Veteran On the Move

This episode features Marine Corps Veteran Eric Lazar, owner of SpeedPro Chicago Loop. Eric transitioned from military service by finishing his college education. After a difficult initial foray into the private sector, Eric identified the skills he lacked and bounced back. He thrived in the marketing and television broadcast industry, eventually becoming a national sales manager in Chicago. Eric chats with host Joe Crane about his path to entrepreneurship and his decision to become a SpeedPro franchisee. He candidly discusses his early challenges and the hard-won road to success. The episode also dives into the benefits of franchise ownership for veterans, highlighting the opportunities it presents.

This episode of Veteran on the Move features Jared Allen, a former NFL player and founder of Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors. Jared overcame challenges throughout his 12-year NFL career, and shares his journey of goal-setting, perseverance, and adaptation. Inspired by a USO tour, Jared saw a need for accessible housing for wounded veterans. He founded his non-profit to provide mortgage-free, adapted homes, offering lasting support. Jared also dives into the world of running a non-profit, sharing valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, like finding the right partners and staying passionate about your cause. This episode is sure to inspire veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

This episode features Marine Veteran Daniel Feliciano, CEO of Clotheslyne. After flying CH-53 helicopters in the Marine Corps, he worked in the civilian sector at Shell in aviation logistics. After years of working overseas, Daniel returned to the U.S. and explored entrepreneurship. He delves into his journey, from real estate and painting to tackling a common pain point: laundry. Daniel created Clotheslyne, a unique marketplace that connects people who need laundry done with those who have extra machine capacity. He explains how Clotheslyne goes beyond a typical gig economy app by fostering a sense of community and relationships for a better user experience. Tune in to hear about Clotheslyne, Daniel's entrepreneurial advice for veterans, and how he's helping people reclaim their time from laundry duty.

In this episode, Joe is joined by Air Force retiree and D1 Training franchisee John Rose. As he prepared for his military retirement, John participated in the Skillbridge program and was later hired by the company he interned with. Inspired by his daughters’ athletic training regimen, John saw the need for more training centers focused on the needs of athletes. John discusses why he decided to go the franchise route and how he funded his initial investment for his business. He shares information about great resources for entrepreneurs, like the SBA, and the importance of pursuing a business you are passionate about and taking time to do your research.

In this episode, Joe is joined by retired Marine Officer and entrepreneurial business leader Tom Paquin. Tom served in the Marine Corps for 21 years as an F/A-18 pilot and entered the world of entrepreneurship following his military retirement. He founded several successful renewable energy companies prior to starting VictoryBase. VictoryBase offers military families an alternative housing solution in the face of challenging housing markets and constant PCS moves. In addition to renting a home in a community focused neighborhood; families can build equity and invest in the VictoryBase Corporation stock. Tom shares his advice for transitioning service members and the importance of preparing for the cultural differences of the civilian world and the hard work needed for success.

In this episode, Joe is joined by Certified Personal Trainer, Daniel Raz. Daniel shares his own fitness journey and what led him to a career in exercise and nutrition. In 2020, he pivoted his business to an online model, working through the challenges of working with clients on a new platform. Joe and Daniel discuss the importance of understanding who your target client is and focusing your efforts on connecting with them. Daniel gives insight into how he uses social media to connect with customers and his advice for entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Joe is joined by Navy Veteran and CEO of Executive Presence, Justin Nassiri. Justin served as a Submarine officer and attended business school following his service. He discusses the challenges he faced going straight into entrepreneurship from school and advice for others considering doing the same. Before founding Executive Presence, Justin led two other startups that he later sold. Executive Presence manages LinkedIn accounts for CEOs, allowing business leaders to take full advantage of the power of social media. Justin shares actionable advice for both transitioning Veterans and fledgling Entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Joe is joined by retired Air Force officer and Senior Consultant Eric Gervais. Eric started his Air Force career as an enlisted aircraft mechanic and later commissioned in the Air National Guard as a finance officer. He discusses with Joe his lessons learned from multiple transitions between Active Duty, Civilian life, and the National Guard. Following his retirement, he has been able to apply his military knowledge and experience to his position as a Senior Consulate with Infinite Technologies, Inc (ITI). ITI provides IT support and services to customers, including the Air Force and Air National Guard. Eric shares tips for entrepreneurs on the importance of networking within the military and protecting what you create with patents and copyright.

In this episode, Joe is joined by retired Army Officer and entrepreneur Tom Burrell. Tom served as an Artillery Officer and after retirement entered corporate America. He discusses with Joe his journey in entrepreneurship and what led up to the founding of Atlas MKE. Atlas MKE is a public benefits company specializing in business to business marketing. Tom shares how the Army prepared him for Entrepreneurship and how refining processes learned in the military can be translated into success in the civilian world.

In this episode, Joe is joined by Stan Popovich, the author of A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear. Struggling with fear and anxiety himself, Stan has taken the lessons learned from his personal experiences to help others through his book and website, http://www.managingfear.com. Stan and Joe discuss the impact fear can have on one's business and why entrepreneurs need to be proactive when facing anxiety and depression. Stan shares techniques that worked for him and the importance of making a plan and asking for help.

In this episode, Joe is joined by Scott Patterson, a Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Tumble. Scott served for 11 years in the Infantry before transitioning into the civilian sector. While staying with a friend in San Francisco, he became frustrated with the outdated and unreliable laundry set up in the apartment building and at his local laundromat. Scott shares with Joe how he entered the laundry industry and how Tumble is now in hundreds of buildings across multiple states

This week Joe is joined by Army Veteran and entrepreneur Tyson Koska. Tyson served as a helicopter pilot; going from high school to flight school and attending college after four years of service. Following graduation, Tyson entered the IT world and started a 25 year career. He shares with Joe how he created OnTrajectory, a personal finance software that helps users with long term planning. OnTrajectory is unique from other available financial planning tools because it is highly customizable and user’s information is kept private. Tyson shares the lessons he has learned and advice for other entrepreneurs.

This week Joe is joined by Kevin Snow, Army National Guardsman and founder of Time on Target and Success Champion Networking. Kevin and Joe have a great discussion about traits and best practices of successful entrepreneurs. Kevin entered sales after college and through experience learned how to make sales calls about the clients and the importance of asking questions. He now uses his knowledge to teach his clients how to sell with his sales consulting firm Time on Target. Kevin is also the founder and COO of Success Champion Networking, which helps small business owners scale their businesses through meaningful and valuable partnerships with like minded people. If you want to learn more about sales and how to grow your business, this is the episode for you

This week Joe is joined by Navy Veteran and franchise consultant Steve Taylor. After running his own successful franchise for 9 years, now Steve connects clients with franchise opportunities. As a consultant, he assists clients in identifying their goals and introduces them to potential businesses at no cost. He shares why Veterans are a great fit for the franchise business model and how new business owners can benefit from the structure and networking provided by being a franchisee. Joe and Steve discuss current trends in small business ownership and support available to Veterans in franchising.

This week Joe is joined by Active Duty Sailor, Real Estate Investor, and Realtor Andrew Valdez Johnston. Andrew discusses his path from high school to enlisting in the U.S. Navy and his first experience in the real estate industry. He shares how the leadership experiences and opportunities gained through his service have impacted his entrepreneurship and set him up for business success. Andrew is passionate about financial literacy and the important foundation it provides entrepreneurs and young service members. Joe and Andrew discuss resources available to help Veterans and Serivce Members create income through real estate.

This week Joe is joined by Navy Veteran Mike Quilty, CEO of Wild Bill’s Craft Beverages. Mike transitioned out of the Navy after five years of service and attended business school as his next step. A serial entrepreneur, Mike’s focus has been in the healthcare industry but recently shifted to Wild Bill’s Craft Beverages and taking what was a small seasonal business to the national market. Wild Bill’s is a mobile concession service that sells craft sodas and collectable mugs at events nationwide.Through Wild Bill’s, he is focusing on providing career opportunities and training for Veterans. Mike and Joe discussed the importance of creating a team that works well together, the process of entrepreneurship, and taking that first step. Listen where you stream podcasts. #VeteranOnTheMove #VeteranSupport #Podcast #VeteranOwned #VeteranEntrepreneur #Entrepreneur #Military #VeteranLeadership

This week Joe is joined by Air Force Veteran Lacey Langford, the host of the Military Money Show and founder of MilMoneyCon. Lacey is an Accredited Financial Counselor who is passionate about helping the military community make, save, and invest money smartly by combining her financial expertise and military experience as a Veteran and military spouse. In addition to her podcast, the Military Money Show, Lacey has founded MilMoneyCon. MilMoneyCon is where the military and money communities will meet; to collaborate, learn, and enhance the ability of financial professionals to serve the military community. Lacey shares the importance of connecting with the needs of your community and the power of networking. MilMoneyCon22 will be held 21-23 April in Cary, NC.

This week Joe is joined by Air Force Veteran Max Aulakh, the founder and CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform. Max served in Security Forces, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He transitioned out of the military in 2009, during a difficult job market, and started working as a defense contractor. Max entered the world of cybersecurity and entrepreneurship. He discusses the importance of market validation, his journey for the American dream, and details about his latest company Ignyte Assurance Platform.

This week Joe is joined by Army Veteran Ben Burt, the owner of a Fibrenew franchise in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After serving in the Army for 27 years and completing eight deployments, Ben planned on attending dental school but turned to entrepreneurship in order to focus on his family. After attending the VA Star program and completing vocational rehab, he started searching for a franchise that would be the right match for his goals and values. Ben opened a Fibrenew franchise; a mobile repair, restoration, and maintenance service. He shared his tips for finding a franchise that matches your values and ensuring that you identify what those values are in your post-military life.

This week Joe is joined by Army Veteran, Alexandra Ostebo, the founder of Kameo and Creative Picnic. Alexandra served in the Army Reserve as a Quartermaster Officer while creating her own opportunities through entrepreneurship. She founded her first production based company, Creative Picnic, providing management and marketing for up and coming artists. After seeing the need for a production focused testing company due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexandra founded Kameo. She credits her success to her military training and being able to think through unexpected challenges and lead others. She gives actionable advice to Veterans looking to enter the film and television industry and a reminder to leverage those military skills.

This week Joe welcomes back to the show Jarrod H. Smith, who is currently serving as a Naval Officer while preparing for his transition to civilian life. With his Liberty Accelerator Program, Jarrod is offering service members and their families a path to ensure the entire family returns to society fully mission capable after military service. His program focuses on individuals and their goals; a shift away from the military way of treating everyone the same. Jarrod discusses how transition preparation needs to shift away from reactionary and how his program can help. It is never too early to start planning for what’s next.

This week Joe is joined by Army Veteran and the VP of Franchise Development for Capriotti’s and Wing Zone, Bruce Evans. Bruce credits the Army for teaching him valuable and applicable lessons in how to handle difficult situations and not quitting in the face of adversity. Following his transition from Active Duty, Bruce worked in the restaurant business while earning his degree. Bruce shares why Veterans make successful franchisees and the value of their military experience. He also discusses how you can start exploring opportunities in the restaurant industry and how to find a company that matches your values. If you want to learn more about the restaurant business, this is the episode for you.

This week Joe is joined by Melody Gratic, CEO and co-founder of XcelMil, LLC. Melody shared her transition experience following her retirement from the Army after 24 years of service. Melody explained the importance of connecting with resources that are available to Service Members and their families as they enter the civilian workforce. There are local, state, and federal programs that empower Veterans with tools and support like the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service. Melody reminds Veterans to not downplay their skills and experiences gained through service and use the available resources to translate those skills on a resume. . Listen where you stream podcasts. #VeteranOnTheMove #VeteranSupport #Podcast #VeteranOwned #VeteranEntrepreneur #Entrepreneur #Military #VeteranLeadership

This week Joe is joined by Army Veteran Andrew Rosado, who founded Woodlawn Press Winery along with his wife Bonnie. Andrew shared how he was able to turn what started as a wine making hobby into a family business. After separation from the Army, Andrew entered the civilian workforce until deciding that the entrepreneurial path was right for him and his family. He discussed how they faced the unpredictable challenges of entrepreneurship by always moving forward and pivoting when needed. Andrew and Joe discuss the value of soft skills that military members develop and how they are important to leverage in your transition. Listen where you stream podcasts. #VeteranOnTheMove #VeteranSupport #Podcast #VeteranOwned #VeteranEntrepreneur #Entrepreneur #Military #VeteranLeadership

For the 400th episode of Veteran On The Move, Joe is joined by Mark McLaughlin, the co-founder of Old Line Spirits. Along with fellow Navy Veteran Arch Watkins, Mark seized the opportunity to transform a love of whiskey into a successful distillery. Mark shared his post military story; from utilizing the GI Bill for graduate education to working two years as an investment banker. After deciding that banking was not a good fit, Mark turned to entrepreneurship. He shares the lessons he learned through his experience; to include the importance of being able to adjust your business plan in the face of adversity and always being ready to learn. Listen where you stream podcasts. #VeteranOnTheMove #VeteranSupport #Podcast #VeteranOwned #VeteranEntrepreneur #Entrepreneur #Military #VeteranLeadership