The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass

Scaling a business is a goal for many entrepreneurs. It signifies growth, success, and a step towards achieving their ultimate vision. However, many find themselves caught up in the day-to-day tasks of running their businesses, leaving little time for scaling and growth. How can entrepreneurs create a solid structure and implement operating systems to scale their business fast? In this episode, Brett and Giselle talk with Deric Keller. Specializing in helping entrepreneurs implement plans that can skyrocket their growth, Deric speaks about the importance of a solid business structure, how business owners can step outside their business, and why they should engage with a CEPA (Certified Exit Planning Advisor). Deric Keller is an experienced business coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). He helps veterans gain a sense of purpose and build themselves, build a company, or become a leader inside a company. He also provides consulting services to business people to reach their best personal and professional selves. Deric dives into the personal and professional issues with clients to ascertain how these issues came to be, addresses the issues head-on, and drives people forward to success. Connect with Deric Keller https://www.linkedin.com/in/deric-keller-0bb70286/ https://exitmomentum.com/ Connect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975 https://swe90.com/ LinkedIn: Brett Henderson https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-henderson/ Strategic Wealth Endeavor www.linkedin.com/company/strategicwealthendeavor Listen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-veteran-entrepreneur-masterclass-podcast/id1637663213?mt=2&ls=1 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5dLpJvEXTxPjPNjsnmf6MY Google Podcast https://podcasts.google.com/search/The%20Veteran%20Entrepreneur%20Masterclass%20Podcast

The Challenges Veterans Face in the Corporate World Veterans are often considered heroes for their service to the country, risking their lives to defend freedom and uphold justice. However, they often face different challenges when transitioning to civilian life. One of these is finding meaningful employment in the corporate world. Despite their valuable skills and experience, veterans face bias or misunderstanding from civilian employers who do not fully appreciate the unique talents and perspectives they bring to the table. In this episode, Hiram Figueroa joins Brett and Giselle. As an advocate for veterans' rights, Hiram talks about what drives him to serve veterans and the veteran community, how some veterans play the veteran card, and the challenges veterans face in the corporate world. Hiram Figueroa is a highly motivated Sr. Operation Manager with an extensive background in business transportation systems, project management, supply chain management, and overall day-to-day operations. He is passionate about leading teams to achievement while implementing efficient and effective processes. Hiram is also the host of the LinkedIn Perspective, a podcast about bringing awareness, truth, and a new form of leadership. Enjoy! In This Episode 02:45 - Hiram's thoughts on how some veterans play the veteran card 07:32 - The challenges veterans face in the corporate world 14:25 - How Hiram deals with corporate issues 18:59 - Why some veterans are losing sight of their core values 23:12 - How veterans are having trouble getting support from the country 29:00 - What drives Hiram to serve veterans 32:30 - How Hiram creates a lot of engagement on LinkedIn Quotes 03:23 - "No amount of compensation can bring value to the veteran community. When you're an advocate for veterans and veterans' rights, no amount of money, kickback, or royalties can bring significant value." - Hiram Figueroa 17:56 - "At this point in my life, I am reinventing myself to do something different because corporate America has changed so drastically. It's very dangerous. People like myself, who come up through corporate America, strongly believe social media has destroyed the American dream." - Hiram Figueroa 23:12 - "We (veterans) are in deep trouble because we are not getting the support our country says they're doing." - Hiram Figueroa 26:46 - "Entrepreneurship is all about personal growth, personal development, and leadership. It's the same thing with this strategy and mindset for veteran-owned businesses." - Hiram Figueroa 31:09 - "People will never know and understand the dynamic transformation we take when we sign that piece of paper, a blank check, up until our lives to do things. And then we come out different and are penalized for being different." - Hiram Figueroa 31:35 - "We are broken to a certain extent, but we're fixable because we see things differently and excel more than others. We do extraordinary things for average people who choose not to do things they say they would." - Hiram Figueroa Connect with Hiram Figueroa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiram-figueroa-jr-97837bb6/ https://www.youtube.com/@linkedinperspective2249/streams Connect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975 https://swe90.com/ LinkedIn: Brett Henderson https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-henderson/ Strategic Wealth Endeavor www.linkedin.com/company/strategicwealthendeavor Listen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-veteran-entrepreneur-masterclass-podcast/id1637663213?mt=2&ls=1 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5dLpJvEXTxPjPNjsnmf6MY Google Podcast https://podcasts.google.com/search/The%20Veteran%20Entrepreneur%20Masterclass%20Podcast

Helping Military Families Achieve Financial Freedom Military families face unique financial challenges that can make it difficult for them to achieve financial freedom. Frequent moves, deployments, and the high cost of living in some areas can all contribute to financial stress. However, with the right tools and guidance, military families can learn to make, save, invest, and spend money wisely, ultimately building a solid financial future. In this episode, Brett talks with Lacey Langford. Specializing in financial coaching for U.S. service members and their families, Lacey speaks about why she decided to become an entrepreneur, what her entrepreneurial journey looks like, and how she helps active duty service members, veterans, and their families achieve their financial freedom. Lacey Langford is a U.S. Air Force veteran, military spouse, speaker, and financial coach who changes people's lives from being fearful of money to having control and confidence. She is the Founder of The Military Money Expert and the creator and host of The Military Money Show, the podcast that helps U.S. Service Members, Veterans, and their spouses make, save, invest, and spend money wisely. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:50 - Backstory of Lacey Langford 03:01 - Why Lacey decided to become an entrepreneur 05:16 - What Lacey's entrepreneurial journey looks like 11:45 - How Lacey serves veterans and their families 16:36 - What Lacey enjoys most about her business 18:16 - What Lacey's podcast, The Military Money Show, is all about 23:39 - How Lacey helps people on active duty 27:43 - What service members should consider when addressing their financial needs 29:03 - What Lacey recommends when it comes to debt 34:01 - Saving for retirement vs. paying off student loan debt 37:16 - What most people feel when they talk about money Favorite Quotes 14:24 - "The stronger we are, the more we can help the military community. We may not be the tip of the spear, but we can help sharpen the blade." - Lacey Langford 34:54 - "The one thing you think of that puts a pit in your stomach is what you should handle first." - Lacey Langford 35:19 - "Your financial decisions don't necessarily need to make sense to other people. It's what works best for you." - Lacey Langford Engage with Lacey Langford LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceylangford/ The Military Money Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/military-money-show/id1397169855 The Military Money Expert https://laceylangford.com/ Connect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975 https://swe90.com/ LinkedIn: Brett Henderson https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-henderson/ Strategic Wealth Endeavor www.linkedin.com/company/strategicwealthendeavor Listen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-veteran-entrepreneur-masterclass-podcast/id1637663213?mt=2&ls=1 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5dLpJvEXTxPjPNjsnmf6MY Google Podcast https://podcasts.google.com/search/The%20Veteran%20Entrepreneur%20Masterclass%20Podcast

The Power of Positive Relationships in Running a Family Business Running a family business can be a great source of pride and satisfaction but can also be challenging. And one of the most critical factors in the business's success is the relationships between family members. From communication and collaboration to trust and respect, what other aspects make a difference in the growth and development of the business? In this episode, Brett talks with Bill Hale. As a veteran entrepreneur who runs a family business, Bill shares how he and his son started their business, what it means to provide superior customer service, and what the power of positive relationships can bring to your business. Enjoy! In This Episode 01:06 - Backstory of Bill Hale 07:57 - The story of how Bill and his son started their business 10:49 - Bill's working relationship with his son 16:27 - The ideal amount of expenses when starting a business 18:15 - What it means to provide superior customer service 24:33 - Bill's perspective on finding the right team member 28:05 - Some of the challenges Bill faced while running his business 32:03 - How Bill and his son manage their cash flow 33:58 - The benefits Bill provided for their employees beyond monetary compensation 43:45 - The best way to determine if you're serving your industry well 46:58 - Bill's key takeaways for running a family business Favorite Quotes 20:12 - "Be nice to your customer. They're paying your salary. Don't lose that concept. Those are the two most important things if you've got a business. If you do that consistently, you're head and shoulders above everybody else." - Bill Hale 27:21 - "If you say you're going to do something, do it. Don't let anything stand in your way. If you say you will do it, take it to the bank and get it done." - Bill Hale 33:41 - "My son and I took lesser pay and passed that on to our employees. If you have happy employees, they will do a better job. So, it's not always about money in your pocket." - Bill Hale 39:09 - "As an owner or a manager, listen to your people because they'll give you good information. But at the same time, if they want to be slugs, you have to address that because your other employees know who is not working. And that's a downer if it's not addressed." - Bill Hale Connect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975 https://swe90.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-henderson/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategicwealthendeavor/?viewAsMember=true Listen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast: Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-veteran-entrepreneur-masterclass-podcast/id1637663213?mt=2&ls=1 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5dLpJvEXTxPjPNjsnmf6MY Google Podcast https://podcasts.google.com/search/The%20Veteran%20Entrepreneur%20Masterclass%20Podcast

In this short clip from The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass podcast, Alex Chompff urges the budding entrepreneur to get real and and clear on who they are, the vision they have for their business, and what success looks like for them.

In this short clip from The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass podcast, Matt Halloran explains a concept that few entrepreneurs fail to master.

In this short clip from The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass podcast, David Stepanek gives his advice on learning from mistakes in business and how he grew from the experience.

In this clip from The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass, Matt Chasen recommends you look back on your time in the military and take note of your medical history when you get out.

An entrepreneur's journey can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding for those with the vision, drive, and determination to succeed. However, bringing an entrepreneur's idea to life often requires more than just hard work and dedication – it also requires access to capital. How can entrepreneurs find financial support to help them realize their ideas? In this episode, Brett talks with Alex Chompff, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Evolution Accelerator and Managing Partner of Evolution Ventures, a venture syndicate arm that provides capital directly to entrepreneurs at a larger scale. Aiming to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality, Alex talks about how he serves veteran-owned businesses, how he got started in the financial technology industry, and the factors determining whether to bring on a strategic or capital partner. Alex Chompff has experience and knowledge that only comes from a lifetime of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. After serving in the United State Marine Corps, he became the Director of Technology at the world's largest venture capital firm during the legendary dotcom era. Companies Alex subsequently co-founded operate at the front edge of innovation, creation, and value growth. These include NatureTrak, the Minters Collective, Evolution Accelerator, and The DAO Treasury Corporation. Today, Alex is a member of the Sacramento Angels and serves as an advisor to dozens of startup and growth companies. Enjoy! In This Episode 01:53 - Backstory of Alex Chompff 06:27 - What inspired Alex to serve veterans 09:55 - Why Alex chose to work with other veteran-owned businesses 15:40 - The risks involved in bringing ideas to life 18:31 - How Alex helps entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life 21:52 - How Alex got started in the financial technology industry 29:41 - What led Alex to help people in the cannabis industry 32:40 - Factors that determine whether or not to bring on a strategic or capital partner 39:05 - A typical timeline for Alex to begin talking to entrepreneurs about the potential growth of their businesses. 42:13 - How people learn about Alex's work 45:46 - The factors Alex considers when deciding whether to invest in an idea Favorite Quotes 07:48 - "Running a business with someone is like being married. It helps to have a common set of values and a common understanding of what constitutes good work and moral action. And it's important to be aligned with the people around you." - Alex Chompff 16:36 - "When you bring your idea to life, you communicate it to everybody around you. Your biggest problem will not be that somebody understands and steals your idea. It's going to be that people only half understand your idea and implement it incorrectly or in ways you didn't have in mind." - Alex Chompff 33:36 - "As far as whether to take on an outside investor or a capital partner, the most important thing to know is yourself. Understand what your goals are for yourself and for the business that you're creating." - Alex Chompff 35:11 - "Taking on capital is a lot like being married. You have to understand that if you accept someone's money to further your commercial interests, you're creating a rest of your life bond with that person." - Alex Chompff 46:15 - "Your time is always worth more than your money." - Alex Chompff 59:13 - "Experience teaches us that it takes more than one person to make a company, and there is no one person who has everything that it takes." - Alex Chompff 1:01:58 - "Use your investor's resources to be healthy because, ultimately, that's an important part of being an effective leader. An important part of building a sustainable enterprise is to be in a place of emotional, financial, physical, spiritual, and mental health." - Alex Chompff Connect with Alex Chopff LinkedIn Evolution Accelerator Website Connect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975 Swe90.com LinkedIn: Brett Henderson Strategic Wealth Endeavor Listen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple Podcast Spotify

Adjusting to civilian life after serving the country can be challenging for many veterans. Not only do they struggle to find employment and financial stability, but they are also often faced with physical and mental health issues resulting from their time in service. While the VA disability compensation program is designed to provide financial support to veterans who have sustained service-connected injuries or illnesses, some may find that their initial disability rating does not adequately reflect the severity of their condition. How can veterans find ways to increase their VA disability rating and compensation? This episode is part of the educational series of the Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass podcast. Today's guest, Matt Chasen, is a US Marine Veteran who aims to help veterans increase their VA disability rating and compensation. He talks about why most veterans fail to take full advantage of their VA benefits, how he helps veterans apply for disability benefits, and what advice he gives to all military coming out of service. Matt Chasen is the Owner of VT Bennies. They are dedicated to helping veterans nationwide obtain the benefits they deserve. Their role is to make the challenging process of applying for disability rating increase by connecting veterans with doctors in their area who are familiar with the VA claim documents. Enjoy! In This Episode 02:08 - Backstory of Matt Chasen 09:09 - Some ways VA loans can benefit veterans 11:27 - Why most veterans fail to take full advantage of their VA benefits 14:22 - Why veterans should apply for anything that they feel could be a possibility for disability 17:11 - How Matt helps veterans apply for disability benefits 27:27 - Matt's approach to helping veterans who have been denied disability benefits 31:37 - Matt's advice for military coming out of service Quotes 09:13 - "Most veterans, in some form or fashion, are broken in their own way. They manage that brokenness, overcome it, evolve, and manage life. But knowing that there are resources out there that are available to other veterans is huge." - Brett Henderson 14:22 - "Many veterans are still in tip-top shape when they first leave the military. So, they don't realize that they do have any disabilities. But fast forward five or ten years down the road, they start noticing pain." - Matt Chasen 15:28 - "As a veteran, you always want to apply for anything that you feel could be a possible disability that you have. If you don't apply for it and you don't get it service-connected, it will end up coming back and biting you later on down the road. If you don't address the wear and tear on your body, it's just going to get worse and worse." - Matt Chasen Engage with Matt Chasen LinkedIn VT Bennies VT Bennies on Facebook Connect with Brett Henderson and Giselle Cayme: 310-491-7975 Swe90.com LinkedIn: Brett Henderson Strategic Wealth Endeavor Giselle Cayme Listen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple Podcast Spotify

The ability to adapt to changing conditions, think strategically, and lead in diverse and challenging environments are some of the skills highly valued in the civilian sector. While the military and the civilian world operate in different contexts, many successful business leaders and entrepreneurs have attributed their accomplishments to the lessons they learned in the military. In this episode, Brett Henderson talks with David Stepanek, Bristow's Executive Vice President, Sales and Chief Transformation Officer. In his role, David is responsible for all sales, marketing, and commercial functions of the business. In addition to activities in Bristow's existing end markets, his focus includes transforming the company's business mix through strategic diversification into new markets. As a Marine Corps veteran, David talks with Brett about what attracted him to the aviation industry, how he adapts his leadership style in the civilian world, and his secret to success. Enjoy! In this episode 01:26 - Backstory of David Stepanek 04:31 - What attracted David to the aviation industry 06:30 - How David adapts his leadership style in the civilian world 11:43 - David's secret to success 15:14 - What it takes to be truly present in a conversation 18:56 - The role that launched David's career 25:08 - How David approaches work-life balance 31:14 - Some of the challenges facing the aviation industry today 37:31 - David's vision for the Bristow Group 41:27 - Some of the failures David has experienced in his career 45:43 - What David advises veterans Favorite Quotes 07:40 - "In the civilian world, if you're doing what you show up for work, do your job description, go a little bit over the edge, and show some enthusiasm, intelligence, and courage, you're a rockstar." - David Stepanek 13:05 - "Never in my life have I anticipated being an executive vice president of a large public company, being named executive officer and being exposed to what I have. But over some time, I started to see that path. When I saw what I thought was an opportunity, I jumped on it and took risks." - David Stepanek 35:45 - "We're taking a revolutionary event, whether that's in aviation, communication, or crypto coin. We have to apply evolutionary laws to be successful because that will sustain and get us through it. That's the challenge of aligning people on the intersection of evolution and revolution." - David Stepanek 45:33 - "Take opportunities that come to you and do the best at whatever you have and be doing that day. Doing your best doesn't mean you have to be the best at everything. It means you have to be your best person that day and apply that to your business or your safety." - David Stepanek 46:09 - "If you're a leader, be present in your group. Make sure that you've set an example. Make sure you engage thoughtfully and intently with the people you lead, and they'll continue to provide you with whatever is necessary to succeed." - David Stepanek Connect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975 Swe90.com LinkedIn: Brett Henderson Strategic Wealth Endeavor Connect with David Stepanek LinkedIn Bristow Group Listen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple Podcast Spotify Google Podcast

The thrill of starting your own business and being your own boss is a dream for many. However, entrepreneurship is a challenging journey. It takes more than just an innovative concept to succeed. As entrepreneurs, particularly financial advisors, how can you overcome the barriers and secure success in your business? In this episode of the Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass podcast, Matt Halloran joins Brett Henderson for another conversation about entrepreneurship. A former business and life coach to top advisors, Matt talks about what motivated him to start ProudMouth, the biggest lesson he learned from his entrepreneurial journey, and how to achieve success in the business world. Matt is the Partner and Chief Relationship Officer at ProudMouth, Influence Accelerator & Podcasting Expert, and host of the Top Advisor Marketing Podcast. Matt has helped 5,000+ advisors understand how to create trust and build rapport with prospects they haven't even met yet. He studied how people communicate for over 20 years, was featured in The Wall Street Journal as a digital communication expert, and wrote "The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors" – the first social media book dedicated to financial services. Matt has hosted and been on 1,000+ podcasts. He's also the host of ProudMouth's podcast, the Top Advisor Marketing Podcast, where he shares marketing strategies tailored for advisors and connects with top industry leaders. Matt has now combined his extensive knowledge and expertise in business and coaching with one of his passions: podcasting. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:38 - How Brett Henderson got into podcasting 04:25 - Backstory of Matt Halloran 08:37 - How Matt transition from military to civilian life 13:12 - What motivated Matt to start ProudMouth 18:42 - The biggest lesson Matt learned from his entrepreneurial journey 23:05 - What makes Brett's business successful 27:54 - Matt's thoughts on why Brett is at the forefront of financial services 32:32 - Matt's advice for entrepreneurs 40:13 - Why knowing your purpose is important 44:30 - What Giselle has learned over the years in the financial services industry Favorite Quotes 20:25 - "I sell to people who have consumed so much of our content that they come in mostly pre-sold. I would rather have the right people come to me and buy from me than me having to go out and make hardcore sales." - Matt Halloran 24:44 - "The number one thing most people don't do in the sales world is called the principle of reciprocity. If you do something nice for somebody, they expect you to ask them to do something nice for you." - Matt Halloran 33:28 - "Try to be a little more patient with everybody because you don't know the struggles that just happened before they came into your life." - Matt Halloran 35:12 - "Entrepreneurs are a different breed. Do not expect any of your team members to have even a millionth of a percent of the risk, passion, hours, and discipline entrepreneurs are willing to take. Because if they did, they'd be doing it themselves." - Matt Halloran 43:01 - "The entrepreneurial journey is an ebb and flow, and you have to learn how to ride those waves. When you can learn how to ride those waves, that's when success happens." - Matt Halloran Connect with Matt Halloran LinkedIn Twitter ProudMouth Connect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975 Swe90.com LinkedIn: Brett Henderson Strategic Wealth Endeavor Listen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple Podcast Spotify Google Podcast

In this clip from The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass, Brett and guest Dutch Schotemeyer discuss the imperative nature of having a lawyer before something goes awry.

Businesses face a multitude of legal challenges on a daily basis, from contracts and negotiations to disputes and lawsuits. With the increasing complexities of today's business world, how can businesses protect their interests, minimize risks, and make informed decisions that positively impact their bottom line? In this episode, Brett Henderson and Giselle Cayme sit down with Louis "Dutch" Schotemeyer, a Partner at Newmeyer Dillion's Newport Beach office, to share tips and lessons in entrepreneurship. Dutch also talks about the importance of legal counsel for businesses and how having a knowledgeable lawyer can help prevent potential legal issues, protect a company's interests, and ensure that all operations comply with the law. Dutch Schotemeyer is a seasoned litigator who works on all types of general liability and complex commercial disputes. He leverages his litigation experience to provide clients with front-end legal advice in various potentially litigious situations, including contract drafting, contract negotiation, employment issues, insurance policy placement, daily operations, and advice to C-Level executives. His experience as a corporate attorney, providing risk management and related advice to a variety of clients, including developers, contractors, landlords, and other real estate professionals, is invaluable to those clients who need help maintaining their in-house legal staff. Enjoy! In This Episode 02:41 - Backstory of Dutch Schotemeyer 09:37 - How California deals with small businesses 13:31 - What makes people want a fractional general counsel 17:01 - The rate Dutch charged for his services 22:02 - What it takes to establish an LLC 27:04 - The top three insurances that a new business owner should have 31:33 - Dutch recommendation for anyone who wants to start their own business 35:45 - What EPLI is and why you need it in California 38:21- The trends Dutch sees in the business landscape 46:47 - The two things Dutch would recommend to help mitigate risk Favorite Quotes 13:42 - "Most people come and call the lawyer once the milk is spilled" - Dutch Schotemeyer 20:57 - "The penalty for failure in California is high if you mess up with your employees. Many people don't understand the risk they're taking, and they should at least understand and know what that is." - Dutch Schotemeyer 41:33 - "If you can run your business without a partner, you are better off doing it." - Dutch Schotemeyer Connect with Louis "Dutch" Schotemeyer LinkedIn Newmeyer Dillion Connect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975 Swe90.com LinkedIn: Brett Henderson Strategic Wealth Endeavor Listen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple Podcast Spotify Readers of this website and listeners to this podcast should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers. The views expressed at, or through, this site are those of the individual in their individual capacities only – not those of their respective employers, the Bar Association, Company, or Partners. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this site are hereby expressly disclaimed. The content on this posting is provided "as is;" no representations are made that the content is error-free.

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be a challenging experience for veterans. It can be difficult to find a job that not only utilizes the skills and experience gained during service but also offers a stable and fulfilling career path. Many veterans find that the corporate world can be a great fit for their skills and experiences, but it can be difficult to navigate the job search process and stand out to potential employers. In this episode, Brett Henderson shares a conversation with Joe Frankie. As a military veteran who wants to transition into the civilian sector, Joe talks about the darkest days in his corporate career and how LinkedIn has helped him pursue his mission. Now a coach and LinkedIn strategist, Joe discusses how he helps veterans find successful careers in the corporate world and what advice he can give to people who want to start their businesses. Joe Frankie is a West Point graduate, combat veteran, and award-winning author. As CEO at JFIII Associates, he now helps companies build better teams. He brings 40 years of leading and untangling multiple business projects up to $8 billion worldwide and as many as 53,000 associates with a track record of building teams, deploying technology, and mitigating risk. As a mentor and coach, Joe finds and assesses top-tier talent who leads and flourishes in the organizational culture. On an individual basis, Joe coach civil and military leaders on how to build a LinkedIn bridge from where they are to where they want to go. As of January 3, 2023, Joe has coached and mentored 696 executives, veterans, and students on using LinkedIn and resumes to better merchandise themselves and achieve their desired objectives. Enjoy! In This Episode 01:49 - Backstory of Joe Frankie 04:03 - The darkest days of Joe's career 08:38 - How Joe learned to use LinkedIn 12:23 - How Joe distinguishes between LinkedIn bots and genuine connections 13:54 - Joe's approach to helping veterans find civilian careers 18:48 - The challenges entrepreneurs face in today's economy 22:17 - How the civilian world qualifies veterans for careers 25:49 - How Joe approaches interviews 27:13 - The power of a good LinkedIn profile 33:13 - How veterans can have successful careers in corporate America 38:10 - Joe's tips for getting promoted 39:28 - Joe's advice to veterans who want to pursue entrepreneurship Favorite Quotes 10:17 - "LinkedIn offered me to help military people. If they populate what they brought to the table, I will help translate that into the hiring manager's vernacular." - Joe Frankie 16:18 - "If you can articulate what you did in the military, your profile allows you to tell story after story about how you solve problems." - Joe Frankie 19:05 - "With crisis comes opportunity. For entrepreneurs, you have to look outside the box. The people who look outside the box adjust faster than their peers. If you're a follower, you get what's left." - Joe Frankie 34:04 - "Do everything you can to be excellent. When you got a good track record in the civilian world, it gets easier to matriculate between civilian organizations. When you have a positive reputation, people check up on you, and the world is your oyster." - Joe Frankie 40:12 - "There are a lot of things that you have to do to run your own business. It's not your technical ability that's going to hamper you. It's going to be the odds and the ends that seek your time because you're going to be the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker." - Joe Frankie Connect with Joe Frankie (817) 905 5071 LinkedIn: Joe Frankie III JFIII Associates 5-Minute Drill LinkedIn: The 5-Minute Drill for Executive Networking Success Connect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975 Swe90.com LinkedIn: Brett Henderson Strategic Wealth Endeavor Listen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple Podcast Spotify Google Podcast

In this video, Stephen Colon talks about how he faces a challenge.

In this clip from Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass, Brett and guest Dr. Eric Luster talk about the key insights you only get from listening -with great empathy- to the needs of your customers.

Military veterans bring a unique set of skills and experiences that can make them well-suited for success in the civilian world. From discipline and leadership to problem-solving and adaptability, these qualities are necessary to succeed in business and make veterans some of the most successful entrepreneurs. In this episode, Brett talks with Jim Cragg, President & CEO of Special Operations Technologies. Jim is in the U.S. Army Reserve and the Commander of the American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283. With over 25 years of leadership in the army reserves, 20 years of running an innovative business, and decades of working with the American Legion and its veterans, Jim helps folks identify their strengths and skill sets and then helps them create, launch, and grow new programs and ventures. His expertise is in entrepreneurship and innovation, and he loves meeting others and discussing the best ways to improve existing systems. Jim helps foster the skills learned in the military, such as perseverance, organization, and leadership, and how to apply those in the business world. Committed to helping the veteran community, Jim talks about how his military experience helped him create a business to serve the military and law enforcement, why veterans are most likely to succeed in business, and how he helps veterans to accomplish their goals. Enjoy! In This Episode 01:54 - What motivated Jim to join the veteran entrepreneur community 05:30 - The commonality that binds combat veterans together 06:54 - Why Jim entered the business world 11:10 - Why veterans are most likely to succeed in business 18:02 - What it was like for Jim when he had malaria during his early military years 25:28 - How Jim got back into the military 27:55 - Jim's story of how he got into the manufacturing industry 34:01 - How Jim started his manufacturing company 39:09 - The lessons Jim learned in the military 49:51 - The qualities Jim looks for in people he works with Favorite Quotes 06:11 - "It's important to bring together all the people with military training. But the military ethos, that military value, is what the community needs. That's what the business world and our nation need politically, culturally, and sociologically." - Jim Cragg 11:10 - "Someone has to tell these veterans coming out that they have a ton of worthwhile experiences. If they put half the amount of work they give into their army or Marine Corps jobs into their office jobs, they're going to be millionaires" - Jim Cragg 12:37 - "Our community doesn't have enough political leadership. We don't have enough business CEOs with the skillset we have coming out of the military. And that's what we need to do." - Jim Cragg Connect with Lt. Colonel Jim Cragg LinkedIn S.O.Tech Tactical Connect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975 Swe90.com LinkedIn: Brett Henderson Strategic Wealth Endeavor Listen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple Podcast Spotify Google Podcast

When it comes to our well-being, implementing technologies that can detect invisible events is always a good idea. In this episode, Brett Henderson sits down with Dr. Eric Luster, CEO & Founder of Movement Interactive Inc, to discuss his journey as an entrepreneur in the sensor industry and how these can provide us with peace of mind for our physical and psychological health. Dr. Luster discusses: ● Some details about organizations that support veteran entrepreneurship, like the IVMF ● His background in the army and the transition from Sergeant Luster to Dr. Luster ● His experience as a nuclear biological chemical specialist ● The importance of having a partner that supports you in good and bad times ● An overview of the person-centered design concept ● What made him start his own business of health sensor monitoring ● The importance of surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you ●Details on how he won The Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year at Oklahoma State University ● What it’s to be a portfolio entrepreneur and his biggest business lesson ● And more! Resources: ● Get Over Yourself - How to Move without the Ball by Dr. Eric Luster Connect with Brett Henderson: ● 310-491-7975 ● Strategic Wealth Endeavor ● brett@swe90.com ● LinkedIn: Brett Henderson ● Facebook: Strategic Wealth Endeavor Connect with Dr. Eric Luster: ● LinkedIn: Dr. Eric Luster ● eluster@movement-interactive.com ● Movement Interactive - Website About our Guest: Dr. Eric Luster is the CEO & Founder of Movement Interactive Inc. and a Portfolio Entrepreneur. After 14 years in senior roles at the Department of Defense as a nuclear, biological, and chemical specialist and a research scientist and engineer, Eric began his work in the design of person-centered healthcare technologies. In 2012, he invented Hiji®Band, a device created to detect and report traumatic brain injury in athletics. He also sits on the Community Advisory Board for the Center of Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging (CIHRA) at Arizona State University, which focuses on advancing technologies that combat disease and providing innovative and technology-driven solutions for seniors. Eric's innovative technology has been selected for showcase in the Clinton Global Initiative for its social impact. In 2020, he was selected by the Arizona Republic as one of the Top 40 Entrepreneurs Under 40. He also received the top honor, Entrepreneur of the Year, at the 2014 Veterans Entrepreneurship Program and is a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, an elite honor awarded by the Army for technical expertise and performance. Most recently, Eric was named one of the Top 50 Technology Visionaries by InterCon (2019).

In this clip from The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass, Brett and guest Jim Cragg discuss the way innovation derived from a need to better aid those whose role is to serve and protect.

Each entrepreneur has a story to tell that can guide or motivate others who want to start businesses. In this episode, Brett Henderson is joined by Andrew Deck, Co-Founder and CEO of Covax Data, to talk about his beginnings in the financial industry and what inspired him to start his own software company. Andrew also explains the correct mindset to meet our goals. Andrew discusses: ● What were his intentions for joining the Navy ● How he got into the investment world in Blackstone and his journey working with hedge funds ● The reasons that made him start his own business ● The challenges he went through in his firm and what motivated him to keep trying ● The right mindset for veteran entrepreneurs ● And more! Connect with Brett Henderson: ● 310-491-7975 ● Strategic Wealth Endeavor ● brett@swe90.com ● LinkedIn: Brett Henderson ● Facebook: Strategic Wealth Endeavor Connect with Andrew Deck: ● LinkedIn: Andrew Deck ● adeck02@gmail.com About our Guest: Andrew Deck is the Co-Founder and CEO of Covax Data, an early-stage software company focused on delivering innovative solutions to complex problems. The company’s first product is a multi-use blockchain technology built to be lightweight, highly-performant and energy-efficient. Its capabilities, coupled with a pragmatic design, make the technology available to a wide range of deployments previously unavailable to the technology. Andrew is a proven leader and business developer across multiple industries. A U.S. Navy veteran, he began his career in finance with multiple alternative asset firms including Blackstone and Mariner Investment Group. Andrew was at Blackstone during the 2008-09 financial crisis where he managed portfolio hedges for their $32B hedge fund portfolio and developed an innovative commodity product that grew to $3B despite the investment climate of the time. Always bringing a unique, data-driven approach, Andrew developed some of the early machine learning based algorithmic trading models, as well as powerful deep-dive risk models for complex investment products. Since leaving the world of finance, he has focused attention on the areas of cyber and data security leveraging AI/ML and blockchain technology. A core belief – outsiders make the best innovators – has been a key driver of Andrew’s success.

In this clip from The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass, Brett and guest Philip Folsom talk about the lack of true hardships keeping young generations from reaching their true maturity.

When starting a business, you must consider several factors. It is essential to have the right employees, equipment, and systems in place and raise enough capital. In this episode, Sam (Samuel) Medina, CEO and founder of Samerica Consulting Group, joins your host Brett Henderson to share his experiences as a nurse in the Navy and how he became an entrepreneur. He also talks about the process of raising capital for his consulting company. Sam discusses: ● How valuable it’s to network on platforms like LinkedIn ● His journey as a licensed vocational nurse in the Navy ● The reasons he left the marines despite enjoying his service there ● How he started his own company after being laid off ● How he used his 401k to raise capital for his business ● Some details regarding his consulting services firm and how he helps businesses scale through process improvement and automation ● And more! Connect with Brett Henderson: ● 310-491-7975 ● Strategic Wealth Endeavor ● brett@swe90.com ● LinkedIn: Brett Henderson ● Facebook: Strategic Wealth Endeavor Connect with Samuel Medina: ● (832) 878-8884 ● LinkedIn: Samuel Medina ● samuel.media@samerica.net

In this clip from The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass, Brett and guest Paul Mackiewicz talk about how SEO will transform your discoverability online.

When we think of starting a business, we only tend to consider the long-term benefits, but we often forget about the short-term obligations. In this episode, Brett Henderson is joined by David Johnson, host of The David Johnson Show and founder of Fortis Life Group, to talk about how vital it's for companies, especially new ones, to have sufficient liquidity to meet their responsibilities. David also talks about his experiences as an entrepreneur in the insurance industry. David discusses: ● Some details regarding his military background and college studies ● How he got introduced into the entrepreneurship world ● Why he didn't succeed when he started a tech company and what he learned from it ● The importance of cash flow for any business ● Why he does not want his business to scale very up ● Some ways entrepreneurs could get capital for their business ● Why he started his insurance company, and how he ran it without making money for six months ● And more! Connect with Brett Henderson: ● 310-491-7975 ● Strategic Wealth Endeavor ● brett@swe90.com ● LinkedIn: Brett Henderson ● Facebook: Strategic Wealth Endeavor Connect with David Johnson: ● LinkedIn: David Johnson ● david@fortislifegroup.com ● Website - Fortis Life Group ● Podcast: The David Johnson Show About our Guest: David Johnson is an army SOF combat veteran and host of a national military and veteran talk show called The David Johnson Show. For the past 11 years, David has been a geek of all things insurance. Insur-tech supporter and believer. He was selected as the 2020 Rosie Network Media Professional of the year and is a former Arizona’s top entrepreneurs 30 under 30 selection. David is a 2009 Arizona State University graduate. Compliments of the G.I. Bill