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Education
Business
Jarvis Buchanan
Battlefield to Business: The Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey is the go-to podcast for service members—whether you're currently serving, transitioning, or already a veteran—who are ready to turn military skills into successful business ventures. In each episode, we highlight a specific industry, uncovering hidden secrets and golden nuggets you won’t hear anywhere else. Learn how to overcome challenges, leverage your military skills in business, and accelerate your path to success.
This podcast helps you browse content and nail down what you’re truly passionate about. Passion is a powerful tool for intrinsic fulfillment, and our goal is to help you find what you were born to do. When tough times come, you’ll have something to lean on. Passion isn’t just a career—it’s a combatant to the challenges many face, including suicide. We explore a myriad of industries, sharing stories of struggle and success to provide options that resonate with your dreams.
Each episode dives into the mindset of entrepreneurs, starting with their youth and discussing figures who shaped their journey. We examine their decision to join the military and how it influenced their path to entrepreneurship. Lastly, guests share the leap into their business ventures, offering tips, techniques, and valuable insights for anyone considering that industry.
Visit our website at www.ldrpsy.com and check out our book, Live to Never Lose, which provides key strategies to help you discover your passion and navigate the challenges of transitioning out of the military. Whether you're struggling with finding your passion or coping with the military-to-civilian transition, this podcast and book are designed to give you the guidance and motivation you need. Subscribe now to unlock entrepreneurial tactics tailored specifically for the military community!
Total 5 episodes
1
Episode 5 Category Education and Training Emilio Natalio Online Consultant
Key TakeawaysEmilio's diverse military background (Air Force HVAC mechanic to Army Black Hawk pilot) provided valuable skills and networking opportunitiesTransitioning to entrepreneurship requires leveraging military experience, continuous learning, and adapting to new technologiesNetworking and mentorship are crucial for entrepreneurial success, especially within the veteran communityEffective use of social media, SEO, and content creation strategies are essential for growing an online businessTopicsMilitary Career and TransitionJoined Air Force in 1998 as HVAC mechanic, transitioned to Army as warrant officer and Black Hawk pilot in 2003Multiple deployments and assignments provided diverse experiences and skillsRetirement planning included obtaining certifications and exploring entrepreneurial opportunitiesEmphasized importance of starting business planning before leaving the militaryEntrepreneurial JourneyFounded Training 101 Academy, offering online training in Lean Six Sigma, leadership, and safetyLeveraged military experience and passion for process improvement and safetyFaced challenges in learning new business skills like marketing, SEO, and content creationStressed the importance of networking with other entrepreneurs and continuously improving processesMarketing and Business Growth StrategiesUtilizes AI tools like ChatGPT for content creation and SEO optimizationEmphasizes consistency in social media posting and engagement across platformsLeverages networking events and veteran entrepreneur groups for mutual support and growthExplores innovative ways to feature and promote other businesses within the communityAdvice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs<a...
01:16:4820/11/2024
Brian McMillian Episode 3 Category Healthcare (Gym) audio
Conduct an interview for the "Battlefield to Business" podcast with guest Brian McMillian, discussing his background, military experience, and entrepreneurial journey.Key TakeawaysBrian McMillian is a health coach and owner of "Shut Up Eat Clean LLC", in business since 2010His program focuses on holistic wellness, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual healthBrian emphasizes the importance of behavior change and mindset shifts before physical trainingHe advocates for clean eating, stress management, and finding purpose to combat metabolic syndromeTopicsBrian's Background and Military ExperienceOriginally from Paris, AlabamaJoined the military at 19, initially planning to be a Navy medicServed as an Army medic, gaining valuable medical knowledge and leadership skillsMilitary career ended due to medical issues, leading to a transition into fitness and health coachingTransition to EntrepreneurshipStarted CrossFit coaching after leaving the militaryDeveloped a holistic health program addressing physical, mental, and spiritual wellnessFocused on helping people manage their lives outside the gym for better overall healthTransitioned to online coaching, especially after COVID-19 pandemicHealth and Wellness PhilosophyEmphasizes behavior change and mindset shifts before physical trainingAdvocates for clean eating (80% single-ingredient foods) to combat inflammation and diseaseStresses the importance of sleep, hydration, and daily physical activityIncorporates mental health practices like gratitude and positive thinkingMetabolic Syndrome and Health ConcernsDiscusses the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (combination of obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol)Criticizes the medical industry's focus on medication rather than lifestyle changesPromotes education and lifestyle modifications to prevent and reverse chronic health issuesPersonal Growth and Overcoming ChallengesShares personal experience of losing his daughter and overcoming griefEmphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life's challengesAdvocates for seeking professional help and maintaining a growth mindset during difficult timesOnline Coaching BusinessTransitioned from physical gym ownership to online coachingDiscusses challenges with customer relationship management (CRM) and marketingEmphasizes the importance of authenticity and building trust with clientsConsidering development of a scalable online education platformNext StepsBrian to continue developing his online coaching platform and potentially launch a scalable education programExplore potential collaboration opportunities with the podcast host for future projectsFollow up on marketing and CRM solutions to improve business operationsContinue to spread awareness about holistic health approaches and combating metabolic syndrome
01:30:0011/11/2024
Episode 3- Category Financial Services- Nathan Wheeler Financial Advisor
Conduct an interview with Nathan Wheeler for the "Battlefield to Business" podcast about his journey from military service to entrepreneurship in financial services.Key TakeawaysNathan transitioned from a decorated military career to founding a successful financial services business, Strategic Ascent LLCHis passion for helping others and leadership skills transferred well to financial advising and building a teamKey to success was finding intrinsic motivation and leveraging military experience in a new fieldEmphasizes importance of financial literacy and building generational wealth for veteransTopicsNathan's BackgroundMoved frequently as a youth, born at Fort BraggJoined Army after sister's arrest, initially planning short-term serviceServed as 13M (artillery) and 29E (electronic warfare)Decorated career including Airborne, Ranger School, 10th Special Forces GroupDivorced during military service, struggled with alcohol after separationTransition to Civilian LifeWorked as contractor, then for Army Strategic Command and Space ForceJoined Deloitte consulting but found passion in financial servicesGot licensed initially to help friends/family, then saw bigger opportunityLeft Deloitte to pursue financial services full-time in March 2023Current Business - Strategic Ascent LLCIndependent financial services firm, not captive to any one companyHas direct contracts with top 192 companies in securities/insuranceFocuses on holistic financial planning and wealth-building strategiesAims to educate clients on financial literacy and asset protectionBuilt team of 123 associates across the country in 18-19 monthsKeys to SuccessLeveraging leadership skills and drive from military experienceFinding intrinsic motivation in helping others succeed financiallyBeing willing to take risks and bet on yourself as an entrepreneurContinuous learning and exploring new opportunitiesAdvice for Transitioning VeteransIdentify what brings you joy and explore ways to monetize itDo due diligence on business opportunities, especially in financial servicesLeverage unique skills/experiences from military in civilian worldBe prepared for self-motivation required as an entrepreneurNext StepsNathan to potentially serve as financial services expert resource for podcastJarvis to release this episode as one of the first on Veterans DayExplore possibilities for future collaboration between Nathan and Jarvis
43:1111/11/2024
Episode 2 - Category- Business Services- Dawn Naum, Pet Food Supply
Interview Dawn Naum, founder of Koda's Place, for the Battlefield to Business podcast to discuss her entrepreneurial journey as a veteran.Key TakeawaysDawn overcame significant personal challenges (poverty, military medical discharge, car accident, incarceration) to launch Koda's Place, a pet accessory business with a mission to give backThe business, inspired by Dawn's service dog Koda, donates 2% of sales to animal shelters and aims to sponsor service dogs for veteransKey challenges include limited capital and marketing, but community support has been strongDawn emphasizes the importance of taking action on business ideas rather than waiting for perfect conditionsTopicsDawn's Background and ResilienceGrew up in poverty, moving frequently between statesJoined Marine Corps but medically discharged after 2 yearsExperienced severe car accident, incarceration, and personal strugglesUsed these experiences to fuel personal growth and eventually start Koda's PlaceKoda's Place Business OverviewPet accessory business selling leashes, collars, treats, and merchandiseFounded July 2023 in Andrews, North CarolinaMission to donate 2% of sales to local animal sheltersGoal to sponsor service dogs for veterans by 2025 (est. $8,000/dog)Currently operates through local gift shop booth, events, and developing e-commerceBusiness Challenges and StrategiesLimited capital: Bootstrapping with bartending tips, careful budgetingMarketing: Primarily word-of-mouth and business cards; working to improve social mediaProduct development: Experimenting with treat shelf-life, no preservatives usedLogistics: Manually fulfilling orders, researching food safety requirementsTime management: Balancing day jobs with business developmentCommunity Support and GrowthStrong local support from friends and strangersDeveloping website (Kodas.place) for e-commerceLong-term plans include own retail space, grooming services, and training classesMental Health and Resilience AdviceEmphasizes importance of human connection during dark timesRecommends Veterans Crisis Line as a resourceAdvocates for taking small steps (e.g. shower, make a call) to move forwardStresses the impermanence of difficult emotions/situationsNext StepsLaunch website (Kodas.place) to enable e-commerceResearch and comply with food safety requirements for pet treatsImprove social media marketing consistencyPrepare for upcoming Oktoberfest and Welcome Home Veterans eventsContinue developing product line and exploring future expansion opportunities (e.g. grooming services)
54:1311/11/2024
Battlefield to Business the Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey: Introduction
"Welcome to Battlefield to Business: The Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey! I’m your host, Jarvis Buchanan, and today we’re diving into the "Why" we Battlefield to Business exists and the intent behind show.We’ll talk about how veteran entrepreneurs shaped their entrepreneurial mindset, the challenges they faced when transitioning to civilian life, and what it took to start and grow a successful business in a competitive industry. Guests will also share some golden nuggets of advice for veterans thinking about starting their own business – from how to find your passion to leveraging the unique strengths you gained in the service.So, if you’re a veteran looking to make that leap into entrepreneurship, or maybe you’re just curious about how military experience can fuel business success, this podcast is for you.
08:1416/10/2024