Jay Sperry joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into the realities of veteran entrepreneurship and share insights on transition, leadership, franchise ownership, and building a resilient business mindset. In this episode, we explore:
• The power of veteran-to-veteran support during transition
• How mission planning and communication skills sharpen entrepreneurial success
• Why embracing the highs and lows of business is essential—without losing sight of your mission
Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.
Jay Sperry is a Marine Corps veteran with seven deployments and a 20-year military career. After retiring in 2024 through the SkillBridge program, he stepped into the role of COO at Veteran Service Brands, where he supports more than 90 veteran-owned franchise locations across the U.S. Jay is passionate about helping veterans build successful businesses and find purpose beyond their military service.
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.
VET S.O.S. – Military Transition Resources Show
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight
Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranEntrepreneurs #VeteranStories #VeteranServiceBrands #MarineVeteran #BusinessLeadership #FranchiseOpportunities #MilitaryTransitionSupport #VeteranEmpowerment #GrabTheLifeline
In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, Maurice Murphy welcomes Adam Bird, military veteran, founder of Heroes Media Group, and multi-industry entrepreneur. Adam shares his brutally honest transition story—one shaped by anger, uncertainty, and a complete lack of guidance—and how that turbulence became the fuel for everything he built afterward.
Listeners will hear Adam reveal:
The bitterness and frustration of being forced out before he felt ready
Why being a high performer in the corporate world still couldn’t outweigh missed moments with his son
The leap of faith that changed everything—and the financial chaos that followed
How failure, grit, and purpose molded him into a successful entrepreneur
Why most entrepreneurs fail to set goals big enough to chase
His belief that positive stories can change the world through media
How Heroes Media Group empowers veterans, first responders, and community heroes
The advice he gives every aspiring entrepreneur: “Believe in yourself, have faith, and take a chance on yourself.”
This episode is real, unfiltered, and packed with the kind of wisdom only lived experience can teach. Whether you’re transitioning, already building your business, or searching for purpose beyond the uniform, Adam’s story will leave you inspired and motivated.
#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranStories #HeroesMediaGroup #PostMilitarySuccess #VeteranSupport #EntrepreneurMindset #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranLeadership #PurposeDrivenLife #GrabTheLifeline
In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy welcomes Miguel D. Echols—a Marine Corps veteran, international leadership consultant, and certified coach—to share his inspiring journey from service member to global leadership strategist.
Miguel reveals how mentorship, faith, and adaptability shaped his entrepreneurial path and why focusing on meaningful productivity matters more than constant hustle. With insights drawn from consulting for major brands like Starbucks and nonprofits around the world, Miguel explains how leadership, culture, and mindset intersect to create thriving organizations.
Listeners will discover how to:
Apply military discipline to business growth
Build authentic relationships that accelerate success
Avoid the trap of “busy work” and focus on impact
Create lasting change through leadership and self-awareness
Tune in for a masterclass on transformation, leadership, and growth from one of today’s most inspiring veteran entrepreneurs.
🎙️ VET S.O.S. – Don’t Drown in the Sea of Transition. Grab the Lifeline.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6GUdf1TJvCgyy52Xi2TdLZ
#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranLeadership #EntrepreneurJourney #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranEmpowerment #LeadershipCoach #VeteranStories #VeteranSuccess #GrabTheLifeline
In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy sits down with Monica Fullerton, Air Force spouse, twin mom, and founder of Spouse-ly, to explore how she turned her challenges as a military spouse into a thriving business that empowers others.
From her corporate beginnings to becoming a Forbes Next 1000 entrepreneur, Monica discusses how planning, family, and perseverance fueled her success. She shares practical advice for new entrepreneurs, the importance of mentorship, and how Spouse-ly bridges the gap between passion and purpose for military and first responder families.
Listen as Monica reminds us that growth begins when comfort ends—a message for every aspiring business owner ready to take that leap of faith.
🎙️ Powered by the VET S.O.S. Network—Don’t Drown in the Sea of Transition. Grab the Lifeline!
Follow VET S.O.S. Network:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GUdf1TJvCgyy52Xi2TdLZ
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Website: vetsospodcast.com
#VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VETSOS #MonicaFullerton #Spousely #MilitarySpouseBusiness #EntrepreneurInspiration #VeteranOwned #MilitaryFamilySupport #FemaleFounders #GrabTheLifeline
On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy talks with Dr. Brenda Pridgen, retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class and founder of Authentic Mind LLC. Dr. Pridgen shares how her post-service journey evolved from uncertainty to empowerment as she built a purpose-driven business centered on mental-health awareness and authentic healing.
From her early days without TAP support to finding strength through faith, family, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Pridgen proves that transformation begins when we lean into vulnerability and purpose. Her story highlights the importance of empathy, community, and courage—values that define both her military career and her entrepreneurial success.
Discover the lessons she learned through transition, the programs that helped her grow (VR&E, Good Biz, Boots to Business), and how Authentic Mind LLC empowers veterans and civilians alike to rediscover their worth and inner strength.
💡 “Every individual already has the answers inside of them. I’m just here to help you discover them.” – Dr. Brenda Pridgen
🎙 Presented by the VET S.O.S. Network – helping veterans, service members, and families thrive through transition, education, and entrepreneurship.
#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranPodcast #MilitaryTransition #WomenVeterans #AuthenticLeadership #MentalHealthForVeterans #EntrepreneurMotivation #FaithDrivenBusiness #VeteranSuccess #GrabTheLifeline
On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy welcomes Michael Dermer, founder of The Lonely Entrepreneur and creator of the Veteran Entrepreneur Initiative (VEI).
Michael shares how he went from a successful corporate lawyer in New York City to launching the first company that rewarded people for healthy behavior—then nearly lost everything during the 2008 crash. Through perseverance and innovation, he rebuilt his company and went on to found The Lonely Entrepreneur, a platform designed to help others conquer the emotional and financial challenges of entrepreneurship.
Now, through the Veteran Entrepreneur Initiative, Michael is on a mission to provide 100,000 veterans and their families with access to the Learning Community—a one-stop shop offering on-demand knowledge, tools, and support for every stage of entrepreneurship.
Tune in to hear:
What inspired Michael’s transition from law to entrepreneurship.
How the VEI is transforming veteran transition through business ownership.
Why the sacrifices of military families fuel his passion to give back.
How to support or enroll at TLEfoundation.org/VEI.
Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline and start your next mission today.
🎙 Part of the VET S.O.S. Network — connecting veterans, families, and communities through storytelling and opportunity.
#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #MichaelDermer #TheLonelyEntrepreneur #VeteranEntrepreneurInitiative #VeteranEmpowerment #MilitaryTransition #VeteranBusinessOwners #EntrepreneurMindset #VeteranCommunity #GrabTheLifeline
On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy welcomes Brian Pultro, U.S. Navy Reserve Commander and co-owner of Pultro Financial Management, to share his powerful story of service, transition, and entrepreneurship.
Brian opens up about the challenges of translating military experience into civilian success, the discipline it takes to build a business from zero, and how he found purpose again by helping others achieve financial confidence. With nearly a decade of experience guiding clients toward retirement readiness and long-term security, Brian emphasizes the importance of behavioral finance and education—empowering people to make calm, informed decisions when markets are volatile.
From his time at Auburn University to running a family-owned firm, Brian’s story is filled with lessons on resilience, confidence, and service beyond the uniform.
💬 Tune in to the Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight on the VET S.O.S. Network and grab the lifeline today.
Follow VET S.O.S.:
YouTube – @vetsospodcast
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/6GUdf1TJvCgyy52Xi2TdLZ
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
Facebook – facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram – instagram.com/vetsospodcast
X – x.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok – tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VeteranEntrepreneur #VETSOS #FinancialPlanning #VeteranOwned #MilitaryTransition #EntrepreneurMindset #NavyVeteran #BehavioralFinance #FinancialLiteracy #LeadershipDevelopment #GrabTheLifeline
The VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight welcomes Kate Hufnagel, founder of Digital Wrangler. With a 25-year career in the intelligence community and big tech, Kate now channels her skills into helping families and small business owners organize critical digital information—from passwords and documents to legacy planning—ensuring continuity and peace of mind when it matters most.
In this conversation, Kate and host Maurice Murphy discuss:
The mindset shift from intel professional to entrepreneur.
Why resilience and preparation are the cornerstones of business success.
The frustrations and rewards of building a purpose-driven business.
How Digital Wrangler bridges technology and compassion for clients.
The importance of normalizing conversations about legacy and continuity.
Kate also shares her lighter side—her decade-long quest to find the world’s best donut (current titleholder: Blue Star Donuts in Portland, Oregon).
🎙️ This episode is a must-listen for veterans, entrepreneurs, and military families looking to blend impact, business, and legacy.
📌 Learn more about Kate at: thedigitalwrangler.com
📌 Subscribe to the VET S.O.S. Network and never miss a Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight story.
#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranBusiness #MilitaryTransition #EntrepreneurSuccess #DigitalWrangler #VeteranCommunity #LegacyPlanning #VeteranSpouse #GrabTheLifeline
On this episode of the Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, part of the VET S.O.S. Network, host Maurice Murphy welcomes Jake Dyal, CEO and co-founder of Certis Core. Jake combines a distinguished military career with expertise in defense technology, building AI-driven solutions that are transforming how the Department of Defense uses robotics, data, and automation.
Jake shares candid insights on:
The three biggest lessons from his transition out of the military
Why he chose entrepreneurship over government contracting
How Certis Core is solving real defense challenges with AI and data fusion
The struggles of leadership, co-founder changes, and startup uncertainty
His advice to veterans considering entrepreneurship
Whether you’re a veteran navigating transition, an entrepreneur building in defense tech, or simply curious about the future of AI in national security, this episode delivers valuable lessons and inspiration.
🎙️ Follow the VET S.O.S. Network on all major platforms to hear more veteran stories and entrepreneurial spotlights.
#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranEntrepreneurJourney #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #DefenseTechnology #AIForDefense #VeteranLeadership #EntrepreneurInsights #GrabTheLifeline
Guest: Jenna Griffith — military & first-responder spouse, author of Service & Soul, speaker, and workshop leader.
Episode in a Sentence: Transition isn’t “back to normal”—it’s a whole new mission. Jenna shares how spouses can navigate identity shifts, heal past wounds, and rediscover purpose through community, faith, and practical tools.
What We Cover
Honest look at spouse-side transition: fear, identity, resentment
Tools to stop self-sabotage and reframe limiting beliefs
Building a tribe that can handle the “messy middle”
What Service & Soul workshops look like (for spouses and couples)
How Jenna mapped and wrote her first book (bootcamp method)
Connect with Jenna
serviceandsoul.com
IG: @ms.jennagriffith
Support the Show
Affiliated with The Neil Haley Show
Sponsored by Spirit Point Solutions — www.spiritpointonline.com (code VETSOS)
Follow VET S.O.S.Website: https://vetsospodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vet-s-o-s/id1673146703
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vetsospodcast/
X: https://x.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetsospodcast/
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VeteranEntrepreneurs #MilitarySpouse #PurposeDriven #FirstResponderFamily #ServiceAndSoul #VeteranSupport #TransitionResources #WomenWhoLead #FaithAndResilience #CommunityMatters #VETSOS #GrabTheLifeline
Army veteran Angeletha Long turned decades of logistics and operations into a thriving group-travel and retreat business. In this VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, Angeletha explains how she plans “door-to-destination” experiences with military-grade precision—coordinating accessibility, dietary needs, and excursions that reinforce a team’s goals. She also opens up about the hardest parts of entrepreneurship (marketing yourself after OPSEC), the importance of mentors and community (ACP, Boots to Business, local chambers), and how she designed work that keeps her present for family.
Military planning skills map directly to group travel and corporate retreats
“Rank doesn’t carry over”—earn credibility from scratch
Systems for special diets, accessibility, and purpose-built excursions
Mentorship and training accelerate the learning curve (ACP, Boots to Business)
Practical ways to show up on social without oversharing
Guest links
Website: mydreamvacationtravel.com | Phone: 478-334-0177
LinkedIn: Angeletha-Long | FB/IG: “Angeletha-Long Cruise Planners”
Sponsor
Spearpoint Solutions — spearpointonline.com (use code VET SOS)
More from VET S.O.S.
Website: https://vetsospodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
X: https://x.com/vetsospodcast | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vetsospodcast/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetsospodcast/
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline.
#VeteranPodcast #VeteranEntrepreneur #TravelConcierge #BusinessRetreats #GroupTravel #MilitaryTransition #CruisePlanners #ACP #BootsToBusiness #VETSOS #GrabTheLifeline
In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, we welcome Rich Holley, a retired Navy air traffic controller turned financial literacy advocate. Rich is the creator of The Adventures of Buck Dollar—a children's book series and animated educational tool designed to teach kids how to save, invest, and build wealth from an early age.
Rich shares his personal journey from serving in the military to building a mission-driven business that empowers families to take control of their financial futures. Learn how he turned his frustration with adult financial habits into a movement that starts with children. With the motto "Spend some, save some, so you always have some," Rich is helping shape the next generation of financially confident kids.
He’s sold over 2,500 books, created a financial wellness journal, and now travels across the country delivering powerful assemblies and workshops for schools and colleges. This is an episode filled with purpose, passion, and practical advice.
🔗 Visit: buckdollar101.com
📲 Instagram: @buckdollar101
#VeteranEntrepreneur #FinancialLiteracy #MilitaryTransition #YouthEducation #MoneySkills #BuckDollar #KidsFinance #BuildWealth #LegacyBuilding #FinancialWellness #VETSOS #GrabTheLifeline
In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, we speak with Nicole (Pompei) Zettlemoyer—Marine and Air Force veteran, mom, and founder of Wreaths by Nicole P. What began as a creative way to repurpose an old uniform became a viral business now featured on major platforms like Fox News and CBS.
Nicole discusses her dual-military transition, the inspiration behind her first wreath, and how she’s built a thriving company crafting military uniform keepsakes that preserve stories of service. With over 3,000 pieces made for veterans and Gold Star families across all 50 states, Nicole's work goes far beyond décor—it's about legacy, honor, and healing.
🎙️ Don’t miss this powerful story of transformation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Visit: www.wreathsbynicholep.com
Follow: @wreathsbynicholep on Instagram and Facebook
Subscribe to more VET S.O.S. episodes at vetsospodcast.com
#VeteranEntrepreneurJourney #MilitaryUniformKeepsakes #VeteranOwnedBusiness #WomenInUniform #MilitaryMomsMatter #GoldStarFamilySupport #VeteranCreativity #WreathsByNicoleP #PostMilitaryLife #VETSOS
In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy sits down with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jason West, founder of Officers Eat Last. Jason opens up about his transition journey, the unpredictability of entrepreneurship, and the life-changing impact of servant leadership.
Discover how he turned setbacks into strategy and how his consulting firm now helps business owners scale with intention and integrity. If you're a veteran looking to lead with purpose or launch your own venture, this episode is a must-listen.
Listen now and grab the SOS lifeline!
🔗 officerseatlast.com | LinkedIn: Jason West
#VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryLeadership #OfficersEatLast #ServantLeadership #VeteranPodcast #VetTransition #BusinessConsulting #LeadershipTraining #VeteransInBusiness #VetSOS
Renea Jones-Hudson, U.S. Army veteran and founder of Beyond the Uniform, joins the Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight to share her story of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Discover how Renea transformed her military transition into a mission to help women veterans rediscover their voice, reframe their identity, and reintegrate with power and purpose.
From personal training to leadership coaching, Renea breaks down her OWNIT framework and reveals what it truly takes to lead yourself beyond the military. This episode is essential listening for women veterans seeking clarity, community, and a plan to move forward.
🎯 Beyond the Uniform: reneajoneshudson.com
📲 Follow her @renejoneshudson on all social platforms
#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurship #WomenVeteransLead #EmpowermentJourney #BeyondTheUniform #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranSupportNetwork #FemaleVeteransMatter #TransitionBlueprint #VeteranCoach #PostServicePurpose
U.S. Army veteran Sepi Browning joins Maurice Murphy on the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight to share her journey from military medic to founder of Brighthour HIT Consulting Corporation, a veteran-owned healthcare IT consulting firm.
Sepi explains how her military service shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, the challenges she faced entering the civilian workforce, and how she’s now leading digital transformation in hospitals and public health systems. She also highlights her new 501(c)(3), the Brighthour Foundation, providing scholarships and mentorship to future healthcare leaders.
This episode is a powerful look into the heart of a mission-driven veteran leader changing healthcare—one solution at a time.
💡 Topics Covered:
Veteran-owned healthcare innovation
Importance of networking in transition
Building a purpose-driven consulting firm
Launching a nonprofit for healthcare education
📍Connect with Sepi on LinkedIn
🌐 Visit: brighthour.net
🔗 Follow VET S.O.S. on social media: @vetsospodcast
🎙️ Listen to all episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
#VeteranOwnedBusiness #HealthcareInnovation #WomenInTech #MilitaryToCivilian #DigitalTransformation #HealthITConsulting #VeteranSupport #NonprofitLeadership #BrightHourHIT #VETSOS
Career counselor and veteran advocate Leora Opstelten joins host Maurice Murphy for a powerful conversation on navigating military transition through career clarity and purpose. Leora discusses building her remote business, the emotional impact of her late husband’s transition, and how she helps veterans translate military experience into fulfilling civilian careers.
Hear how Career Counseling by Leora offers flexible, personalized services that empower service members to explore new paths beyond their MOS—and beyond limiting beliefs.
Learn more at careercounselingbyleora.com
Follow VET S.O.S. on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn: @vetsospodcast
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Listen to all episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
#VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #CareerCoaching #CareerClarity #MilitarySpouseSupport #VeteranMentalHealth #VeteranIdentity #PurposeAfterService #VetSuccess #VETSOS
Join Maurice Murphy on the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight as he interviews Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz, a Marine Corps veteran and founder of Strategic Safety and Security Group. From CPR and AED training to large-scale school safety solutions, Dr. Schwartz brings his military and law enforcement experience to the civilian world—empowering others to do the same.
This episode covers:
The lessons Dr. Schwartz learned the hard way
Resources every transitioning veteran should know about
How his team built a one-stop shop for safety and security services
Advice for aspiring veteran business owners
Connect with Strategic Safety and Security Group at www.sssgrp.net and follow Dr. Schwartz on LinkedIn.
🎙 Don’t miss it—subscribe to the VET S.O.S. podcast today!
#StrategicSafety #VeteranSupport #MilitaryToEntrepreneur #SelfDefenseTraining #SmallBusinessVeteran #VETSOS
In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneurial Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy sits down with U.S. Army combat veteran Philip T. Ayles, founder of Ayles Solutions LLC. From a rocky post-military transition to creating a mission-driven consulting company in Jacksonville, FL, Philip shares how emotional intelligence, veteran advocacy, and holistic coaching became his compass for impact.
Philip discusses his experiences in military police, civil affairs, and intelligence—and how they shaped his current work supporting veterans, first responders, and corporate clients. He also opens up about his passion project, Warrior to Love, a book and podcast series focused on healing and redefining purpose after service.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation about personal reinvention, the hard truths of entrepreneurship, and the importance of community-based leadership.
More about Philip: Google “Philip Ayles” or find him on LinkedIn and Facebook.
#VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #LeadershipCoaching #EmotionalIntelligence #VeteranSupport #AylesSolutions #PostMilitaryLife #VeteranOwnedBusiness #WarriorToLove #VETSOS
Todd Bigney, retired Air Force veteran and franchise coach with The Entrepreneur Source, joins us on the Veteran Entrepreneurial Spotlight to share his veteran entrepreneur journey. From floundering in the civilian workforce to discovering his purpose in coaching, Todd’s story is one of resilience, clarity, and service.
He opens up about his early transition struggles, how assessments revealed his true caretaker strengths, and why franchising offered the lifestyle and freedom he needed—especially while supporting his wife through cancer treatments. Now, Todd helps other veterans uncover what truly fulfills them through guided coaching, franchise matchmaking, and ongoing support.
If you’re a veteran considering entrepreneurship but don’t know where to start, this episode is your roadmap to exploring your next chapter with confidence and purpose.
👉 Visit Todd’s site: tbigney.esourcecoach.com
#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryToBusiness #FranchiseOwnership #AirForceVeteranLife #CareerTransition #VeteranCoach #EntrepreneurshipForVets #SmallBusinessSuccess #VeteranLeadership #BusinessMentorship