Service Academy Business Mastermind

“Most people will tell you, even myself at one time, ‘I don't like sales.’ But any business that you do is going to be rooted in sales. Understanding that process is so important… talking about investments or talking about how someone's looking to invest their money, and it’s still sales at the end of the day.” –Justin Loutfy, USAFA '16 Justin Loutfy is an investor, author, speaker, and self-proclaimed “Girl Dad” to his two young daughters. He is the managing partner of Onyx Peak Capital, a real estate and investing firm. In addition to his real estate ventures, Justin runs the DadVesters podcast and a YouTube channel where he shares his knowledge and experiences in real estate and investing. He aims to educate and inspire others to achieve financial freedom through investing. Before founding Onyx Peak Capital, Justin was the chief operating officer for Cherokee Wood Products. He was also an operations manager for Amazon and a fund analyst at Lion Creek Capital, LLC. In addition, Justin served as a special wa

"For me, it's been rewarding to be helping the businesses that we help, because these are businesses that instead of spending money on customer support, they're spending that on marketing, they're spending that on developing a new product, which from a macro economic perspective is much better for our economy.” -Kris Sandor Kris Sandor is the Co-Founder and CEO of Readyly, a company that automates manual customer support workflows through Generative AI technology. Kris's career includes roles as a Navy nuclear submarine officer, consultant at McKinsey, business development lead at Palantir, and CEO of Citi Bike, which he successfully exited to Lyft in 2018. Passionate about helping entrepreneurs scale and improving conditions for front-line workers, Kris also has expertise in bioterrorism defense. He holds an MBA from Stanford, an MA in International Security Studies from Georgetown, and a BS in Political Science from the Naval Academy. Kris speaks fluent Hungarian and English and enjoys reading, traveling, a

“The best advantage of being in this industry for 17 years is the relationships. You can make a very good living and make money in health care, which is great. However, I think most people who go into this field genuinely care about improving patient care.” -Greg Parranto Greg Parranto is the Chief Executive Officer of Endeavor Orthopedics with over 16 years of experience in orthopedic trauma and medical device sales, business development, and management. He has held leadership roles at Depuy Synthes/Johnson & Johnson, including Midwest Area Vice President for Trauma and Extremities, National Director of Specialty Sales, and Global Segment Manager. Greg's expertise spans global perspectives on orthopedics, diverse medical device markets, and innovation in product development. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management with a Healthcare Leadership Certificate, a Master of Public Administration from Webster University, and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from the US Military Acade

“Almost four years later, two funds, multiple loan participation opportunities…we’ve lent north of $60 million and have never missed a monthly distribution to investors. From idea to $60 million in under four years. I’m proud of all the support we’ve provided to our fellow vets who are entrepreneurs out there swinging for it.” -Bill Militello, USNA ‘92 On today’s podcast, Bill and Scott express their gratitude to the investors who have supported the Academy Fund and its growth over the past four years and discuss a new project emerging within the community In 2023, a member of 10X Vets approached them with a compelling idea. Having recently sold his business, he sought a network of trustworthy and capable investors within the group to conduct due diligence and invest together in high-quality opportunities. Inspired by his vision, they formed a steering committee to gather feedback and shape this initiative. By June 2024, the Investor Syndicate was born. Their vision for the 10X Vets Investor Syndicate is to f

Hey team! Before we dive in, I've got some exciting announcements: 1) Join us on August 8th NJ for an exclusive Advanced Real Estate Investing Workshop & Networking Event at the prestigious Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ.  This premier event is crafted to elevate your real estate investing skills with institutional-level analysis. Whether you're a private investor, a commercial real estate operator, or work in the commercial real estate industry, this is your chance to expand your network and learn from the best. Space is limited, so don’t miss out!  Register here: https://www.10xvets.com/advanced-real-estate-workshop 2) On October 1st we're heading to Charleston, SC for an incredible retreat. We'll kick off with a business mastermind session at the Harbour Club in downtown Charleston. Later, we'll set sail on a harbor cruise and enjoy a fantastic dinner together. On October 2nd, get ready for an exciting inshore fishing tournament with a fleet of fishing boats. It's going to be an unforgettable exp

Hey team! Before we dive in, I've got some exciting announcements: 1) Join us on August 8th NJ for an exclusive Advanced Real Estate Investing Workshop & Networking Event at the prestigious Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ.  This premier event is crafted to elevate your real estate investing skills with institutional-level analysis. Whether you're a private investor, a commercial real estate operator, or work in the commercial real estate industry, this is your chance to expand your network and learn from the best. Space is limited, so don’t miss out!  Register here: https://www.10xvets.com/advanced-real-estate-workshop 2) On October 1st we're heading to Charleston, SC for an incredible retreat. We'll kick off with a business mastermind session at the Harbour Club in downtown Charleston. Later, we'll set sail on a harbor cruise and enjoy a fantastic dinner together. On October 2nd, get ready for an exciting inshore fishing tournament with a fleet of fishing boats. It's going to be an unforgettable exp

  Hey team! Before we dive in, I've got some exciting announcements: 1) Join us on August 8th NJ for an exclusive Advanced Real Estate Investing Workshop & Networking Event at the prestigious Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ.  This premier event is crafted to elevate your real estate investing skills with institutional-level analysis. Whether you're a private investor, a commercial real estate operator, or work in the commercial real estate industry, this is your chance to expand your network and learn from the best. Space is limited, so don’t miss out!  Register here: https://www.10xvets.com/advanced-real-estate-workshop 2) On October 1st we're heading to Charleston, SC for an incredible retreat. We'll kick off with a business mastermind session at the Harbour Club in downtown Charleston. Later, we'll set sail on a harbor cruise and enjoy a fantastic dinner together. On October 2nd, get ready for an exciting inshore fishing tournament with a fleet of fishing boats. It's going to be an unforgettable e

“That’s the beauty of note investing. You don’t have to do it locally. It’s not like a development deal or a rental property where you have to be semi-local because there are no tenants or maintenance. It’s vacant land that is the collateral on these notes. We do deals in 30-plus states and that’s how we’re able to really scale it.” -Quinn McArthur, USMA ‘08 Quinn McArthur is the Co-Founder and Fund Manager of Legacy Land Fund, a real estate fund that focuses exclusively on the distinctive and expanding land investments sector. By securing a 1st lien position, imposing stringent requirements for robust down payments and credit scores, and maintaining a carefully balanced 50-60% loan-to-value ratio, Legacy Land Fund ensures a secure and reliable approach to land investment and allows for passive income for its investors through mortgage note investing. Quinn is a West Point graduate and former Green Beret. A devoted husband and father, he balances faith-driven values and a commitment to stewardship with his re

“Entrepreneurship, at its core, is all about leading. Leading customers, leading suppliers, leading bankers, leading lawyers, leading employees, and no one spends more money than the Department of Defense developing leaders. Have confidence that the raw leadership skill gets you halfway there.” -John Panaccione, Army Veteran John Panaccione is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a history of working in the information technology and services industry. He is a strong business development professional who is well-versed in the world of equity and debt financing, and the emerging wonderful world of equity crowdfunding and other SEC-exempt offerings used to raise capital. John’s company, Folla Capital, provides a platform for average Americans and accredited investors to invest in private small businesses of their choice, supporting the ventures and management teams they believe in. John also works with fellow veterans who are exploring entrepreneurship as a career path once they leave the military throug

“I want Zimba to be a key part of the digitization process that we’re starting to see in Uganda and other parts of Africa, especially for financial institutions.”  -Isaac Were, USMA ‘16 Isaac Were is the CEO of Zimba Technologies, a SaaS financial technology company that builds cloud-based software to digitize and automate financial institutions as well as provide them with access to capital. Zimba’s mission is to bridge financial gaps in developing markets through innovation and technology. Originally from Uganda, Isaac is addressing the problem of access to capital for individuals and business owners in the more rural parts of his home country. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Biomedical Concentration. In this episode, we discuss: What led Isaac to start Zimba The types of clients Zimba serves and the services the company provides The typical journey for a customer using our Zimba’s core banking pla

“...if we can learn to lead ourselves, to manage our minds and our emotions and our actions in our private life, in our health, in our relationships and in the corporate world, then we are better positioned to use those critical thinking skills to make a difference in our businesses and in the greater world…” -Traci Fisher, USMA ‘91 Traci Fisher, a West Point graduate from the class of '91, embarked on a transformative journey after her career as a helicopter pilot in the Army. Delving into the realm of fitness and health, she developed an innovative approach known as Wellbeingness®. This methodology integrates cognitive and physical sciences to optimize executive performance, enabling leaders to attain and sustain peak wellness. Through the application of self-leadership principles, Traci empowers individuals and teams to unlock their personal and professional potential amid complex and uncertain environments. Traci boasts certifications as a Health and Wellness Coach, ICF Professional Certified Coach, Gallu

“You can sometimes convince somebody to buy a bottle of your whiskey the first time because of the story that you have, and I think we have a good story, but if the whiskey is no good, then they’re never going to buy another bottle. So the ideal combination is you’ve got a really good story and you’ve got a really great product.” -Ted Dumbauld, USNA ‘81 Ted Dumbauld is the Founder and CEO of SoNo 1420, an innovative, Double Gold award-winning distillery in South Norwalk, CT known for its ultra-premium brand whiskeys, vodkas, ready-to-drink vodka-based cocktails, innovative Threesome Ready-to-Mix Cocktails, and botanical gins. Before starting SoNo 1420, Ted was a successful investment manager of public and private securities and an aggressive and creative deal-maker. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and his Master of Science in Finance from the MIT Sloan School of Management. In this episode, we discuss: Ted’s inspiration for starting SoNo 1420 and

“We’re really taking care of the houses and we’re really taking care of the families that are living in these houses. We’re providing a service just as much as we are being landlords because these families can take their government vouchers wherever they go. We have to be good stewards of the government funding or else it is going to naturally leave.” -Briar Bearss, USMA ‘22 Briar Bearss is an entrepreneur focused on real estate and private capital. His former ventures include My Tennessee Home Solution, Tennessee's premier off-market homebuyer. Briar is the President and CEO of the Bearss Company, a boutique alternative asset manager holding controlling positions in exceptional companies and projects. He also leads The Bearss Foundation, a private family foundation formed under Section 501(c)(3) providing scholarship opportunities and mentorship to high school students in his home state of Michigan. Briar currently serves as an Army Officer and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point

“In today’s world, a lot of things are moved out into the cloud…it’s up to the business themselves to protect that data.” -Dennis Moore, USAFA ‘87 Dennis Moore is the Founder of Coefficient Technologies, a trusted cybersecurity partner that provides the most up-to-date cybersecurity solutions, strategies, and IT services to help companies defend themselves from known and unknown APTs and attackers, ransomware, scams, outdated policies and best practices, and insider threats. Dennis has over 30 years of experience building and maintaining computer networks and providing information technology services and solutions. His specialties include cybersecurity, network design and implementation, data center operations, IT and web architecture and management, network security, and business continuity. In this episode, we discuss: What Coefficient Technologies is and the types of clients Dennis helps The biggest cybersecurity threats that exist today Dennis’s career in IT, from the Air Force to the private sector The

“I think it’s easy to make your first million. What’s hard is staying there and doing it consistently, because now, all of the pressure is on you.” -Max Sivohins, USCGA ‘13 Max Sivohins is a serial entrepreneur primarily focused on multi-family real estate development and government contracting. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Archie Supply, a distribution company that supplies over 100,000 office, janitorial, and safety products to federal, state and local government agencies from 54 warehouses across the nation. As a real estate investor, Max’s portfolio is comprised of over 50 units including mixed-use, multi-family, residential, and office properties. He is also the President and Co-Founder of Skydive Chesapeake, a drop zone operated by a collection of professional skydivers with over 50 years of experience in the sport. Max is a 2013 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy and will be earning his MS in Real Estate Development from George Mason University in May 2024. In this

“Esports can turn something that could be very negative…180 degrees into a very positive experience for a child’s life.” -Patrick Cronin, USMA ‘13 Patrick Cronin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vanta, an esports company that provides a curriculum, a platform, and leagues to help kids from 8-18 grow into the best version of themselves. The company integrates the lessons and life skills gained from traditional sports—being part of a team, learning how to win and lose well, and showing up for each other—into esports, allowing kids to become inspiring athletes and model citizens who can positively impact the gaming world and become future leaders. Pat earned his BS in Systems Management from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his Master of Business Administration from the Boston College Carroll School of Management. In this episode, we discuss: The inspiration for starting Vanta How the program works at schools across the country and the positive impact it is having on kids The growth Vanta has ex

"Any storied franchise that would love to get on board and continue to add more value to the brand they have already created would be a huge milestone.” -Antoine Hood II, USAFA ‘06 Antoine Hood II is a professional basketball player, cancer survivor, published writer, U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, and military officer. As an NBA free agent guard, Antoine has played in preseason/training camp for the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets. He has excelled in the hoops world, starring on a select USA basketball team playing in China, excelling with international pro teams, and earning Mountain West all-conference honors. As a published writer, Antoine’s most recent work is a thought-provoking book of poetry titled Hood Thoughts II. He continues to serve his country as an officer in the US Air Force Reserves. As a cancer survivor, Antoine has faced and defeated life-threatening adversity. He recently launched his new business, Iondration, which has a line of customizable water bottles tailored for the sports ma

“I’m an acquirer and curator of ideas and strategies, and I have a Rolodex of people to execute those strategies.” -Steve Wingard, USMA ‘87 Steve Wingard is the Founder and Managing Partner of Wayfinder Wealth, a financial advising firm that helps families and business owners uncomplicate complex planning with a specialization in high net-worth strategies. Steve is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and has been a financial services professional for more than 20 years. He enjoys simplifying the process through problem-solving for intangibles and is passionate about helping clients to achieve their goals. At Wayfinder, Steve works to shape the future services and capabilities of the firm and leverages his strategic financial planning expertise to empower enterprising individuals and families. In this episode, we discuss: What Steve does at Wayfinder Wealth and how he helps clients look at their complete financial picture How Steve came about writing his e-book, “A Dozen Ways to Der

“Our vision for DAG is to become that trusted go-to for clear-eyed UAS insight within the industry.”-Bill Daggett, USAFA ‘01 Bill Daggett is the Founder and Managing Director of Delta Advisory Group (DAG), a commercially focused consulting company with a concentration on emerging Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) platforms and capabilities. DAG uses its vast operational experience, market knowledge, and extensive network to create UAS solutions that deliver real results. Bill’s 24 years of service in the Air Force and Air National Guard, including time as an MQ-9 Pilot and Functional Area Manager, provided him with extensive experience in the aviation sector, including interfacing with government agencies for global missions. Bill is a 2001 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. In this episode, we discuss: How did Bill ended up in the UAS industry his experience in the Air Force and Air National Guard The resources that are available for a company starting out in the UAS space What industry trends an

“Something that has been very beneficial to me was the value of a mentor, in both real estate and the private equity space.” -Neil Hoy, USAFA ‘03 Neil Hoy is an Investor Relations Specialist with VaultCap Partners, a private real estate investment firm that specializes in the acquisition, renovation, and asset management of underperforming multifamily assets in the Dallas, Texas area. VaultCap utilizes its 25 years of combined experience, market knowledge, and extensive professional network to source undervalued multifamily opportunities within high-growth markets. Neil graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and received his MA in International Relations and Affairs from the University of Oklahoma.  In this episode, we discuss: Neil’s real estate investing journey and how he got started with VaultCap The types of value-add deals VaultCap invests in  The firm’s short-term and long-term goals given the current real estate market What Neil has done to improve his capital-raising skills and the strat