could have happened didn't. Kevin Potts is a Software Product and Marketing Executive, but his buttoned-up professionalism and polished LinkedIn persona are laid on top of seven years' experience as an Infantry Officer in the US Marine Corps. Although he was given opportunities to develop endurance and leadership skills, his favorite stories are “How I Almost Set Southern California on Fire” and “The Joke Is on You Baby O.” Kevin recently joined Veteran Voices co-hosts Scott Luton and Kelly Barner, host of Dial P for Procurement, to share honest, unvarnished stories about his time in the US Marine Corps and how it prepared him for his corporate career: • What it was like touring East Berlin in full military uniform before the end of the Cold War • How much borrowed time two cases of beer will buy you on a training range at Camp Pendleton • The difference it can make on anyone's journey if they have leaders and mentors who believe and invest in them Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kelly Barner. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/life-battle-life-journay-vv-50

On this episode, I'm talking with Nick Droste from Emergent BioSolutions. Nick is retired from the army and now works as a Supervisor in biotech manufacturing. Nick also volunteers with Vets2Industry a service for Veterans that provides knowledge, connections, opportunities and, more importantly, HOPE, helping Veterans transfer into civilian jobs.This episode not only gives a glimpse into the vast and diverse skills that Veterans have and their applicability to biotech but also opens the door (and mind) to a greater conversation:Transferable skills and the gap the biotech/pharma industry has in leveraging Veterans and other groups for its talent pipeline.Tune in to here:How to leverage transferable skills to land a job in a new industryThe work Nick and Emergent are doing to strengthen their talent pipeline and support the Veteran community, and how you can get involvedWhy diversity of thought is so important and how it can improve productivity, efficiency and performanceGaps in the current HR/Recruiting systems that overlook qualified talent and what to do insteadHow leveraging the skills of Veterans in biotech doesn't only benefit the company, it could save a lifeMentioned in this episode:Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ and https://vets2industry.org/events-page/ for our monthly networking eventsSHRM Veterans to Work Program: https://store.shrm.org/SHRM-Foundation-Veterans-at-Work-Certificate-Program American Corporate Partners (ACP, long-term mentoring for transitioning veterans): https://www.acp-usa.org/Veterati (self-serve mentoring network): https://www.veterati.com/ and Nick's personal link for mentorship https://go.veterati.com/69mHBU Onward to Opportunity (O2O; certification training for veterans and family members): https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/Connect with Nick on LinkedIn - His profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-droste/BioBuzz article for companies: https://biobuzz.io/seeking-top-biotech-talent-veterans-have-just-what-you-need/BioBuzz article for veteran job seekers: https://biobuzz.io/are-you-a-veteran-on-the-job-market-a-biotech-career-could-be-the-perfect-fit/

Most people spent a certain amount of time during the height of the pandemic locked down, just trying to get by under extraordinary circumstances. JB Jaso found himself near Fort Bragg in North Carolina, having time to take care of himself for the first time in nearly 20 years. That's when he knew it was time to retire from the military and move on with his life. And yet, no sooner had he made that decision that he learned what ‘real' isolation was like, with no mission, no unit, and no one to establish his values for him. Today, JB Jaso is the Assistant Manager for Security with the Los Angeles Angels, a Veteran and retiree of the United States Army, and a volunteer leader with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. He recently joined Veteran Voices co-hosts Scott Luton and Mary Kate Soliva from Vets2Industry to speak about: • His active search for a post-military purpose, and how he finally discovered a unique ‘why' that would allow him to follow his passion for sports • Why it is so important for every Veteran to own his or her own transition from the military into civilian life • The health condition that unexpectedly touched his life and gave him yet another reason to put his leadership skills to the test Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/taking-unique-journey-crowded-road-vv49

Coach Alfredo once again brings you the resources for you to succeed. Today episode , the coach points the directional arrow to vets2industry.org. Vets2Industry provides a free resource library for the military community – active, guard, reserve, veteran, military-spouse, dependent children, Blue-Star & Gold-Star Families, and caregivers – so they know which organizations provide free services and benefits. So take a moment and explore all the opportunities you can find on this valuable website.If you need to reach out to the Coach, please do so at cominghomewell@gmail.com. We will get you connected!Stay up to date and gain early access to new podcasts and upcoming events by signing up for our newsletter at Coming Home Well NewsletterMake sure you subscribe, leave a review and share with a friend!Follow us on IG @cominghomwell_bts and @behindtheserviceFacebook at Coming Home Well or Behind The Service LinkedIn at Coming Home Well Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=DPPU22JG5EM6Y)

In 2018, Brian was a U.S. Air Force MSgt (E-7) just starting to prepare for retirement. He was attending transition assistance programs, learning about different retirement options, and trying to navigate how to transition from military member to civilian. But one seemingly innocuous LinkedIn post went viral and changed the trajectory of his path!   Brian started Vets2Industry (V2I) in 2019 as a free resource library for the military community – active, guard, reserve, veteran, military-spouse, dependent children, Blue-Star & Gold-Star Families, and caregivers. V2I serves to connect companies who have opportunities for veterans, those that have specific military hiring programs, those that are on the 100 Military Friendly companies list, and those that selflessly provide Fortune 500 mentors with transitioning service members.  Brian is married with 6 children, resides in Atlanta, is an active alumnus of Centurion Military Alliance, Hiring our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program, FourBlock, American Corporate Partners, volunteers with VETLANTA, the National Black MBA Association Atlanta Chapter, and is a student veteran leader and student ambassador at Syracuse University where he is currently pursuing his MBA. To connect with Brian and Vets2Industry:Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/Vets2Industry YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvDZxtWk4keXaRuA14D87NgVets2Industry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vets2industry/Career Assistance Resource email: operations@vets2industry.orgFinancial Assistance Resource email: support@vets2industry.orgLinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vets2industry/Veterati: https://www.veterati.com/Four Block: https://fourblock.org/Bunker Labs: https://bunkerlabs.org/You can also find Vets2Industry on Twitter and Clubhouse.To connect with Erin:Life After the Uniform Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/661998918501440Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/erinsilverpodcast/

Kristina Rodriguez is the Regional Operations Manager for The Brokerage for Virginia and North Carolina, and the co-manager of the employee resource group for Colliers North American diversity equity and inclusion program. She comes from a big military family, with her older brother (Marines), uncle (Vietnam war), and great aunt (Army) all entering the service. Since she wasn't able to serve on the front lines, she became a Military Police officer in the U.S. Army for three years. After leaving the Army, she ended up in a role as a part time leasing agent for multifamily and real estate. In this conversation, Kristina shares her story with host Scott Luton: • Why she thinks it was right to remove the service restrictions on women able to meet the front-line standards for their branch of the military • Her three pieces of advice for anyone transitioning out of the military into a civilian professional role • The communications differences between the military and civilian careers that Veterans need to be aware of Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/networking-kristina-rodriguez-vv-48

Have you ever taken on a job without knowing if you'd be able to complete it successfully?Are you interested in Project Management?Then you NEED to listen to this week's episode!Mike and Trevor talk to Shawn Bertholf about his experiences working in Project Management, and how his willingness to take a chance on an opportunity led him to a successful career.Shawn works as a Project Manager, does business development for Vets2Industry, and also volunteers his time with Veterati a mentoring platform for transitioning service members and veterans.Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn and check out the Veterati and Vets2Industry LinkedIn pages.Want to come on the show? We would love to learn from you!Connect with Mike and Trevor on LinkedIn, or shoot them an email at get2vetpodcast@gmail.com, subscribe to our show on Apple & Google podcasts and Spotify, and don't forget to follow the Get 2 Vet Podcast and Community LinkedIn page.Enjoy the show and let us help you Get 2 Vet!

Today Veterans represent just 1% of the population of the United States, and yet they have an outsized impact on society as a whole as well as the private industry roles they go on to. And so what better topic to discuss on Veterans' Day 2021, than leadership. In this special Veteran's Day livestream, produced in partnership with Vets2Industry, Host Scott Luton was joined by three amazing leaders from the Veteran community. Marina Rabinek is a 24-year veteran of the Navy and Founder of the Military Women's Collective (MWC). Rod Lee put in 23 years of active duty in the Air Force, and Jermaine Cohen served 4 years in the Army, which included a tour in Iraq. Today, Rod and Jermaine both work with PRJKT (Project) Vet, a Disabled Veteran, Black-owned product marketing and consulting company. In this conversation, Marina, Rod, and Jermaine share their unique perspectives on: • The top Veteran-related topic that they each believe is worthy of more attention and discussion than it currently receives • Why it is important for specific groups of Veterans, like women or minorities, to connect inside of the larger Veteran community • The rich array of resources available to Veterans, whether they need casual support, assistance with mental health concerns, or help transitioning into private industry. Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-voices-leadership-47

Our passion is to help the military community…I started Vets2Industry to provide a free resource library for the military community – active, guard, reserve, veteran, military-spouse, dependent children, Blue-Star & Gold-Star Families, and caregivers – so they know which organizations provide free services and benefits. V2I also serves to break the circle of ignorance by listing companies that have opportunities for veterans, those that have specific military hiring programs, those that are on the 100 Military Friendly companies list, and those that selflessly provide Fortune 500 mentors for a year to transitioning service members through their partnership with American Corporate Partners. The goal is to educate all 220,000 to 240,000 transitioning service members each year and their dependents on free resources to ease their transition and life needs, and more importantly, provide hope.https://www.vets2industry.orghttps://www.veterati.orgSupport the show (https://www.podfan.com/sisters-in-service)

The military spouse unemployment rate has been at 24% for nearly a decade - but Monica Fullerton is on a mission to change all that. On this episode of Veteran Voices, host Scott Luton chats with Monica about Spouse-ly, a marketplace of goods and services she founded to create more flexible career opportunities for military spouses. A cross between Etsy and Angie's List, Spouse-ly gives its shoppers the opportunity to purchase with purpose. Tune in to hear about the journey that led to Forbes Next 1000 status and the amazing sellers making Spouse-ly an enormous success. As an added bonus, Monica shares her advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs - so don't miss out on this informative and inspirational episode! Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/empowering-and-investing-in-veteran-community-vv

Some people ‘jump' into everything they do in life with both feet, whether that is jumping into corporate America as an entrepreneur or jumping out of a plane with the 82nd Airborne. Justin Pearson is a perfect example. He even transitioned out of the military with a jump, running headfirst into a LinkedIn environment that wasn't well suited to help veterans find civilian work. Justin served in the U.S. Army for two decades. Only agreed to be placed in the infantry if he was allowed to jump out of planes, just as his father and grandfather had done before him. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne, Charlie Company 1505 Parachute Infantry Regiment, known as “The Panthers.” He served in Afghanistan for over a year after 9/11. Today he is the Founder and CEO of Proper Patriot, a patriotic apparel company that focuses on positivity within the military community, the law enforcement community, and the first responder community. In this episode of Veteran Voices, produced in partnership with Vets2Industry, host Scott Luton speaks with Justin about: • What everyone needs to do to network, market themselves and build a personal brand today • The details people often don't realize about the ‘funnel' approach to building out a professional network • How to prepare to have quality interactions that turn into relationships over time Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/proper-patriots-leaders-45

Today, we have Vets 2 Industry's (V2I) Vice President Bruce “Batman” Thompson as our guest.Not only is Bruce the Vice President of Vets2Industry, he's also a 23 year Marine Corps Veteran with an MBA from Columba Southern University. Bruce has multiple national certifications, and is highly skilled with mentoring, team building, and career coaching.Bruce Thompson's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucethompsonmba/Bruce Thompson's Email:bruce.thompson.mba@gmail.comVets 2 Industry's Home Page:https://vets2industry.org

The tougher the experience someone has in the military, the more they take away from it – and the more bonded they remain to the people who people who persevered beside them. Attending West Point and Army Ranger school provide plenty of opportunities to be tough and to learn to work as a team. Brendan Krasinski is a graduate of West Point and the Army Ranger school. During his six years in the Army, he served and trained in Egypt and Kuwait. Although he initially held a position in sales after leaving the military, he quickly realized it was not what he wanted to do with his life and pivoted to law school, eventually becoming a defense attorney. In this episode of Veteran Voices, produced in partnership with Vets2Industry, host Scott Luton speaks with Brendan about: • Why the correct answer to the question, “Why are you losing weight?” at West Point is always ‘exercise.' • Making life transitions more successful by looking at all of your options before making a choice • His top piece of advice for anyone planning to transition from the military to a civilian career with full recognition of their experience and skills Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/how-to-succeed-us-army-veteran-44

115: "Transition is a mindset." Providing free comprehensive educational resources and opportunities with Jai Salters Naval Officer, Founder of ACT NOW Education and Spirit of Bob Hope recipient Jai Salters has been mentally retired for the last 10 years, despite still being on active duty. He reflects on how and why he attained 14-15 certifications within a year and a half, the catalyst to starting ACT NOW Education, the importance of doing your due diligence for transition, and resources that military spouses can take advantage of today. Connect with Jai Salters https://www.actnoweducation.com/ (https://www.actnoweducation.com/)  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jai-salters (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jai-salters)  Resources Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ACTNOWEDUCATION/ (https://www.facebook.com/ACTNOWEDUCATION/) (inquire about their private Facebook Group) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/actnoweducation/ (https://www.instagram.com/actnoweducation/) LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/act-now-education/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/act-now-education/)  American Corporate Partners (ACP) https://www.acp-usa.org/ (https://www.acp-usa.org/) LinkedIn Free 1-year Premium subscription https://socialimpact.linkedin.com/programs/veterans/premiumform (https://socialimpact.linkedin.com/programs/veterans/premiumform)  Onward to Opportunity (O2O) - Career Training - Institute for Veterans and Military Families https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/about-o2o/ (https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/about-o2o/)  Vets2Industry - https://vets2industry.org/ (https://vets2industry.org/) #LinkedInMilCity - https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkedinmilcity/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkedinmilcity/)  -- Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA (https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA) Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT (http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT) Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/ (https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/) Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ (https://jennylynnestroup.com/) or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com Sponsored by US VetWealth: Get FREE access to the Military Spouse's ToolKit for Agile and Purposeful Employment https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/ (https://usvetwealth.com/military-spouses-toolkit-for-agile-and-purposeful-employment/) September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the https://www.podcastawards.com/ (16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards) for the Government & Organizations category. November 2020, Jen Amos and Holding Down the Fort Podcast was awarded https://therosienetwork.org/2020-entrepreneur-awards (“Media Professional of the Year”) at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! We've also been featured in multiple media outlets including Legacy Magazine, https://digital.usveteransmagazine.com/US-Veterans-Magazine-Spring-2021/46 (U.S. Veterans Magazine), https://open.spotify.com/episode/0IeByl1VWjoq8V3GFl6gzp?si=gfewllBQTtGFCUwH6kEPTw (The American MilSpouse), https://veterancrowdnetwork.com/2021/01/jen-amos-award-winning-podcaster-of-holding-down-the-fort/ (VeteranCrowd Network), https://fb.watch/3xcB_0O6ZH/ (It's a Military Life), http://virtforce.us/68-transition-remote-work/ (VirtForce), https://www.militaryveterandad.com/73-keep-an-open-heart-with-jen-amos/ (Military Veteran Dad Podcast), and much more. Enjoy our show? Kindly leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/30SJ7NW (https://apple.co/30SJ7NW), Podchaser https://bit.ly/3dnCacY (https://bit.ly/3dnCacY), or write a LinkedIn Recommendation for Jen https://bit.ly/3jNobzB (https://bit.ly/3jNobzB) Support this podcast

Compressing any life's journey into a single conversation is hard under normal circumstances and becomes much more difficult when the person has worn so many different ‘hats' or uniforms. Each of those roles shapes who the person is and the reason for making each choice is a wonderful way to learn more about them. Eric Gates is the Founder and CEO of Devil Dog Coffee Company as well as a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a retired officer from the Austin, Texas police department. When he lost a dear friend to an active-duty shooting, he turned to alcohol for support. AA helped him realize that alcohol was not the solution he needed, and so he went to seminary and was ordained so he could minister to others. After serving the community by working in alcohol and drug treatment centers, he remembered the horrible coffee he used to drink during AA meetings and founded the Devil Dog Coffee Company. Today he makes a living by selling a beverage that literally saved his life. In this episode of Veteran Voices, produced in partnership with Vets2Industry and sponsored by Buyers Meeting Point and Dial P for Procurement, co-hosts Monica Fullerton, Founder and CEO of Spouse-ly, and Scott Luton speak with Eric about: • The power and vulnerability associated with accepting that sometimes difficulties are too much to handle alone • How much we all have in common – regardless of what walk of life we come from • The ways in which freedom and creativity go hand in hand, growing stronger along the way Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Monica Fullerton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/leading-high-speed-low-drag-life-eric-gates-vv-43

Many of the conversations we have on Veterans Voices center around servicemembers transitioning out of the military and into civilian careers. Today's interview follows that same path – twice. For some Veterans, the call of the military is so strong that they transition in and out, sometimes with different branches. So it is with today's guest. Tara Holcomb served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. Her service in the Army led her to discover the appeal of working in supply chain based on her experience as the motor pool clerk for an entire battalion. She also has experience working as a supply chain auditor, helping companies dispose of products in appropriate ways. Today she is the Supply Chain Risk Manager for ManTech. In this episode of Veteran Voices, produced in partnership with Vets2Industry, and sponsored by Buyers Meeting Point and Dial P for Procurement, co-hosts Mary Kate Soliva and Scott Luton speak with Tara about: • How basic training turned her into the person she wanted to be, and her service continued the job by changing her mindset forever • Some of the cost and benefit related implications of leaving military service for a civilian career that Veterans need to be aware of and manage proactively • Her current view of the global supply chain, and why she sees proper forecasting and taking a step back from lean manufacturing as appropriate responses to product and shipping container shortages Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/street-smart-book-smart-dual-service-veteran-vv-42

It takes a lot of courage to live as a military spouse, which is perhaps why so many military spouses make successful entrepreneurs. No matter how good a business idea is, entrepreneurs still have to summon the courage to put themselves ‘out there' and give it their best shot. Katie Prill took that leap of faith and added entrepreneur to the list of roles she already fills. She is a military spouse, a mother to two boys, a registered nurse, and one of the country's newest entrepreneurs. As the owner of ‘Love and Lettering by Katie' on the Spouse-ly platform, she offers a wide variety of home decor, stickers, clothing, seasonal gifts and decorations – including custom orders. In this episode of Veteran Voices, produced in partnership with Vets2Industry and sponsored by Buyers Meeting Point, co-hosts Monica Fullerton, Founder and CEO of Spouse-ly, and Scott Luton speak with Katie about: • The challenges of being a military spouse working in a licensed field like nursing or teaching, and the administrative overhead that has to be started over following each move • How (and why) people should find the strength to overcome their fears of starting a new business • Why taking care of yourself – finding time for breaks – may be the most important part of any entrepreneur's ‘hustle' Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ Learn more about Buyers Meeting Point: https://buyersmeetingpoint.com/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Monica Fullerton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/military-spouse-and-entrepreneur-vv41

In some cases, the process of transitioning out of the military can be harder for those people who benefitted most from the structure it provides. Once service members adapt to the nuanced system of rank that plays out in every decision-making process, changing their way of thought back to something less structured – as is seen in a corporate setting – can seem like being adrift. Raleigh Wilkins has spent his 20-year career overcoming adversity and personal challenges. A self-described “incorrigible” teen, he was in the foster care system by age 15. His final foster stay was with Marine Corps Major Michael Johnson, a no-nonsense guy who served in Vietnam. Once in the Marines, Raleigh served in Japan as well as stateside. After transitioning out of the Marines, it took Raleigh a few years to find his place in civilian/corporate America. As he explains it, he was an “accidental” sales guy. Fortunately for him, he was able to apply his planning and analytical skills to sales – the world's last meritocracy. Now he runs his own business and gives back as a mentor, a trusted advisor and coach. In this episode of Veteran Voices, co-hosted by Dan Reeve, US Director of Sales and Business Development for Esker, and Scott Luton, Raleigh gives the ‘straight scoop' about: • How the military teaches people to succeed by serving as ‘the great equalizer' • Why time spent in military leadership doesn't automatically qualify someone to serve in a leadership position in another field • How he works with Veterans to help them transition their military strengths (allocating revenue) into corporate strengths (generating revenue) so they can become top performing salespeople Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Dan Reeve. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/straight-scoop-raleigh-wilkins-vv-40

Listen to the replay of Jen's Keynote Speech, "A New Normal. A New You," from the Vets2Industry's Military Spouse Mixer on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 2 PM - 5:00 PM (EDT). Jen gives a snapshot of her personal and work life, as well as her take on new beginnings for military families. For the video version of the keynote speech: https://youtu.be/WK0wQcflNHI (https://youtu.be/WK0wQcflNHI) For the full replay of the Vets2Industry's MilSpouse Mixer: https://youtu.be/0XzFSrkjFBg (https://youtu.be/0XzFSrkjFBg) Learn more about Vets2Industry's upcoming events: https://vets2industry.org/events-page/ (https://vets2industry.org/events-page/) For our latest updates: https://mailchi.mp/74d56c8599ef/holdingdownthefort (https://mailchi.mp/74d56c8599ef/holdingdownthefort) -- Guest Applications are now open! Apply to be on our show at https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA (https://forms.gle/YdoNX9aR8RTEKpnCA) Stay updated! Subscribe to our newsletter http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT (http://eepurl.com/gTTOdT) Visit our website https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/ (https://www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/) Connect with our co-hosts Jen Amos jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com and Jenny Lynne Stroup https://jennylynnestroup.com/ (https://jennylynnestroup.com/) or jennylynnestroup379@gmail.com Sponsored by US VetWealth - Protect and Leverage Your Wealth with The War Chest Strategy™. Schedule your FREE consultation call today at https://usvetwealth.com/war-chest-strategy/ (https://usvetwealth.com/war-chest-strategy/) November 2020, Jen Amos and Holding Down the Fort Podcast was awarded https://therosienetwork.org/2020-entrepreneur-awards (“Media Professional of the Year”) at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! We've also been featured in multiple media outlets including Legacy Magazine, https://digital.usveteransmagazine.com/US-Veterans-Magazine-Spring-2021/46 (U.S. Veterans Magazine), https://open.spotify.com/episode/0IeByl1VWjoq8V3GFl6gzp?si=gfewllBQTtGFCUwH6kEPTw (The American MilSpouse), https://veterancrowdnetwork.com/2021/01/jen-amos-award-winning-podcaster-of-holding-down-the-fort/ (VeteranCrowd Network), https://fb.watch/3xcB_0O6ZH/ (It's a Military Life), http://virtforce.us/68-transition-remote-work/ (VirtForce), https://www.militaryveterandad.com/73-keep-an-open-heart-with-jen-amos/ (Military Veteran Dad Podcast), and much more. Enjoy our show? Kindly leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/30SJ7NW (https://apple.co/30SJ7NW), Podchaser https://bit.ly/3dnCacY (https://bit.ly/3dnCacY), or write a LinkedIn Recommendation for Jen https://bit.ly/3jNobzB (https://bit.ly/3jNobzB) Support this podcast

120: "Acknowledge the loss that may have propelled you to seek out something new to begin with." A shaken foundation, keynote speech, and showing up anyway with Jen Amos For the first time in 115+ episodes, Jen Amos shows up solo! She shares a candid snapshot of life in the pandemic today, her latest keynote speech, and her continuous effort to find common ground through conversation. For a replay of Jen's Keynote Speech at Vets2Industry: https://youtu.be/0XzFSrkjFBg (https://youtu.be/0XzFSrkjFBg) -- LOVE OUR SHOW? Show your support and get exclusive access to the "Tsismis with Jen & Nani" podcast by visiting http://www.buyusboba.com/ (http://www.buyusboba.com/) FREE ONLINE COMMUNITY: Receive the latest stories and life lessons from our community by subscribing to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cO0bif (http://eepurl.com/cO0bif) WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING GUESTS FOR 2021! Apply today: https://forms.gle/6cyCnXdNQMDznFt58 (https://forms.gle/6cyCnXdNQMDznFt58) ABOUT US: Welcome to the Filipino American Woman Project - A Podcast Show that shares stories and life lessons told by individuals living (or have lived) in America, that are of Filipino descent and identify as female or non-binary. UPCOMING BOOK: Special thanks to the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at UC Davis for the opportunity to present our academic paper, Pinay Podcasters: Building a Self-Sustaining Community Through Storytelling, Collective Healing & Learning, and Collaboration. The initial draft is now available! Read more at http://pinaypodcasters.com/ (http://pinaypodcasters.com/) RECOGNITION: December 2020, we were nominated and received an Honorable Mention at the Asian American Podcaster's Inaugural Golden Crane Podcast Awards. August 2020, Jen Amos participated as a speaker on behalf of TFAW Project for PodFest Global, which now holds the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Largest Attendance for a Virtual Podcasting Conference in One Week. May 2020, we were recognized as “Amplifying Asian Women Voices” on Spotify during AAPI Heritage Month. We've also been featured in Realtime Community Oakland, Mochi Magazine, Ossa Collective, SUPERBANDS, Chopsticks Alley, FoundHer by Entrepinayship, Spotify, PodFest Expo, Philippine American Foundation for Charities, When In Manila, You Are Collect;ve, San Diego Union Tribune, NBC 7 San Diego, and much more! Read more at: https://linktr.ee/tfawproject.featured (https://linktr.ee/tfawproject.featured) CONTACT US: Find us on social media: Instagram @thefilipinoamericanwoman, Facebook @thefilipinoamericanwoman, Twitter @thefilamwoman, YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-IzWjkLCof3Pf7TW8ExyXw (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-IzWjkLCof3Pf7TW8ExyXw) Learn more about our co-hosts Jen at http://thejenamos.com/ (http://thejenamos.com/) and Nani at https://notesbynani.com/ (https://notesbynani.com/) Have something to share? Email Jen at jen@tfawproject.com or Nani at nani@tfawproject.com or leave us a voice or text message at 415-484-TFAW(8329)

119: "It's important to hear that you matter." Cultural alignment, making mental health accessible, & bringing Fil-Ams back to the Philippines with Melody Agbisit This interview is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m94QyHuS2OE (https://youtu.be/m94QyHuS2OE) Melody Agbisit learned self-advocacy from a young age, and felt compelled to help her peers do the same. Now as a therapist & educator of over 10 years, social entrepreneur & writer, she's able to drive her efforts into full-force.  She bases her practice & intentions around the Filipino tradition, Hilot, which encompasses all aspects of one's health (physical, spiritual & mental) in order to identify healing solutions, setting itself apart from other Western forms of counseling. Melody shares her experience touring all over Asia to give mental health trainings to all types of organizations, and reminds us all that “we're more than our minds, bodies, & spirits - we're an integration of all those things.” To learn more about Melody, connect with her on Instagram @MeloMahalo -- For a replay of Jen's Keynote Speech for Vets2Industry: https://youtu.be/0XzFSrkjFBg (https://youtu.be/0XzFSrkjFBg) LOVE OUR SHOW? Show your support and get exclusive access to the "Tsismis with Jen & Nani" podcast by visiting http://www.buyusboba.com/ (http://www.buyusboba.com/) Read what's new with our show: https://mailchi.mp/c2cf4a82e691/tfawproject (https://mailchi.mp/c2cf4a82e691/tfawproject) FREE ONLINE COMMUNITY: Receive the latest stories and life lessons from our community by subscribing to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cO0bif (http://eepurl.com/cO0bif) WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING GUESTS FOR 2021! Apply today: https://forms.gle/6cyCnXdNQMDznFt58 (https://forms.gle/6cyCnXdNQMDznFt58) ABOUT US: Welcome to the Filipino American Woman Project - A Podcast Show that shares stories and life lessons told by individuals living (or have lived) in America, that are of Filipino descent and identify as female or non-binary. UPCOMING BOOK: Special thanks to the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at UC Davis for the opportunity to present our academic paper, Pinay Podcasters: Building a Self-Sustaining Community Through Storytelling, Collective Healing & Learning, and Collaboration. The initial draft is now available! Read more at http://pinaypodcasters.com/ (http://pinaypodcasters.com/) RECOGNITION: December 2020, we were nominated and received an Honorable Mention at the Asian American Podcaster's Inaugural Golden Crane Podcast Awards. August 2020, Jen Amos participated as a speaker on behalf of TFAW Project for PodFest Global, which now holds the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Largest Attendance for a Virtual Podcasting Conference in One Week. May 2020, we were recognized as “Amplifying Asian Women Voices” on Spotify during AAPI Heritage Month. We've also been featured in Realtime Community Oakland, Mochi Magazine, Ossa Collective, SUPERBANDS, Chopsticks Alley, FoundHer by Entrepinayship, Spotify, PodFest Expo, Philippine American Foundation for Charities, When In Manila, You Are Collect;ve, San Diego Union Tribune, NBC 7 San Diego, and much more! Read more at: https://linktr.ee/tfawproject.featured (https://linktr.ee/tfawproject.featured) CONTACT US: Find us on social media: Instagram @thefilipinoamericanwoman, Facebook @thefilipinoamericanwoman, Twitter @thefilamwoman, YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-IzWjkLCof3Pf7TW8ExyXw (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-IzWjkLCof3Pf7TW8ExyXw) Learn more about our co-hosts Jen at http://thejenamos.com/ (http://thejenamos.com/) and Nani at https://notesbynani.com/ (https://notesbynani.com/) Have something to share? Email Jen at jen@tfawproject.com or Nani at nani@tfawproject.com or leave us a voice or text message at 415-484-TFAW(8329)

Service members are often faced with lines to cross: enlistment, tactical decisions, transitioning out of the military, and deciding what to do next. The decision they make at each crossroads not only determines the path of the journey they are on, it also plays a role in shaping the person they will become. Mark Ormrod is a former Royal Marine, Invictus Games athlete, author, and motivational speaker. He joined the Marines for adventure and found direction, although not immediately. He completed his minimum service in 2006, but re-enlisted in 2007 and was deployed to Afghanistan where he found himself patrolling on foot, protecting local villages and disrupting enemy positions. On Christmas Eve, he was on patrol with his unit when he stepped on an IED, losing both legs and his right arm and only keeping his life thanks to a risky new procedure that had just been approved for use in the field. In this episode of Veteran Voices, co-hosted by Kim Winter, Founder of Logistics Executive Group, and Scott Luton, Mark is open and honest about: • The journey with the Royal Marines that took him into Helmand Province in Afghanistan and changed his life forever • His fight back from triple amputation and how found a new plan for the future • The power and opportunity he has found in sharing his story with others Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Winter. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/identity-pride-purpose-mark-ormrod-VV39

It is Friday, and we have a brand new episode of the Armed & Ready Podcast! In today's episode, we have Brian Arrington, an Air-Force Veteran. Brian Arrington shares his story behind why he went into the Air Force, his experience teaching at the Ravens School, and then being stationed in the Cannon Air-Force base in Mexico.  After the Air Force, Brian went to work with nonprofits a year after his transition out of service. Tune in to hear about Brian's transition and how the Linkedin group, Veterans Mentor Network, aligned him with his career potential and helping other Veterans in their transition process. Thank you, Brian, for sharing your inspiring story!

Diversity and Inclusion is a huge topic of discussion in corporate America these days, but many companies – and the people that work for them – often forget that being a Veteran is a recognized diversity category. Although each person is an individual on their own journey, the Veteran community does share certain characteristics based on the experiences they have had. To better understand what it means to be a Veteran, a first-in-the-nation Veterans Studies program has been introduced at St. Leo University. Dr. Karen Hannel is their Chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Dr. Luke McCleese is their Director of Military Affairs and Services as well as the co-creator of the Veteran Studies Major. This program is available to veterans and non-veterans alike and covers everything from legendary warriors from medieval worlds through military psychology and the role of military in the modern world. In this episode of Veteran Voices, co-hosted by return guest Mary Kate Soliva from Vets2Industry and Scott Luton, Karen and Luke describe: • Why it is important to have a dedicated Veteran Studies program available and what it entails • Some of the inaccurate or non-representative stereotypes that exist about Veterans in the civilian population, and how Veterans Studies can address them • The challenges associated with transitioning out of the military, regardless of the length of time served, and how Veterans can get the support they need Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-studies-st-leo-university-38.

Jeff Clark, born and raised in Northern Oklahoma, is an Air Force Veteran with well over a decade of service as a medical logistician (AFSC 4A1X1). He has an MBA from Southwestern College and is currently studying for his Business Doctorate in Strategic Management. After his time in service in the Air Force Jeff returned to government service and has learned valuable lessons on leadership. He believes leadership must be genuine, purposeful, and strategic. Jeff started writing down his thoughts as a form of therapy and creative expression.  In doing so, a love of talking about leadership developed. Jeff Clark continues sharing those concepts, philosophies, and stories through his own writing, as well as his volunteer work with multiple veteran organizations. Veteran organizations he has been using his time to mentor and help veterans are Vets2Industry, Veterati, and The Enduring Campaign. Jeff specializes in non-fiction leadership, and his first book entitled: Hear. These. Truths.: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Leadership Algorithm, through Tactical 16 Publishing will release soon. It will take readers on a journey to build their leadership and become more impactful leaders. Regardless of what industry you are in, his take on leadership will have something for everyone. He built a proven method of applying leadership that is military tested, honest, truthful, and strategic in its intentions. No frills, no BS, just leadership principles you need to know. TODAY. Development of a fiction novel series is also in the works. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mettle-of-honor/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mettle-of-honor/support

Originally recorded: October 30th, 2019 In this Veteran Voices Classic, host Scott Luton is joined by Lloyd Knight, Director of International Airfreight LMG at UPS Global Forwarding and co-founder and President of Vetlanta, as well as Army veteran, former Managing Director of Citigroup, and current US Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, John Tien, and retired UPS, Marine Corps veteran and VETLANTA board member, Kevin Horgan. Transitioning from military to civilian life comes with both challenges and opportunities, and both John and Kevin share their advice. Kevin credits his success to his positive attitude, and while he doesn't call it out, his unbelievable work ethic clearly played a role. John points out that in civilian life, every conversation is an interview of some kind. In an interview that ranges from heavy to light but is full of engaging stories, Lloyd, John, Kevin and Scott discuss: – Their favorite military books, movies, historical figures and locations they were stationed – The fact that the military invented logistics (a long, long time ago) and perfected it in the days and weeks following D-Day in WWII – Understanding and leveraging the value of translatable skills, unique capabilities that veterans bring to every workplace Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Be sure to check out Kevin Horgan's new book, "A Face on the Flag": https://tinyurl.com/3yk29amk Learn more about VETLANTA: https://vetlanta.org/ Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/john-tien-kevin-horgan-vv-37.

If you've heard it once, you've heard it 100 times, its all about who you know! On todays show, we talk with Bruce Thompson, Vice President of Vets2Industry. Vets2Industry provides a free resource library for the military community – active, guard, reserve, veteran, military-spouse, dependent children, Blue-Star & Gold-Star Families, and caregivers – so they know which organizations provide free services and benefits. V2I also serves to break the circle of ignorance by listing companies that have opportunities for veterans, those that have specific military hiring programs, those that are on the 100 Military Friendly companies list, and those that selflessly provide Fortune 500 mentors for a year to transitioning service members through their partnership with American Corporate Partners. #HOW_CAN_I_HELP #PAY_IT_FORWARD

Veteran Voices has always shined a spotlight on the stories and experiences of veterans, but they are not the only ones who serve. The spouses and families that send them off and follow them as they move around the globe serve as well – and they, too, have stories to tell. In today's episode, we not only get to hear the story of a military spouse, Monica Fullerton, who is married to an Air Force Pilot and her high school sweetheart. We will also learn about her entrepreneurial journey – one that landed her on the Forbes #Next1000 list. In this episode of Veteran Voices, produced in partnership with Vets2Industry, Scott Luton interviews Monica Fullerton about: · How being a military spouse impacts the professional aspirations of those individuals, leading to a military spouse unemployment rate of 24% · Why the grit and passion of military spouses gives them precisely the qualities needed to become successful entrepreneurs · Her future plans to grow Spouse-ly and her advice for other entrepreneurs, whether they are in military families or not Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-voices-36.

Vets2Industry is a free, networking community  that provides knowledge, connections, opportunities and more importantly hope.Listen in as we talk about transition for the service member and the family as they navigate  the waters outside of service.  There is a free resource library for active, guard and reserve, veteran, military souse, dependent children Blue Star and GoldStar Families and caregivers.https:www.vets2industry.com 

After making Captain in the United States Air Force, John Cash was selected for training as a combat controller. Although he finished the training, he sustained an injury that caused him to be medically discharged. Although he was devastated not to be able to continue on that path, supporting service-disabled veterans has become a core part of his personal mission. That mission, and his drive to succeed, has led to him crossing paths with a number of groups, including Vets2Industry. He now has his MBA and puts it to good use every day as an entrepreneur, college professor, and a mentor to his students. In this episode of Veteran Voices, produced in partnership with Vets2Industry, Scott Luton interviews John Cash about: · Why veterans have a higher turnover rate in jobs than the general population, especially when they have just transitioned out of service · His work to build an e-sports and gaming curriculum club to not only attract more students to Johnston C. Smith University but also to diversify the industry · The many relationships he has been able to build through his work in business, through his role as a professor, and through his military service Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-voices-35.

When a veteran transitions from the military, one of the hardest things for them is to adjust to the world of civilian employment. This is why our today's guest Brian Arrington taught us about helping veterans transition into the private sector and his great non profit that helps them find the resources they need.  VETS2INDUSTRY.    You can find out more about us on our website. You can visit our blog page for this episode. Email us for more information info@exityourway.us

Regardless of what branch of the military they served in, veterans rely upon their training to remain strong and tough. But sometimes, what they experienced during active duty makes it difficult for them to transition back into civilian life. When that is the case, they need to be connected with the right kind of assistance. Sgt. Danny E. Smiley served in the Airborne Infantry for two tours in Vietnam. The trauma he experienced while he was in the jungle started his battle with PTSD. He struggled throughout his adult life and eventually lost the battle. His daughter, Air Force Veteran Gretchen Smith, wanted to take action to honor his memory, and so she founded Code of Vets, a 501c3 organization that connects veterans with the resources they need through social media. In this episode of Veteran Voices, produced in partnership with Vets2Industry, Scott Luton interviews Gretchen Smith about: · The instant exposure to diversity that serving in the military offers, and how that can very quickly broaden someone’s perspective and understanding of others · The complex web of emotions, hardships, and tradeoffs veterans have to navigate before they can determine the right way to seek the help they need · The “hidden needs” that Code of Vets is meeting for veterans that pass away without family or end-of-life plans in place Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/ Learn more about Code of Vets: https://www.codeofvets.com/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-voices-34

This is a brand new segment we are bringing to the Veterans and their spouses! This segment is called "Military Transition Tips and Resources". We were so lucky and excited to have VETS2Industry's CEO and Founder on today as our first guest. Brian Arrington is a retired Air Force Security Forces Airman who was just as concerned with helping others through their transition as he was about his own. Brian has built a team of 93+ volunteers that are ready to help and assist service members, veterans and spouses through their transition journey. His virtual networking event is every 3 weeks on Saturdays and as relaxed but beneficial as any you will ever attend! I know from experience. Their next one is 12 June which is why I am releasing this episode early! It doesn't matter if you are still active, a veteran of 10+ years or a military spouse. You can benefit from the FREE knowledge and FREE resources that they can help you find! Incredible episode that is worth its weight in gold!Vets2IndustryMillers Military Moments 

In this special episode of Veteran Voices, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kelly Barner share their own personal messages, including what Memorial Day means to them and a few examples of those incredible individuals that sacrificed it all for others. Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Learn more about Veteran Voices: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices/ Subscribe to Supply Chain Now, Veteran Voices, and all other Supply Chain Now programs: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry, our partners in the Veteran Voices podcast series: https://vets2industry.org/ Learn more about efforts to help our friends in India: https://vibha.org/ WEBINAR- Uncertain Times Fueling Supply Chain Innovations with Transplace: https://lnkd.in/gJSppZc WEBINAR- PING Drives to Supply Chain Transformational Success with John Galt Solutions: https://lnkd.in/gyh-aj2 WEBINAR- How Digital Transformation Accelerates & Strengthens Your Supply Chain with Esker Inc: https://lnkd.in/gTqW-wb Download the 2021 Q1 U.S.Bank Freight Payment Index: https://freight.usbank.com/?es=a255&a=20 Learn more about our Highlighted Non-Profit Making it Happen for Q2, Good360: https://good360.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/episode-648 tmjj0udBTBwkzMbWoDsf

In this special episode of Veteran Voices, hosts Scott W. Luton and Kelly Barner share their own personal messages, including what Memorial Day means to them and a few examples of those incredible individuals that sacrificed it all for others. Additional Links & Resources: Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Learn more about Veteran Voices: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices/ Subscribe to Supply Chain Now, Veteran Voices, and all other Supply Chain Now programs: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Learn more about Vets2Industry, our partners in the Veteran Voices podcast series: https://vets2industry.org/ Learn more about efforts to help our friends in India: https://vibha.org/ WEBINAR- Uncertain Times Fueling Supply Chain Innovations with Transplace: https://lnkd.in/gJSppZc WEBINAR- PING Drives to Supply Chain Transformational Success with John Galt Solutions: https://lnkd.in/gyh-aj2 WEBINAR- How Digital Transformation Accelerates & Strengthens Your Supply Chain with Esker Inc: https://lnkd.in/gTqW-wb Download the 2021 Q1 U.S.Bank Freight Payment Index: https://freight.usbank.com/?es=a255&a=20 Learn more about our Highlighted Non-Profit Making it Happen for Q2, Good360: https://good360.org/ This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/episode-648

In this second episode of Season 3 of Veteran Voices, produced in partnership with Vets2Industry, Scott Luton interviews Rear Admiral Danelle Barrett, United States Navy, Retired. Additional Links and Resources: Learn more about Veteran Voices: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voices/ Learn more about Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.com/ Subscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programming: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribe Purchase Rock the Boat here: https://tinyurl.com/7f9wjazc This episode was hosted by Scott Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/veteran-voices-33.

On this week's episode of the FourBlock Podcast, we welcome FourBlock alumnus Brian Arrington, USAF (ret), M.S., CEO and Founder of VETS2INDUSTRY LLC and VETS2INDUSTRY Foundation Inc. and a Business Initiatives Consultant with Wells Fargo. Brian joins host Mike Abrams to discuss his 20-year service in the Air Force, his military retirement and transition, and his subsequent work creating VETS2INDUSTRY to help more veterans and their families get connected with the resources and benefits available to them and to ensure the success of every veteran and their families after military service. VETS2INDUSTRY provides a free online library that of all the free veteran and dependent resources and Veteran Service Organizations nationwide. Since founding VETS2INDUSTRY in 2019, nearly 1,000 vetted resources have been added on vets2industry.com, and the community has grown to more than 35,000 followers on LinkedIn alone. Brian retired in July of 2019 after serving 20 years in the United States Air Force with Robins AFB, GA as his final duty station. His distinguished career led him to deploy to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Qatar and provide humanitarian relief throughout Southeast Asia during the tsunami, Haiti during the earthquake, and in Turkey supporting refugee evacuations during the Israel-Lebanon Mideast Crisis. Brian's career has taken him to 90 countries and five of the seven continents. In his last year of 20-years devoted service to the U.S. Air Force, Brian learned there were over 45,000 Veteran Service Organizations nationwide that provided free services and support to U.S. military families and realized a huge gap existed between available free Veteran, Military Spouse, and dependent children resources and benefits and the knowledge of their existence among our nation's heroes and their families. With this newly discovered knowledge, Brian vowed to eliminate the knowledge gap and ensure the success of every veteran and their families by creating an online library, a free single-site repository of every free Veteran Service Organization to include providing mentorship and information services to each knowledge-seeker. Since the library's creation, March 2019, Brian has led VETS2INDUSTRY's growth by reaching 7,000 veterans and military spouses with over 20,000 page-views and he continues to supply employment opportunity success with the ever-growing grassroots volunteer force of veterans and military spouses he leads. Brian is married with six children and resides in Atlanta. He is an active alumnus of Centurion Military Alliance, Hiring our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program, FourBlock, and American Corporate Partners. He volunteers with VETLANTA and the National Black MBA Association Atlanta Chapter, and he is a student veteran leader and student ambassador at Syracuse University where he is currently pursuing his MBA. He holds two A.A.S. from the Community College of the Air Force, a B.A. in History, a Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, and a M.S. in Management from Thomas Edison State University and is a certified Georgia State Hostage Negotiator. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.  FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.  Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.  Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media  LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

Listen in as the VETS – Beyond the Uniform team discuss with Brian Arrington the story behind Vets2Industry (V2I). Join Paul and Dave as they talk with Brian Arrington (Founder/President of Vets2Industry) about  his transition experience and how that led to the foundation of V2I.  Brian shares how he provides a living repository of Free resources and benefits, and directly connects Corporate America, Veteran Service Organizations, and colleges with transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, dependent children, Blue Star and Gold Star Family members, and caregivers.    For more information on Vets2Industry: WebsiteFacebookLinkedInInstagramTwitter For more information on VETS - Beyond the Uniform: WebsiteEmailFacebookInstagramLinkedIn  

Ken Vennera is a man of many hats.Wharton educated, corporate lawyer, and mentor, he is also involved with Warrior Rising as Chief of Staff — a veteran nonprofit that helps veteran entrepreneurs get off the ground and positioned for success. Show Notes For more: LinkedIn | Warrior Rising | Operation Homefront | Vets2Industry Theme music by: Ruel Morales Audio Transcript Brian Schoenborn 0:01 Hello, hello. Hey everybody. Our guest today is a man of many hats. Wharton educated. He's a lawyer, also involved with Warrior Rising as Chief of Staff, veteran nonprofit that helps veteran entrepreneurs get off the ground and get to where they need to be. Give it up for my friend, Ken Vennera. Brian Schoenborn 0:25 My name is Brian Schoenborn. I'm an explorer of people, places and culture. In my travels, spanning over 20 countries across four continents, I've had the pleasure of engaging in authentic conversations with amazingly interesting people. These are their stories, on location and unfiltered. Presented by 8B Media, this is Half the City. Brian Schoenborn 0:52 So what's up, Ken, how's it going? Ken Vennera 0:54 Much Brian, thanks for having me on the show. Brian Schoenborn 0:56 Yeah, no problem, man. So listeners where we're sitting You're on location in Philadelphia, beautiful Philadelphia Ken Vennera 1:03 City of Brotherly Love. Brian Schoenborn 1:04 That's right. And we are. We're in the peak of the coronavirus madness, but we're not going to talk about it. We're going to give you guys something else to talk about. Ken Vennera 1:14 Thank you. Brian Schoenborn 1:14 Yes. So can tell me a little bit. Um, one of the things I like to do is kind of discuss origin stories a little bit. Ken Vennera 1:22 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 1:22 You know, how people that have been that have seen a lot of success and things like that, how they got to where they, where they got, so maybe you could maybe you could start with like, just a little, maybe a little bit more of an in depth intro than what I provided, what you're up to. And then we can go back and like kind of dig in like how you got from point A to point B? Ken Vennera 1:40 Sure. Sounds good. So I as you mentioned, I have a bachelor's degree from the Wharton School, the University of Pennsylvania, my undergrad, for that. I have a law degree, JD, from Widener University School of Law, which Used to be the Delaware School of Law, and also have a master's degree in law in taxation from Villanova University. Brian Schoenborn 2:07 Oh, wow, okay. Yeah, a lot, a lot of time in class. Ken Vennera 2:10 a lot of time in school for sure, for sure, much too much time as my grandmother would probably. I've been involved in a lot of veteran nonprofit space. You know, we could talk about that a little bit later, if you like, as well. But, you know, currently Chief of Staff with Warrior Rising. A super, super organization that, as you mentioned, you know, helps veterans who are looking to start businesses, you know, and accelerate them. You know, and earn, basically, you know, their future. And you know, a few others as well. I'm involved with Vets2Industry, sit on the foundation board for them, and others that I've been involved with along the way. You know, I can give you a little bit more background about that. I'm on the advisory board of Operation Homefront of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, for example, Brian Schoenborn 2:13 What is Operation Homefront? Ken Vennera 2:58 So Operation Homefront was founded probably about 15 years ago, roughly, I want to say, to provide sort of emergency assistance to active duty military while they were deployed in order to keep their families stable and things like that. You know, they've since changed, not change their mission, but morphed their mission a little bit more, you know, they help with, you know, veterans that need housing. They still help with some mergency financial assistance and things like that. I mean, they're nationwide. But they're all about, you know, really maintaining the families for the military, you know, in times of, you know, crisis and things like that. Brian Schoenborn 3:38 Gotcha. Ken Vennera 3:38 They've expanded out a little bit towards, you know, National Guard space and things like that, and some veterans up to a certain point, but, you know, some some great work. Yeah, as I mentioned, I was I was very active many, many years ago with them probably during the height of deployments from about, you know, 2006 to roughly 2010 or so. I was chairman when they had independent chapters did a lot to really grow the Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey chapter into an actual, you know, operating entity from what it was. And, you know, proud to say that it's still successful. I mean, national national organization is nationalized all of the chapters now into basically field offices. But some of the people, you know, some of the key people that I put in place like Pete Stenson, for example, who was chapter president under me, is now a regional director for them. So you know, his territory pretty much covers all the way from Maine down to Maryland. Brian Schoenborn 4:44 Oh, wow, okay. A huge chunk. Ken Vennera 4:46 Yeah. So, you know, so there's that, you know, try and do you know, what I can, I mean, not having served myself. I mean, it's pretty important for me to, you know, help out, you know, the military. There's large military presence in my family as well. And a lot of friends of mine and things and Brian Schoenborn 5:01 yeah, so I mean, I'm a veteran, obviously, and I appreciate everything you've done that you do for us. Just curious. I mean, where does where does all that come from? Like, the desire to? Ken Vennera 5:13 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 5:13 You know? Yeah, so be more respect, you know, be with as involved with the military and vets as you are. Ken Vennera 5:19 Um, you know, I'd say a lot of things. My grandparents were, you know, an immigrant generation, you know, coming from Italy. But, you know, they left Italy because there was not opportunity. I don't mean to sort of sound cliche about it, but that's really, you know, the truth of it. You know, they came to this country, and we're extremely, extremely proud of it. My grandparents themselves, were the sort of oldest of their generation so and they came from very large families. So, the younger members of the family were born here, and were proud to have served in the military. I had a great uncle, my grandmother's brother that, among others, I mean, others of her brothers served in World War Two as well. But her youngest brother just passed away about six months ago now. Yeah, and he was in the Battle of the Bulge and you know, he's 95, 96 years old when he passed away. So, there was a, there was a huge patriotic feeling in the family even though you know, again, they came from, you know, a different background, you know, ethnically, etc. but very, very much in support of, you know, the military in this country, etc. And so, you know, very much loving the country and what, you know what was done. My grandmother, it was very funny, saved my uncle's letters when he would write them from every place. From like, France, from Belgium, from Germany, Brian Schoenborn 5:35 That's cool. Ken Vennera 6:24 Even uncle Yeah, and I still have them to this day because she cherished you know, like every one of those letters that you know, he wrote. I think their last stop To be honest, he And after that being, you know, part of the Battle of the Bulge. Their last stop in Germany was Fürstenfeldbruck, which is right near Dachau concentration camps. So I'm sure that, you know, they're probably involved in liberation, you know, Dachau as well, Brian Schoenborn 7:14 That's amazing. Ken Vennera 7:14 Yeah, it's pretty awesome. Brian Schoenborn 7:16 You ever pull out those letters and like, read them, like, get an idea of like, Ken Vennera 7:19 I've looked at him with friends. You know, it's very funny to see, like that first perspective and know that it's sort of a family member that experienced that, you know, you know, you see things from like that era. And you think, again, you know, it's a little bit cliche, but, you know, there's there's mentions of, you know, we really have Hitler's boys on the run now and things like that. Yeah. And it's just, you know, just crazy to think that they were experiencing that firsthand and relating it, you know, back as best they could, you know, back in those days, there was no internet or things like that. You couldn't even really pick up the telephone call family or anything. So Brian Schoenborn 7:55 It's literally just letters and who knows how long it took a day and some of them on a ship or whatever else, right? Ken Vennera 8:01 And some of them worst are centered, you know, things like that as to what was said, so that you weren't giving away like locations and things like that, while they're removing, I mean, it's pretty, it's pretty cool. I mean, you know, to feel like that part of history and things like that. So, you know, even subsequent to that, I mean, my father's generation, you know, I've uncles that, you know, served in Korea, and then thereafter, you know, mementos that they brought back from, you know, Japan and other places and so forth, you know, from their, from their tours. You know, a lot of friends of mine, served in the military as well. Both, you know, ahead of me and even slightly younger than me, you know, and I just have a great respect for them seeing what you know, they were dealing with while they're in and, you know, the sacrifices that they made, being away from family, crucial times and things like that in places that they didn't necessarily want to be to do what they had to do, you know, so, it bred a lot of respect, you know, for that, but the real sort of impetus to help me, and I'm sorry if I'm talking too much. Brian Schoenborn 9:04 No, no, please. This is for you man. Ken Vennera 9:06 I appreciate that. Brian Schoenborn 9:07 This is for you to talk. Listen, it's all good. Yeah. Ken Vennera 9:10 So I was working in Manhattan when 911 happened. And, you know, to tell you it was, in all honesty, one of the most impactful kind of situations I ever been involved with, I mean, Brian Schoenborn 9:25 How close were you to ground zero? Ken Vennera 9:27 so I wasn't thankfully, you know, at the World Trade Center site or even, you know, close to it in lower Manhattan, but, um, you know, it's still extremely traumatic. I actually was coming in on the train that day. And, you know, the first tower, we were coming up along the Meadowlands you know, areas like you know, in the train pretty much comes up at lower Manhattan right at the tip. So you're facing right at the World Trade Centers and World Trade Center and the first tower at 8:48 was already on fire. You then take a turn And start going up along Manhattan before you turn into the tunnel and Penn Station. Yep. But so you know, we probably hit that point at nine o'clock so as you know, at 9:02 the second tower was hit so we literally saw the second we didn't see the plane itself. But yeah, we saw the second tower explode man. And I can recount to you Brian, in all honesty, every word that was said on that train by everybody around me as to what was going on. Things like that the confusion, the the craziness of not understanding, thinking that it was a rogue plane and a pilot problem and all that kind of stuff all the way to, you know, no, we're at war and things like that. And then getting into a city, you know, one of the largest cities, you know, on the face of the earth and having it completely abandoned. I mean, I don't even want to talk about coronavirus but it's like a lot like that. Ken Vennera 10:56 Apocalytic. You know, scenes of streets that are using Full of, you know, hundreds and thousands of cars like completely devoid of cars and people and all that kind of stuff. And then, you know, just the horror of you know, the towers falling. You know, these are like, they were largest buildings, the tallest buildings in the world at one time. And here they are collapsing with thousands of people that you knew were trapped, you know, just the horror of that and, you know, everything that that came from that us not being able to leave the city. Now that feeling of being told that you can't leave somewhere. I mean, it's not like being in prison, but it's very much a traumatic thing. Brian Schoenborn 10:56 Yeah yeah yeah, mmhmm. Brian Schoenborn 11:37 It's unsettling, for sure, yeah. Ken Vennera 11:38 Like to say, you know, you can't leave you can't go home. You know, it's it's, it's very odd feeling and then, you know, having, you know, fighter jets flying over overhead that you don't know that, you know, you can't see from the ground that they're necessarily US planes, you know, not knowing. Yeah, right. What's going on and? Brian Schoenborn 11:56 It's like Pearl Harbor all over again. Ken Vennera 11:57 Oh, yeah. Like really, I mean, like it was, you know, trauma after trauma like experiences, I mean, there were a Grand Central Station was at the end of 44th Street, which was the street in which my office was you know, there were bomb scare so they would get evacuated and you would see hundreds of people running down 44th Street, which is a very narrow street, two lanes, but, um, you know, to see people running for their lives, man like it's a strange feeling. And then, you know, to cap that off. You know, we were finally able to leave Manhattan that day. And, you know, not until about three o'clock in the afternoon the George Washington Bridge finally opened up. Brian Schoenborn 12:38 Hmm. Ken Vennera 12:38 We it took us about three hours to get from where the parking was all the way up to the George Washington Bridge, which was only about 70 blocks. Brian Schoenborn 12:48 Yeah. Ken Vennera 12:49 But literally just got across the George Washington Bridge and a van had pulled onto the lower deck and they closed it down again. So it was that kind of day where it was like you literally felt like you were trying to escape, you know what was going on and then to see hundreds, hundreds Brian, I'm not even exaggerating, but hundreds of rescue EMT, ambulances parked in the center lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike all the way down almost to lower Manhattan. I mean, it's just the, you know. Brian Schoenborn 13:21 The first responders. Ken Vennera 13:22 Yeah, the first responders from areas that were even further south than Philadelphia have, like my areas that I like to recognize names of, like to realize the kind of response it you know, was drawn by the horrible things that were happening that day. I mean, it was just, it just was a tremendous, you know, and I managed to come back into the city Two days later, you know, 911 was on a Tuesday. That Wednesday, nobody was allowed back in, but that Thursday, I made a journey back just to see what was going on to check in on you know, clients or just to get some handle on the chaos and you Imagine being on a 10 car rail train and you know, the the total number of people on those all 10 cars was probably 20 people you know, and and Brian Schoenborn 13:37 It was a ghost town. Unknown Speaker 14:15 it just totally was crazy and you know, I distinctly remember the car that I was in there were four other people on that car with me and they had photographs of family members that they were going to try and go find now this is two days later, Brian, and all I could think to myself is like oh my god, man. Like it's two days later like you know, if they're in trouble or like they're they're gone right like and but like feeling like in that position of like, if that were me going to try and find loved ones two days later. I mean, like, how horrible would that be? You know what I mean? Like so again, like if just trauma after trauma in terms of in those kinds of things, I mean, Bryant Park and others big gathering, you know, open areas and things like that would have huge pieces of plywood joined together with hundreds of photos on them, like in makeshift memorials like all over the city man, like it was just, it was just crazy. And then, you know, you would go back to like Penn Station and you would see firemen that like days after were covered in soot and stuff like that and just collapsed on the ground pretty much from exhaustion. You know, and seeing National Guardsmen in the station with machine guns and things like that. I mean, it's just not things you're used to, in this country man, and to have all of that happen at one time was, you know, fairly impactful to me. And that, you know, that was Brian Schoenborn 15:41 That changed everything, man. Ken Vennera 15:42 Yeah. And you know, and so that was the genesis for me of like, understanding why a lot of people would want to sign up, you know, after seeing those kinds of things. You know, I was a little bit past probably, maybe the waiver age, you know, even at that time, but still was interested in doing some way to try and help You know, and like I said, and then supporting friends of mine that were in because of it. You know, it just changed my outlook as to how I could play a part, you know, and helping out and things like that. And so, Brian Schoenborn 16:11 You know, I, I was active duty when 911 happened. Ken Vennera 16:15 Yeah? Brian Schoenborn 16:15 Yeah, I was, you know, 50 caliber machine gunner. active in the Marine Corps. I was stationed in Camp Pendleton, so I was in San Diego. Ken Vennera 16:22 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 16:23 I'll never forget, you know, eating morning chow. I was in the chow hall eating breakfast. I'm sitting at this table by myself. I had already had PTSD at this point. So I was in the process of being medically discharged. But I was sitting there by myself. And I looked up, you know, there's these, you know, TV screens, right monitors or whatever, up in the corners. And usually there's like the news or something on, right? And I'm like eating I'm eating an omelet and green pepper onion, and cheese omelet. Ken Vennera 16:54 Nice. Brian Schoenborn 16:55 And I look up and then the computer screen or on the on the TV screen, rather, I see these two buildings that are burning? And I'm like, What the fuck? I'm like this guy just like a commercial, like a movie trailer or some shit like that. Right? Ken Vennera 17:06 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 17:07 And then then the entire chow hall got quiet. And I looked up again and it said, CNN on one corner and live on the other one. Ken Vennera 17:15 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 17:15 The trade. The Trade Towers have been hit. Ken Vennera 17:17 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 17:18 And it was at that point, you know, like I said, everyone got all quiet. Finished my, I finished my omelet. And as I left to go back to my barracks and get ready for formation, I heard this guy just screams just goes, we're going to war. Ken Vennera 17:34 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 17:34 And I was like, you know, like, my patriotism shot through the roof at that point, man. Ken Vennera 17:37 Of course. Brian Schoenborn 17:37 Like, you know, if I wasn't already dealing with my PTSD, I would have been Ken Vennera 17:44 deployed Brian Schoenborn 17:44 more than more than ready, willing and able to be deployed. Ken Vennera 17:47 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 17:47 In fact, you know, my unit was the first to go to Iraq after after 911. Yeah. And they fought in Fallujah, stuff like that. Ken Vennera 17:55 No doubt. Brian Schoenborn 17:55 It really tore me up for a long time actually, afterwards that I couldn't be there for my brother's. Couldn't be able to protect and defend Ken Vennera 18:02 pretty common Brian Schoenborn 18:03 our country and, or retaliate for it. Ken Vennera 18:05 Sure. But you find other ways to do it. I mean, that's sort of, you know, me to a much lesser extent, obviously, in you. I mean, you're already wearing, you know, the cloth of the country that point. But, you know, you try and find other ways. I mean, that's sort of what it's all about, you know, being part of a team, you know, you you make do with what you can do. Brian Schoenborn 18:24 Yep. Ken Vennera 18:24 You know, so. Brian Schoenborn 18:25 So, so that's what led you to doing Ken Vennera 18:28 a lot of military involvement Brian Schoenborn 18:30 philanthropic work and stuff like that Ken Vennera 18:31 Yeah, with that military, you know, direction. Sure. Brian Schoenborn 18:35 Mm hmm. So, you were Ken Vennera what? Corporate lawyer, corporate hack? Ken Vennera 18:40 Corporate lawyer. Not corporate hack. Thanks a lot, Brian. Geez. Corporate lawyer, for sure. Brian Schoenborn 18:47 okay. Sure. Okay. And then you started moving into this doing some of those volunteer or Ken Vennera 18:53 totally on the volunteer side. I mean, anything I was doing even with operational front at that time was all volunteer time. I still working full time. And, you know, taking care of other things. I mean, I'm involved very much in my local community, you know, as well like my HOA and things like that. But yeah, just doing it on the side and, you know, trying to make a difference as much as possible. Brian Schoenborn 19:15 How do you have time for all that? That's my question. Ken Vennera 19:18 I don't sleep much. I don't sleep much. You know, you guys in the military, you probably understand this more so right, is that, you know, sleep asleep enough when I'm dead, right. Brian Schoenborn 19:27 That's what the old gunny says, for sure. Ken Vennera 19:29 That's it. So you know, I kind of living proof of that. So, yeah, I just try and do as much as I can, you know, and I'm pretty efficient when I do things, you know, for sure. When I have the sport to be able to do it. Brian Schoenborn 19:41 But so So tell me a bit about I'm gonna keep talking about this veteran stuff for sure. Tell me a little bit about Warrior Rising. So I know a little bit I've gotten involved with warrior rising about six months ago, roughly. Ken Vennera 19:53 Yep. Brian Schoenborn 19:54 Something like that. That's how we met actually. Ken Vennera 19:55 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 19:56 But for the listeners, maybe you can kind of give a little high level view and then You know, I can talk about our involvement how how we got connected as well. Ken Vennera 20:03 Absolutely. So, Jason van Camp, he was a major in the US Army, he was Green Beret and Ranger. Brian Schoenborn 20:12 Yep. Ken Vennera 20:14 He was, you know, medically retired from the military, but still, you know, fairly young guy and said, you know, look, I have a lot of life ahead of me, got involved in starting a business himself, because that's what a lot of his peers that had gotten out were doing. And quite a few people that were colleagues of his would, you know, want to sort of emulate what he was doing and you know, got the idea of asking you know, him for assistance and he said, Well, you know, maybe it's a good idea to create a an organization or program whereby, or program within an organization, whereby we could help veterans who are looking to start their businesses and support themselves basically, you know, and and reestablish the purpose that existed in the military, reapply that ambition etc that existed there. Restore, you know, sort of that dignity of being, you know, receiving benefit from what you know their own hands and their own work and things like that. So he did you know, he created about five years ago, back in 2015, stood it up, put together a program. At first it was live instruction, but then converted to video instruction, etc. And basically, the program is evolved into a four pillar program that provides instruction, mentorship, funding opportunities, and then last part we're a community, which recognizes the fact that even coming out of the military, one of the things most people miss is that sense of team that existed around the military people. So it's reestablishing that being the local face of you know, Warrior Rising in locations throughout the country. You know, the organization is really, really prospered you know, quite a bit. Thanks to, you know, a lot of what, you know, Jason and the team have put together. They are getting or we're getting approximately, you know, last year, over 1000 applicants. Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 22:13 That's huge. Ken Vennera 22:13 Yeah. And, you know, pretty steady clip of, you know, 20 to 25 applicants every week. Brian Schoenborn 22:18 Wow. Where are they coming from all over the country? Ken Vennera 22:22 All over the country. Yeah, I can tell you probably the top five states. Number one absolutely is Texas. There's a good 13% of all the applicants are coming from Texas. Brian Schoenborn 22:33 It's a big veteran state too. Ken Vennera 22:34 Sure, sure. And and they all follow pretty much that pattern as well. California is second, probably with like close to 9% of all come from California. Florida is probably a close third with about you know, 7% and then of course, you know, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, believe it or not. You know, but, you know, as of last count, I think we had applicants from all All all but one state I think we had 49 states that we had applicants from. Vermont being the lone holdout of all places. Brian Schoenborn 22:57 Really? Vermont? Ken Vennera 23:07 I know, Vermont, I know you would figure you think it'd be like Alaska or Hawaii. No, Vermont was the lone holdout. Although, you know, that that might have that gap might have closed since then. I mean, this probably a month or so two ago. But yeah, so, you know, the organization really, you know, it focuses on being a full lifecycle. I mean, there's lots of organizations that do parts of it that are very similar, you know, mentoring and things like that, as well as government programs through the SPDC or SBA programs and things like that as well. But, you know, Warrior Rising, really proud that prides itself on being a full lifecycle for that so that somebody comes in at any given stage, whether it's concept or whether, you know, they're further along as well, they could have, you know, being an MBA program even, it pretty much looks at that individual and says, here's where you are, here's where you need to be to move on to the next step. And then we'll shepherd you, you know, through all those stages, whether it's funding, whether it's again, maintaining that community on the back end, you know, etc. It's not just sort of a one and done, you know, yeah, we mentor, no, we're doing everything, you know, that's part of that program to make sure that people are feel like they're treated, you know, individually, you know, with what their needs are, and then where they need to move on to to achieve you know, viability, sustainability, which are to pill, you know, to guidestones, guideposts sorry, and, and be able to sustain themselves, you know, in business so. Brian Schoenborn 24:34 I'll tell you guys, you guys got me man, I, we had this discussion The other day you and I did and I forget, I forget exactly how I came across Warrior Rising but I but I did, right? I came across it and I put in my application, you know, so I had to submit my business plan. I submit my pitch deck, right, that kind of stuff. You know what kind of funding I'm looking for. And you had me when you got a hold of me and you said Brian, I think you're one of the most prepared guys I've ever seen. Ken Vennera 25:00 Yeah, it's true, though it's true. You know, I see a lot of applicants for sure. Yeah. And listen, you know, even those that aren't as well prepared. I mean, we do our best to try and you know, help them as well. Brian Schoenborn 25:10 Well, that's the thing though, cuz I mean, like, I get nervous because, you know, I don't want to fly by the seat of my pants. Ken Vennera 25:14 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 25:15 I want to make sure that I'm gonna do something that I'm gonna put all my heart and soul into it. Ken Vennera 25:18 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 25:20 Especially given some of these other opportunities in the past that I'd gotten the short end of the stick on. Yeah. I want to make sure that I built my, my media company, on a solid foundation. Ken Vennera 25:32 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 25:32 Right? But it's, I think it's good to have that. But you also have to recognize at what time are you ready to take the leap and start executing? Ken Vennera 25:38 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 25:39 Right? So like for me, I had plan and plan and plan and plan and I recorded some interviews and you know, stuff like that. And I was nervous to hit submit. Ken Vennera 25:48 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 25:49 Right? It wasn't until a friend of mine she she put a big boot in my eyes and said fucking do it. Do this, Brian. Submit right? Ken Vennera 25:58 Do it. Do it exactly. Brian Schoenborn 25:59 No more. There's no more pussyfooting around what I you know, like, just do it. And so I have, yeah. And you know, it's been going all right. But um, you know, but the point being is that, you know, there's other applicants out or entrepreneurs in general, veteran entrepreneurs that that well, even just regular entrepreneurs, like in general veteran or otherwise, you know, there has to be a point in time where you have to say, okay, let's execute. Ken Vennera 26:24 Yeah, I'll tell you the biggest two problems, Brian, that I see. And, and it's pretty typical, as you mentioned, across the board, whether military, you know, ex military or not, is, you know, people either follow one of two routes, and that is they either plan and don't execute, or they execute without planning. Brian Schoenborn 26:42 Yes. Ken Vennera 26:42 Which is also a big problem as well. Brian Schoenborn 26:44 Yeah, they could both be recipes for disaster. Ken Vennera 26:46 Yeah. And they and they are because you know, they executing without planning is definitely a recipe for driving off a cliff. Brian Schoenborn 26:51 That's where you're just making shit up. Right? Ken Vennera 26:53 Yeah. Exactly. Just it doesn't work. It might work for a short time. Yeah. But you know that and that's why all You know, we strive for, again, its viability and sustainability, right, like viability meaning, you know, will it work and sustainability, you know, will it last, you know, kind of thing. Because they're very, they're they're both very important. You can't have one without the other. Brian Schoenborn 27:13 Yep. Ken Vennera 27:14 Yeah, it's a little bit hard. I will tell you sometimes especially, you know, trying to have people who put a lot of their effort into something and they've worked very hard, either in the military or, you know, in trying to stand up their business, you know, it's hard to tell people that are entrepreneurially minded, and a little bit of ego, you know, behind it, that, you know, where they have gaps and identify, you know, where their flaws. You know, that sometimes is a stumbling block, because people take it as criticism, but it's never intended that way. It's really just intended to say, look, you know, we don't need to help you where you're strong, but we need to help you where you have gaps, you know, where you're missing things. And, yeah, it's a little bit hard, but I think once people understand that, they don't see it then as criticism. They see it as, you know, helping you in the areas where you're weak, you know? And that's what a team does, right? I mean, that's what your teammates do is they pick you up where you're weak, you know, and help you Brian Schoenborn 28:08 Talk about egos man, because not only not only are these people entrepreneurs, so they believe in themselves enough that they have something that people want to buy. Sure. But they're also veterans, which means they've gone through hell and seen a lot of things that other people haven't seen for sure. Ken Vennera 28:24 Yeah, sure. So it is hard. It's hard to tell somebody like here's what you don't know. Brian Schoenborn 28:30 Yep. Oh, no. I mean, even in our first couple of conversations, I'm like, What the hell, I'm like, you don't know what you're talking about, Ken. Just like, you know, you're kind of like, you know, talk to me off the ledge a little bit, you know, shit like that. So I want to know, um, so you mentioned I just want to talk a little bit about your partner Jason are, you know, the leader of this? Ken Vennera 28:49 He's Executive Director, I work for him. Brian Schoenborn 28:50 Right. Right. Right. He's the leader. Yeah. Jason van Camp. So you're saying he's a Green Beret officer? Ken Vennera 28:58 He was he was a major major. Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 29:00 Nice. I wonder if he knows my or if he knows my friend Chris. I bet he does. He was a lieutenant colonel Green Beret. He was 30, 30. Ken Vennera 29:06 What's his last name? Brian Schoenborn 29:07 Schmidt. Ken Vennera 29:08 I don't know possibly. Brian Schoenborn 29:09 He was a an army in the army for like 30 years and 18 of it as a Green Beret. Yeah, pretty long, significant career as well, that asides and I'm just kind of mumbling out about that. But I'm just curious. Like, what if any types of values or frameworks, maybe that Jason got from his time in the Special Forces does he carry over? Ken Vennera 29:37 That is well, it's not if any, there's certainly certainly a lot of them I mean, that's that could be probably show but our program all by itself, Brian, to be honest with you. Brian Schoenborn 29:46 It'd be awesome to get him on. Ken Vennera 29:49 Definitely. He definitely should. I'd highly recommend it, man. I'll tell you what, you know, Jason is one of the most, you know, inspiring guys that I've ever cross, you know, come across in my life. He looks at things with that, you know, intense drive towards, you know, success. I mean, you know, he he will tell you no, no rush, you know, don't rush to failure, you know, you know, he's very selfless guy very interested in helping other people. You know, even when he you know, he just wrote a book, Deliberate Discomfort, which, you know, is now out on Amazon, etc. But you know, even doing that, I mean, you know, there's people out there, especially in the military community that write books and other people, you know, people have different opinions about former military people that write books and things like that. But I can tell you, you know, in all honesty, I mean, Jason is definitely a guy that is about helping people, you know, like, it's, it's first about, you know, teaching and driving you to be a better person, before even himself. I mean, he's definitely a guy that's you know, about team creating that you know, sort of team spirit and you know, his concept of, you know, deliberate discomfort, you know, from Special Forces times, you know, his training, etc. revolves, you know, around that whole idea of, you know, putting yourself into situations where you're not comfortable and getting used to that and making yourself a stronger person. Brian Schoenborn 31:19 Hell yeah. Ken Vennera 31:20 Um, and, you know, I can tell you, I mean, that's the theme of his book. He tells it through stories of individual, you know, individuals in different situations to, you know, as examples and then gives you sort of the science behind it. I mean, it's a tremendous, tremendous book. I mean, there's a lot of great lessons, you know, that he has there, but he as a person, man. It's, it's way beyond even what's you know, in that book, I mean, he is definitely the type that inspires people to do better. Which is obviously one of the main characteristics of you know, being a leader. Brian Schoenborn 31:54 Yep. Ken Vennera 31:55 You know, again, it's all about creating something above himself. Putting himself out there all the time. I mean, I can't even tell you all the sacrifices, I could tell you. But again, it would probably be its own show. All the sacrifices that he makes, I mean, you know, he's got his own business, running, you know, Warrior Rising, he's got a family, a young family, you know, besides that, you know, requires and demands, you know, his attention and things like that. And he really gives his all to all of those things. And it's just amazing. It's just amazing to me, you know, how he's able to do you know, that stuff. And like I said, I mean, you know, I'm a pretty smart guy. I have a pretty solid background myself, but I definitely consider Jason one of the most, you know, inspiring and admirable guys I've ever come across, you know, in terms of having those qualities of leadership but also that side that, you know, cares about people, you know, things like that. I mean, he's definitely not the typical hard nosed military, when it comes to the interpersonal side, but surely, in terms of the values and characteristics that he carries over from his training that you asked about. He's definitely, you know, all about, you know, carrying them over in the best way possible to help people be better people, you know, kind of thing, so. Brian Schoenborn 33:10 That's, that's interesting. I want to talk a little bit about the, the concept of deliberate discomfort. Ken Vennera 33:16 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 33:17 I think I think he and I kind of share that ethos. Now for years. I've said about getting comfortable outside your comfort zone. Right? So we word it a little bit differently. But I you know, I consider myself very comfortable. being uncomfortable. You know, it's the things that are unfamiliar the things that you don't know you haven't done, you haven't eaten. People you haven't interacted with, whatever. You know, it's part of the reason why I dropped everything in New York and moved to China. Right? Ken Vennera 33:47 There you go. Brian Schoenborn 33:47 I didn't know anybody. I just never been there. Ken Vennera 33:49 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 33:50 I didn't know what to expect. You know, nevermind the language, right? Ken Vennera 33:54 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 33:55 But until you until you get out there and do something, you know, like getting getting in that discomfort zone or getting outside of your comfort zone. I mean, that's, I feel like that's where you that's where the learning happens. Ken Vennera 34:09 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 34:09 That's where the growth happens. Ken Vennera 34:11 Exactly. Brian Schoenborn 34:11 Like that's where, you know, you and there's nothing wrong with like staying in your little bubble your entire life either necessarily I mean some people can live nice comfortable lives. Ken Vennera 34:22 Different strokes, different strokes for different folks, you know, as they say, right but you know, the real genesis of creativity comes from, you know, stressful situations, unfortunately, you know, I mean, I know you didn't want to talk about Corona virus, Brian Schoenborn 34:36 but whatever we can talk about it. Ken Vennera 34:36 But not too much. Thankfully, there's too much talk about it as it is. But, you know, the thing I find is that, you know, innovation comes from stressful sit, you know, from problems, you know, like, look at all the inventions that were throughout history has created, you know, a lot of innovation has come from, you know, technology and things like that have come from, you know, being in those kinds of situations. We're like, look, we have to do something about this. You know, whereas people are just comfortable they're never really going to look outside, there's no, there's no reason to look outside their comfort zone, as you mentioned, like their little bubbles. So, I would look at that discomfort kind of concept as being the genesis for creativity and innovation, you know, for sure in society. So, you know, it's the force to move, you know, past where somebody might exist at any given time. And certainly, you know, as I said, I mean, you know, that's the credo that that Jason follows, you know, for sure. Brian Schoenborn 34:37 What was the thing you're telling me? So we went for a walk earlier today. Kind of, you know, meeting of the minds kind of shit. Ken Vennera 35:41 Two philosophy, two philosophers walking along. Brian Schoenborn 35:44 It was a little philosophical. Yes. Good. Walking meeting. But you were talking something about? There's like a loop like a cycle. Ken Vennera 35:53 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 35:53 About that good people are strong people. Ken Vennera 35:56 Yeah, so the saying goes that weak men make bad times. Bad times make strong men. Strong men make good times. Good times make weak men. So yeah, that's pretty much the cycle. I didn't originate that, obviously. But clearly, it's pretty accurate. Brian Schoenborn 36:14 But that stood out to me because I'm like, it's you know, it's all about the hustle, right? It's about the struggle, the struggle is real, right? Like, um. Ken Vennera 36:20 For sure. Brian Schoenborn 36:21 For example, I was basically homeless for two years. And I was out surfing, fucking. I was living in a hostel for the last six months and just got into my own place. You know, fighting with the VA trying to get my disability benefits and all that shit. And it took me like they were just sitting on it, man, like it took me going into the VA triggering the shit out of myself. I was I was so triggered. I was like, convulsing in this place. Ken Vennera 36:45 Shame. Brian Schoenborn 36:46 If I wasn't struggling like that. You know what? I was doing all that while I'm building a company. Ken Vennera 36:51 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 36:51 You know, while I'm managing a restaurant, right? Shout out to Chipotle woot. You know, keeping myself extremely busy. Do you like sure working like 100 hours a week? Right? Ken Vennera 37:02 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 37:02 You know, but still taking myself into a place of extreme discomfort. Ken Vennera 37:08 Yep. Brian Schoenborn 37:09 Where I was extremely triggered and I had to go there numerous times over the first month or so, just to make sure that the paperwork was right. You know, I'm getting they understand my situation, right? Finally was able to get some some VA treatment, which I've been denied for for so long. Started getting that thing going. If it wasn't me taking that action when I was struggling, I would not have seen any sort of success. Ken Vennera 37:40 Mm hmm. Brian Schoenborn 37:40 Right? As a result of me going there and taking matters into my own hands. It sped the process along. Ken Vennera 37:46 Sure. Yeah. And Necessity is the mother of invention. You know, like they say, I mean, it's unfortunate but you know, that's what spurs on that creativity to want to get out of that situation, right. Like most people if they're in a good situation. Don't look for ways to get out of it. Brian Schoenborn 38:01 Right, exactly. I mean, I think about I think about the innovations, it'd be interesting to see a study and innovations between people coming from cold weather versus people coming from, like the tropics. Ken Vennera 38:13 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 38:13 You know, it's like a beach life, man. That's Ken Vennera 38:15 Right! Who wants to leave San Diego right? Brian Schoenborn 38:18 Got a coconut. You got a beach. Ken Vennera 38:19 exactly what do I need to go anywhere? It's for sure. Yeah, yeah, it was funny. You mentioned you go into China, you know, and speaking, you know, not knowing the language very well or things like that. I mean, being placed in completely foreign culture, you know, etc. You know, I often think it just reminds me of hearing you say a few those things that you know, one of the things I admire most about my grandfather, my dad's dad, was, you know, he left you know, Italy at 17 years old to come to this country. Did not Brian Schoenborn 38:53 That's a bold move, man. Ken Vennera 38:54 Totally a bold move without his family. But not didn't even have. I mean, if you have a certain level of education, even if you're still not educated in that language, you understand how it is sort of get around a little bit better, how to ask different questions, etc, that might help you in that situation. But, you know, he hardly had any education in Italy came here at 17 years old, you know, started a family, um, you know, within two generations, you know, here I am going to an Ivy League school, you know, and then law school, you know, even beyond that. So, I mean, it's real, a real testament again, to, you know, that pioneering spirit or, you know, putting yourself like you said, and, you know, or as Jason would even say, you know, in that situation of discomfort, you know, and then forcing yourself to excel, you know, to to get yourself out of it. Brian Schoenborn 39:42 Well, that's the dream right? Move to America. You know, work hard, work hard, and hopefully your children or your children's children can see, the fruits of the labor. Ken Vennera 39:52 As long as that as long as that element of sacrifice is there. Absolutely. Brian, I mean, I think in some ways, though, what's been lost on many a younger generation than you and I, is people want immediate gratification. Brian Schoenborn 40:05 Sure. Ken Vennera 40:06 And that's the thing that I think has changed the most. Brian Schoenborn 40:08 They don't want to work for it. Ken Vennera 40:10 Yeah, or they're there. It's not even so much, they don't necessarily want to work for it. They're not willing to sacrifice their own gratification for the benefit of future generations necessarily. So in other words, they're not willing to postpone their gratification in order to set the, you know, children that the, you know, the future generations up for that success. And I think that hurts because my grandfather's generation, in and of itself, you know, yeah, they would be considered successful maybe by the standards of where they came from, etc. But they wouldn't be considered necessarily successful in this country. I mean, they were blue collar factory type workers in this country. I mean, my, my grandfather worked in an asbestos plant, you know, which, who would take a job in an asbestos plant today, like you would never do that, right. So it wasn't like He, you know, in his own generation was successful. But you know, in a way, that mentality of sacrificing, you know, for the benefit of, you know, his children and then their children, you know, and so forth, creates that opportunity. And I think that's what's you know, gotten lost a little bit is, you know, it's, it's not that people don't necessarily want to work hard. I think if people understood that how things worked a little bit better, they probably would be more willing to do that. But I think what's gone is the putting off, you know, the self denial kind of aspect in favor of, you know, helping the future generations kind of thing a little bit so, Brian Schoenborn 41:38 Yeah, I kind of I kind of waffle on that one. I mean, no, cuz I mean, cuz I, in one sense, I agree with you. Right? I think that sounds fairly accurate. And the other side of that coin, it does sound a lot like, you know, millennial bashing. Ken Vennera 41:55 I didn't make any group. Brian Schoenborn 41:56 I know, but I'm a millennial. I'm an elder, millennial. Ken Vennera 42:01 but but actually that's in favor of, you know millennials and the generation because that's one of the things if you look at a lot of commentators, they'll say like, you know, the millennials or generation without hope of doing those things. Brian Schoenborn 42:13 And I think they're also saying they're spending all their savings on avocado toast. Ken Vennera 42:17 And that wasn't me. That wasn't me saying that. Brian Schoenborn 42:19 I know. Ken Vennera 42:20 I don't think that I think, you know, I think that a lot of people, if they're guided in the right direction, you know, will do the right thing. I mean, I think, I don't think anybody wants to be lazy or do bad things or anything like that, you know, by far. I think that was the appropriate kind of direction, though. And it's like anything else, I mean, you know, to sort of go back to where you're rising a little bit. Again, you know, you have people that are talented, sort of, you know, former military in a certain direction. He needs need the guidance in other directions to, you know, create that analogy to create that bridge sometimes, and you need people willing to do that and You know, kudos to, you know, people like Jason that are willing to, you know, sort of show that path to people. You know, I think that's what's really important. I think that's what's missing very often, you know, in today's society. Brian Schoenborn 43:12 Yeah, I hear that. So I hear that, you know, it can be hard to connect all the dots. Sure. Quick, quick question. How did like how did you guys, how did you two come into like Ken Vennera 43:23 Contact? Brian Schoenborn 43:23 How did you how did you come into being? Ken Vennera 43:25 so very funny, like I said, I was doing a lot of, you know, veteran related activities and things like that. I was doing a lot of sort of freelancing on the internet in terms or on LinkedIn, specifically, helping guys find jobs, because when I went into, you know, more of an advisory board role with Operation Homefront, I was really looking for an organization that would help former military find, you know, jobs. To be, you know, again, sustainable you in that way. I couldn't really find at the time a group that I thought was Being very effective in that regard. I mean, there were lots of groups that were trying to educate, you know, employers about how to hire military and all kinds of things, you know, around surrounding sort of that but, but never anyone that was really sort of directly doing that. So, I was trying to help people as I could with, you know, mock interviewing or looking at the resumes and all these kinds of things, and, you know, made friends with a lot of people along the way. In particular, one guy, former Navy guy, you know, he said to me one day, he's like, you know, you should really get in touch with this guy, Jason van Camp. And see what Warrior Rising is all about, you know, that they're helping guys, you know, start businesses and I thought about it for quite a bit and said, you know, that's probably even better than trying to find people jobs because you start a business I mean, you can possibly employ a Brian Schoenborn 43:27 It's multitudes of jobs. Ken Vennera 43:42 Right, exactly. It's a force multiplier, you know, kind of thing in a way and I'm like, you know what, like, maybe I haven't been I've been narrowing my focus too much. In that, you know, going into this arena of helping, you know, military start start businesses is actually probably even a better thing and, you know, got involved with Warrior Rising got involved with Jason and you know, I'll tell you like I said, you know, Jason's charisma man like his drive towards you know what he's doing i mean you know again you look at like traits of leadership man you know if people inspire that's one of the key traits of being a good leader and Jason definitely inspires me. Clearly inspired me to, you know, want to put my efforts towards doing what you know what Warrior Rising's doing and making it into a success. So yeah, that's that's pretty much how it came about. Well, so two years now almost just about a couple months short, but pretty close. Brian Schoenborn 45:46 Nice. Ken Vennera 45:46 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 45:47 Um. Sorry. I kind of bounced around a little bit but a Ken Vennera 45:50 Bounce all you want. Brian Schoenborn 45:51 Yeah. I just you know, as you're speaking things are things trigger, right. Ken Vennera 45:56 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 45:57 Because I connect dots as well, right? Ken Vennera 45:59 Yes. Brian Schoenborn 45:59 Reminds me of, you're talking about helping people connect the dots, helping helping entrepreneurs get going that kind of stuff. Veteran entrepreneurs reminds me, the weird thing is like, when you're in the military, everything's laid out for you. Right? You're part of this machine. And you do, as you're told, and you know, but you know, by the time you get through boot camp, or basic training, or maybe your school afterwards, you pretty much know how to conduct yourself and what is expected basically every day. Ken Vennera 46:29 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 46:30 Right. So you're in this Ken Vennera 46:33 Mode? Brian Schoenborn 46:34 Sure. That's what's the word I was thinking. Whenever you're in this, you're in this fucking mode, where every single day you know exactly what you have to do. Ken Vennera 46:42 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 46:43 On the entrepreneurial side, every day, it's a blank slate, right? It's a clean slate. Like you you got to figure out everything that you're doing. You know, you write the script, basically, right. It reminds me when I went to grad school, when I went to business xchool the first day of orientation. One of our think she was a career services. Barbara Hyle, shout out to Barb. She wrote two words on the board on this white board said embrace ambiguity. Ken Vennera 47:15 Flexibility, name of the game for sure. Brian Schoenborn 47:17 That's something that's kind of stuck with me. That's kind of what what it made me think of there when you're like, Oh, you know, helping people connect the dots and the circles and stuff because you're, you know, again, when you're when you're going from something where everything is regimented, like that's, that's the whole reason that term is there, right? It's regimented routine, basically every single day to what the hell am I doing? I'm creating something out of nothing. Right. That can be a big change, man. And people Ken Vennera 47:42 Well, so I think, you know, again, and forgive me for characterizing, you know, never served in military myself, but I think a lot of what you're talking about in the military is not necessarily that overall, everything is regimented. Right, what's regimented? His training right and whenever you're in a and execution to a certain extent, like certain operations, right? But that's because like in life, you can only control the things you can control. Brian Schoenborn 48:12 Right. Ken Vennera 48:14 I think the thing again piecing together from a military perspective that people they understand when they're in that that situation but then don't understand it necessarily once they get out because they're not within that framework is that that basis right that foundation for that kind of regimented training, etc. And that following orders in a certain way following you know, standard operating procedures, etc, is because eventually in many situations, especially in combat, you end up not seeing, you know, the the regimentation, right. In other words, you end up seeing the things that go off the reservation, right, like, Brian Schoenborn 48:54 You're living life in the margins, on the battlefield. Ken Vennera 48:56 So you know it What's that expression that you know, no place survives first contact with the enemy, you know kind of thing right? Brian Schoenborn 49:02 Like Mike Tyson said, everyone has a plan to get punched in the face, right, like so. Ken Vennera 49:09 So, you know, but that's the whole idea is that it's, it's, you know, one of the beautiful things about military training is saying, like, Look, we're going to create this foundation from you. So that when you're placed into these situations where you're not sure, again, going back to the whole, deliberate discomfort, you know, concept, you know, Jason, you know, it's training yourself to constantly react in a certain way so that when you're faced with that ambiguity, when you're faced with that uncertainty, when you're faced with, you know, the enemy in your face, it's, you know, 50 meters, you know, kind of thing, you're now able to deal with that because of all of that muscle memory, regimentation, etc. Like, you know, calming yourself down thinking in a certain direction. You know, is is extremely valuable, you know, it's extremely valuable when you're facing You know, uncertainty and things like that. I tell people very often, you know, if I asked you, for example, to navigate from your bedroom door of your house to your front door, you're gonna be like, not a problem, right? Piece of cake. But, right, but but all of a sudden, if you're blindfolded and it's dark, right, you know, you're gonna start employing tactics that you know about your training, right, you're gonna put your arm out and reach certain distance and feel around to get your bearings for what your environment holds. Again, all of these things from training, etc. to understand, like, I need to know what my environment is, I need to know what the weather is, I need to know assess the situation. All those things for training come in handy now, because what you're doing is reducing the number of variables down to the minimum number so that you have the best chance, you know, an opportunity of success. Ken Vennera 50:49 You know, the other analogy I use a lot when like mentoring is that it's a lot like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. You know, when you first start out with a jigsaw puzzle, you know, you dump the box. Have 1000 pieces and they're all over the place summer the backside, you know, that's all brown without the picture and summer, the you know, the the picture side, you have edge pieces, etc, you know. So the first thing you do is turn all the pieces over. So you can see that, you know, they're all facing the same way. Why again, reduce those numbers of variables of unknowns and things like that you have to, you know, smaller number, then what do you do you put all the edge pieces together first, why? Because there's a clue with the edge pieces that all the other pieces don't have and that is they have an edge. Right? Brian Schoenborn 51:33 Right. Ken Vennera 51:34 So you you again, you put them all together and now you've reduced the variables down, you know, to a smaller number, then you start to put like pieces with like pieces, right? Again, utilizing as much information as you possibly have to reduce those numbers of variables and so forth. And little by little man, you put those things together and you end up with a complete, you know, picture from that. Brian Schoenborn 51:55 Hell yeah. Ken Vennera 51:56 And that's what it's a lot like i think you know, so yes, there is that aspect of regimentation in the training and always go into battle. So you develop that muscle memory, but it's the application of that in those situations like in combat or otherwise, where you're facing unknowns, and very much so like when you're in business, you know, of course, the consequences aren't quite as dire as being in combat, but you know, you're facing pretty, you know, dire consequences if your business is going to fail and things like that. And you have to support your family well, and and your employees if you haven't, right, and your employees lives, etc. So, you know, there's a lot of situations like that, I mean, look, look at all of the things that come up in business where, you know, all of a sudden, there, you know, a regulation is passed, for example, that you didn't have to do X, but now you have to do it, and that's gonna cost you three times as much, and possibly, you know, you don't have a margin left anymore, you know? Or look at what's going on with this. Sorry, like the coronavirus. And I know he didn't want to talk about that. I'm so sorry. Brian Schoenborn 53:01 That's all everyone's talking about. It's all right though. Ken Vennera 53:03 But but it's such a good example. And because if you think about it, you know, what, who was who was planning for this in their business three months ago? Brian Schoenborn 53:11 Oh, nobody. Ken Vennera 53:12 Right, who was creating that reserve to carry them over this, you know, situation three months ago? And and that's this, you know, that's the kind of stuff it's like, what do you do when something hits you that you really didn't expect? Well, now you revert back to your training, your muscle memory, your things that like, you know, work in these kinds of situations to help guide Brian Schoenborn 53:32 Sanitize your hands. Ken Vennera 53:33 Right, wash your hands. Brian Schoenborn 53:34 Not traveling on an airplane, Brian? Ken Vennera 53:36 Right. So, I mean, but it's all of those things, then help the situation reduce the number of variables make it more manageable, I mean, nobody has a crystal ball, right? Nobody has a crystal ball ever, you know, kind of thing. So what do you do man, you reduce the number of things, the unknowns down to a manageable level, you know, and you do that, you know, by utilizing that training and so forth. So, so I agree with you I mean there's a lot of regimentation etc to the military but it's there for a reason. Brian Schoenborn 54:05 Yeah it's for a purpose for sure. Ken Vennera 54:06 Exactly and and the same reason that it is there you know in the military is the same reason it's effective and useful even in the business world or in life in general, you know, in terms of developing ways to cope with situations and the unknowns and so forth so. Brian Schoenborn 54:23 Huh. Habits. We are habitual animals. Ken Vennera 54:27 Good habits well good habits developing good habits you know for sure and that's again training right in the military develop good habits right you know and do things the right way all the time you know what I mean? Brian Schoenborn 54:36 Getting up at 06, creasee cammies, spit-shine shoes, you're cleaning a rifle every second you get. Ken Vennera 54:44 Sure. Responsibility, dedication and all those factors that again, will get you through tough situations. You know? Brian Schoenborn 54:50 Focus. Ken Vennera 54:51 Focus exactly. Brian Schoenborn 54:52 Laser like focus. Ken Vennera 54:53 Yep. Brian Schoenborn 54:54 Yep, do it for sure. It's been a pretty good chat so far. Ken Vennera 54:58 Think so I listen. I enjoy talking man, I can talk to you probably for another three hours if you wanted to, but Brian Schoenborn 55:02 We could, we could filibuster this shit. Ken Vennera 55:07 And it's been good man I really love you know, being on the show for sure, man, I love I love the thoughts, you know, that we're talking about, you know, because I think it'll help a lot of people, you know, it helps a lot of people to hear, even if they already know it, it helps to hear sometimes. Brian Schoenborn 55:20 I think, you know, I think one of the important things is, this is a this is a podcast, so it's not visibility, but you know, what I mean, like accessibility, maybe like when people have an opportunity to hear or see things that, you know, they might not know, they might not know otherwise, or to see it again, maybe something they haven't thought about in a while. Ken Vennera 55:40 Reinforcement. Sure. Brian Schoenborn 55:40 Reinforcement. Ken Vennera 55:41 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 55:42 You know, I could help a lot of people and that's to be honest like that's why that's why I get people on that have interesting stories and are doing are doing some really cool things sure of yourself. But that's also why I'm so like, open and vocal about like, you know, my like my PTSD experience and stuff like that, know? Because the more you can talk about things, the more people can understand. Ken Vennera 56:05 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 56:06 And the more people can understand things, the more people can be helped. Ken Vennera 56:10 Absolutely. Brian Schoenborn 56:10 You know, because whether whether you have like a like a thing like a mental illness like PTSD, or whether you're running a business, right? A lot of times you can feel like you're on your own. Ken Vennera 56:21 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 56:22 Being an entrepreneur, it can be lonely man. Ken Vennera 56:23 It can be, for sure. Brian Schoenborn 56:25 You hear other people's voices and hear that there's support out there. And there's resources, Ken Vennera 56:31 Absolutely. Brian Schoenborn 56:31 you feel a little bit less, less lonely. Ken Vennera 56:34 You know, I'll tell you to Bri just to, you know