Veteran On The Move

About This Episode   Do you have a hobby that you have been wanting to turn into a business, but haven't had that push to make it happen? Today I am joined by long-time friend John Currie and his wife Stacy to talk about their thriving salad dressing and marinade business, Semper Savage. A business that was fueled by a passion of salad, encouraged by friends and family, and ultimately created because of a humorous Christmas gift. About Our Guests   John Currie served 23 years in the USMC and has continued serving stateside and overseas in civilian life. John began making salad dressing for family and friends in 2009 in a quest for a truly great salad dressing. He is the founder and guiding force behind Semper Savage. Stacy Currie, (co-owner, Production, and Product Development) has been an educator for over 25 years at high school and university levels. She is always busy developing new products and driving production and logistics. She is an avid hiker who loves all aspects of outdoor life. Check out Sempe

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Dane Mawell on the show. Dane is an US Army veteran and a serial entrepreneur. His specialty is helping underdogs start successful businesses. Dane has had some great opportunities in life and has learned many lessons.  Tune into this episode to hear more about his journey and learn from his success story. Key Points of Discussion Dane Maxwell’s life story Being an entrepreneur Starting of successful career Greatest regret in life Accepting happiness Leadership and fear Metacognitive training Software as a potential business Key Milestones of this Episode [00:57] Dane’s life story [03:18] Entrepreneurship at an early age [06:30] First successful business [12:02] Greatest regret [20:40] Hard time accepting happiness [27:31] Fear and leadership [33:49] Concept of metacognitive training [40:10] Identity conflict and decision to be free [43:53] Software as a potential business Key Quotes “The patterns are so unbelievably simple and in th

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Noble Gibbens on the show. Noble is a West Point graduate, successful entrepreneur, speaker, personal mentor, and business coach who learns, lives, and breathes leader development. Nobel is the founder and president of several startups including the 360 movement. Tune into this episode to learn more about Noble Gibbens and his journey. Key Points of Discussion Nobles Gibben’s life story Failure; a professor Getting out of the army and involved in the business Job description for a successful entrepreneur Advice for entrepreneurs Doing everything by yourself Advice for veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [01:06] Noble’s life story [03:15] Planning to get out [06:06] Teaching kids not to be afraid of failure [13:08] Experience of getting out of the Army [17:07] Best advice [19:26] Evaluating future opportunities [27:17] Advice for new entrepreneurs [33:56] Advice for veterans Key Quotes “Failure is a tool to maximize; not something to

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Jason Valadão on the show. Jason is an active duty Doctor in the United States Navy and is the founder and president of several startups. With 19 years of military service on land, in the air, on sea, and in hospitals, along with many years as a professor, coach and mentor, Jason had some great opportunities in life.  Tune into this episode to learn more about Jason Valadão and his journey. Key Points of Discussion Jason Valadão’s life story Being a doctor; a childhood dream Running business while on active duty Primary and Tricare manager SteadyMD; a revolutionary startup Writing a book Advice for veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [01:18] Jason’s life story [02:22] Pursuing childhood dream [05:06] Business while being on active duty [09:46] Primary care manager [12:17] How SteadyMD works [16:52] Experience with Masterminds [20:10] Basic concept of Masterminds and benefits of it [28:00] Advice for veterans Key Quotes “So that is w

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Greg Shaffer on the show. Greg is a Coast Guard Veteran and is the founder and president of “Shaffer Security group."  Greg had some great opportunities in life while serving in the US Coast Guard.  He is an expert in crisis management and designing, implementing and managing security for high profile, large-scale special events.  Today Greg will talk about security and self-awareness. Key Points of Discussion Greg Shaffer’s life story Working in FBI Being a successful entrepreneur Security; need of the hour Gun and politics Writing a book Advice for veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [00:54] Greg’s life story [03:22] Working in FBI [06:29] Transition into successful entrepreneur [09:26] Facts about security [16:21] Dangers of guns for the society [23:45] Importance of awareness [27:33] Book about security [29:39] Advice for veterans [31:12] Helping other people Key Quotes “I can go out there and tell people why they need to hire

About this Episode Today we are honored to host John L. Gronski, Major General (U.S. Army Retired) on the show.  John, is founder and CEO of Leader Grove LLC; an adjunct fellow with the Center for European Policy Analysis; and director of the leadership academy for student-athletes at Lebanon Valley College.  Today John will talk about Life, Leadership and Love. Key Points of Discussion John Gronski’s life story Involvement in Iraq Civilian Life Experience Importance of networking Civilian leadership as compared to military leadership Book on leadership Entrepreneurial aspects of writing a book Advice for the Veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [01:10] John Grosnki’s life story [05:12] Working experience in Iraq [06:29] Normal civilian life for Army veteran [09:26] Networking [12:45] Leadership; difference in Army and Civilian [16:45] Memorable adventure with family [20:03] Leadership book [24:24] Entrepreneurial aspects of writing a book [31:32] Advice for veterans [32:55] Talk

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Justin Lair on the show. Justin, a former US Navy Veteran is the founder of Fiber Light. During his service he was assigned to HMX-1 presidential helicopter squadron. Justin worked as a corporate trainer and conducted all new hire, customer service, sales, and technical support training for a call center. Today Justin will talk about learning from failures and his success story. Key Points of Discussion Justin’s life story Life in the Marine Corps Starting business at an early age Transitioning out of Marine Corps Ugly baby thesis Importance of trade shows Advice for veterans Seeking help from successful veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [01:15] Justin Lair’s life story [02:43] Working as presidential support specialist [07:07] Starting of first business [11:13] Life out of Marine Corps [17:17] Starting of Fiber Light [20:52] Thesis [26:30] Learning the Importance of trade shows [30:19] Advice for veterans [32:58] Reaching out for

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Matt Maciel on the show. Matt, a former US Navy Veteran is the founder of Maciel Wealth Management a fiduciary, independent and veteran-owned financial planning firm. His firm is blazing a new trail by helping veterans gain better access to technology and customized financial strategies. Please download and listen to this episode to learn more about Matt. Key Points of Discussion Maciel’s life story Navy reservist Business Idea Understanding fiduciary and non-fiduciary Reality of mutual funds Earning as a financial advisor Advice for looking at a career as financial advisor Key Milestones of this Episode [00:51] Matt Maciel’s life story [02:19] Life as Navy Reservist [03:57] Transition into the business [06:19] Fiduciary [09:58] Mutual Funds [18:45] Thrift Saving Plans [23:10] Commissions as a financial advisor [27:55] Advice for looking career as financial advisor Key Quotes “You have to act in your client's best interest.” “I have s

About this Episode In this special series released on Wednesdays, we are honored to have Brigadier General Tom Draude. Callsign Sage, Tom commissioned in June 1962 after graduation from the Naval Academy and served in the Marine Corps for 30 1/2 years. He served three combat tours in Vietnam as an infantry officer and was the Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Marine Division during operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  Sage is the recipient of two Silver Stars, the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Medal with Palm. Key Points of Discussion Importance of Integrity in a Leader Difference between morality and Integrity Choosing between right and right Choosing Mercy over Justice Key Milestones of this Episode [00:58] Importance of Integrity in a Leader [02:40] Difference between morality and integrity [05:29] Semper Fidelis [09:26] Tough decision in regards of right VS right [13:46] Choosing Mercy over Justice Key Quotes “Some of you,

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Eric Bakey on the show. Eric, a former US Army Veteran is the founder of Paradigm Dog Training. Eric struggled in life and in business but finally had some great opportunities and worked as Superintendent in one of the leading escalator manufacturing companies. Today Eric will talk about his learnings from the failures and his success story. Key Points of Discussion Eric’s life story Transition out of the Army Freelancing with job Starting new business Military concepts in daily life Importance of a target audience Great marketing strategy Advice for veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [01:02] Eric Bakey’s life story [02:14] Transition out of the Army [05:27] Getting involved in side hustle [07:35] Transition from job to starting a business [12:45] Starting of new dog training business [22:26] Applying military concepts in civilian life [26:32] Arriving at the target audience [28:37] Executing marketing strategy [35:18] Advice for v

About this Episode In this special series released on Wednesdays, we are honored to have Brigadier General Tom Draude. Callsign Sage, Tom commissioned in June 1962 after graduation from the Naval Academy and served in the Marine Corps for 30 1/2 years. He served three combat tours in Vietnam as an infantry officer and was the Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Marine Division during operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  Sage is the recipient of two Silver Stars, the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Medal with Palm. Key Points of Discussion Sage’s concept of taking care of own in civilian life Available and accessible to others How to be a great boss Learn from JERK Key Milestones of this Episode [01:10] Concept of taking care of your own in civilian life [04:05] Making yourself accessible and available [08:20] Characters of Leader [12:08] Trick for being great boss [15:46] Giving confidence to students [17:46] Guest speakers in Class

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Jamie Blackhart on the show. Jamie, is a former US Army Veteran and the founder of Old Army Coffee and Advisor Tactical. Jamie worked as a Lighting Manager for the Western US and Pelican and Senior Manager of North America for SureFire. Today Jamie will talk about his learnings from the failures and his success story. Key Points of Discussion Jamie’s life story Transition out of the Army Getting involved in business during Active duty Knowing about competitor Struggle in the beginning Great business idea and marketing strategy Advice for the Veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [00:59] Jamie Blackhart’s life story [02:16] Transition out of the Army [05:45] Getting into entrepreneurship [08:27] Getting involved into import business [12:45] Comparison with the competitor [17:01] Benefits of importing products from Spain over China [21:30] Struggle in the beginning [28:14] Setting up retail sales of products [29:23] Advice for veterans [

About this Episode In this special series released on Wednesdays, we are honored to have Brigadier General Tom Draude. Callsign Sage, Tom commissioned in June 1962 after graduation from the Naval Academy and served in the Marine Corps for 30 1/2 years. He served three combat tours in Vietnam as an infantry officer and was the Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Marine Division during operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  Sage is the recipient of two Silver Stars, the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Medal with Palm. Key Points of Discussion Sage’s opinion on taking care of own Leadership and taking care Setting up new trends Hows and Whys in life of leaders Advice for leaders Key Milestones of this Episode [01:12] Leadership and taking care of your own [05:49] Relationship with your team and its importance [09:04] Taking care of your own and civilian college [12:52] Changing cultures [14:46] Importance of How and Why [17:46] Advice f

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Steven Kuhn on the show. Steven is a former US Army Veteran and the founder of Quality of Life Enterprises.  Steven teaches people how to achieve their own version of quality of life with the Humble Alpha Leader Program.  Steven has deep-rooted beliefs in building trust and rapport through a process he calls H.I.T. (Honesty, Integrity & Transparency). H.I.T. is the method which Steven developed and how he lives his life both professionally and personally.  Tune in today to listen to Steven's journey. Key Points of Discussion Steven’s life story Getting into the Army Struggling Career Starting of the businesses Quality of Life Enterprises Alpha Leader Program Humble Alpha and responsibilities Advice for the Veterans  Key Milestones of this Episode [01:27] Steven Kuhn’s life story [02:11] Signing up for the Army [05:26] Working as Security Guard [06:50] Opening of Bar and Restaurants [14:37] Comparison of mentality among US and European resid

Today we are honored to host Justin Elenburg on the show. Justin is a former Air Force veteran and is the founder of “Patriot Supreme.”  Justin never knew that life would have taken him down the roller coaster he has traveled.  Serving at different locations in the world gave him confidence to broaden his knowledge about business. He is now changing the lives of his brothers and sisters looking for peace and to get rid of PTSD. What’s next for him? Tune in to hear more about Justin’s journey. Key Points of Discussion     Justin’s life story     Starting of study again     Transition out of the air force     CBD business     Veterans in CBD business     Advice for the Veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [01:24] Justin’s story [02:35] Getting admission in university [06:05] Working on new company [07:50] CBD industry [09:39] Good company and bad company [14:26] What is CBD oil [18:21] CBD requirements [23:56] Veterans in CBD oil business [27:10] Advice for the Veterans Key Quotes

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Jeremy Gray on the show. Jeremy is a former Navy veteran and is the founder of Noble Consulting. Jeremy struggled in business and had some great opportunities. Today Jeremy will talk about lessons learned and his success story. Key Points of Discussion Jeremy’s life story Transition plan Side hustle and income from side hustle Importance of leadership in corporate sector John Maxwell system of leadership Advice for veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [01:09] Jeremy Gray’s life story [01:35] Jeremy’s transition plan [04:36] Coaching people [08:32] Income from side hustle [14:57] Consultant business and clients [19:52] Importance of leadership in corporate world [23:54] Execution of John Maxwell’s system [27:57] Mastermind groups [30:02] Advice for the veterans Key Quotes  “It's that frustrating flight when you know you're getting to your destination and you had to touch down immediately after takeoff because of some issue.” “Civilia

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Bryan Jacobs on the show. Bryan, is a former Navy Veteran and the founder of “Reveille Meals”. Bryan struggled in business and had some great opportunities.  Today Bryan will talk about his learnings from the failures and his success story. Key Points of Discussion Bryan’s life story Selection in Navy Transition out of the Navy Getting into culinary business Success stories of Veterans Advice for the Veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [01:24] Bryan Jacobs life story [04:35] Selection in Navy [10:36] Bryan’s transition [16:39] Struggle with life [18:31] Being a Chef [20:57] Starting of new program [24:07] New Concept of Virtual restaurant [27:57] Success stories [31:43] Experimenting with microgreens [33:47] Advice for the Veterans Key Quotes “When your whole life has been put into the military your mind thinks differently.   Your integrity, your attitude, your core values, all these things have been remodeled, the teenager you wer

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Rob Hughes on the show. Rob, a former National Guard member is a “news anchor on KMBC”. Rob struggled in his journalism career and was fired and hired multiple times from different stations, today Rob will talk about his learnings from these failures and his success story. Key Points of Discussion     Rob Hughes’s life story     Struggle in journalism career     Getting into the Army     Lessons learned from career     Success stories of veterans     Media personnel for helping veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [01:32] Rob Hughes’s life story [05:22] Ups and downs in journalism career [09:01] Transition into the Army [17:00] Getting in touch with veteran organizations [23:02] Great lessons learned [30:35] Media for Entrepreneurs [32:09] Success stories [36:59] How to contact Rob [38:25] Bottom line Key Quotes “I hope that I've earned veterans trust.” “People don't always trust the media and especially with veterans.” “Vet

About this Episode Today we are honored to host John Renken on the show. John, served in the army from 1993 to 1996 and was an infantryman in the 101st airborne division. John started his new career as a professional UFC fighter and then moved on to teaching soldiers Hand to Hand Combat. Today, John will talk about his failures and successes. Key Points of Discussion     John Renken’s life story     UFC career     Starting of TCL training business     Learning from new companies     Getting into travel business     Identifying potential for business     Advice for the Veterans  Key Milestones of this Episode [01:17] John Renken’s life story [01:53] Transition of the John [02:31] Starting of UFC career [04:43] Starting of new business [09:20] Lessons learned from developing a company [17:35] Getting into travel business [22:49] Potential customers of travel business [24:51] Managing side hustle [28:26] Teaching people the secrets [29:30] Advice for the veterans  Key Quotes b

About this Episode Today we are honored to host Malachias Gaskin on the show. Malachias, a former National Guard member is founder of “A Warriors Garden."  Malachias and his wife struggled in businesses and also failed in some. Today Malachias will talk about his learnings from the failures and his success story. Key Points of Discussion     Malachias Gaskin’s life story     Learning from failures and struggles     Writing book and publishing     Getting into business again     Success stories of veterans     Advice for the veterans Key Milestones of this Episode [01:08] Malachias Gaskin’s life story [04:42] Business failures and struggle [06:49] Writing a book [15:02] Starting of new business [18:12] Therapeutic benefits of micro gardening [22:23] Veterans are going to agriculture [24:51] Success stories [27:25] Getting book [29:28] Advice for the veterans Key Quotes by Malachias Gaskin “One of our biggest drawbacks is when we talk to civilians like we talk to other military pe