Veteran On The Move

This week on Veteran On the Move, Joe is joined by Dr. Lena Payton Webb, an Army veteran and founder of Blu Impressions Publishing. After a distinguished 21-year career, Dr. Lena unexpectedly retired and faced the daunting task of finding her new purpose. Discover how Blu Impressions Publishing empowers authors, including fellow veterans, to share their stories and build successful brands. Dr. Webb shares insights on book wiring, profit maximization, and the transformative power of self-publishing. Episode Resources:  Blu Impressions Publishing pagestoprofits.com   About Our Guest    Dr. Lena Payton Webb is a powerhouse of resilience, leadership, and creativity, blending her 21 years of dedicated Army service with her expertise as a multi-award-winning publisher and entrepreneur. A proud veteran and native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Lena has transformed her discipline and attention to detail into a thriving six-figure business, Blu Impressions Publishing LLC, where she helps authors, coaches, and consul

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, we hear from Dave Morrow, an infantry soldier who served in the reserves and deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. Dave's service was cut short by an injury he sustained while deployed, leading to his discharge in 2016. Struggling with the transition to civilian life, Dave discovered a passion for podcasting, a medium that allowed him to share his experiences and connect with others. Facing challenges in his previous career in education, Dave decided to embrace entrepreneurship, developing a successful business. This episode explores Dave's inspiring journey of resilience as he navigates the complexities of post-service life. He shares the motivations behind his book, "Harden the F*ck Up," and offers valuable insights for fellow veterans and anyone facing adversity. Episode Resources:  Dave Morrow The Hard To Kill Podcast - Hardtokill.org "Harden the F*ck Up" by Dave Morrow   About Our Guest    Dave Morrow is a retired Canadian Armed Forces veteran, former high sc

This week on Veteran On the Move, Joe interviews Chris Prefontaine, Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach. Chris shares his entrepreneurial journey, revealing the challenges he faced early in his career and the importance of mentorship and education. He discusses how he navigated the 2008 market crash and reinvented his business model. Now, Chris and his team empower students to build successful real estate businesses without relying on traditional bank financing. They focus on creating consistent cash flow through innovative strategies beyond typical real estate transactions. Episode Resources:  Free Book Register for our Free Master’s Class!   About Our Guest      Chris Prefontaine is the Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®, a 4x best-selling author. He is a Forbes Business Council Member and a 3-time Inc 5000 Honoree for Fastest Growing Company. Wicked Smart Community operates all over North America and has successfully completed hundreds of transactions, assisting students

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Joe speaks with Zac Staples, a Navy Veteran and the CEO/Founder of Fathom5. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Zac served as a Surface Warfare Officer before specializing in cyber and electronic warfare, supporting Counter-IED operations in Iraq. His time at the Naval Postgraduate School offered him a unique perspective on the DoD's pivotal role in the early development of Silicon Valley. Inspired by his mother, Zac embraced entrepreneurship after his military service, establishing Fathom5 – a company pioneering AI solutions that optimize the performance of military platforms. Zac shares compelling examples of Fathom5's technology in action on warships, demonstrating its crucial support for our warfighters. He also candidly discusses the obstacles he's faced in bringing these cutting-edge technologies to the fleet. Episode Resources:  Fathom5   About Our Guest    Zac Staples is the Founder and CEO of Fathom5, an Austin, Texas-based technology company dedicated t

On this episode of Veteran On the Move, host Joe speaks with Air Force Veteran and Qualthera founder, Donald Prentiss. A Medical Lab Generalist, Prentiss served on both active duty and in the reserves. He discusses his transition out of the military, acknowledging its challenges despite initial expectations. Leveraging his military experience, he pursued roles within the medical field, gradually advancing into management and operations. Prentiss ultimately established his own lab, encountering the hurdles of revenue cycle management along the way. He shares valuable lessons learned from these experiences and how they informed the development of his current venture, Qualthera. Donald acquired an existing compounding pharmacy and shares his insights on navigating the acquisition process and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the business for future generations. Episode Resources:  About Us | Qualthera Central Drug About Our Guest    Donald Prentiss is the Founder and CEO of Qualthera, a revoluti

In this episode, Joe welcomes back Air Force Veteran Lacey Langford, founder of MILMO, host of the MILMO podcast, and creator of MilMoneyCon. Lacey shares her transition journey from active duty, navigating the challenges of balancing her career with the demands of military life as a spouse. Determined to build a PCS-proof business, Lacey combined her passion for supporting the military community with her entrepreneurial spirit. Through MILMO, she's creating a supportive community for military families in the world of personal finance. This platform not only empowers service members but also unites a network of dedicated financial professionals who share a connection to military service. Lacey discusses the inspiration behind her podcast and the driving force behind founding MilMoneyCon. She explains how she continues to cultivate and grow this community year after year. MilMoneyCon offers a unique opportunity for financial professionals to connect, learn, and share their knowledge with the next generation

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Joe sits down with Marine Corps Veteran Dr. Keith McNally. After serving as a mortarman, Dr. McNally faced a challenging transition to civilian life. With limited preparation and support, he struggled to find employment. Undeterred, he pursued higher education, navigating the academic world while grappling with the shift in focus and feeling like he didn't fit the typical student mold. Dr. McNally eventually found his niche in education and technology, specializing in teaching networking infrastructure. He also became a passionate advocate for veteran mental health. In this candid conversation, Dr. McNally shares his personal struggles with PTSD and suicidal ideations, offering invaluable advice and support to fellow veterans facing similar challenges. He emphasizes the importance of remembering that they are never alone. Dr. McNally is the author of "Walking the Path" and a frequent contributor to various podcasts, ensuring crucial conversations about veteran mental

In this episode, Joe sits down with two inspiring veterans, Milton Roberts and Anthony Cosby, the dynamic duo behind STZY Footwear. Milton, a retired Army Sergeant Major who served in Special Operations, and Anthony, a Navy veteran who rose through the ranks from enlisted Sailor to Commissioned Officer, share their unique journeys of transition from military service to entrepreneurship. They candidly discuss the challenges they faced, including the loss of military identity, adapting to civilian work environments, and the self-doubt that can arise during such significant life changes. Milton and Anthony emphasize the importance of mentorship and community support, revealing how they found each other and forged a powerful partnership. STZY Footwear has already achieved remarkable success, selling over 100,000 pairs of socks and continuing to expand. The veterans share valuable advice for fellow entrepreneurs, particularly on the challenges of building a strong team and securing funding. Tune in to this insp

In this episode, Joe sits down with retired Army Sergeant Major, coach, and motivational speaker, Roy Lewis. With a 36-year military career, including a significant tenure as a Drill Instructor and First Sergeant, Roy's leadership experience is deeply rooted in discipline and motivation. Roy shares insights into his transition from military life to entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges of finding a traditional job that fully utilized his unique skill set. He emphasizes the freedom and opportunities that entrepreneurship offers, allowing him to share his real-life experiences and military leadership style with a broader audience. Joe and Roy delve into the distinctive qualities of military leadership and explore the business side of coaching. Listen in to gain valuable perspectives on leadership, transition, and the entrepreneurial journey. Episode Resources:  https://speaksgtroy.com/   About Our Guest    Sgt. Roy is a retired Army combat veteran with 36 years of service. His leadership roles have

In this episode, Joe sits down with executive coach Charles Rose to discuss his journey from programmer to entrepreneur to coach. Charles shares his early experiences in the tech industry, influenced by his father, and how he transitioned from programming to building his own businesses. We delve into Charles' entrepreneurial journey, where he identified a significant pain point for small businesses and developed a solution. He discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of finding purpose beyond financial success. Charles also shares his insights into the world of executive coaching, including the business side of the profession and the challenges of reaching clients. He emphasizes the significance of finding fulfillment in one's work and the importance of building a sustainable and rewarding career. Episode Resources:  Charles Rose   About Our Guest    Charles Rose is an executive coach with over 25 years of experience in guiding tech CEOs and entrepreneurs towa

In this week's episode, Joe interviews Dave Hanley, a seasoned entrepreneur and author. Dave shares valuable insights from his experiences with three successful startups, emphasizing the significance of sales and a strong business foundation. He discusses the importance of product validation, problem-solving, and building a customer-centric approach. Listeners will also learn about Dave's book, 'The Delusional Founder,' which offers a firsthand account of a founder's journey and the crucial role of sales in business growth. Episode Resources:  The Delusional Founder  In The Funnel Why self-storage facilities?   About Our Guest    Dave Hanley is an entrepreneur, seasoned B2B sales practitioner and coach. As a member of three founding teams, he has been instrumental in building three bootstrapped technology companies into sustainable, profitable industry leaders. In each of his three companies, Dave started as the first salesperson and scaled all three businesses to 8-figures in revenue by building out

This week, Joe sits down with Navy Veteran, coach, consultant, and speaker, Jay Patterson. Jay, who enlisted in the Navy post-high school, served in the submarine force. After receiving a sudden 30-day notice of his military career's end, he swiftly scheduled interviews across the country. Jay candidly discusses the challenges he encountered during his transition, including the lack of a traditional degree to complement his extensive experience. He explains how his natural problem-solving abilities led him to consulting and coaching. Jay now helps leaders develop crucial soft skills and underscores the indispensable role of people in business success. Episode Resources:  Contact Jay via email: jaysspeaking@gmail.com   About Our Guest    Jay Patterson is a seasoned leader, mentor, and storyteller with a diverse background shaped by his service in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force and his success in turning around civilian businesses. Known for his calm leadership under pressure, Jay combines his military exp

This week, Joe is joined by Army Veteran and founder of Konala, Trace Miller. Diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut epilepsy as a child, doctors predicted Trace wouldn't live past 13. Determined to defy the odds, his mother discovered a life-changing dietary treatment, and Trace has been seizure-free since the age of 7. In 2012, Trace enlisted in the Army and served as a Patriot Missile operator. During a deployment, he developed a passion for learning, business, and entrepreneurship. After separating from the military, Trace and his wife opened a food truck, which eventually grew into a bar and, ultimately, Konala. Driven by a passion for healthy eating, Konala offers nutritious meals with the convenience of fast food. Trace shares his insights with Joe on franchising his restaurant and provides valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs Episode Resources:  Konala Franchise   About Our Guest    Trace Miller is the founder of Konala, America's first healthy drive-thru fast food franchise, and a U.S. Army vetera

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Joe sits down with Marine Veteran Trever Ahing to discuss his journey from military service to real estate entrepreneurship. After serving 8 years in the Marines, Trever transitioned into the world of real estate and shares his insights on how he got started and why he was drawn to this entrepreneurial path. Trever explains various real estate concepts, including house hacking, novation, and pad splitting, providing listeners with valuable knowledge about the industry. He also emphasizes the importance of accountability in achieving success as an entrepreneur. Don't miss this informative episode as Trever shares his experiences and tips for navigating the real estate market. Episode Resources:  Buyerbeater   About Our Guest    Trever Ahing is the Founder and CEO of BuyerBeater, a leading educational company specializing in novation strategies. Recognizing that novations offer both high profitability and ethical advantages in real estate investing, Trever developed

This week, Joe welcomes Glenn Howard, a seasoned cyber operations professional and XP League franchisee. Glenn served in the Air Force for 21 years and continues to support the military as a DevSecOps Engineer contractor. In this episode, Glenn shares the story of his transition from military service to civilian life. He reveals how his pre-retirement planning and strategic use of military education benefits paved the way for a successful career change. Glenn's passion for entrepreneurship led him to explore business opportunities centered around education. He explains his decision to choose a franchise model, specifically the XP League, which provides a positive and social gaming environment for children. With 68 locations across the USA and Canada, XP League connects young people to the exciting world of esports. Discover Glenn's investment in his XP League franchise, his ambitious goals, and his insights on business growth. Don't miss this inspiring episode of Veteran On the Move!   About Our Guest    G

In this week's episode, we switch things up. Instead of Joe conducting the interview, he finds himself on the other side of the microphone. His friend, David Nastor, takes the interviewer's role, guiding Joe through a personal and thought-provoking exploration of his military experiences. Join us as Joe shares his unique perspective on life as a Cobra pilot, the challenges he faced during his service in Iraq, and the enduring impact those experiences have had on him.   About Our Guest    Joe Crane retired from the Marine Corps in 2013 after 24 years of service. He was an AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter pilot and completed two combat flying tours in Iraq. Joe is now an airline pilot and host of the Veteran On the Move podcast. "Your Pathfinder to Freedom" Providing knowledge and inspiration to veterans aspiring to transition to the exciting world of entrepreneurship.     About Our Sponsors   Navy Federal Credit Union   Buying a home can be overwhelming these days , but from start to finish, Navy Fe

This week, Joe is joined by Navy Veteran and co-founder of Angel Kids AI, Josh Thurman. Josh served for over 12 years as a SEAL officer before his transition to the civilian sector. This innovative platform empowers parents to safeguard their children's online experiences by extending parental guidelines into the digital realm. Tune in to hear Josh discuss his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the evolving landscape of AI. Episode Resources: Angel Kids AI About Our Guest    Josh is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Angel Kids AI, an AI platform that provides an age-appropriate internet experience for children. Prior to leaving the service in 2018, he served as a SEAL officer for 12+ years and deployed overseas 11 times in support of the Global War on Terror. He is the recipient of three bronze stars and multiple medals.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Buying a home can be overwhelming these days , but from start to finish, Navy Federal Credit Union’s new Home Buyin

This week, Joe sits down with Matt and Lisa Hammonds, the dynamic couple behind Full Leaf Tea Company. Join us as we delve into their entrepreneurial journey, starting with a construction business during the tumultuous 2008 economy. Drawn to the world of eCommerce, they discovered a niche in the tea market and launched Full Leaf Tea Company in 2014. Hear how Matt and Lisa bootstrapped their business from the ground up, growing it to a thriving enterprise with 28 employees in just ten years. Despite their success, they remain committed to a personal approach, ensuring their customers receive only the finest USDA-certified organic teas. Tune in to discover the secrets to their sustainable growth and unwavering dedication to quality. Episode Resources: Full Leaf Tea Company About Our Guest    Full Leaf Tea Company was created by husband and wife duo Matt and Lisa Hammonds. Their love of tea began with the joy of sharing tea with their family and friends. Their passion and enthusiasm grew into a desire to shar

On this episode of Veteran On the Move, Joe is joined by Alex Quataert, a West Point graduate and Army veteran turned successful entrepreneur. After serving ten years as an infantry officer with deployments to Afghanistan and Syria, Alex decided to embark on a new adventure in business. Join us as Alex shares his inspiring story of transitioning from military life to the world of entrepreneurship. Discover what drove him to seek a franchise opportunity and how he evaluated various options. Learn why he ultimately chose Blingle Outdoor Lighting and what sets this company apart. Alex discusses the importance of building a strong team and cultivating a positive company culture. Hear about the unique services Blingle offers its clients and how his company continues to grow.  Episode Resources: Blingle About Our Guest    Alex Quataert, a Ranger qualified West Point graduate, served for over 10 year on active duty as an Infantry Officer, with deployments to Afghanistan as a Platoon Leader, and Syria as a Compa

In this episode, Joe is joined by financial planner Chad Hufford, who shares his journey from growing up in the financial world to becoming a successful financial planner. Chad emphasizes the importance of open money conversations and financial confidence in personal and professional life. He discusses the role of coaching in helping clients develop their financial skills and knowledge, and the significance of having a positive money mindset. Chad cautions against making financial decisions based on fear and emphasizes the importance of a long-term strategy that focuses on factors within one's control. Joe and Chad explore the benefits of working with a financial planner and how retirement can be an opportunity for personal fulfillment. Episode Resources: Veritas Wealth Management About Our Guest    Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Chad grew up in the financial industry, but also developed a strong background in athletics, nutrition, and performance psychology. As a Top Ranked Financial Planner and Da