Service Academy Business Mastermind

Episode link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/mark-mooney Mark Mooney (USNA ’74) is the owner and operator of multiple wellness and home health care businesses under the Massage Envy and BrightStar Care franchise brands.  His vast experience in franchising includes building a market from scratch along with buying and selling existing franchise businesses. In this episode, Mark and I discuss: His strict criteria for investing in a franchise concept Important due diligence questions you should ask the franchisor before making an investment The franchise concepts he believes have the greatest potential Connect with Mark Mooney: Mark on LinkedIn If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today. Subscribe and help out the show: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Also available on Google Play, Spotify & Stitcher Leave us a 5-star review! Spec

Real Estate Accelerator: https://www.sabmgroup.com/realestate/ Erin Helle (USMA '09) is a former Engineer who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  After serving in the U.S. Army for 12 years, she embarked on a career as a Real Estate Investor and fell in love with everything about it!  As a top performer in our Real Estate Investing Accelerator, she recently purchased a 10-Plex in Fort Campbell that will set her on the path to financial freedom. I am also joined on this episode by Buddy Rushing (USNA '04), Founder of White Feather Investments and the fearless leader of our Real Estate Investing Accelerator. In this episode, we discuss: Erin’s recent acquisition of a 10-plex investment property Her key takeaways from the Accelerator and how the course has sharpened her focus Her best tips for building a business with a growing family How she is conquering the fear and anxiety of entrepreneurship We also discuss the details of our next Accelerator which kicks off on June 29th. Connect with Erin Helle: Erin

Episode link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/tom-kent/ Tom Kent (USMA '95) is the Founder of Career Nerds, a career coaching company for successful professionals who want great jobs.  After graduating from West Point in 1995, he served as an Army Intelligence Officer for several years. After the Army, he was hired to work in over 10 cities on 3 continents for large companies like IBM and Expedia as well as for several startups. While mastering the "Art of Career Transition", he has helped many people get new jobs and careers.  Today, he coaches people who are transitioning to a new job or career on how to find their ideal job and get hired. In this episode, Tom and I discuss: His 3-step process for connecting with decision makers on LinkedIn His best tips for focusing your job search and his “flood the zone” framework for networking His biggest lessons learned from starting his career coaching business Connect with Tom Kent: Tom on LinkedIn Career Nerds If you found this episode valuable, please share it with

Episode link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/john-oliver/ John Oliver (USMA '89) is the Investment and Operations Manager at Battle Monument Partners, a private commercial real-estate fund that recently was named by RVA BizSense as the 2018 Fastest Growing Company in Richmond, Virginia.  He is a 1989 graduate of West Point, and a 1995 graduate of Yale School of Management. In this episode, John and I discuss: How their real estate portfolio has doubled in size to 30 commercial properties in the last 18 months Why he invests in commercial properties leased by discount retailers in the Southeast The surprising skill that he learned in the Army that has helped him as an entrepreneur Connect with John Oliver: John on LinkedIn Battle Monument Partners If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today. Subscribe and help out the show: Subsc

Episode link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/bruce-cleveland/ Bruce Cleveland attended the United States Military Academy and is a Founding Partner at Wildcat Venture Partners, a venture firm that invests in market disruptors and category leaders. Their differentiation as an early stage B2B and B2B2C venture firm is based upon the fact that each Wildcat general partner has been an entrepreneur, a member of a founding team, and/or an investor in a startup that has gone from ideation to a $B+ outcome.  Based upon their significant and sustained performance, they have been independently ranked as one of the top early stage B2B investment teams in the venture industry. In this episode, Bruce and I discuss: His experience as a founding member of companies that have achieved $B+ successes What he looks for from an entrepreneur when making an investment Why he invests primarily in B2B enterprise companies involved in making digital transformations Connect with Bruce Cleveland: Bruce on LinkedIn Wildcat Venture Partner

Episode link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/eric-johnson Eric Johnson (USNA '08) is the Founder of Trident Coffee, home of America’s finest cold brew.  Using their signature blend, they handcraft their cold brew coffee for 18 hours then infuse it with nitrogen in a ready-to-go can. The result is the smoothest, creamiest cold brew coffee on the market with a sweet chocolate and caramel flavor.  At Trident Coffee, their mission is to continually create a community experience and connect people over a cup (or can!) of coffee. In this episode, Eric and I discuss: The story behind why he crafted his best-selling cold brew How he landed his first customer and grew his business through distribution The funny story about why he decided to start a business after attending a career conference Connect with Eric Johnson: Eric on LinkedIn Trident Coffee If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you

Episode link:  https://www.sabmgroup.com/ronald-steptoe/  Ronald Steptoe (USMA ’87) started Warrior Centric Health to bring healthcare advocacy, curriculum development and training to the federal and commercial sector marketplaces. As CEO, Ron has established innovative partnerships with leading national medical organizations, to provide “medically-accredited military culture, cultural competency, and patient-provider communication” educational training programs for health and service support providers and systems. In this episode, Ron and I discuss: His journey starting Warrior Centric Health and his discovery of a $300B industry  A key partnership he just secured with Vizient The military history of his family dating back to the American Revolutionary War and his experience as a basketball player at West Point competing against David Robinson from Navy

Episode link:  https://www.sabmgroup.com/gerardo-martinez/ Gerardo Martinez (USNA '11) is the Founder of Triple Direct Leadership LLC, a company that provides high end leadership development to organizations by customizing the experience to the participant's mission and vision.  Whether its rock climbing with the board of directors, an expedition with a department head or kayaking with the whole team, their experiences are unforgettable and results driven. In this episode, Gerardo and I discuss: His customized outdoor team building experiences that get results Why he doesn’t deliver any training by PowerPoint or in conference rooms What it was like leaving his day job to start his own company Connect with Gerardo Martinez: Gerardo on LinkedIn Triple Direct Leadership If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today. Subscribe and

Episode link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/victor-wiggins/ Victor Wiggins (USMA '07) is the Founder of CozyBee, an innovative company that creates contemporary products for the modern family that don't force you to compromise style for function.  Vic started CozyBee after becoming a new parent and recognizing that brands for new parents were very limited. His flagship product, a baby changing pad, combines style and function and is the only changing pad on the market that includes a diaper wipes pocket for easy changing on the go. In this episode, Vic and I discuss: The exact steps he took to create a physical product and sell it on Amazon How he connected with a manufacturer that helped him make a custom product The tools he used to analyze the sales opportunity on Amazon Connect with Vic Wiggins: Vic on LinkedIn CozyBee on Amazon CozyBee on Facebook CozyBee on Instagram If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take you

Episode link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/kris-yagel/ Kris Yagel (USMA '99) is the Founder of Diligent Plans whose mission is to build leaders and optimize the performance of teams across all industries, primarily through consulting, training, and motivational events. They offer robust, fully customizable programs and services ranging from in-depth analysis, to immersive team building, to cutting edge training, to motivational speaking, and beyond. In this episode, Kris and I discuss: His innovative team building exercises that get results Opportunities to join his team as a speaker How he got started in the leadership training business and how he got his first clients Connect with Kris Yagel: Kris on LinkedIn Diligent Plans If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today. Subscribe and help out the show: Subscribe on iTunes Subs

Website link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/pete-canalichio Pete Canalichio (USNA '81), the global authority on brand expansion, is on a mission to help brands become more alive in the hearts of those that experience them. He does that by helping them write a better story through compelling content, inspiring platform talks, in-depth consulting and workshops, and practical tools. Pete considers it a privilege to use his experience in global brand licensing and expansion at admired organizations such as Coca-Cola and Newell Rubbermaid to help his clients and their organizations reach their full potential. In this episode, Pete and I discuss: How he helps companies create licensing agreements to expand the impact of their brand His proprietary LASSO framework that helps companies expand their brand globally His experience from writing a book and how it has helped him win more client engagements Connect with Pete: Pete on Linkedin PeteCanalichio.com Buy Pete’s book: Expand, Grow, Thrive If you found this episode

Episode link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/jeff-sgro Jeff Sgro (USMA '84) Founder of Boss Logistics LLC, an integrated B2B, B2C, and Omni-Channel fulfillment solution that provides a deep range of services for clients ranging from Fortune 500 to start-up companies.  Their biggest advantage is providing all the fulfillment services their clients need “under one roof,” saving time and money and freeing their clients to focus on building their businesses. In this episode, Jeff and I discuss: How he helps e-commerce companies ship product more efficiently, saving them time and money His lucky break that landed him a great deal on warehouse space How he got started in the fulfillment business and how his experience at West Point and in the Army has helped him Connect with Jeff: Jeff on Linkedin Boss Logistics LLC If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive communi

On today’s podcast, I am joined by special guest Buddy Rushing (USNA '04).  Buddy is the CEO of White Feather Investments and the fearless leader of SABM’s Real Estate Investing Accelerator. Over the past 10 years Buddy and his team have flipped houses, wholesaled, invested in trust deeds, structured seller financed transactions using Roth IRA funds, purchased an apartment complex, executed multiple 1031 exchanges, and much more.  In the past eighteen months, White Feather Investments has purchased 80+ rental properties, added $10MM+ worth of real estate to their collective portfolios, and established over $70k+ in monthly rental income. Buddy’s course is one of the most popular at SABM!  Here are some of the exciting wins we discuss in today’s podcast: Success stories from the 25 members in the 19-1 Accelerator How he helps Accelerator members find and fulfill their purpose (it’s not all about real estate!) The massive action the Accelerator members have taken in the first two months of the course If you f

Link to article: https://www.sabmgroup.com/john-ware/ John Ware (USCGA ’73) is the owner of Antifragile Business Resolutions.  Throughout his career, he has accumulated over 40 years of global experience and expertise within all types of business management disciplines. He has lived and worked in over 30 countries, either as a top executive with multinational manufacturing companies, or as the owner of his own multi-million dollar companies.  He specializes in difficult start-up and turnaround operations – those most in need of profit enhancement, cost controls, process overhaul and continuous improvement. In this episode, John and I discuss: His favorite stories from his involvement in over 150 turnaround situations; How he helped build the supply chains for major manufacturing and distribution companies giving them a global presence; and Why he keeps going and never plans to retire. Connect with John: Antifragile Business Resolutions John on LinkedIn If you found this episode valuable, please share it w

Investors Group Link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/invest/ In today’s podcast, we are excited to launch the Service Academy Investors Group!  This is a group of Academy graduates who are building wealth through investing in private equity, real estate, and operating businesses.  I am joined by special guest Bill Militello (USNA '92), Founder of Militello Capital. Bill’s team created an online platform called Local Vest where our Investors Group will be hosted. In this episode, Bill and I discuss how the platform will allow you to: Access exclusive investment opportunities Build your professional network Share your investment opportunities and experience with the group Learn from experts who specialize in various types of investments If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today. Subscribe and help out the show: Subscribe on iTunes

Episode link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/at-branch A.T. Branch (USMA ’10) is a former Army Captain and an up and coming performing artist in Nashville, TN.  Fresh off his completion of 8 years of active duty service, he is working diligently to release his introductory EP to the world this Summer.  He recently completed a successful Kickstarter campaign raising over $10,000 for his new album. In this episode, A. T. and I discuss: His decision to pursue a singing career after completing his military service; His strategy behind raising over $10,000 on Kickstarter for his new album; and A behind the scenes look on what it takes to create a music album. Connect with A. T. Branch: ATBranch.com A. T. on LinkedIn If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today. Subscribe and help out the show: Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Stitcher

Website link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/mike-steadman Mike Steadman (USNA ’10) is the Founder and CEO of IRONBOUND Unlimited, a veteran owned social enterprise that runs on-site corporate boxing classes for forward-thinking companies. IRONBOUND Boxing strives to strengthen community, relieve stress, and promote physical fitness as a way of life. Proceeds from the corporate classes power the IRONBOUND Boxing Academy, IRONBOUND’s nonprofit boxing gym.  The Academy provides free recreation to youth and young adults in Newark, NJ. In this episode, Mike and I discuss: How he found his passion in boxing and became a three-time national champion. How the Bunker Labs program helped him go from “idea to invoice.” His experience at Stanford Ignite and how it opened his eyes to entrepreneurship. Connect with Mike: IRONBOUND Mike on LinkedIn If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can jo

Episode link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/jeanne-woodfin/ Jeanné Woodfin (USNA ’94) is the Founder of XenaTech, a business that is changing the way companies track and manage their fleets of vehicles.  XenaTech leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide intelligent transportation solutions through web-based and mobile applications development and hardware integration to improve efficiencies of fleet management. In this episode, Jeanné and I discuss: How she improves fleet efficiency with her innovative software Her journey as an entrepreneur and how she overcame the fear and uncertainty of starting her own business What she learned at the Naval Academy that has helped her as an entrepreneur Connect with Jeanné: XenaTech Jeanné on LinkedIn If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today. Subscribe and help out the show: Sub

Website link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/brian-retherford/ Brian Retherford (USMA '04) is an Army Officer and the Founder of Claudine Wines, an online wine company that sells high-end wines at affordable prices.  Claudine Wines buys excess barrels from fine wine producers and bottles it under their own label. By cutting out unnecessary expenses and streamlining the production and ordering process, they can bring top-flight wine to their customers for a fraction of the price. In this episode, Brian and I discuss: How he connected with a winery and got his first customers Why he sells his wine exclusively online The biggest lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey Connect with Brian Claudine Wines Brian on LinkedIn If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today. Subscribe and help out the show: Subscribe on iTunes Subscri

Episode link: https://www.sabmgroup.com/big-news In this episode, I talk with Bill Watkins (USMA '77) our Founder & CEO Accelerator Coach.  We discuss the explosive growth of SABM in 2018 and some of the exciting goals we have in 2019. Bill is known as the “CEO Whisperer.” He speaks the language of high performance and accelerated results to CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs. Using tools gleaned and created from his own experience and the experience of others, Bill shows business owners how to get more—more money, more results, more happiness, more time, and more done—so they can add jet fuel to their business success and lead extraordinary lives at home at the same time.  He founded his coaching company, The Lion’s Pride, after selling his 8-figure business and deciding he wanted to help business owners avoid some of the mistakes that he made so they can achieve their goals much faster.  He is the Founder & CEO Accelerator coach at SABM. We also discuss: Bill’s live events and the possibility of a S