Battlefield to Business: From ROTC to the Courtroom – Tulio Chirinos Journey from Soldier to Attorney
Guest: Tulio Chirinos– U.S. Army Veteran (Ret. LTC), Owner of Chirinos Law Firm, PLLC
From infantry beginnings and deployments in Iraq, to serving as a Battalion Commander, to finally launching his own national law firm, Tulio Chirinos’ story is one of grit, adaptability, and persistence. Growing up in a working-class immigrant family, Tulio learned early the value of sacrifice and hard work. His journey shows how military discipline, family influence, and relentless drive prepared him to build a career in law and entrepreneurship. In this episode, he shares lessons on leadership, transition, starting a business, and finding success by staying hungry.
Key Takeaways:
Military leadership and planning directly translate into civilian and entrepreneurial success.
Transitioning veterans must learn to “leave some military habits at the door” while keeping discipline and consistency.
Entrepreneurship means embracing risk, taking hard opportunities, and being ready before you think you are.
Success is not a destination but a daily practice of consistency, growth, and service.
Listen now:
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts
Spotify: https://spotify.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
Battlefield to Business: From Army Officer to Land Shark – Brent Bowers’ Journey into Land Investing
Guest: Brent Bowers – U.S. Army Veteran, Owner of The Land Sharks
Brent Bowers shares how his entrepreneurial spirit started at age eight, mowing lawns to buy a four-wheeler, and how it carried him through challenges in real estate, military service, and finally into building a thriving land investment business. From humble beginnings in a small Florida cattle town to $55,000 profit months, Brent’s story is packed with perseverance, calculated risk-taking, and creative deal-making. He walks listeners through the fundamentals of vacant land investing, explains how to source deals from tax delinquent lists, and reveals the mindset needed to build freedom, flexibility, and financial security.
Key Takeaways:
📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday at noon.
🎙️ Battlefield to Business: The Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey
Episode Title: From Rebellion to Resilience: Rebecca Miller Pringle’s Journey from Soldier to Successful Realtor
Guest: Rebecca Miller Pringle — Army Veteran & Founder of Homes for Vets, New Jersey
Summary:
In this episode, host Jarvis Buchanan sits down with Rebecca Miller Pringle, a resilient Army veteran, single mother of three, and founder of Homes for Vets. From a rebellious youth in the Bronx to building a thriving real estate business helping veterans across the country, Rebecca shares a deeply personal and powerful story of purpose, perseverance, and passion. She opens up about her military journey, personal tragedies, and the lessons that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit.
🔥 Key Takeaways:
🎧 Listen now:
🕛 New episodes drop every Wednesday at noon CST
#VeteranEntrepreneur #HomesForVets #RealEstateForVeterans #MilitaryToBusiness #BattlefieldToBusiness
Podcast Title: Battlefield to Business – The Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey
Guest: Jeff Buckman, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Founder of Buckman Insurance Group
In this week’s episode, Marine Corps veteran Jeff Buckman shares his transition from military life to launching his own multi-state insurance brokerage. From growing up in Salt Lake City to running the reporting systems in Okinawa, Jeff's story is packed with resilience, self-education, and a passion for service. He dives into how he built Buckman Insurance Group with no advertising budget, how veterans can get started in insurance, and the long-term vision of helping fellow veterans build wealth through entrepreneurship.
Key takeaways:
Battlefield to Business: The Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey
Guest: Twanda Young – Retired Brigadier General, U.S. Army | Founder of LT3 Leadership Solutions
In this episode, host Jarvis Buchanan speaks with retired Brigadier General Twanda Young, founder of LT3 Leadership Solutions. With over 30 years of military leadership, Twanda shares how her transition from uniformed service to entrepreneurship is rooted in purpose, transformation, and legacy. She opens up about her personal journey, the values that guided her through difficult seasons, and how she now empowers others to lead and live with intentional impact.
Battlefield to Business: The Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey
Joey Mac – Marine Veteran |The Mobile Cigar Lounge
In this episode, Marine veteran Joey Mac shares how he turned his love for cigars and community into a thriving mobile cigar lounge business. After transitioning from aircraft mechanic to entrepreneur, Joey leaned into his passion, creating a unique luxury experience that brings people together. His story is a reminder that your interests, when pursued with strategy and heart, can become your mission after military service.
Key takeaways include the importance of creating unique spaces for connection, how to transfer military discipline into business structure, the value of mobile business models for veterans, and lessons in branding from a lifestyle-focused venture.
🎙️ New Episode Alert – Battlefield to Business: The Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey
Good morning, afternoon, or evening — wherever you are — and welcome to another powerful episode of Battlefield to Business: The Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey.
This week, I sit down with Ryan Hunt, U.S. Army veteran and founder of 10th Mountain Recruiting, a national and international talent acquisition firm. With over 20 years of service, deployments to Iraq and Yugoslavia, and a master’s degree in leadership, Ryan shares his raw and authentic story of:
✅ Growing up with the entrepreneurial bug
✅ Transitioning from enlisted to officer post-9/11
✅ Building his business from scratch while still serving
✅ Lessons learned in leadership, grit, and business development
✅ What veterans need to hear before starting their own journey
We also talk about the power of giving back, and Ryan shares incredible resources like IVMF, Warrior Rising, and the Veteran Social Summit (which he co-hosts).
🛠️ Whether you're an aspiring veteran entrepreneur or just looking for some Monday motivation, this is a must-listen episode packed with truth, insight, and inspiration.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now on your favorite platform:
🎯 New episodes of Battlefield to Business: The Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey drop every Wednesday at 12:00 PM CST.
Let me know if you'd like a shortened version for Instagram or Twitter, or if you want this styled for LinkedIn or a newsletter too.
🎙️ New Episode of Battlefield to Business: From Combat Boots to Lemonade Stands 🍋
In this episode, I sit down with Steve Dko — veteran, entrepreneur, and owner of Reform Merch and Dell’s Frozen Lemonade in Cedar Park, TX. Steve shares his inspiring journey from military service to business ownership, overcoming injury, and turning his creativity into impact.
🪖 Reform Merch repurposes military uniforms into meaningful bags, collars, bracelets, and more.
🍋 Dell’s Frozen Lemonade brings a Rhode Island favorite to Texas — a veteran-owned, family-run local treat!
We dive into:
✅ The challenges of veteran transition
✅ Building a family-run business with purpose
✅ Community-based entrepreneurship
✅ Franchising advice for aspiring veteran business owners
Whether you're a transitioning veteran, creative entrepreneur, or just love a good comeback story — this one’s for you.
#VeteranOwned #BattlefieldToBusiness #ReformMerch #DellsFrozenLemonade #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryToBusiness #CedarParkTX #SupportVeterans
In this powerful episode, Navy veteran and attorney Jim Wilson (aka “Max”) shares his extraordinary journey from flying electronic warfare aircraft to launching a solo law firm in Virginia — after literally dying and coming back to life.
With 30+ years of legal experience, Jim breaks down the realities of transitioning from military to civilian life, the overlooked entrepreneurial strengths of veterans, and why planning, not just passion, is the key to business success. From the courtroom to cardiac recovery, his story is one of resilience, reinvention, and refusing to let obstacles define your future.
#VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryToBusiness #BattlefieldToBusiness #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseAdvice #VeteranPodcast
🎙️ Battlefield to Business: From Military Lens to Entrepreneurial Focus with Tara Jackson
In this episode, we sit down with Tara Jackson, Army veteran and professional photographer, to explore her journey from military journalism to building her own photography business. Tara shares how early encouragement, military training, and entrepreneurial grit shaped her career. We dive into the realities of balancing passion with profit, why confidence is key, and how veterans can turn creative passions into thriving businesses.
Listen for practical advice on transitioning skills from service to civilian success
Episode Title: From Homeless to Honey Liquor: Pat Johnson’s Veteran Grit and Entrepreneurial Grind
Episode Description (Captivate FM)
In this powerful episode of Battlefield to Business, we sit down with Pat Johnson, Navy veteran and founder of Veterans Farming
Initiative of Alabama and Two Goat Brands Honey-Based Spirits.
Pat’s journey is raw, unfiltered, and deeply inspiring—from struggling with homelessness after leaving the Navy to boot strapping his way into perfecting the best honey liquor in the South. Pat walks us through the mindset shift from survival to significance, why he left traditional employment (and even teaching), and how passion plus pain equals purpose.
We talk:
This episode is for the veteran who feels stuck, for the dreamer with no funding, and for anyone who believes that your next chapter can be your best one.
Find Pat on Facebook: Veterans Farming Initiative of Alabama
Contact: pat@absolutepromo.com
Brand: Two Goat Brands Honey-Based Spirits
Robert discovered his passion for art and design from a young age, constantly drawing
and creating. While he struggled with formal training and skill development
early on, his drive and dedication to improving his craft eventually led him to
excel in graphic design and visual communication.
the challenges of being a graphic designer @ 3:53
As a graphic
designer, Robert had to learn to balance his artistic vision with the needs and
demands of clients and businesses. He discussed the importance of developing a
thick skin, being willing to compromise, and not getting too attached to
individual designs. Robert also shared strategies for finding work as a young
designer, such as networking and taking on smaller projects to build
experience.
Robert's time in the military as an infantryman provided him with valuable experiences and
skills that he was able to apply to his design work, such as being volunteered
for painting and design projects. He also discussed the camaraderie and sense
of mission he missed after leaving the military, which motivated him to focus
his design work on supporting the veteran community.
industry changes and trends @ 28:32
Robert shared his perspective on the rise of AI in the design industry, noting both the
opportunities and challenges it presents. He discussed strategies for
leveraging AI tools while still maintaining the human touch and creativity that
clients value. Robert also reflected on the evolution of veteran-focused
apparel companies, cautioning against the risk of losing sight of the original
mission in pursuit of profits.
aspiring designers and entrepreneurs @ 37:06
Drawing on his extensive experience, Robert provided advice for aspiring designers and
entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, being willing
to take on new challenges, and maintaining a focus on the needs of the target
market rather than personal artistic preferences. He also stressed the value of
networking and building relationships within the industry.
The discussion concluded with a recap of the key insights and a discussion of the
broader veteran entrepreneurship community. Jarvis and Robert agreed to stay in
touch and explore opportunities for further collaboration and networking.
Episode Summary
Title: Inventing the Journey: Tony Jefferson on Building a Travel Platform from the Ground Up
In this powerful episode of Battlefield to Business, retired Air Force Master Sergeant Tony Jefferson takes us through his entrepreneurial evolution—from military structure to building a personalized travel tech platform, Traveling Session.
With over two decades in service, mostly overseas, Tony always had a passion for discovering new places. But transitioning from cybersecurity to startup founder was anything but linear. He candidly shares how he went from failing out of college to finding purpose through travel, learning to code, building a business with zero blueprint, and growing from each stumble along the way.
We dive into:
Whether you're in uniform, out of uniform, or dreaming about your next chapter—Tony's journey will light a fire under your feet and remind you that you're not starting over. You're building something new.
Explore Traveling Session: https://travelingsession.com
Meeting Purpose
Kevin K, owner of Bombed Out Barbecue, about his journey from military service to competitive barbecue and entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways
•Kevin's passion for cooking, especially barbecue, was cultivated through his military upbringing and international experiences
•Military experience provided Kevin with discipline, attention to detail, and patience that translate well to barbecue
•Kevin is pursuing competitive barbecue as a path to eventual restaurant ownership, balancing passion with pragmatic business growth
•Barbecue competitions offer a mix of skill development, networking, and potential for brand exposure
Topics
Kevin's Background and Culinary Journey
•Grew up in a military family, moving frequently (Turkey, Germany, US)
•Learned to cook out of necessity and curiosity for diverse cuisines
•Joined Air Force after 9/11, transitioned to intelligence work
•Four-year deployment to Afghanistan (2009-2013) solidified interest in cooking as a coping mechanism and passion
Transition to Barbecue Focus
•Mentored by Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue, Austin) around 2014
•Started competing in local barbecue competitions
•Launched Bombed Out Barbecue brand, focusing on competition circuit
•Plans to compete in 12+ events in 2024, including major competitions like Memphis in May and Kansas City Royal
Barbecue Competition Insights
•Competitions typically run Friday-Sunday
•Meat prep takes about an hour per cut (e.g., brisket)
•Cooking process for brisket takes about 12 hours plus resting time
•Judging based on appearance, taste, and tenderness
•Competitions offer networking, skill development, and brand exposure opportunities
Business Development Strategy
•Currently focused on competitions and catering
•Building brand recognition through social media and competitions
•Long-term goal of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant
•Balancing passion for barbecue with pragmatic business growth
Barbecue Techniques and Tips
•Uses 3-2-1 method for ribs (3 hours smoke, 2 hours wrapped, 1 hour unwrapped)
•Achieves glaze on ribs without sauce using butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar during wrap phase
•Emphasizes importance of meat quality and proper temperature control
•Recommends patience and practice to perfect barbecue skills
Next Steps
•Kevin to focus on upcoming barbecue competitions in 2024
•Expand social media presence and brand awareness
•Pursue opportunities for TV appearances on barbecue competition shows
•Continue refining barbecue techniques and recipes
•Evaluate long-term plans for potential brick-and-mortar restaurant
Summary
Childhood and early influences
Paul Volpe grew up in a working-class Italian immigrant
family in Cleveland, Ohio and later Appleton, Wisconsin. His father and foster
father, both military veterans, were influential role models who instilled in
him the values of hard work, discipline, and service. As a shy, introverted
youth, Paul transformed into an extroverted, athletic young man through his
involvement in sports and community activities.
Military journey and leadership development @ 7:09
Paul joined the Army Reserves while in college, initially
serving as an armor crewman. He excelled in the military, becoming a drill
sergeant, master fitness trainer, and recruiter. Paul's military experience
taught him the value of adaptability, teamwork, and servant leadership. He held
leadership roles like Sergeant Major and was selected to attend the prestigious
Sergeant Major's Academy, which further honed his skills.
Transition to entrepreneurship @ 23:36
As Paul neared retirement from the Army, he began
exploring entrepreneurial opportunities that would allow him to continue
serving the military community. He leveraged his experience in the Army's PACE
program, which connected employers with military talent, to start his own
company, Forward March Inc. (FMI), in 2013. FMI's mission is to help employers
build effective military hiring and retention programs.
Building and evolving the business @ 29:09
In the early years, Paul partnered with two others to
launch FMI, navigating challenges like defining roles, ownership, and funding.
The company initially had multiple service lines but later streamlined to focus
on talent solutions, elite leadership training, and custom Humvee sales. FMI
has weathered storms like the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting its offerings and
operations. Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear mission,
empowering his team, and continuously evolving the business.
Advice and reflections @ 1:29:40
Paul shares advice for other veteran entrepreneurs,
including the value of internship/work-study programs, building an advisory
board, and maintaining a positive, servant-leadership mindset even in difficult
times. He reflects on the importance of work-life balance, leveraging his
military experience, and finding fulfillment in making a difference for the
veteran community and FMI's clients.
Meeting Purpose
To interview Frank Manteau, a Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur, about his life experiences and business journey with Mil Treats.
Key Takeaways
Frank overcame a challenging upbringing to join the Marines, which provided structure and purpose. After leaving the military, Frank struggled to find direction but eventually founded Mil Treats, creating edible chocolate crayons and other military-themed products. Frank's entrepreneurial journey has been driven by resilience, adaptability, and a desire to educate others about military culture. Key success factors include embracing failure, maintaining passion, and focusing on creating a positive legacy.
Topics
Early Life and Military Service
Grew up in small-town Flushing, Ohio with limited opportunities. Joined Marines directly after high school despite having a full art school scholarship. Served 7.5 years before medical discharge due to back injury. Military provided structure, purpose, and transferable skills.
Transition to Civilian Life
Initially struggled to find direction after leaving military
Worked various jobs while raising two children as a single father
Moved family to California for a fresh start. Gradually rediscovered passion for creativity through woodworking.
Founding of Mil Treats
Inspired by social media jokes about Marines eating crayons
Created world's first edible, colorable chocolate crayons in 2017
Expanded product line to include military-themed coffee, salt/pepper shakers
Focus on educating civilians about military culture through products
Business Challenges and Growth
Overcame initial regulatory hurdles ($10k in violations)
Secured $20k grant from Warrior Rising for business development
Currently facing supply chain issues due to global chocolate shortage
Exploring new product ideas like "MilitaryLabs" storytelling game
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Emphasizes importance of passion and willingness to work for free
Views setbacks as opportunities for growth and problem-solving
Focuses on creating a positive legacy for his children and grandchildren
Advocates for empathy and understanding different perspectives
Next Steps
Explore new manufacturing options to address chocolate supply issues
Launch planned new products like dog tag chocolates and "Military Labs" game
Increase participation in live events to connect directly with customers
Consider developing speaking/coaching career to share entrepreneurial insights
Meeting Purpose
Podcast interview with veteran entrepreneur Bob Hildreth about his journey and business Two Homeless Vets
Summary
Amanda's background and upbringing @ 0:00
Amanda was born and raised in Houston, Texas, the
only girl in a family of three brothers. She had a challenging upbringing,
with an absent father who was a convicted felon. Her grandparents and a
supportive high school teacher, Miss Foster, were influential in her life and
inspired her to want to help others. Amanda was initially
interested in becoming a doctor, but later pursued firefighting and joined
the Army, though her military service was cut short due to injury.
Transitioning from military to entrepreneurship @ 5:23
After leaving the military, Amanda worked as an
executive assistant at the Houston Boat Show, where she gained valuable
experience in sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship. This experience,
combined with her desire to help veterans, led her to start her own
organization, Veterans Helping Veterans MOCO, in April 2022.
The Veterans Helping Veterans MOCO organization @ 32:14
Veterans Helping Veterans MOCO is a semi-annual event that
provides resources, employment opportunities, and recreational activities for
veterans and their families. The organization aims to help veterans navigate
the transition to civilian life, access benefits and services, and prevent
veteran homelessness. The events feature vendors, live music, food, and
activities for children, all in a secure and comfortable environment for
veterans.
Challenges and lessons learned @ 47:41
Amanda has faced challenges in her entrepreneurial
journey, such as dealing with rejections and learning to accept
"no" responses from potential sponsors or vendors. However, she has
learned to be persistent, network effectively, and adapt her sales pitch to
overcome these obstacles. She emphasizes the importance of learning from
setbacks and maintaining a positive, grateful attitude.
Future plans and event details @ 55:31
Amanda plans
To continue hosting these events twice a year, with the larger fall event
focused on growing the organization and potentially moving to a larger venue
like the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in the future.
Meeting Purpose
In this episode of Battlefield to Business, we interview Marine Corps veteran Jeff Merkel about his transition from military service to entrepreneurship, building a thriving garage door business, and leveraging his military background for success.
Key Takeaways
Topics Covered
🛠 Jeff’s Military and Business Background
📢 Marketing and Client Acquisition for Veteran-Owned Businesses
🏗 Overcoming Industry Challenges as a Veteran Entrepreneur
🎖 Business Mindset for Military Veterans
Next Steps
Meeting Purpose
Conduct a podcast interview with Anthony Griffith about his journey from military service to entrepreneurship in the life insurance industry, showcasing valuable insights for veteran entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways
Topics
Anthony's Background and Military Career
Transition to Entrepreneurship
Life Insurance Industry Overview
Keys to Success in Life Insurance
Challenges and Advice for New Agents
Next Steps