Shows
Milprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | David Fivecoat | Pivoting From Combat to ConsultingIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, Ryan sits down with David Fivecoat, a retired Army Colonel and the founder of The Fivecoat Consulting Group (TFCG). David shares his incredible journey from West Point and leading troops in the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions to navigating the civilian corporate world. He opens up about the harsh reality of launching his own consulting firm in March 2020—right at the start of the global pandemic—and the grit required to survive those early, lean quarters.David provides a masterclass on adaptability, discussing how he pivoted his busi...
2026-01-0521 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Matthew DePrimo | How to Recruit 1,200 People in 1 YearMatthew DePrimo went from a high-speed active duty Army officer to being medically retired at 28, facing a sudden loss of identity and mission. Instead of slowing down, he channeled his drive into education and entrepreneurship, founding Career Bridge—a specialized STEM recruiting firm. In a display of massive action, Matthew and his team successfully placed over 1,200 candidates in a single year, proving that military precision translates directly to business growth.In this episode, Matthew shares how he built a company rooted in military values, specifically focusing on connecting underrepresented groups with top-tier opportunities. He re...
2025-12-3031 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Dr. Mark Michels | From Private to Lt. Col. to Corporate COOIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Dr. Mark Michels, the Chief Operating Officer of Global Integrity Alliance. Mark shares his incredible 31-year journey in the U.S. Army, rising from a Private E-1 to retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He discusses his unique path from Air Defense Artillery to becoming a Counter-WMD expert and eventually the Academic Provost at the Defense Nuclear Weapons School.Mark opens up about the realities of transitioning from the military to the corporate world, specifically how he navigated the shift during the...
2025-12-2523 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Dida Clifton | The Office Squad: Building Mission-Ready BusinessesIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Dida Clifton, a USAF veteran and the founder of The Office Squad. Dida shares her incredible journey from working in an F-15 fighter squadron to building a comprehensive back-office support system for small businesses. By leveraging her military background, she has created a unique "Squadron" model that brings discipline, urgency, and systems to the often chaotic world of entrepreneurship and bookkeeping.Dida dives deep into the struggles of branding and the pivotal moment she decided to ignore the naysayers who told her a military-themed business...
2025-12-1715 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Marah Lago | From 8-Figure Founder to Military Creator Con VisionaryIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Marah Lago, a powerhouse entrepreneur and co-founder of Military Creator Con. Marah shares her incredible journey from the high-pressure world of corporate management consulting to navigating the utter collapse of her first business, eventually rising to build a vertically integrated jewelry empire. This conversation explores how a civilian spouse found her true home within the veteran community and is now dedicating her expertise to helping military creators scaling their own visions.Marah opens up about the harsh lessons learned from...
2025-12-1221 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Stacey Allen | The Untold Truth of VA Claims & Veteran BenefitsIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Stacey Allen, an Army veteran and the Founder and CEO of Valor Health. After a distinguished career as a medic in Desert Storm and over 16 years in health administration with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Stacey pivoted to entrepreneurship with a mission to serve his brothers and sisters in arms. This conversation explores the critical transition from government service to becoming a founder, highlighting how military precision and medical expertise can be leveraged to solve complex problems within the VA system.
2025-12-1016 minMilprenuer PodcastMission Briefing: Stacey Allen on the Milpreneur Podcast!Suit up, Milpreneurs, Stacey Allen is stepping into the studio with a story that hits hard and inspires even harder. From military service to CEO of Valor Health, he’s turning experience into impact and breaking barriers for veterans everywhere. If you’re ready for purpose, leadership, and game-changing insight, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.🎧 Episode drops this week! Catch past episodes and get ready to level up.
2025-12-0800 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Randy Gilbert | Solving Veteran Transition With Cyber & AI Career PathsIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Randy Gilbert, a retired Air Force First Sergeant and the co-founder of KnovaQuest. After a distinguished 21-year military career ranging from Security Forces to operating sensors, Randy faced the challenge many veterans encounter: finding a renewed sense of purpose outside the uniform. This conversation explores his transition from military leadership to becoming a tech founder dedicated to upskilling the next generation of cyber warriors.Randy dives deep into the evolution of KnovaQuest, detailing how the company pivoted from general culture...
2025-12-0515 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Tia Christopher | The Unexpected Rise of a Veteran Woman EntrepreneurIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Tia Christopher, a U.S. Navy veteran turned tech leader and founder of The Orange Peel Collaborative. Tia shares her incredible journey from serving as an Arabic linguist to navigating the high-stakes world of AI and machine learning operations, ultimately finding her footing as a formidable entrepreneur in the tech space.Tia opens up about the "happy accidents" and challenges that defined her career, including how multiple layoffs in the tech sector pushed her to build her own company. She...
2025-12-0214 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Josh White | No Limits, No Fear on Racing, Entrepreneurship & Relentless GritIn this high-octane episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Horn sits down with Josh White, a US Marine Corps veteran who successfully transitioned from the battlefield to the race track. Josh shares his incredible journey of resilience, detailing how he navigated the competitive "dog-eat-dog" world of professional racing to return to the NASCAR Truck Series. This conversation explores the intersection of military discipline and the high-speed demands of being a professional driver and brand builder.Josh dives deep into the mental fortitude required to secure sponsorships and execute split-second decisions on the...
2025-11-3019 minMilprenuer PodcastRace Ready: Josh White Joins the Milpreneur Podcast!From the battlefield to the fast lane, Josh White isn’t just chasing speed, he’s building momentum, breaking barriers, and proving what grit really looks like. 🇺🇸In this upcoming episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, we dive into the mind of the Marine-turned-professional-racer who turned discipline into horsepower and passion into purpose.Get ready for stories that hit hard, lessons that fuel growth, and the kind of drive that only a warrior on wheels can bring. 🎧 Episode drops tomorrow!
2025-11-2700 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | CJ Cartagena | From Battlefield to Boardroom: Building Resilient Veteran LeadersWhat if discipline wasn’t just a military standard, but the secret weapon to unlocking your biggest breakthroughs in life and business?In this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with CJ Cartagena, Air Force pilot, instructor, mission leader, and all-around force of nature, to unpack what it really takes to thrive in high-pressure environments and build a life filled with purpose.From flying HC-130 combat search and rescue missions to transitioning into the cockpit of a C-17, CJ shares the lessons, mindset shifts, an...
2025-11-2518 minMilprenuer Podcast🎖️ Mission Briefing: CJ Cartagena on the Milpreneur Podcast!From flying T-6 trainers to commanding C-17s, CJ Cartagena has conquered some of the Air Force’s toughest missions. ✈️In this week’s episode of Milpreneur Podcast, “Air Force Lessons for Life & Leadership with CJ Cartagena,” he shares his journey from daring combat search-and-rescue missions to mentoring the next generation of pilots. 🎧 Stay on standby: Episode drops this week. Check past episodes and prepare for takeoff! Link in the comments.#MilpreneurPodcast #AirForceLife #CJCartagena #ScalingUpSuccess #MilitaryLessons #PilotLife #LeadershipJourney #MissionSuccess #LifeInTheAirForce #1PercentBetter
2025-11-2400 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Shannon Polson | Leading with Grit: Lessons from an Apache PilotIn this inspiring episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Shannon Huffman Polson, one of the first women to fly the Apache attack helicopter and the founder of The Grit Institute. Shannon shares her incredible journey from the cockpit of a combat helicopter to the corporate boardroom, eventually becoming a successful veteran entrepreneur. This conversation explores how military precision meets business agility, offering a masterclass on systems, leadership, and the power of grit.Deep Dive & Conflict: Transitioning from the military to the civilian sector often requires a profound shift...
2025-11-2120 minMilprenuer Podcast🎖️ Milprenuers, get ready!Our next guest, Shannon Huffman Polson, isn’t just a trailblazer, she’s a force of nature. As one of the first women to pilot the Apache helicopter and the founder of The Grit Institute, she brings powerful lessons on courage, leadership, and navigating adversity with strength.If you’re ready for an episode filled with grit, wisdom, and serious inspiration… this one’s for you.#MilprenuerPodcast #ShannonHuffmanPolson #VeteranLeadership #WomenInMilitary #ApachePilot #MilitaryStories #GritAndResilience #VeteranCommunity #LeadershipPodcast #MilitaryAviation #VeteranSupport #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranSuccess #WomenLeaders #TheGritInstitute
2025-11-2000 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Matt Mattison | From PTSD to Purpose: Building the Veterans Breakthrough NetworkIn this powerful episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Matt Madison, a Navy veteran who served as a bomb builder on the USS Enterprise during two tours in the Persian Gulf. Matt opens up about his profound struggle with transition trauma, isolation, and PTSD, sharing how he turned a personal battle for survival into a lifeline for his fellow service members.They take a deep dive into the mental health crisis facing the veteran community and the innovative way Matt is combating the "22 a day" statistic. By leveraging...
2025-11-1810 minMilprenuer PodcastFrom building bombs on an aircraft carrier to building communities that save lives! 💥This week on the Milprenuer Podcast, we sit down with Matt Mattison — Navy veteran, former bomb builder aboard the USS Enterprise, and founder of the Veterans Breakthrough Network.Matt opens up about his journey from military service to mental health advocacy, how gaming and online platforms became lifelines, and how he’s turning personal struggles into a mission to help others.#MattMattison #MilpreneurPodcast #VeteransBreakthroughNetwork #NavyVeteran #PTSDRecovery #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #VeteranAdvocacy #OnlineCommunity #DiscordCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteransHelpingVeterans #PeerSupport #MilitaryToCivilian #InspirationalVeteran
2025-11-1700 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Kevin Sullivan | Building Military Connect and Making Every Day Veterans DayIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Kevin Sullivan, a retired Army Aviation officer and the founder of Military Connect. They discuss Kevin's transition from the cockpit to the boardroom, exploring how he utilized military discipline and structure to navigate the often chaotic world of entrepreneurship. This conversation highlights the power of veteran networks and the journey of scaling a business that serves the military community.Kevin dives deep into the lessons learned from his early business ventures, including the massive success of creating the Military Costco...
2025-11-1424 minMilprenuer PodcastAttention, Milpreneurs!On this episode of the Milprenuer Podcast, Kevin Sullivan shares how he’s helping veterans and service members navigate business, finance, and post-service opportunities.From military strategy to building impactful businesses, Kevin breaks down the mindset, systems, and leadership skills that lead to mission success, both in uniform and in entrepreneurship.
2025-11-1300 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Lindsey Chrismon | From Apache Pilot to Harvard Founder Building OplyIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Lindsey Chrismon, a powerhouse veteran entrepreneur with a resume that reads like fiction. From being the First Captain at West Point and the first female AH-6 Little Bird pilot in the 160th SOAR to graduating from Harvard Business School, Lindsey is now tackling her biggest challenge yet: the tech startup world. She is the co-founder of Oply, an AI-driven PropTech company designed to revolutionize how homeowners manage maintenance.Lindsey opens up about the massive transitions in her life, moving from...
2025-11-1123 minMilprenuer PodcastFrom flying helicopters to building online communities!This week on the Milprenuer Podcast, we chat with Lindsey Chrismon — Co-Founder of Oply, Harvard Business School alum, former Special Operations Helicopter Pilot , and Veteran Fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution.Lindsey opens up about how she turned discipline, strategy, and creativity from the military into building content and communities that actually connect with people.Episode drops tomorrow, link in the comments!
2025-11-1000 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | David Cain | Helping Real Heroes Build Wealth Through HomeownershipIn this episode of Scaling Up Success, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with David Cain, the visionary behind Heroes Home Advantage. This nationwide network is dedicated to giving back to those who serve—including veterans, active duty military, and first responders—by providing substantial savings during the real estate process. David shares how his unique system connects heroes with realtors and lenders who voluntarily give back a portion of their commission, offering a thank you for their sacrifice.The conversation takes a deep dive into the current state of the housing market, challenging the...
2025-11-0719 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Dustin Dobbyn | How Marines Build Elite Teams and a Mission-Driven Security FirmIn this powerful episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Dustin Dobbyn, a United States Marine Corps veteran and former Law Enforcement Officer turned entrepreneur. Dustin shares his incredible journey from deploying to Sangin, Afghanistan with the 3/7 Marines and serving on high-risk SWAT teams, to founding Tac On One, a premier private security and consulting firm. This conversation explores how a combat veteran leveraged tactical precision and unwavering discipline to disrupt the security industry and scale a successful business.Dustin dives deep into the realities of scaling a service-based...
2025-11-0418 minMilprenuer PodcastFrom the frontlines to the boardroom!🔥 From the frontlines to the boardroom! 🔥This week on the Milpreneur Podcast, we sit down with Dustin Dobbyn, Marine Corps veteran, founder of TACON1, and co-founder of Project Child Rescue. 🇺🇸Dobby shares his journey from boot camp to battlefield, and how the discipline, leadership, and brotherhood of the Marines shaped the mission-driven security firm he runs today. ⚡ Real battles. Real lessons. Real impact. Episode drops tomorrow! Catch previous episodes in the comments.#MilpreneurPodcast #DustinDobbyn #TACON1 #ProjectChildRescue #MarineCorpsVeteran #VeteranEntrepreneurs #MilitaryLeadership #Entrepreneursh...
2025-11-0300 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Martin Engster | How Big Companies Hurt Small Businesses and How Centerline Fights BackIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Martin Engster, a Marine Corps veteran and the driving force behind Centerline. Martin shares his unique journey from growing up in Germany to serving in the USMC, and how he is now leading a third-generation business in the high-stakes world of CNC spindle repair and manufacturing. This conversation explores the intersection of military discipline and entrepreneurial grit, showcasing how systems and resilience are vital for scaling a niche mechanical business.Martin dives deep into the operational conflicts faced by small...
2025-10-3122 minMilprenuer PodcastWho’s stepping up next on the Milpreneur Podcast?Meet Martin Engster, Marine Corps veteran, son of a Navy legacy, and the driving force behind Centerline. Ever wondered how a military mindset turns into a thriving family-run business? Or how a small company navigates challenges, pivots during tough times, and still keeps a strong culture? Martin’s story gives you a front-row seat to all of it.💥 Dropping soon!Catch up on past episodes and get ready to hear lessons, strategies, and stories that might just chang...
2025-10-3000 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Matthew Askren & Raiz Abdul | AI Mental Health Support for Veterans and First RespondersIn this powerful episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with USMC veteran Matthew Askren and tech savant Raiz Abdul, co-founders of Mindful Me Care. Together, they discuss their groundbreaking mission to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat the mental health crisis facing the military and first responder communities. By combining combat-tested resilience with cutting-edge technology, they are building a scalable system designed to provide immediate, accessible support to those who serve.The conversation dives deep into the unique challenges of reintegration, referencing Matthew's time at "The Outpost" in Afghanistan...
2025-10-2818 minMilprenuer PodcastWho’s joining us next on the Milprenuer Podcast?Meet Trinidad Aguirre, a Gulf War Navy veteran turned advocate for fellow veterans. After facing the challenges of navigating the VA system, he founded VetsForever, a mission-driven organization that has recovered over $5 million in benefits for veterans. With a team that's 90% veterans, VetsForever is redefining what it means to serve those who served.Dropping soon!Catch up on past episodes and prepare for a conversation that will inspire and challenge you.
2025-10-2100 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Trinidad Aguirre | Why Veterans Must Stop “Sucking It Up” and Fight for Their BenefitsIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Trinidad Aguirre, the founder of VetsForever, a VA-accredited law group dedicated to helping veterans navigate the complex disability claim process. As a Navy veteran himself, Trinidad understands the jarring shift from active duty "warfighter" to civilian life, where the support systems often disappear overnight. They discuss the vital mission of ensuring veterans receive the disability ratings they deserve, regardless of how much time has passed since their separation from service.The conversation dives deep into the psychological barriers many veterans...
2025-10-2115 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Quatrell Walker | From Iraq IED Survivor to Inspiring the Next GenerationIn this powerful episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan VanOrnum sits down with Quatrell Walker, a U.S. Army Veteran whose journey took him from the ceremonial prestige of The Old Guard to the combat zones of Iraq. After surviving an IED attack that shifted his perspective on life and service, Quatrell transitioned from being a soldier to a thriving entrepreneur in the automotive detailing industry. This conversation explores how he leveraged military discipline to build robust systems for his business and now dedicates his life to coaching and mentoring others to achieve self-mastery.
2025-10-1724 minMilprenuer PodcastWho’s joining us next? 👀Meet Quatrell Walker, an entrepreneur who’s passionate about helping others unlock their potential and rise with purpose. In this episode of the Milprenuer podcast, Quatrell shares powerful insights on leadership, faith, and the mindset shifts that drive lasting successboth in business and in life.🎧 Tune in to this episode. #QuatrellWalker #MilpreneurPodcast #Leadership #MindsetMatters #Motivation #FaithInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #InspiringLeaders #PersonalGrowth #SuccessMindset #PurposeDriven #Empowerment #BusinessInspiration
2025-10-1600 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Aaron Barnes | Why Veterans Lose Purpose and How Compact Care Fixes ItIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Aaron Barnes, a U.S. Army veteran turned manufacturing entrepreneur. Aaron shares his transition from handling tactical satellite communications and geospatial imagery in combat zones like Afghanistan and Syria to founding Compact Care. This episode explores how a lack of basic resources in austere environments inspired a revolutionary line of micro-hygiene products designed for soldiers, first responders, and outdoor enthusiasts.The conversation goes deep into the psychological shift required when moving from the structured military hierarchy to the chaotic world...
2025-10-1424 minMilprenuer PodcastWho’s stepping into the spotlight next?A U.S. Army veteran and founder of Compact Care, Aaron Barnes transforms the lessons of war into innovative products that restore dignity and convenience in the toughest environments.In this episode of the Milprenuer, Aaron reveals the untold moments that shaped his journey.🚨 Dropping soon. You won’t want to miss a second. 🚨Catch up on past episodes and get ready for a conversation that will leave you inspired. #AaronBarnes #VeteranEntrepreneur #CompactCare #MilitaryToBusiness #Resilience #LeadershipJourney #Innovation #MissionDriven #VeteranStories #Entrepre...
2025-10-1300 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | DJ Jarvis | How a Forced Exit Sparked a Real Estate and Business EmpireIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Horn sits down with DJ Jarvis, a former Air Force officer whose career spanned from refueling jets at 30,000 feet to piloting MQ-9 Reapers. Now the founder of OO Venture Group, DJ shares how he leveraged his time in service to become a successful real estate investor and business acquirer. This conversation explores the intersection of military discipline and modern entrepreneurship, offering a blueprint for veterans looking to build wealth beyond their service.DJ dives deep into the concept of the "Golden Handcuffs," challenging the...
2025-10-1016 minMilprenuer PodcastDJ Jarvis: From Sky-High Missions to Million-Dollar MovesThis week on the Milpreneur Podcast, we’re joined by DJ Jarvis, a veteran and visionary leader who’s turned service-driven values into powerful business results.From mission mindset to modern leadership, DJ Jarvis shares how the principles that guide soldiers can also guide CEOs, and why resilience, structure, and heart are the ultimate force multipliers in business.🎧 Full episode drops soon, but while you wait, explore past episodes of The Milpreneur Podcast. Link in the comments!#MilpreneurPodcast #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Resilie...
2025-10-0900 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | JR McIntyre | Surviving War, Losing Everything, and Rebuilding PurposeIn this powerful episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Dr. JayR McIntyre, a combat veteran of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division and a Bronze Star recipient. Known today as "The Hood Motivator," Dr. McIntyre shares his harrowing and inspiring journey from the streets of Long Beach and the battlefields of Iraq to becoming a top-ranked motivational speaker and business consultant. This conversation goes far beyond standard business advice, diving deep into the often-overlooked intersection of trauma, mental health, and high-level entrepreneurship.Dr. McIntyre opens up about...
2025-10-0712 minMilprenuer PodcastJR McIntyre on Surviving 55 Months of Combat and Finding PurposeWho’s our next guest?He went from gang life and jail in Long Beach to serving 55 months in combat with the legendary Big Red One. A Bronze Star recipient who faced the battlefield abroad and the battles within, he turned his pain into purpose, becoming The Hood Motivator, a voice for veterans, leaders, and entrepreneurs around the world. In this episode, JR McIntyre shares his powerful journey of resilience, from war zones to entrepreneurship.🚨 Dropping this tomorrow, don’t miss...
2025-10-0600 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Wes Schaeffer | Why Humanity Is the Next Killer App in Business and LeadershipHost Ryan Van Horn sits down with Wes Schaeffer, known globally as "The Sales Whisperer," for a candid conversation about the intersection of military discipline and high-stakes entrepreneurship. An Air Force Academy graduate and veteran who served in combat communications during Operation Enduring Freedom, Wes shares how he transitioned from the gridiron and the battlefield into becoming a powerhouse sales trainer and marketing automation expert. This episode explores how the grit required to play football with a broken wrist translates directly to the resilience needed to scale a business in a volatile market.Wes...
2025-09-3031 minMilprenuer PodcastThe Surprising Lessons Wes Schaeffer Brought from the Military to BusinessWhat does it take to turn military discipline into 28 years of sales mastery and 19 years of coaching entrepreneurs? On the next episode of the Millpreneur Podcast, Wes Schaeffer, aka The Sales Whisperer, shares how he went from Air Force veteran to top sales strategist and keynote speaker, helping businesses grow smarter, faster, and more human.His journey is bold, inspiring, and packed with lessons on discipline, consistency, and creating a lasting legacy.Dropping this week, don’t miss it!Ca...
2025-09-3000 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Spencer Verhines | How a Veteran Built a Coffee Legacy from His GarageIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Spencer Verhines, an Air Force veteran who transitioned from a career in Security Police guarding nuclear missile fields to becoming the founder of American Classic Coffee. Spencer opens up about his journey from a "dreamer" with a "ready, shoot, aim" mentality to a disciplined business owner who learned the hard way through the "entrepreneur tax." This conversation sheds light on the realities of bootstrapping a manufacturing business and the pivot required to move from simple repackaging to full-scale roasting.Spencer...
2025-09-2621 minMilprenuer PodcastThe Shocking Transition of Spencer Verhines From Military Vet to Business EntrepreneurWhat does it take to go from guarding nukes in the Air Force, to roasting specialty coffee in your garage?On the next episode of the Milprenuer Podcast, Spencer Verhines shares how he went from veteran to founder of American Classic Coffee, building a family-run business one roast, one lesson, and one big leap at a time.His journey is gritty, inspiring, and full of hard-earned wisdom about resilience, mistakes that become momentum, and the power of slowing down to scale up.Dropping this...
2025-09-2500 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Donta Henson | From Lockdown Idea to 230-Location Tequila BrandIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Donta Henson, a U.S. Navy veteran and the visionary CEO behind Los Hermanos Tequila. Donta shares his incredible journey from serving in Japan to launching an award-winning spirits brand during the height of the 2020 pandemic. This conversation explores how a veteran entrepreneur utilized military precision to disrupt a competitive industry, turning a family passion project into a rapidly scaling business empire.Donta dives deep into the realities of the spirits industry, discussing the intense hurdles of cash flow management...
2025-09-2325 minMilprenuer PodcastWhat You Didn’t Know About Donta Henson’s Path to Los Hermanos TequilaaWhat does it take to turn a tequila tasting at home into a nationwide brand? 🍹On the next episode of the Milprenuer Podcast, Donta Henson shares how he went from Navy veteran to co-founder of Los Hermanos Tequila, now in over 230 locations with 44 awards. His journey is bold, inspiring, and packed with lessons on action, resilience, and building something bigger than yourself."If other people do it, then we can figure it out too… and that’s exactly what we did."Dr...
2025-09-2200 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Russell Burgess | How Military Skills Built a Nationwide Consulting FirmIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Russell Burgess, a 21-year Air Force veteran who successfully transitioned from aircraft maintenance to high-level management consulting. Now the founder of REJ Solutions, Russell shares how he leveraged his military background and Lean Six Sigma certification to build a thriving career in the infrastructure and engineering sectors. This conversation highlights the power of military systems and leadership in scaling civilian businesses.Russell opens up about the uncertainty of transitioning out of the military and the realization that technical skills aren't...
2025-09-1928 minMilprenuer PodcastHow Russell Burgess Turned a $200 Paycheck Into a Career of ImpactTransitioning out of the military isn’t as straightforward as it seems, just ask our next guest.In this sneak peek of the Milprenuer Podcast, Russell Burgess opens up about the challenges of moving from military life to the civilian world. From navigating TAP classes to realizing the priceless value of dependability, responsibility, and dedication, he shares how the skills learned in service became his biggest advantage outside the uniform.This episode is full of insight, inspiration, and practical lessons for anyone making the le...
2025-09-1801 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Nathan Wheeler | From Lost Identity to Purpose and Generational WealthIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Omum sits down with Nathan Wheeler, a U.S. Army veteran who served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and 10th Special Forces Group before pivoting into the world of financial services. They discuss the often-difficult journey from military service to becoming a successful entrepreneur, highlighting the critical role of systems and discipline in building a new life. Nathan shares his powerful story of overcoming the loss of identity after service and finding a renewed drive to help others achieve financial independence.Nathan dives deep...
2025-09-1623 minMilprenuer PodcastWhat Happened When Nathan Wheeler Left the Military Could Shock YouWhat happens when a soldier trades the battlefield for civilian life?The answer might surprise you. 👀On the next episode of the Milprenuer Podcast, Nathan Wheeler opens up about life after the military in “What Happened When Nathan Wheeler Left the Military Could Shock You.” His story is raw, real, and filled with lessons on resilience, purpose, and transformation.Dropping this week, don’t miss it!While you wait, catch up on past episodes and get ready for one of the most eye-openi...
2025-09-1500 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Trisha Stetzel | A New Definition of Success After ServiceIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Trisha Stetzel, a U.S. Navy Veteran and dynamic business leadership coach. Trisha shares her fascinating journey from fixing fiber optics as a Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) in the 1990s to guiding female veteran entrepreneurs toward sustainable growth. They discuss the vital transition from military service to the corporate world and, ultimately, to business ownership, highlighting how the discipline and "get it done" attitude of the military are superpowers in the private sector.The conversation takes a deep dive into...
2025-09-1224 minMilprenuer PodcastHow Did Trisha Stetzel Turn Military Service Into Entrepreneurial SuccessWhat if the same skills that helped you thrive in the military could also be the key to building a powerful business and legacy? 👀That’s the journey of Trisha Stetzel, Navy veteran, leadership mentor, and entrepreneur who turned service into strategy. But how did she do it? And what unexpected lessons shaped her path from the Navy to the boardroom?This is one story you won’t want to miss.While waiting for the episode to drop, click the link in the comment to watc...
2025-09-1100 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Troy McDonald | How Discipline and Action Built a Top Real Estate CareerIn this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Troy MacDonald, a retired Marine Corps Major and founder of the Opulent Group. Troy shares his incredible journey of joining the Marines right before 9/11, serving 20 years, and simultaneously launching a high-growth real estate business during his final years of active duty. They discuss how the core military values of discipline, consistency, and a "don't quit" attitude provided the foundation for Troy to become a top-producing agent in Colorado immediately upon retirement.The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of scaling...
2025-09-1125 minMilprenuer PodcastWhat Does It Take to Build a 7-Figure Real Estate Career? Lessons from Troy McDonaldSuccess in real estate is a mission, and it takes discipline, strategy, and grit to win. On this episode of the Milprenuer Podcast, Troy McDonald shares the real-world lessons that helped him build a 7-figure real estate career. He dives into the mindset, habits, and tactical approaches that separate those who talk about success from those who actually achieve it.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to operate like a soldier in the field of real estate, focused, disciplined, and relentless, this episode is for you....
2025-09-0800 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Christopher “Doc” Dougherty | The Birth of Combat ConnectIn this inspiring episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Christopher Dougherty, founder of Combat Connect, and Eddie Chavarria, the organization's Director of Career Development. Both guests bring a wealth of service experience—Chris from the Air Force and law enforcement, and Eddie as an Army Apache pilot—to tackle the critical issues facing veterans today. Together, they discuss the journey of building a non-profit organization dedicated to filling the void of camaraderie and support that many service members feel when transitioning to civilian life.The conversation takes a deep...
2025-09-0520 minMilprenuer PodcastMilpreneur | Otis McGregor | Say No, Quit If Needed: Reclaiming Purpose After the UniformIn this powerful episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, hosts Ryan Van Ornum and Gina Marciano sit down with Otis McGregor, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and former Green Beret. Otis shares his incredible journey from driving tanks and serving in Special Forces to navigating the often turbulent waters of civilian entrepreneurship. We explore how he escaped the "job desert" of unfulfilling corporate roles by rediscovering his true purpose through coaching and mentoring, ultimately founding his own business, Tribe + Purpose.Otis dives deep into the specific tactical frameworks that veterans already possess but often overlook...
2025-09-0517 minMilprenuer PodcastThe Milprenuer Podcast is officially LIVE! 🎙️For our very first episode, we’re joined by Retired Lt. Col. Otis McGregor, former Green Beret, leadership coach, and keynote speaker, who shares his powerful journey of finding purpose after military service.From navigating the “job desert” to discovering fulfillment through coaching and entrepreneurship, Otis delivers raw lessons, real stories, and a blueprint for building a life of impact beyond the uniform.This launch episode is one you don’t want to miss.
2025-09-0100 min