MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 31: A Christmas Tribute to Richard "Dick" Beaupre, Founder of ChemArt

On this special Christmas episode of the MILCOM Founders Podcast, we honor the legacy of Richard "Dick" Beaupre, U.S. Navy veteran and founder of ChemArt, one of America's most successful ornament manufacturing companies. Host Rod Loges speaks with Hamilton Davison, current CEO of ChemArt, and David Marquis, former President, as they share Dick's remarkable journey from Navy service to building a company that has created White House Christmas ornaments for over four decades.

In this episode:

• Dick's military service in the U.S. Navy (1956-1958) and how he used GI Bill benefits to fund his chemistry education
• His path from research labs to securing patents in photochemical etching techniques
• Launching ChemArt in 1976 from a former ice cream factory with his wife Barbara and just four employees
• Building the White House Historical Association ornament program, which began in 1981
• Dick's commitment to giving back through URI scholarships for non-traditional students
• How his technical skills and business vision proved that American manufacturing could thrive through innovation and quality craftsmanship

Key takeaways:

• Veteran entrepreneurship combines technical expertise with business vision
• GI Bill education benefits can transform military service into entrepreneurial success
• Building a family business requires commitment to both employees and community
• Innovation in manufacturing comes from applying specialized technical knowledge to market needs
• Creating scholarship opportunities helps future generations face the same challenges you once overcame

Website: https://chemart.com/ 

Guests:

Hamilton Davison, Chief Executive Officer of ChemArt Company and Beacon Design

Hamilton Davison is Chief Executive Officer of ChemArt Company and Beacon Design in Lincoln, Rhode Island. An entrepreneur who has started or scaled over a dozen businesses, including conceptualizing and designing a novel retail card & gift store that was ultimately franchised to over 150 locations, Davison also has a deep background in manufacturing, consumer goods marketing and design-led product development. His experience is a good fit for Beacon Design by ChemArt, combining efficient onshore production, rapid market response and excellent customer service.

Davison has run a nonprofit organization and served on a variety of nonprofit boards over his career. He has served on a variety of corporate boards for both publicly traded and private companies. He also has deep direct-to-consumer experience working with direct marketing, e-commerce and catalog marketers. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Texas and an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University.

David Marquis, Former President and Co-Owner of ChemArt Company

David Marquis is the former President and Co-Owner of the ChemArt Company, a Manufacturer of Custom Designs primarily focused on serving Philanthropic and Non-Profit Entities. He is a graduate of Bryant University and received his Master's Degree in Business from the University of Rhode Island. Dave has a passion for U.S. History, which has shaped his company's drive to help organizations raise funds by telling stories that are unique to their mission or cause.

Honoring: Richard "Dick" Beaupre, Founder of ChemArt (1956-2018)

Richard "Dick" Beaupre was a U.S. Navy veteran (1956-1958) who transformed his passion for chemistry into one of America's most successful ornament manufacturing companies. After completing his military service, he enrolled at the University of Rhode Island in 1958, using GI Bill benefits to fund his education while working two part-time jobs and raising a young family.

Following his 1962 graduation with a chemistry degree, Dick spent years in research labs developing innovative processes. He secured patents for photochemical etching techniques that would later become the backbone of his own venture. In 1976, he and his wife Barbara launched ChemArt from a former ice cream factory with just four employees.

The company grew steadily, finding its niche in precision-etched metal ornaments using the same process created to produce precision components in its ChemTecUSA division for industries like aerospace, military, and medical.

The company started manufacturing the White House Historical Association ornaments including presidential keepsakes and anniversary ornaments since the program began in 1981. Today, this collection represents one of the largest ornament programs in the country.

Dick's contributions to URI were equally significant. In 2006, the university awarded him an honorary doctorate. A decade later, they named their new chemistry facility after him: the Richard E. Beaupre Center for Chemical and Forensic Sciences. He created scholarship funds specifically for non-traditional students (parents returning to school, people balancing work and education, anyone facing the same challenges he once did).

When Dick passed away in March 2018, he was laid to rest with full military honors. While the public record shows he served honorably in the Navy from 1956-1958, the specifics of that service (his rating, his duties, where he was stationed, how those experiences shaped his business philosophy) aren't documented. Those details remain with the people who knew him: his three sons, his colleagues at ChemArt, the employees who describe the company as "family" because of the man Dick was.

His story illustrates what veteran entrepreneurship looks like when technical skills meet business vision. From Navy service to university chemistry labs to factory floors, Dick proved that American manufacturing could thrive through innovation, quality craftsmanship, and commitment to both employees and community.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 30: Randy Mullen, Founder of Sightline Ventures and Sightline Capital

Show Notes

Join host Rod Loges as he sits down with Randy Mullen, Jr., founder of Sightline Ventures and Sightline Capital, dual platforms supporting high-impact dual-use startups in the defense innovation ecosystem. Randy leads a tech-enabled team helping founders win DOD contracts and scale mission-critical capabilities for national security.

In this episode:

• How a college student working part-time discovered military service during the 2008 financial crisis
• Why Randy chose the Air Force over other branches and the role his mother's intuition played
• The three core values that guide Sightline: integrity, excellence, and faith-based leadership
• How 12 years in Air Force acquisitions taught Randy what defense contracting really needs
• The "sightline" metaphor: aligning front and rear sights to hit the target with your business strategy
• A real example of how Sightline helped a manufacturing company keep B-2 bombers flying during Operation Midnight Hammer

Key takeaways:

• Faith-based leadership and business values are not separate things when you run the company
• The best mentors live their values rather than just talk about them
• Quality of clients matters far more than quantity, especially for long-term partnership
• Technological supremacy, not military size, will determine national security in future conflicts
• A founder's spouse must be informed and bought in from day one, not surprised later
• Starting a company is one of the hardest things you can do, and it's not the right path for everyone

Guest: Randy Mullen, Founder, Sightline Ventures and Sightline Capital

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-mullen-jr-44bb4757/
• Website: https://sightline.tech/

Randy Mullen is the founder of Sightline Ventures and Sightline Capital, a dual platform supporting high-impact dual-use startups in the defense innovation ecosystem. At Sightline Ventures, Randy leads a tech-enabled team helping founders win DOD contracts across IML, digital engineering, med tech, cyber, quantum, and advanced manufacturing. 

His team provides business development, capture, and proposal management services to accelerate growth through non-dilutive funding. At Sightline Capital, he invests directly in portfolio companies building for the front lines of national security as they scale into defense and commercial markets. Randy also serves as a contracting officer in the US Air Force Reserve. 

With over 15 years of experience in defense contracting as an active duty officer, he led research and development at the National Reconnaissance Office for signals intelligence platforms and served as lead contracting officer for a multibillion-dollar satellite radar portfolio with deployments across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Kosovo, and Jordan.

Looking ahead: Sightline continues expanding its portfolio of defense tech companies while building out its capital arm, with strategic focus on robotics, AI, and cybersecurity as critical capabilities for national security.

The MilCom Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business founders. Each episode brings practical insights from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at milcomfounders.com

MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 29: Jesse Levin, Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum and Founder of Tactivate

Show Notes:

Join host Rod Loges as he sits down with Jesse Levin, Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum and founder of Tactivate, an initiative working to build networks of SOF veterans, economic stability specialists, and humanitarian experts to conduct last-mile operations in crisis and conflict environments worldwide.

In this episode:

• Jesse's journey from Connecticut and the Tom Brown Tracker School to founding ventures in Panama, Haiti, and Ukraine
• How humanitarian assistance and disaster response bring together unlikely allies in contested environments
• Why pairing special operations forces veterans with entrepreneurs creates uniquely effective hybrid capabilities
• The lesson that civilian society, not just transitioning veterans, bears responsibility for veteran success in the private sector
• How the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum functions as an informal network and strategic weapon system for national defense
• Why vulnerability and asking for help is an act of courage, not weakness

Key takeaways:

• Mission-driven work paired with financial sustainability is possible, but uncommon and worth pursuing
• Informal networks and person-to-person relationships are just as critical to national security as technology and hardware
• Trust your gut when assessing people and situations, especially when transitioning to civilian life
• Civil society's entrepreneurial power is America's greatest strategic asset and remains largely untapped
• Deep, authentic relationships are worth far more than large networks built on transactional interactions
• Gray zone conflict and malign influence require broader civil society involvement, not just government and defense systems

Guest: Jesse Levin, Executive Director, Defense Entrepreneurs Forum

• Website: https://www.def.org/
• Tactivate: https://www.tactivate.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-levin/

Jesse Levin is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum and recently finished volunteering as a member of the Resistance Team under the IWI SOF in Competition Project. 

He is the founder of Tactivate, an initiative that has spent the past fifteen years cultivating informal networks of SOF veterans, economic stability and humanitarian specialists to conduct last mile contested logistics, recovery, stability and capacity building efforts in support of governments and local populaces in crisis and conflict environments worldwide. 

Jesse holds a BS from Babson College, is a CSIS AILA Fellow and a member of the Explorers Club.

Looking ahead: The Defense Entrepreneurs Forum continues building connections across the veteran entrepreneurial, innovation, and national security communities, while Tactivate remains positioned to deploy specialized teams for humanitarian, recovery, and stability operations globally.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at www.milcomfounders.com  

MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 28: Dr. Lawrence E. Henderson Jr., Founder & CEO of BOSS, LLC

Show Notes

Join host Rod Loges as he sits down with Dr. Lawrence E. Henderson Jr., founder and CEO of Business Operational Support Services (BOSS), LLC, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to empowering people-first cultures and transforming organizational leadership.

In this episode:

• Dr. Henderson's path from National Guard service at Ohio State to 12.5 years of active duty, guided by key mentors along the way
• The toxic leadership feedback that sparked his commitment to personal growth and becoming a force multiplier
• FM 6-22 military leadership framework (Be, Know, Do) and why "actions over ideas always win"
• Building organizational alignment: why teams need a shared leadership playbook to move in the same direction
• Coaching as multiplication: asking better questions instead of imposing solutions on emerging leaders
• Military decision-making process as a competitive advantage for veteran entrepreneurs

Key takeaways:

• Leadership development happens from the inside out, understanding yourself comes before changing how you lead others
• Behavior change requires multiple practice opportunities over time, not single training events
• New generations need experiential learning and relationship-building, not lectures and tests
• Hiring for leadership ability and teaching capacity creates stronger teams than technical skills alone
• Organizations perform how they practice, create intentional practice spaces for the behaviors you want to see
• Veteran founders should leverage their operational excellence and ability to pivot quickly under pressure

Guest: Dr. Lawrence E. Henderson Jr., Founder & CEO of BOSS, LLC

• Website: https://www.bossllc.net/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bossleads/

Dr. Henderson’s path began with service as a U.S. Army Officer, where he developed a foundation in resilience and mission-driven leadership. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and over 20 years of experience as a Chief Learning Officer, Principal Trainer, and Executive Coach, he has worked with organizations including Pfizer, the U.S. Navy, and Clorox, building leadership capacity and guiding teams through meaningful change. Through BOSS, LLC, he creates tailored coaching and consulting experiences that close the gap between aspiration and execution, focusing on emotional intelligence, cultural transformation, and sustainable growth. 

As a PCC-certified coach, TEDx speaker, and professor at Morehouse College, Dr. Henderson has shaped his career around a single belief: when people are empowered to lead with clarity and courage, organizations don’t just evolve, they excel. His work extends beyond the boardroom as a podcast host, educator, and advocate for purpose-driven leadership grounded in respect, integrity, service, and excellence. Dr. Henderson’s story is one of service, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to helping leaders and organizations show up fully and perform at their best. 

Looking ahead: BOSS, LLC continues expanding its coaching and consulting offerings for organizations seeking to build aligned, high-performing teams through intentional leadership development.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at milcomfounders.com

MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 27: Lisa Bradley, Co-Founder & CEO of R.Riveter

Show Notes

Join host Rod Loges as he sits down with Lisa Bradley, co-founder and CEO of R.Riveter, a handbag company creating flexible, mobile work opportunities for military spouses across America.

In this episode:

• Lisa's journey from small-town Montana to military spouse entrepreneurship
• Starting R.Riveter at 24 in an attic above a garage
• Building a distributed manufacturing network employing military spouses nationwide
• The "dependent" label that sparked a mission to empower military families
• Growing 1700% after appearing on Shark Tank in 2016
• Creating handbags from upcycled military materials with meaning and purpose
• Overcoming manufacturing challenges while competing with overseas production
• The Heirloom Line: transforming military uniforms into custom keepsakes
• Granting $2,100 to military spouses to start their own businesses
• Expanding into retail locations and upcoming men's product line

Key takeaways:

• Financial literacy from age 13 prepared Lisa for entrepreneurship
• Military spouse employment challenges drove innovation in flexible work
• Every R.Riveter product directly supports military families
• Manufacturing in America requires creative problem-solving and efficiency
• Building community through shared military experience creates lasting impact
• Giving back multiplies success – grants help other spouses launch businesses

Guest: Lisa Bradley, Co-Founder & CEO of R.Riveter

• Website: https://www.rriveter.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-bradley-50778b54/ 

Lisa Bradley grew up in Montana where her entrepreneur parents taught her QuickBooks at age 13. After marrying into the Army at 21, she experienced firsthand the employment challenges facing military spouses through four moves in six years. In 2011, alongside co-founder Cameron Cruse, Lisa launched R.Riveter from an attic in Georgia. 

Today, R.Riveter employs military spouses nationwide, creates meaningful products from military materials, and provides grants to help other military spouses start their own businesses. Lisa has been recognized by the National Retail Federation as one of 25 people reshaping retail's future and honored among Central Ohio's remarkable women in 2023.

Looking ahead: R.Riveter is expanding retail locations near military bases and launching their first men's line in late October.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at milcomfounders.com

MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 26: From Navy Nuclear Technician to Elite Veteran Talent Connector with David Brown-Dawson

Join host Rod Loges and guest David Brown-Dawson as he shares his journey from serving as a civil engineer officer and air advisor in the U.S. Air Force to founding LeadCommGym and Palm, a growth intelligence platform dedicated to helping professionals turn real-time feedback into actionable career insights.

In this episode:

• David's experience serving as a civil engineer officer in Okinawa, Japan, and as an air advisor leading multidisciplinary teams to African countries
• His path from college ROTC at Texas Tech to five years of active duty service
• Learning the power of curiosity, humility, and asking questions in his first week as a second lieutenant
• The internship with Congressman Sam Johnson, a Vietnam POW, that shaped his understanding of service
• Building his Christian faith into something personal during his time away from family in Okinawa
• Transitioning from military service to UC Berkeley Haas School of Business to learn the language of business and public policy
• Writing "Enduring Urgency: Thinking Like a Tortoise in a Time of Hares" as a framework for consistent action toward what matters most
• Founding LeadCommGym to provide leadership development workshops and coaching
• Creating Palm to help leaders know, grow, and keep their best people through scalable technology
• His involvement with Y-Build, an organization supporting Black professionals in real estate
• The three main challenges of entrepreneurship: developing assertiveness, meeting leaders where they are, and effective communication

Key takeaways:

• Effective leadership starts with being humble enough to ask questions and learn from subject matter experts
• A conversation with the Air Force Civil Engineer freed David from the pressure of planning decades ahead, teaching him to focus on excellence in each assignment
• At the end of the day, everyone is a person first regardless of rank, title, or role
• Palm addresses the disconnect between leaders who want to invest in their people and the lack of scalable tools to do so effectively
• The platform targets companies with 30-300 employees in professional services, nonprofits with $5M+ budgets, and construction
• AI should extend and enhance a leader's effectiveness, not eliminate the need for leadership
• Companies that don't focus on their people will eventually see performance suffer, no matter how strong their metrics appear today
• "Enduring Urgency" explores what it means to take consistent action over time toward what matters most, with principles drawn from studying the life of Jesus Christ
• Napoleon Hill's "Outwitting the Devil" shaped David's thinking about actualizing human potential and helping people avoid drifting through life

Guest: David Brown-Dawson, Founder of LeadCommGym and Palm, Air Force Veteran (5 years of service)

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bd/ 
• Business Websites: https://www.ownyourgrowth.ai/ and https://leadcommgym.com/ 

David Brown-Dawson is an Air Force veteran who served as a civil engineer officer and air advisor from 2011-2017, with assignments in Okinawa, Japan, and New Jersey. After his military service, David earned his MBA from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business with a focus on leadership development and real estate finance. He became a certified Working Genius Facilitator and iPEC Core Energy Coach, creating LeadCommGym to provide leadership development through workshops and coaching programs.

Through his work with leaders and teams, David repeatedly saw the same disconnect: leaders wanted to invest in their people but lacked scalable tools to do it effectively. This insight led him to found Palm, a growth intelligence platform that uses AI to help managers provide ongoing career development and feedback, moving beyond annual performance reviews to help team members feel seen, valued, and supported.

Looking ahead: David is conducting pilots with companies in professional services, nonprofits, and construction while exploring an angel funding round to scale Palm's team and impact across more organizations.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast - Episode 25: From Air Force Linguist to Building San Antonio's Startup Ecosystem with Charles Woodin

Join host Rod Loges and guest Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom, as he shares his journey from serving as an Air Force Korean linguist to leading San Antonio's premier entrepreneurial community. Charles discusses how his military experience shaped his leadership philosophy and how Geekdom is transforming founders from zero to one.

In this episode:

• Charles's path from small-town Michigan to Air Force linguistics training with a 50%+ attrition rate
• How his family's relocation to Texas due to NAFTA exposed him to different cultures and perspectives
• The leadership lessons learned from eight years of Air Force service, including the importance of getting the job done and building consensus
• Geekdom's evolution from addressing San Antonio's startup ecosystem gap to comprehensive entrepreneurial programming
• The critical role of customer development and market validation over fundraising
• Why collaboration beats competition in building thriving startup communities
• How AI serves as a force multiplier for resource-constrained founders
• The connection between military talent and entrepreneurial solutions for national defense challenges

Key takeaways:

• The best founders solve problems they've personally experienced and understand deeply
• Customer revenue is the best form of validation, better than investor funding
• Building a startup ecosystem requires collaboration between universities, government, business, and entrepreneurs
• Military veterans bring unique problem-solving skills and intimate knowledge of defense challenges
• Effective leadership means getting people invested in the mission, not just giving orders
• Over 70% of founders who start Geekdom's process don't complete it, which is actually valuable for helping people avoid wasted time and resources

Guest: Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom, Air Force Veteran (8 years of service)
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleswoodin/
Website: https://geekdom.com/

Charles Woodin is the CEO of Geekdom, a startup incubator founded in 2011 dedicated to growing San Antonio's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Since joining Geekdom in 2017 as a Business Development Manager, Charles took on increasing responsibilities, moving into the role of Membership Director before being appointed CEO in 2019.

Under his leadership, Geekdom has redefined its mission, launched key initiatives like the Accelerate South Texas Fund, and partnered with the City of San Antonio to oversee Launch SA, fostering innovation and small business growth. A former U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant, Charles served as an Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst for eight years, specializing in intelligence collection and training.

Originally from Michigan, Charles now calls San Antonio home, where he is deeply committed to its growth. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking national parks, and spending time with his daughters, Penelope and Amelia.

Resources mentioned:

• "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek
• "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz
• "Startup Communities" by Brad Feld

Looking ahead: Charles continues leading Geekdom's mission of "building San Antonio, one entrepreneur at a time" while exploring virtual programming options and strengthening partnerships with veteran-focused organizations like V Source.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 24: From Air Force Officer to Startup Attorney with Kevin Milgram

Join host Rod Loges and guest Kevin Milgram as he shares his journey from serving as a U.S. Air Force officer across diverse missions to becoming a legal advisor who specializes in guiding emerging growth companies and investors through formation, venture capital financing, and mergers and acquisitions.

In this episode:

• Kevin's path from civilian to Air Force officer after being inspired by 9/11
• His diverse military experience spanning cyber operations, unmanned aircraft systems, and B-1B bomber operations
• The transition from active duty to law school and discovering his passion for startup law
• How military leadership principles translate directly to legal practice and client service
• The critical decision-making moments that can make or break a startup's future
• Why dual-use technology companies have the best chance of surviving the "valley of death"

Key takeaways:

• Military service instills leadership skills that directly apply to advising startup founders
• The importance of maintaining multiple strategic paths and keeping doors open for future opportunities
• Why founders need specialized legal counsel for different stages of growth
• How "one team" mentality builds trust and accelerates results in professional relationships
• The value of surrounding yourself with the right advisors before you need them
• Why being "capital ready" means preparing long before you actually need funding

Guest: Kevin Milgram, Legal Advisor at DLA Piper, U.S. Air Force veteran

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmilgram/ 
• Firm Website: https://www.dlapiper.com/en-us/people/m/milgram-kevin 

Kevin Milgram is a legal advisor who specializes in guiding emerging growth companies and investors through formation, venture capital financing, and mergers and acquisitions. He represents innovative clients across defense and dual-use technology, aerospace, cybersecurity, and software sectors, with a particular focus on supporting military veteran-led startups as they scale and secure funding.

His distinguished military background includes service as a U.S. Air Force officer, where he contributed to diverse missions spanning cyber operations, unmanned aircraft systems, and B-1B bomber operations, developing the strategic thinking and operational expertise that now serves his legal practice.

Beyond his corporate work, Kevin demonstrates his commitment to the veteran community by representing nonprofit organizations serving military veterans and providing pro bono legal support to military veteran and spouse entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead: Kevin is building DLA Piper's veteran startup practice, creating resources and special arrangements to remove barriers for veteran founders while connecting them with sources of capital and strategic opportunities.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at
https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 23: From Navy Nuclear Technician to Maritime AI Pioneers with John McGunnigle and Michael Hunter

Join host Rod Loges with guests John McGunnigle and Michael Hunter as they share their journey from Navy service to co-founding Spear AI, a maritime artificial intelligence company focused on national defense applications.

In this episode:

• John's path from Naval Academy to commanding USS New Hampshire and pioneering AI initiatives through Project Harbinger
• Michael's experience as a Navy intelligence analyst supporting SEAL Team Two and working with the Defense Intelligence Agency
• Their collaboration on Project Maven and the transition from military to civilian entrepreneurship
• Building Spear AI from a February 2020 startup through multiple pivots to a 50-person company
• Recent seed funding to support company growth and expansion
• Leadership lessons: adapting military command principles to civilian business environments

Key takeaways:

• Military leadership skills translate to civilian business but require adaptation to different personalities and situations
• Building diverse teams that combine military operational expertise with technical specialists creates the best solutions
• Customer focus drives all other metrics - solve real problems first, revenue follows
• Don't fear strategic pivots - they're reconnaissance by force in business
• Relationships before issues - establish meaningful connections before tackling problems
• Bootstrap when possible, then raise capital from aligned investors who become teammates
• Every detail matters for founders - you can't be a big picture person without understanding implementation

Guests:

• John McGunnigle, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Spear AI - Former Navy Captain with 30 years of service, commanded USS New Hampshire, Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School graduate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcgunnigle-b0951610/
• Michael Hunter, Co-Founder & CEO, Spear AI - Former Navy intelligence analyst, VMI graduate, former Amazon Web Services Technical Program Manager: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehunter45/
• Spear AI: https://spear.ai/ 

Company Focus: Spear AI develops AI-enabled software and hardware for maritime environments, including data management platforms, edge AI solutions, maritime sensors, and simulation capabilities. They serve the US Department of Defense and Navy while expanding into commercial applications.

Looking ahead: John and Michael are focused on scalable product development, strategic market expansion, and upcoming capability demonstrations including Scarlet Dragon with the 18th Airborne Corps.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 22: From Coast Guard Academy to Performance Excellence with Jeff Parks

Join host Rod Loges and guest Jeff Parks as he shares his journey from Coast Guard Academy graduate to founder of Performance Breakthroughs Inc., where he spent 25+ years helping organizations, teams, and individuals achieve excellence.

In this episode:

• Jeff's Coast Guard career spanning rescue operations in Puerto Rico, counseling at the Academy, and leadership development at headquarters
• His transition from military service to founding Performance Breakthroughs Inc. after being passed over for promotion
• The three C's of coaching: how Jeff coached, counseled, and cajoled Rod through critical business decisions
• Jeff's unique approach to measuring success through human impact rather than financial metrics
• His "Live Your Passion, Give Your Gift" philosophy and focus on making a difference in people's lives
• The eight-piece framework for organizational excellence and long-term client relationships
• Jeff's candid discussion about facing pancreatic cancer and approaching end-of-life with grace and humor

Key takeaways:

• Success should be measured by the impact you have on people, not just revenue growth or company size
• High Value, Long-Term Relationships (HVLT) form the foundation of both business and personal success
• Every career decision is a life decision that affects your entire family
• Finding mentors and being a mentor creates lasting value beyond any business transaction
• Approaching life's challenges with humor, faith, and focus on what you've accomplished rather than what you haven't done

Guest: Jeff Parks, Founder of Performance Breakthroughs Inc., U.S. Coast Guard Academy Class of 1973

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-parkspbi/ 

Jeff Parks is a Coast Guard Academy graduate who served as Director of Training, Workforce Performance Improvement, and Leader Development for the US Coast Guard. His distinguished military career included rescue operations in San Juan, Puerto Rico, serving as a counselor for cadets at the Academy following two tragic suicides, and developing comprehensive leadership programs at Coast Guard headquarters. After retiring from military service, Jeff became the Prime Contractor for the Department of Homeland Security's inaugural Executive Capstone Program, designed to unite leadership from 22 disparate agencies under the newly formed DHS. He also created and facilitated a George Mason University Certificate Program focused on "Management Development for Organizational Effectiveness."

Following his government service, Jeff founded Performance Breakthroughs Inc., where he specialized in building high-performance organizations and teams through executive coaching, leadership development, and culture transformation. His comprehensive approach included performance consulting, change management implementation, and helping leaders discover their unique purpose and gifts. Jeff has battled pancreatic cancer for over 10 years and recently entered hospice care, yet continues to share his profound wisdom about leadership, relationships, and facing life's ultimate challenges with remarkable grace and authenticity.

Special note: Jeff recently gifted his entire leadership library to Fire Chief Tom LaBelle of Prince William County, ensuring his decades of collected wisdom continues to benefit future leaders.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 23: From Marine General to AI Innovator with Terry Williams

Join host Rod Loges and retired Marine Brigadier General Terry Williams as they explore leadership, community building, and the transformational power of technology in veteran entrepreneurship.

In this episode:

• Terry's journey from rebellious college student to 32-year Marine Corps career
• Building community and networks through the PenFed Veteran Entrepreneur Program
• How faith and perseverance help overcome life's greatest challenges
• Terry's innovative use of AI to create music albums, books, and full-stack applications
• Essential military leadership principles that drive entrepreneurial success
• The importance of spiritual growth alongside professional development

Key takeaways:

• Community and mentorship are critical barriers to veteran entrepreneurship success
• AI is a revolutionary tool that can turn one person into twenty, but requires verification
• Military values like humility, discipline, and adaptability translate directly to business success
• Persistence through failure often leads to greater success in subsequent ventures
• The PenFed program serves 200+ veterans with no cost and no equity requirements

Guest: Terry Williams, Retired Marine Brigadier General, Senior VP Global Fixed Assets at PenFed Credit Union, Program Director at PenFed Foundation

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrterry-v-williams/ 
• PenFed Credit Union: https://www.penfed.org/
• Program Info: penfedfoundation.org

Terry Williams served 32 years in the US Marine Corps, retiring as Brigadier General in 2019. Throughout his distinguished career, he commanded at all levels and took on critical logistics and strategic planning roles worldwide.

After military service, Terry founded Van Williams, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in facilities management and executive coaching. Currently, he leads the PenFed Veteran Entrepreneur Program, which has graduated over 200 veteran founders. Terry is also passionate about AI innovation, having created three Christian contemporary music albums, written thriller novels, and built full-stack applications using artificial intelligence tools.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com

Support veteran entrepreneurs: Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 20: From Army First Sergeant to Life-Saving Emergency Solutions with Valerie Ellis Lavin

Join host Rod Loges and guest Valerie Ellis Lavin as she shares her journey from serving as a US Army First Sergeant to founding Luminary Global, a company providing emergency preparedness and trauma response solutions to clients ranging from sheriff's departments and fire rescue units to corporate clients like DoorDash and Cirque du Soleil.

In this episode:

• Valerie's 21-year Army career in military intelligence, serving from 1993 to 2014
• Her decision to join the Army after watching "Private Benjamin" - a moment that changed her life
• Serving as First Sergeant and the leadership lessons learned caring for soldiers
• Her 2010 deployment to Ramadi, Iraq during Operation New Dawn
• The eye-opening experience of transitioning from military to civilian life
• Building and losing her first veteran staffing company
• Discovering her passion for veteran entrepreneurship programs
• Co-founding Action Zone, a nonprofit supporting military and first responder entrepreneurs
• Transitioning Luminary Global from services to products in 2019
• How boxing became her outlet for fitness and stress relief

Key takeaways:

• Compartmentalizing emotions is a crucial business skill, but requires balance for mental health
• Understanding your strengths and staying in your lane while partnating with complementary skills
• The transition challenges many veterans face aren't always acknowledged by those still serving
• Automation and outsourcing can be better growth strategies than premature hiring
• Quality of life businesses are the backbone of communities
• The power of cohort-based learning across diverse industries

Guest: Valerie Ellis Lavin, Founder and CEO of Luminary Global, Co-founder of Action Zone, Retired US Army First Sergeant (21 years of service)

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieellis7/
• Business Website: https://luminaryglobal.com/

Valerie Ellis Lavin is a retired US Army First Sergeant who served 21 years in military intelligence, including roles as First Sergeant for multiple units and as the J-2 Army enlisted leader at United States Central Command. After retiring in 2014, she experienced firsthand the challenges of veteran transition and became passionate about supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

She co-founded Action Zone, a nonprofit that has helped over 300 veterans, military spouses, and first responders through their entrepreneurship programs, with participants generating over $19 million in earned revenue and employing close to 700 people. With Luminary Global, Valerie and her husband Jeremy provide customized emergency preparedness solutions to everyone from individual preppers to major corporations and government agencies.

Beyond her businesses, Valerie serves on multiple veteran advocacy councils and is currently program manager for a major Tampa Bay initiative creating a comprehensive database of defense-related organizations and veteran support services.

Looking ahead: Valerie continues expanding Luminary Global's product lines while monitoring supply chain challenges, and growing Action Zone's impact in supporting veteran and first responder entrepreneurs across diverse industries.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode: From Naval Academy to Marine Osprey Pilot to Business Owner with Ahron Oddman

Join host Rod Loges and guest Ahron Oddman as he shares his journey from Brooklyn teenager to Naval Academy graduate, Marine Osprey pilot, and successful business owner through entrepreneurship.

In this episode:

• Ahron's path from a 9-year-old inspired by an air show to Naval Academy aerospace engineering graduate
• His decision to choose Marines over Navy and becoming one of the early Osprey pilots
• Flying combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom and helping write the manual for a new aircraft
• Acquiring PSS in March 2020 - just weeks before COVID shut down schools nationwide
• How military startup experience with the Osprey prepared him for business challenges
• Navigating the acquisition process and building relationships with existing teams
• The similarities between military leadership and business ownership

Key takeaways:

• Sometimes the path chooses you - embrace unexpected opportunities rather than rigid plans
• Early experience with "startup" environments (like new aircraft programs) translates directly to business
• Mission first, people always - prioritizing team welfare drives customer success
• Entrepreneurship through acquisition offers veterans immediate leadership opportunities
• Teaching, tailoring, and taking charge are essential sales principles
• Integration of faith, family, and business creates sustainable success

Guest: Ahron Oddman, CEO and Co-founder of PSS, Marine Osprey Pilot (15 years of service)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahronoddman/

Business Website: https://pssk12.com/

Ahron Oddman is a Marine veteran who served as an Osprey pilot for 15 years, including combat deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Ahron graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in aerospace engineering before commissioning as a Marine officer.

As one of the early Osprey pilots, Ahron helped develop tactics and procedures for the revolutionary aircraft, giving him unique experience with startup-like environments within the military structure. After his military service, he transitioned to the private sector before acquiring PSS, a 25-year-old educational services company, in March 2020.

Ahron's acquisition of PSS came just weeks before COVID-19 shut down schools nationwide, providing an immediate test of his leadership and adaptability. He successfully guided the company through the pandemic while developing new digital products and maintaining strong customer relationships.

Looking ahead: Ahron continues to lead PSS while mentoring other veterans interested in entrepreneurship through acquisition, sharing hard-won lessons about the realities of business ownership beyond the search process.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 18: From Army Intelligence to Location Analytics with Brendan Huff

Join host Rod Loges and guest Brendan Huff as he shares his journey from Army counterintelligence to co-founding Anomaly Six, a cutting-edge behavior-based location intelligence and analytics company serving clients worldwide.

In this episode:

• Brendan's unexpected path from managing restaurants to 25+ years of military service
• His evolution from enlisted soldier to First Sergeant to Warrant Officer (W3)
• Leading signature management operations and red team assessments across high-threat environments
• Co-founding Anomaly Six and building location-based analytics technology
• The importance of collaborative leadership and knowing when to lead vs. follow

Key takeaways:

• Put the right person in the right role, regardless of rank or seniority
• You can't be an expert in everything - delegate effectively and avoid micromanaging
• Give team members opportunities to make mistakes and learn
• Communication in co-founder relationships requires hierarchy and decision-making clarity
• Take care of your physical and mental health as an entrepreneur
• Surround yourself with a network of people going through similar challenges
• It's okay to learn from others' mistakes instead of making them all yourself

Guest: Brendan Huff, Co-Founder and President of Anomaly Six, Army Warrant Officer (W3)

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanhuff/
• Business Website: anomalysix.com

Brendan Huff is a seasoned military entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience spanning defense, intelligence, and the corporate sector. He is the Co-Founder and President of Anomaly Six, a cutting-edge behavior-based location intelligence and analytics company supporting corporate, national security, defense, and allied partners worldwide.

Before launching his entrepreneurial journey, Brendan forged an impressive military and intelligence career spanning over two decades with the U.S. Army and Joint Special Operations Command. As a Senior Counterintelligence Technician, he led signature management operations and red team assessments across high-threat environments in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. His expertise was tested in the field through multiple deployments supporting Joint Interagency Task Forces, where he directed teams targeting Al Qaeda and affiliated Islamic networks on a global scale.

Brendan's academic credentials include graduation from the FBI National Academy at Quantico, a Master's in International Relations from Troy University, a Bachelor's of Public Relations from Murray State University, and specialized training in Intelligence Operations and Counterintelligence. Prior to founding Anomaly Six, he served as Senior Vice President at both Semantic AI and Babel Street, where he grew client bases and built pipelines exceeding $30 million across broad agencies and departments. He's also trained over 1,200 analysts and agents in advanced targeting methodologies and open-source intelligence.

Beyond his business ventures, Brendan remains deeply committed to the military community, serving as a Board Advisor for both the Special Operations Charity Network and Defense Entrepreneurs Foundation, while supporting veterans through his involvement with the TF-7294 Foundation, Vigilant Torch Foundation, and as a mentor with NATO DIANA. Anomaly Six was recognized as a winner of the Capitol Post Bunker Labs DC Chapter Pitch Competition and selected for the CEO Circle with JPMorgan Chase.

Looking ahead: Anomaly Six continues expanding their technology capabilities, allowing clients to bring their own data into containerized environments and enabling analysts to create their own models without requiring data scientist expertise.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 17: From Immigrant Teen to Special Operations Hero and Mental Health Advocate with Pasha Palanker

Join host Rod Loges and guest Pasha Palanker as he shares his remarkable journey from arriving in America as a 15-year-old refugee from Soviet Moldova to becoming a decorated Army Special Operations Master Sergeant and successful entrepreneur. Pasha is the founder and CEO of Deliverance Solutions Corp, a service-disabled veteran-owned business specializing in data analytics and AI solutions for government agencies.

In this episode:

• Pasha's immigration story from Soviet Moldova to Los Angeles as a teenager
• His path from grateful refugee to Army Special Operations, serving 17 years (2003-2020)
• Earning the Bronze Star for Valor and two Purple Hearts, including a face-to-face confrontation with a suicide bomber that saved 15 soldiers
• His candid discussion about mental health struggles and the journey to recovery
• How vulnerability and character building led to unexpected entrepreneurship
• Building Deliverance Solutions Corp with partner Dennis, focusing on government contracting
• His work as a mental health advocate and professional parachute demonstrator

Key takeaways:

• Character and trust are the most valuable assets in business and life
• Showing up consistently opens doors, even when you feel behind
• Mental health recovery requires taking responsibility and building yourself up step by step
• Being interested in others is more important than being interesting
• Vulnerability and authenticity can become your greatest strengths
• Success means constant growth and positively impacting those around you

Guest: Pasha Palanker, Founder and CEO of Deliverance Solutions Corp, Army Special Operations Master Sergeant (Retired), Bronze Star for Valor and Purple Heart (2x) recipient

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasha-palanker-89141a13a/
• Business Website: https://www.deliverancecorp.com/

Pasha Palanker immigrated to America from Soviet Moldova at age 15 and enlisted in the Army in 2003 out of gratitude for his new country. During his 17-year career in Army Special Operations, he served multiple deployments in Iraq and Africa, earning the Bronze Star for Valor for confronting a suicide bomber and saving 15 soldiers' lives, along with two Purple Hearts.

After struggling with mental health challenges that led to medical retirement in 2020, Pasha transformed his recovery journey into advocacy work and entrepreneurship. His vulnerability in sharing his mental health story on LinkedIn went viral and established him as a trusted voice in the veteran community. This authenticity and character led friends to encourage him to start Deliverance Solutions Corp, where he now helps government agencies with data analytics and AI solutions.

Beyond business, Pasha works as a mental health advocate and professional parachute demonstrator, jumping 1,100-square-foot American flags into major sporting events and ceremonies across the country.

Looking ahead: Pasha focuses on growing Deliverance Solutions Corp while continuing his mission to help other veterans through mental health advocacy and sharing lessons learned from his journey.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial: www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at: https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 16: From West Point Cyber Officer to Document Intelligence Innovator with Ian Garrett

Join host Rod Loges and guest Ian Garrett as he shares his journey from West Point graduate and Army cyber officer to co-founding Phalanx, a company that transforms document sharing into actionable business intelligence.

In this episode:

• Ian's path from Northern Virginia kid to West Point Glee Club member to Army cyber branch pioneer
• Transitioning from structured military and defense contracting environments to entrepreneurship
• Building resilience and grit through military service, PhD studies, and startup challenges
• Co-founding a company with his brother Austin and the advantages of family partnerships
• The evolution from AI security research to document intelligence solutions
• Navigating Techstars accelerator program and choosing between top-tier incubators

Key takeaways:

• Imposter syndrome is universal - if you feel like you belong everywhere, you're not pushing yourself
• Resilience requires practice and training, not just reactive responses to crisis
• You don't need a perfect idea to start a business - jump in and iterate based on customer feedback
• Early-stage businesses need minimal funding if you focus on customer development over salaries
• Team building and leadership skills from military service directly translate to startup success
• Document sharing doesn't have to be a "black hole" - visibility and analytics drive better outcomes

Guest: Ian Garrett, CEO and Co-founder of Phalanx, Former US Army Cyber Officer, West Point Graduate

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianygarrett/
• Business Website: https://phalanx.io/

Ian Garrett is a West Point graduate who served as a cyber officer in the Army, joining the cyber branch at its inception. He holds a PhD in computer engineering with research focused on AI and cybersecurity. After transitioning to the reserves, Ian worked in defense contracting before making the leap to entrepreneurship during the COVID era. Along with his brother Austin, he co-founded Phalanx, which helps startups and SMBs gain actionable insights from their document sharing activities. The company went through Techstars NYC and has evolved from AI security research to document intelligence solutions that solve real pain points for business development and sales teams.

Looking ahead: Ian continues building Phalanx while serving in the Army reserves, focusing on helping small teams that sell to enterprise clients gain visibility into their document interactions and convert that data into actionable insights.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 15: From Air National Guard to Firearm Safety Innovation with Shaun Tanaka

Join host Rod Loges and guest Shaun Tanaka as he shares his journey from serving in the Air National Guard to founding CastleLock™, a firearm safety company developing biometric technology to protect families while maintaining quick access for responsible gun owners.

In this episode:

• Shaun's path from Los Angeles public schools to Cal Poly to Air National Guard service
• His Eagle Scout project honoring his grandfather's legacy in the Japanese American community
• Overcoming rejection and learning to "collect 10 nos" as a growth exercise
• The personal tragedy that motivated him to become an entrepreneur and inventor
• Building CastleLock™ with co-founder Matt Phillips, a 12-year Special Forces veteran
• Earning four patents and securing 1,000 pre-sales in one month through customer validation

Key takeaways:

• "If you want feel better, blame other people, but if you want to get better, blame yourself"
• Being a "learn-it-all" rather than a "know-it-all" accelerates growth
• Military teamwork principles translate directly to successful co-founding partnerships
• Successful inventions solve problems customers actively seek solutions for
• Reframe nervousness as excitement when presenting your life's work
• Dreams don't die, they just get buried alive - so start before it's too late

Guest: Shaun Tanaka, Founder and CEO of CastleLock™, Air National Guard Airman First Class (current service)

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauntanaka/
• Business Website: https://castlelock.us/

Shaun Tanaka is an Air National Guard member serving as a Command and Control Operations Specialist while building CastleLock™, a firearm safety company focused on biometric technology. After losing a childhood friend to firearm violence during his sophomore year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Shaun committed himself to developing safety solutions that don't compromise accessibility for responsible gun owners.

An Eagle Scout who honored his grandfather's legacy through community service, Shaun co-founded CastleLock™ with Green Beret veteran Matt Phillips. Together, they've developed patented biometric safety devices that have achieved significant market validation, including 1,000 pre-sales in their first month of outreach to local gun stores.

Shaun also volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol, mentoring youth interested in Air Force careers and leadership development, continuing his commitment to service both in and out of uniform.

Looking ahead: Shaun aims to launch CastleLock's™ flagship product and earn customers' trust by creating firearm safety devices so effective that not buying one would leave families less safe.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 14: From Air Force Officer to Freedom-Enabling Entrepreneur with Laura Yang Renner

Join host Rod Loges and guest Laura Yang Renner as she shares her journey from Air Force officer to founder of Freedom Makers Virtual Services, a company that connects military spouses with small businesses needing flexible support.

In this episode:

• Laura's military family background spanning three generations of service
• Her path from Air Force Academy public affairs officer to international business experience in Beijing
• Building Freedom Makers after recognizing the perfect match between overwhelmed small business owners and skilled military spouses seeking flexible work
• Creating a business model that prioritizes freedom and flexibility for all stakeholders
• The importance of living life on your own terms and building a business around personal values

Key takeaways:

• Design your business and life around who you want to be, not external expectations
• Military spouses possess unique skills in organization, research, and adaptation that translate perfectly to business support
• Rules of engagement from military service create clear systems that scale as businesses grow
• You can always do more than you think you can; your brain often gets in the way
• Take time to properly define and measure success beyond just revenue
• Be open to pivoting your business model when transparency from others reveals better opportunities

Guest: Laura Yang Renner, Founder and Managing Director of Freedom Makers Virtual Services, Air Force veteran (6 years active duty, 6+ years reserves)

• LinkedIn: Connect with Laura Yang Renner
• Business Website: https://www.freedom-makers.com/

Laura Yang Renner comes from a multi-generational military family and served as a public affairs officer in the Air Force after graduating from the Air Force Academy. Following her active duty service, she earned an international MBA with an exchange at Peking University and gained small business experience in Beijing. After working in HR and attempting her first business venture, Laura founded Freedom Makers Virtual Services in 2015.

Freedom Makers operates on the principle of maximum flexibility, connecting military spouses with small businesses without minimum hour requirements or restrictive contracts. The company has celebrated 10 years in business and serves hundreds of clients while maintaining its core value of providing freedom to all stakeholders: business owners, military spouses, and Laura herself as she travels full-time.

Looking ahead: Laura continues to focus on scaling Freedom Makers while maintaining its flexibility-first approach and is currently working on developing better financial systems to support strategic growth decisions.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 13
From Army Captain to Chief Storyteller with Ira Koretsky

Join host Rod Loges and guest Ira Koretsky as he shares his journey from serving as a US Army Captain in the Medical Service Corps to founding The Chief Storyteller®, a communications consultancy that helps organizations improve performance and audience engagement through strategic storytelling and presentation coaching.

In this episode:

• Ira’s atypical military experience in healthcare IT, working primarily with civilian leadership
• His path from ROTC at Syracuse University to serving as CIO of an Army hospital at Fort Ord
• Building a hospital-based computer training center to enable just-in-time learning for doctors and nurses
• Navigating post-military life through the dot-com boom, bust, and 9/11 to eventually start his business in 2002
• 23+ years helping organizations improve communication through his proprietary storytelling frameworks
• Teaching more than 1,300 veteran entrepreneurs through the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) program
• Why “The Chief Storyteller®” name stuck and became a trademarked brand identity

Key takeaways:

• Standing up for what's right—even to senior officers—can build mutual respect and stronger working relationships
• The military's emphasis on collaboration and coalition-building translates directly to business leadership
• Sales is often the biggest challenge for veteran entrepreneurs who naturally identify as helpers and educators
• Creating intellectual property is essential for business scalability and legacy
• Partnering with complementary experts can accelerate growth and impact

Guest: Ira Koretsky, Founder and Chief Storyteller of The Chief Storyteller®
Military Service: US Army Captain (5 years active duty, 3 years inactive), Medical Service Corps
Business Website: The Chief Storyteller®
LinkedIn: Connect with Ira

About Ira:
Ira Koretsky served as a U.S. Army Captain in the Medical Service Corps, where he led healthcare IT initiatives and designed executive-level communications. After earning his MBA from the University of Maryland, he entered the tech industry in Silicon Valley. Following 9/11, Ira founded The Chief Storyteller® in 2002. Since then, he has delivered more than 590 programs across 11 countries and developed proprietary storytelling frameworks now used by Fortune 50 companies, nonprofits, and government agencies alike. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland's Smith School of Business and a long-time instructor for the Veteran Institute for Procurement.

Looking ahead:
Ira is creating a standalone library of storytelling tools and frameworks as he prepares to transition his business by 2026, aiming to leave a legacy that helps others communicate with impact.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions military community business owners. Each episode offers practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com

Support the Mission:
Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at milcomfounders.com

MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 12: From Air Force Veteran to Vending Innovator with Nick Grillo

Join host Rod Loges and guest Nick Grillo as he shares his journey from serving 12 years in the US Air Force to founding Elevate Vending, an innovative company transforming the vending experience with smart technology and locally sourced products.

In this episode:

• Nick's path from Air Force Power Support Systems Mechanic to entrepreneur
• How the pandemic shutdown led to unexpected business opportunities
• The creation of his "Caps Cave," an automated hockey celebration room that grew from one light to a full sensory experience
• Building Elevate Vending with a focus on local partnerships and superior products
• A pivotal business decision: turning down a major national contract that opened the door to working with Monumental Sports (Washington Capitals)

Key takeaways:

• Military service instills a unique form of perseverance and adaptability that transfers powerfully to entrepreneurship
• The importance of making decisions and moving forward rather than overanalyzing ("fail fast and pivot")
• Building a business around partnerships creates mutual value and opens unexpected doors
• Sometimes saying "no" to the wrong opportunity creates space for the right one
• Understanding and managing your business risk profile is essential for sustainable growth

Guest: Nick Grillo, Founder and CEO of Elevate Vending, US Air Force Veteran (12 years of service)

• LinkedIn: Connect with Nick Grillo
• Business Website: Elevate Vending

Nick Grillo is an Air Force veteran who served for 12 years, starting as a Power Support Systems Mechanic working on equipment for unmanned aircraft before transitioning to training management. After leaving the service, Nick founded Elevate Vending, which provides innovative, AI-powered smart vending solutions featuring locally sourced products and fresh food options.

Nick's company stands out in the marketplace by addressing common pain points in traditional vending services. Elevate focuses on creating partnerships with local vendors like ZenJoy (relaxation tea), Mighty Meals (fresh foods), and Illy Coffee to bring unique, high-quality products to their clients. Their smart autonomous coolers provide a modern solution that elevates the typical vending experience.

Looking ahead: Nick is building Elevate Vending for long-term success while ensuring it maintains its innovative edge and commitment to quality partnerships.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at www.milcomfounders.com