TheMilVet Podcast

Hosted by Brendan Aronson and Tim Hsia

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Episodes

183

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Your hosts, Brendan Aronson and Tim Hsia, interview the highest-performing military veterans & civilian allies on earth. Our guests include CEOs of multibillion-dollar companies, founders of incredible businesses, and legendary investors. Our goal is educate, inspire, and entertain you.

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60 recent

September 9, 202655 min

Ep. 184 From Marine Corps Cobra Pilot to AI Entrepreneur: Andrew Dimitruk's Journey

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Andrew Dimitruk , CEO and Co-Founder of Ironflow AI and US Marine Corps veteran, to discuss his journey from Marine Corps Cobra pilot to McKinsey consultant , defense technology executive at Shield AI , and AI entrepreneur. Andrew shares how September 11th inspired him to serve, the leadership lessons he learned in the Marine Corps, and how his military experience shaped his approach to building teams, solving problems, and leading through uncertainty. The conversation explores Andrew's transition from the Marine Corps to business school and McKinsey, his decision to join Shield AI during the early days of defense tech, and his progression into the company's COO role. He also explains the operational challenges he encountered while scaling a defense technology company, particularly the limitations of traditional ERP systems and how those experiences led him to co-found Ironflow AI. Andrew discusses Ironflow's mission to build an AI-native ERP for discrete manufacturing, with an initial focus on strengthening the defense industrial base. He also shares advice for veterans considering startups, AI, and entrepreneurship, including why veterans should get comfortable with risk, embrace chaos, build great teams, and look for opportunities that create greater optionality. Listeners will gain insight into: • Andrew's journey from the Marine Corps to AI entrepreneurship • Leadership lessons from military service • His experience as a Marine Corps Cobra pilot • Transitioning from military service to McKinsey and the private sector • Building and scaling Shield AI • The evolution of AI and defense technology • Why traditional ERP systems are a major challenge for manufacturers • The founding and mission of Ironflow AI • AI's potential to transform manufacturing and the defense industrial base • Why veterans can thrive in startup environments • Taking calculated risks and betting on yourself • Building world-class teams and leading through uncertainty 🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MarineCorps #MarineVeteran #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #MilitaryLeadership #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #DefenseTech #DefenseIndustry #NationalSecurity #Manufacturing #ERP #IronflowAI #ShieldAI #Startup #Founder #VeteranCareers #CareerTransition #Innovation #Technology Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

September 2, 202654 min

Ep. 183 The Power of Self-Belief: Brian Stann on Leadership, Failure & Career Reinvention

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Brian Stann , President & CEO of Hunt Military Communities , U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, UFC fighter, nonprofit leader, and private equity-backed executive, to discuss his unconventional journey from the Naval Academy and combat deployments to the UFC, Hire Heroes USA, private equity, and executive leadership. Brian shares how 9/11 shaped his decision to serve in the Marine Corps, the leadership lessons he learned through combat, and why the Marine Corps became the foundation of his approach to leadership, accountability, and decision-making. The conversation explores Brian's transition from the military into business, professional MMA, and nonprofit leadership. He discusses how mixed martial arts helped him process life after combat, his journey to the UFC, and how he helped build Hire Heroes USA into a leading organization helping veterans find employment. Brian also shares how a chance connection with Cerberus Capital Management opened the door to private equity and eventually led him to an executive role at FirstKey Homes and, ultimately, the CEO position at Hunt Military Communities. Listeners will gain insight into: • Brian's journey from the Naval Academy to the Marine Corps and combat in Iraq • The leadership lessons he carried from the Marine Corps into business • His transition from military service to the UFC and nonprofit leadership • Building Hire Heroes USA around measurable outcomes and accountability • Why veterans need to communicate the value they can create for an organization • The importance of understanding your strengths and weaknesses • How military delegation and ownership translate into corporate leadership • Brian's transition into private equity and executive leadership • Learning finance and business by tackling real-world problems • Why veterans should ask questions instead of being intimidated by unfamiliar business language • The importance of humility, curiosity, grit, and self-belief • Why betting on yourself can open doors to an unconventional second career Brian's message to veterans is simple: know yourself, keep learning, surround yourself with people who complement your weaknesses, and have the confidence to bet on yourself. Whether you're a veteran preparing for transition, interested in private equity or entrepreneurship, or looking to grow as a leader, this episode offers practical lessons on resilience, leadership, career transition, and building your next chapter after service. 🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #USMC #MarineVeteran #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #Leadership #UFC #MMA #HireHeroesUSA #ExecutiveLeadership #VeteranCareers #Resilience #SelfBelief #VeteranSuccess Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

August 26, 202645 min

Ep. 182 Making a Job, Not Just Getting One: Kevin Capozzoli's Entrepreneurial Journey

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Kevin Capozzoli, Co-Founder & CEO of Critical Materials Group and US Army veteran, to discuss his 25-year military career, his transition into entrepreneurship, and how the leadership and decision-making skills he developed in the Army continue to shape the way he builds businesses. Kevin shares how his father's Vietnam service influenced his decision to serve and reflects on the lessons he learned from a career in the infantry, including leadership, responsibility, failure, decision-making, and learning from both great and difficult leaders. The conversation explores Kevin's transition from the Army to the business world, including his decision to pursue graduate education at the University of Texas and ultimately build a company rather than simply look for his next job. He explains how military planning principles, including red-teaming and stress-testing ideas, became valuable tools for evaluating business opportunities and navigating uncertainty. Listeners will gain insight into: • Kevin's journey from Florida State University to a 25-year Army career • The leadership lessons learned through military service • Why failure and responsibility accelerate professional growth • The difference between managing, leading, and commanding • Kevin's decision to leave the military and pursue entrepreneurship • Why veterans should consider whether they want to "get a job" or "make a job" • How military decision-making principles translate into business • Why entrepreneurs should never fall in love with their ideas • Using red-teaming to stress-test business opportunities • How Kevin identified critical vulnerabilities in the U.S. munitions industrial base • The founding and mission of Critical Materials Group • Building a company focused on critical energetic materials and national security • Navigating government acquisition and the defense industrial base • The importance of understanding who actually buys your product • How to handle investor rejection and constructive feedback • Why self-awareness and humility are critical to entrepreneurship • The importance of health, family, and financial preparation during transition • Why betting on yourself requires preparation as well as courage Kevin also shares practical advice for veterans preparing for their next chapter, emphasizing the importance of defining what you truly want to accomplish, building financial runway, taking care of your health and family, and being willing to embrace uncertainty. Whether you're a veteran preparing for transition, an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or interested in national security and the defense industrial base, this episode offers practical lessons on leadership, resilience, decision-making, entrepreneurship, and betting on yourself. 🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #USArmy #ArmyVeteran #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #MilitaryLeadership #DefenseIndustry #DefenseIndustrialBase #NationalSecurity #CriticalMaterials #Founder #Resilience #CareerTransition #VeteranCareers #DecisionMaking #RiskManagement #PrivateEquity #VeteranSuccess Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

August 19, 202635 min

Ep. 181 Breaking the Stigma: Kristen Rheinlander on Veteran Mental Health and The Headstrong Project

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Kristen Rheinlander , Director of Corporate Partnerships at The Headstrong Project , to discuss her journey as a military child, her career in professional sports, and how she ultimately found her calling supporting the military community through veteran-focused nonprofit organizations. Kristen shares how growing up as an Army brat shaped her resilience, adaptability, and perspective on military life. She reflects on her early career as a collegiate athlete and her path through sports marketing, corporate partnerships, and Major League Baseball before making a pivotal decision to pursue work with the USO and dedicate her career to serving the military community. The conversation explores the challenges of military transition, the importance of purpose and identity after leaving a career or profession, and why mental health support is such a critical component of the veteran and military family experience. Kristen also provides an inside look at The Headstrong Project and its unique approach to delivering confidential, trauma-focused mental health care to service members, veterans, military spouses, and military children. Listeners will gain insight into: • Growing up as an Army brat and the resilience that comes from military life • The unique challenges and opportunities experienced by military spouses and families • Kristen's journey from collegiate athletics into professional sports • Building a career in sports marketing and corporate partnerships • Her transition from Major League Baseball to serving the military community • Finding purpose through volunteering and giving back • The importance of identity and purpose during career and military transition • Why veterans and athletes can face similar challenges when their careers come to an end • The difficulty many veterans face when asking for help • Breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in the military community • How The Headstrong Project provides trauma-focused mental health care • The importance of military-cultural competency in mental health providers • Headstrong's network of more than 300 vetted clinicians • Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, and Prolonged Exposure therapy • Providing care through both in-person services and telehealth • How Headstrong helps military families navigate PCS moves without disrupting treatment • Headstrong's collaboration with the VA while maintaining direct access to care • The importance of connecting individuals with the right clinician from the beginning • Why trust, comfort, and rapport are critical to successful mental health treatment • How word-of-mouth referrals are helping veterans discover Headstrong • The role corporations and philanthropic partners play in expanding access to care • Kristen's vision for bringing Headstrong's services to more communities across the country Kristen also explains why access to mental health care needs to be immediate when someone is finally ready to raise their hand and ask for help. She shares how Headstrong's clinician-matching process is designed to meet individuals where they are and connect them with providers who understand their military experiences and unique circumstances. The conversation also highlights the broader role that purpose, community, and service play in successful transitions. Whether transitioning from military service, professional athletics, or another career, finding a new sense of identity and belonging can be just as important as finding the next job. Looking ahead, Kristen discusses her vision for The Headstrong Project, including expanding in-person services across the country, growing corporate partnerships, and ensuring that more members of the military community have access to high-quality, confidential mental health care when they need it most. Whether you're a veteran, military spouse, military family member, transitioning service member, employer, or simply interested in supporting the military community, this episode offers an important conversation about resilience, purpose, mental health, and the power of asking for help. 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MilitaryVeterans #MilitarySpouses #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranMentalHealth #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #VeteranSupport #MilitaryCommunity #HeadstrongProject #Leadership #Resilience #Purpose #VeteranCareers #VeteranLeadership #ServiceMembers #PrivateEquity #Entrepreneurship Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

August 12, 202633 min

Ep. 180 From the Army to Mission Roll Call: Jim Whaley on Leadership, Networking & Giving Back

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Jim Whaley , CEO of Mission Roll Call to discuss his journey from Army Aviation to corporate America and ultimately back to serving the veteran community. Jim shares lessons from more than two decades in the military, his transition into the private sector, and why giving back and serving a mission larger than yourself have remained central throughout his career. Jim reflects on his unconventional path into the United States Army , beginning with ROTC in college and eventually becoming an Army aviator. He discusses the experiences that shaped him as a leader, including serving overseas, raising a family in the military, and his final assignment leading public affairs at West Point. He also explains how his work during West Point's bicentennial helped him build a civilian network that became instrumental in his transition to corporate America. The conversation explores the realities of military transition, the challenges veterans can face when entering corporate environments, and how military leadership principles can become powerful assets in the private sector. Jim shares practical advice on managing your career, building relationships, becoming indispensable to an organization, and adapting to a corporate culture without losing the values that made you successful in the military. Listeners will gain insight into: • Jim's journey from ROTC to Army Aviation and a 20-year military career • The importance of camaraderie, mission, and serving something bigger than yourself • Transitioning from the military into corporate America • Why networking, not job boards, can open doors after military service • How Jim leveraged his West Point network to launch his civilian career • The differences between military and corporate cultures • Why veterans sometimes struggle with managing their own careers after leaving the military • How to take ownership of your career in the civilian world • Why veterans should learn the culture and ethos of their new organization • How to make yourself indispensable to an organization • The importance of anticipating what your boss and organization need • Why being the easiest person to work with can accelerate your career • The value of listening more than you speak • How military leadership and taking care of people translate into corporate success • Why networking should be viewed as an opportunity to learn rather than simply find a job • The importance of following up and building meaningful professional relationships • Jim's transition from corporate leadership back into the nonprofit and veteran space • The founding mission and purpose of Mission Roll Call • How Mission Roll Call gives veterans a direct voice with policymakers • The importance of unfiltered veteran feedback in shaping legislation and policy • The role of veteran organizations in addressing homelessness, suicide, and other challenges • Why veterans should "sound off" and make their voices heard Jim also discusses his experience leading corporate communications at Siemens and Sealed Air before joining the USO and eventually being recruited to help build Mission Roll Call. He explains why Mission Roll Call was created to amplify the voices of veterans and their families, provide veterans with access to resources and support organizations, and deliver polling and survey data directly to policymakers. The conversation highlights a central theme throughout Jim's career: the importance of listening. Whether leading soldiers, working with colleagues in corporate America, building professional networks, or advocating for veterans in Washington, Jim explains why understanding people and putting their needs ahead of your own can create stronger teams and better outcomes. Jim closes with an ambitious vision for the future of Mission Roll Call: ending veteran homelessness and veteran suicide, while ultimately building an organization that accomplishes its mission and is no longer needed. Whether you're preparing for military transition, navigating a career in corporate America, interested in veteran advocacy, or looking to become a stronger leader, this episode offers practical lessons on networking, leadership, career ownership, listening, and continuing to serve long after leaving the military. 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and business. #TheMilVet #MilVetPodcast #Veterans #VeteranTransition #MilitaryTransition #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranJobs #VeteranAdvocacy #VeteranCommunity #CorporateLeadership #Leadership #Networking #MissionRollCall #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranSuccess Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

August 5, 202637 min

Ep. 179 From Entrepreneur to Private Equity Investor: Stockton Croft on the Leadership Lessons Along the Way

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Stockton Croft , Founding Partner of Eagle Merchant Partners , to discuss his journey into private equity, the lessons learned from entrepreneurship, and why great businesses are ultimately built by great people. Stockton reflects on his unconventional path from the University of Virginia to Wall Street, through consulting and operating roles, before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. He shares the highs and lows of buying and building his own company, the challenges of leading through adversity, and how those experiences ultimately shaped his philosophy as a private equity investor. The conversation explores what separates successful founders from everyone else, why self-awareness matters when choosing your career path, and how veterans bring unique strengths to private equity-backed companies through leadership, discipline, and operational excellence. Listeners will gain insight into: • Building a career in investment banking and private equity • The transition from Wall Street to entrepreneurship • Why taking calculated risks is essential for long-term success • The "Groom, Jockey, or Horse" framework for thinking about your career • Lessons learned from buying, operating, and growing a business • Navigating failure, uncertainty, and business turnarounds • Why resilience and grit separate exceptional leaders • How veterans create value inside private equity portfolio companies • The importance of process, structure, and operational discipline • Why people, not spreadsheets, drive investment success • How to evaluate leadership teams before making investment decisions • The qualities private equity firms look for in CEOs • Why great leaders attract talented people who want to follow them • Mentorship, succession planning, and building organizations that outlast their founders • Practical advice for professionals interested in private equity, entrepreneurship, and investing Stockton also shares valuable lessons from nearly three decades of investing and operating businesses, explaining why his perspective evolved from focusing on financial analysis to recognizing that leadership and talent ultimately determine the success of every investment. His reflections on risk tolerance, self-awareness, and continuous learning offer practical guidance for anyone considering entrepreneurship or a career in private equity. Whether you're preparing for military transition, interested in private equity or entrepreneurship, or simply looking to become a stronger leader, this episode offers timeless lessons on resilience, calculated risk-taking, leadership, and building organizations through great people. 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and business. Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

July 29, 202634 min

Ep. 178 From Marine Corps General to Global Investor with Dave Bellon

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Dave Bellon , Managing Partner at Global Frontier Advisors L.P. and Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps , Retired, to discuss his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, private capital, international investing, and building businesses in some of the world's most challenging markets. Dave shares how his Marine Corps experience laid the foundation for a career defined by calculated risk-taking, continuous learning, and service beyond the uniform. After transitioning from the military, he pursued opportunities across private equity, investment banking, and international business before founding Global Frontier Advisors, where he helps connect investors with opportunities in critical minerals, natural resources, and emerging markets throughout Latin America. The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience when ideas don't work as planned, and why the best founders view failure as tuition rather than defeat. Dave also reflects on the challenges of military transition, the importance of finding purpose beyond a job title, and how veterans can leverage their leadership experience to create value in business while continuing to serve their communities. Drawing from decades of experience in finance, entrepreneurship, and international investing, Dave explains why building relationships, framing problems correctly, and maintaining humility are often more important than having the perfect business plan. He also shares how his passion for farming and volunteer work with Toys for Tots has helped him maintain perspective while balancing the demands of business leadership. Listeners will gain insight into: Transitioning from the Marine Corps into entrepreneurship and private capital Lessons learned from building and growing businesses in emerging markets Why failure is often the best investment in future success How entrepreneurs should approach risk and uncertainty The importance of framing problems before trying to solve them Leadership lessons from military service that translate directly into business Building trusted relationships in private equity and international investing Why humility and curiosity are essential leadership traits The role of critical minerals and natural resources in the global economy Investing and operating in Latin American markets Finding purpose beyond titles, promotions, and financial success Balancing entrepreneurship, family, and personal fulfillment Why veterans are uniquely positioned to succeed in business and investing Continuing a life of service through mentorship, philanthropy, and community involvement Practical advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship or career transitions Dave also shares thoughtful perspectives on identity after military service, the realities of betting on yourself as an entrepreneur, and why long-term success is built on resilience, integrity, and meaningful relationships. His insights provide valuable guidance for veterans, founders, investors, and professionals looking to build careers driven by both purpose and impact. Whether you're preparing for military transition, exploring entrepreneurship, interested in private equity or international investing, or simply looking for timeless leadership lessons, this episode offers practical advice on embracing uncertainty, learning from failure, and creating opportunities that extend far beyond your own success. 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, executive leadership, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #PrivateCapital #InternationalBusiness #Investing #CriticalMinerals #NaturalResources #MarineCorps #BusinessLeadership #Founder #EmergingMarkets #LeadershipDevelopment #VeteranCareers #Mentorship #LifeAfterService Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

July 22, 202645 min

Ep. 177 From Air Force Combat Controller to Defense Technology Founder with Todd Woodrick

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Todd Woodrick , President and Founder of Ceptor Technologies Corporation and a former U.S. Air Force Combat Control Officer, to discuss his remarkable journey from the battlefield to the forefront of defense technology, private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. Todd shares how a childhood inspired by Top Gun led him to the Air Force, only to have changing military needs redirect his career into Combat Control. After serving more than two decades in Air Force Special Operations, Todd transitioned into technology development at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory before building experience in private equity, venture capital, and defense manufacturing. The conversation explores how military operators can successfully transition into the private sector, the realities of launching a technology company, and why understanding customers is far more important than simply building great technology. Todd also shares powerful lessons from uncovering a $98 million investment fraud early in his civilian career, reinforcing the importance of integrity, due diligence, and trusting but verifying the people you choose to work with. Today, Todd is focused on building Ceptor Technologies Corporation, developing AI-enabled sensing systems that enhance situational awareness and help protect soldiers and Marines on tomorrow's battlefield. Drawing from decades of operational experience and defense innovation, he explains why the future of warfare will depend on accelerating decision-making through advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and computer vision. Listeners will gain insight into: Transitioning from Air Force Combat Control to entrepreneurship How military experience translates into technology leadership The future of AI-enabled defense technologies and battlefield awareness Lessons from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and defense innovation Understanding private equity, venture capital, and defense investing Why customer discovery is the foundation of every successful startup The difference between building technology and building a business How defense acquisition works and what founders need to know before selling to the government Why veterans should understand funding, acquisition, and operational requirements before entering the defense market Lessons learned from uncovering investment fraud and the importance of due diligence Why "trust, but verify" is essential when evaluating career opportunities Choosing the right first job after military service The "Name, Title, or Salary" framework for navigating military transition Why founders should avoid burning bridges throughout their careers Building mission-driven companies with long-term purpose Todd also shares practical advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship, joining startups, or pursuing careers in private equity and venture capital. His insights on leadership, ethics, innovation, and lifelong learning provide a valuable roadmap for anyone looking to build a meaningful career after military service. Whether you're preparing for military transition, launching a startup, exploring private equity or venture capital, or interested in the future of defense technology, this episode offers actionable lessons on leadership, customer discovery, integrity, and building businesses that solve real-world problems. 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and executive leadership. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DefenseTech #ArtificialIntelligence #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #Founder #Startup #DefenseInnovation #AirForce #SpecialOperations #CombatControl #ExecutiveLeadership #CustomerDiscovery #VeteranCareers #TechnologyLeadership Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

July 15, 202644 min

Ep. 176 From Entrepreneur to Executive Coach: Nick Lodestro on Leadership and Private Equity

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins welcomes back Nick Lodestro , Executive Coach at The Military Veteran , entrepreneur, and former U.S. Marine Corps officer, for a candid conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, private equity, and the personal evolution that comes after building and scaling a successful business. He shares how he co-founded and scaled a veterinary hospital platform from a small startup into a thriving private equity-backed business through multiple recapitalizations, all while staying committed to one principle above all else: culture. Nick explains why culture-not contracts, technology, or operational efficiencies-is the ultimate competitive advantage in any business. Drawing on lessons from the Marine Corps, he discusses how mission, values, and servant leadership shaped the company's growth strategy and helped differentiate it in an increasingly competitive industry. The conversation also explores Nick's difficult decision to step away as CEO after realizing the demands of leadership were pulling him away from the life he wanted with his family. Through honest reflection, he discusses the identity shift from operator to advisor, the importance of setting boundaries, and how stepping into board leadership and executive coaching has given him a renewed sense of purpose. Today, Nick serves as Executive Coach at The Military Veteran, helping veterans successfully transition into leadership roles within private equity-backed companies. He shares why executive coaching can dramatically improve the success of first-time CEOs, general managers, and senior executives navigating the fast-paced world of private equity. Listeners will gain insight into: Why professional sales is one of the most valuable career experiences for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs How military leadership translates directly into business success Building a company where culture becomes the true competitive advantage Scaling a business without sacrificing mission, values, or people Lessons learned from multiple private equity recapitalizations How buy-and-build strategies work in private equity Hiring culture carriers and building leadership teams that can scale The importance of understanding founder motivations during acquisitions Common mistakes entrepreneurs make while growing their companies Why founder identity can become tied to the business-and how to navigate letting go The personal cost of leadership and recognizing when priorities need to change Balancing ambition, family, and long-term fulfillment Transitioning from CEO to board member and strategic advisor Why executive coaching accelerates success for veterans entering private equity-backed businesses How veterans can leverage their leadership experience in entrepreneurship and executive roles The importance of mentorship, networking, and continuous personal development Creating lasting impact by investing in the next generation of leaders Nick also offers thoughtful perspectives on executive decision-making, scaling organizations through intentional leadership, and why the best leaders eventually shift from being the person with all the answers to empowering others to succeed. His reflections on leadership, family, and purpose provide valuable lessons for founders, executives, veterans, and anyone navigating major career transitions. Whether you're preparing to leave military service, leading a growing company, pursuing entrepreneurship, or interested in private equity and executive leadership, this episode offers practical insights on building organizations that last, leading with purpose, and defining success on your own terms. 🔗 Learn more about The Military Veteran 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and executive leadership. #TheMilVet #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #ExecutiveCoaching #VeteranCareers #VeteranTransition #BusinessLeadership #CompanyCulture #SalesLeadership #FounderJourney #CEO #BoardLeadership #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #VeteranSuccess #LifeAfterService #LeadershipDevelopment #PrivateCapital #ScalingBusinesses #ExecutiveCoach #MarineCorps Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

July 8, 202642 min

Ep. 175 From Wall Street to Entrepreneurship: Brian Stengel on Resilience, Risk, and Reinvention

In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with longtime friend and financial services veteran Brian Stengel to discuss his extraordinary journey from growing up in a Marine Corps family to becoming a successful entrepreneur, investment banker, and private equity investor in the technology sector. Brian shares how being raised by a Marine Corps aviator shaped his perspective on leadership, adaptability, and embracing change. After graduating from the University of Virginia and earning his MBA in finance at the Wharton School , Brian built a 30-plus-year career on Wall Street, working with some of the world's leading investment banks before taking the leap into entrepreneurship and launching his own firms. The conversation dives deep into the realities of building a business, navigating career setbacks, surviving market crashes, and leading through uncertainty. Brian also offers valuable insights into the world of private equity, venture capital, and technology investing, while sharing practical advice for veterans and professionals looking to transition into new industries or bet on themselves as entrepreneurs. Listeners will gain insight into: Growing up in a Marine Corps family and the lessons learned from military life How early influences shaped Brian's approach to leadership and business His journey from the University of Virginia to Wall Street and investment banking The decision to leave a successful career path and start his own company Lessons learned from entrepreneurship, failure, and resilience Navigating the dot-com boom, the 9/11 economic shock, and the financial crisis Building and advising high-growth technology companies and entrepreneurs The evolution of private equity, venture capital, and technology investing Why curiosity and continuous learning are critical in rapidly changing industries How networking creates opportunities and accelerates career transitions The importance of developing relationships and leveraging LinkedIn effectively Why veterans often possess the exact skills needed to succeed in finance and business The value of grit, perseverance, and embracing rejection as part of growth Practical advice for anyone considering entrepreneurship or a major career pivot Why your network truly becomes your net worth The importance of giving back, mentoring others, and building a legacy of service Finding purpose and fulfillment through lifelong learning and helping the next generation succeed Brian also shares powerful lessons on navigating uncertainty, making difficult career decisions with incomplete information, and maintaining conviction in yourself during challenging times. Drawing from decades of experience in investment banking, private equity, and entrepreneurship, he offers candid advice on what it takes to build a meaningful career and why success is rarely a straight line. Whether you're an active-duty service member preparing for transition, a veteran interested in private equity, venture capital, or entrepreneurship, or a professional seeking inspiration on leadership and resilience, this episode delivers actionable insights and timeless lessons on adaptability, networking, and betting on yourself. 🔗 Learn more about TheMilVet: TheMilVet 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and beyond. #TheMilVet #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #InvestmentBanking #WallStreet #Technology #TechLeadership #VeteranCareers #VeteranTransition #Networking #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #Resilience #LeadershipDevelopment #Finance #VeteranSuccess #LifeAfterService #BusinessLeadership #StartupLeadership #PrivateCapital #VeteranCommunity Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet