Service Academy Business Mastermind

“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

“I thought, ‘What if there’s a way to insure the wealth?’ That’s all you want, is to protect future sources of income.” -Scott Tucker, USMA ‘02 Scott Tucker is a former Army Officer, a West Point graduate, and author of four books with unconventional ideas about military retirement, life, and wealth. He is the Founder of US VetWealth, a wealth management firm that offers access to safe investment strategies and helps military retirees create a "Private Pension" for their wealth so that they have more ownership of their assets, increased access to their money whenever they want it, and the ability to profit without additional rules, taxes, and fees. Scott has helped 100+ retiree high-income earners create a flexible and secure retirement with their unique benefits and pensions. In this episode, we discuss: Scott’s journey of transitioning out of the Army, entering into the life insurance business, and finding his niche How Scott’s personal health experiences intertwined with his success as an entrepreneur The

“This is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. If you don’t have any planning in place, I’d encourage you…to meet with an estate planning attorney, understand what your options are, and put something in place sooner rather than later.”-Rodney Hatley, Navy Veteran Rodney Hatley is a former U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) and the Founder of Hatley Law Group. As an estate planning attorney, Rodney protects successful individuals and families through estate planning strategies that eliminate taxes and safeguard assets. Hatley Law Group partners with their clients to protect everyone they love and everything they own. In addition to foundational estate planning, they offer advanced strategies to eliminate, or greatly mitigate, estate, generation-skipping transfer (GST), and gift taxes as well as domestic or offshore asset protection trusts. In this episode, we discuss: Rodney’s time as a Navy JAG and his personal experience dealing with his father’s will The different components of an estate plan and ho

“If you can work at the foundation of the problem and understand the nature of the problem… then creating the resolution for the problem is actually really simple.” -Mandy Barbee Lanier, USAFA ‘05 Mandy Barbee Lanier is the Founder and CEO of Palladium Mind, a business through which she facilitates measurable, high-value, personal transformations for her clients. An expert in transformation work, Mandy has led a $39 million P&L at a Fortune 500 Aerospace company, as well as teams, operations, and strategic initiatives in four different commercial industries, the US State Dept, and the US military to achieve shared goals. Mandy earned her M.A. in Economics from Old Dominion University and is a  Distinguished Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. In this episode, we discuss: Mandy’s struggles with anxiety and depression and how that led to her starting Palladium Mind How Mandy successfully built up her client base for her business What Mandy does to help people figure out the source of their pro

“How do you conceptualize your future and make sure that you're putting your assets to work for you to get to where you want to be? There's the psychological and emotional component to building wealth.” -Thomas Perez, Navy Veteran Thomas Perez is a Financial Advisor with a practice through Northwestern Mutual. A Navy veteran, Tom has 28 years of combined active and reserve service. He began his military career at 18 on active duty as a submarine radioman and Navy diver before transitioning to the Navy Reserve, where he attended The Citadel on his G.I. Bill and earned his commission. He served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserve in the Information Warfare Community where he was a leader in cybersecurity, computer network defense, computer network offense, non-kinetic effects, and information technology. In 2020, Tom transitioned into his career as a Financial Advisor.  He provides services in personal financial planning and wealth management, business financial planning and corporate benefits plannin

“I really feel like I’ve built my dream job where I get to meet people, learn, grow, and make money while doing it.” -Justin Nassiri, USNA ‘02 Justin Nassiri is the CEO and Founder of Executive Presence, a fully managed social media service for CEOs and top executives. The company helps top-tier executives boost their visibility, activate their network, and position themselves as thought leaders. After transitioning out of the military and completing graduate school, Justin built and sold two successful companies before starting Executive Presence. He is also the creator and host of the podcast “Beyond the Uniform”, the #1 iTunes-rated podcast for military career transition advice with over 400 episodes. Justin is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and earned his MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.  In this episode, we discuss: Justin’s journey as an entrepreneur and how he got to where he is now How Justin shifted his perspective on making money and being successful Where th

“The problem that we’re solving here is that 65% of investors don’t have a solid grasp of how their portfolios are performing… I find that to be unacceptable.” -Greg Namrow, Marine Corps Veteran Greg Namrow is the Founder & CEO of TRACTIC, a real estate asset management platform enabling owners, investors, and landlords to assess the real-time performance of their portfolios. He is a passionate and dedicated founder and entrepreneur with a proven track record in launching and scaling successful startups in business, real estate investing, and PropTech. Greg served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps, earned his MBA from American University, Kogod School of Business, and his MA in Leadership & Education Studies from the University of San Diego. In this episode, we discuss: How Greg’s strengths helped him in building his property technology platform, TRACTIC The inspiration for TRACTIC based on Greg’s personal experiences with real estate What TRACTIC does and the platform’s ideal

“For me, it’s all about helping others really understand what their brand strategy is so they can be the best that they can be.” -Pete Canalichio, USNA ‘81 Pete Canalichio is a Brand & Licensing Strategist who is on a mission to help brands find the most authentic parts of their story so they can share it with the world. After successful careers in the Navy and global branding, brand expansion, and marketing, Pete realized that his greatest passion was helping brands reach their full potential. He employs proprietary digital guides and knowledge, platform talks, consulting workshops, and tools to inspire, educate, and empower others to achieve all that is possible. In this episode, we discuss: Pete’s’ experience developing tools and courses to help his clients succeed How Pete helps “overcomers” who have not had the opportunity to reflect on branding The importance of defining your purpose, vision, and mission How a personal brand can be impactful in one’s personal and professional life All of the elemen

“Things in the legal career field don’t happen in a vacuum… you’re not doing everything yourself. The lessons of how to build teams and how to maintain teams, as both a leader and a follower, that you learn in the military translate well to the civilian sector.” -Michael Segal, USAFA ‘02 Michael Segal is an attorney and graduate of the UCLA School of Law, with a specialization in Business Law. As a former USAF F-15 Fighter Pilot and current Air Force Reservist, Michael translates the skillsets he learned in complex, dynamic, and high-intensity situations to the legal profession and business environment. His military experience includes leading Airmen in combat as well as peacetime, while also managing billions of dollars in Department of Defense resources. Michael’s litigation practice focuses on commercial litigation. He seeks to help businesses with a broad spectrum of legal issues, including commercial litigation, securities law, private equity, venture capital, and real estate investment. In this episode,

“The most important thing that I can do in the next three to five years is… help as many people as I can develop wealth.” -Keegan Wetzel, USNA ‘13 Keegan Wetzel is a real estate agent and mortgage broker with a passion for helping his clients develop their net worth. Keegan earned a B.S. in Control Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and has eight combined years of experience leading cross-functional teams in a high-tempo environment of military operations and logistics, and hunting net-new logos to build B2B SaaS ARR. While succeeding in his sales career, Keegan began to learn more about real estate investment and how it can help in achieving financial goals. He recently made the jump to work in real estate full-time and is currently building and training his team of agents. In this episode, we discuss: Keegan’s transition out of the military into sales and his more recent transition to do real estate full-time His goals for the next 90 days as he enters his new endeavor How Keegan foun