Service Academy Business Mastermind

“It’s a specialty field, but if you can find and understand the risk, you can find the potential value to capture on a real estate purchase...I heard it described as a bond investment wrapped in real estate and I resonate with that. There’s consistent cash flow securitized by the credit of the company and there’s a lot of value in that because there aren’t tons of players in that space right now.” - Neil Wahlgren (USAFA ’04)   Neil Wahlgren (USAFA ‘04) is COO of MAG Capital Partners, a commercial real estate firm specializing in industrial sale leaseback structured investment and development, which creates value through institutional leases and long-term alignment with proven tenants. The firm’s dedicated in-house credit analysis, construction management, asset management and investor support staff contribute to their growing success. Prior to working at MAG Capital Partners, Neil served as a C-130 Hercules pilot for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. In this episode, we discuss: How MAG Capital Partners find

“Sometimes old rules are the best...be nice to your friends, treat people well, and if there’s someone you want to meet, provide them with value." - Jason Williscroft (USNA '95) Jason Williscroft is a U.S. Navy veteran and Founder and CEO of Tribify, LLC, an enterprise-grade, AI-enhanced data management system that leverages the power of social networking to help businesses find future customers, capture their attention, and engage with them at scale. As a software engineer with a streak for mathematics, Jason focuses on the design and implementation of Master Data Management and Data Quality systems and the development of software tools to empower Data Governance Organizations and the engineers who serve them.  In this episode, we discuss: Why Jason built Tribify, LLC How Tribify helps business owners identify and connect with their best customers Best practices for connecting and networking with potential customers on LinkedIn Why thoughtful, approachable business owners attract good customers Jason also

Joe is a financial attorney and co-owner of ASR Alternative Investments with over 20 years of experience in both the legal and financial industries. After graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, Joe was commissioned and served as an A-10A Thunderbolt II fighter pilot and was stationed in the United Kingdom and West Germany. Joe also received his Masters of Science in Business Administration from Boston University and his JD from the University of Texas School of Law. If that’s not impressive enough, he also worked as a commercial airline pilot!  In this episode, we discuss: How Joe made the transition from fighter pilot to financial attorney How and why he co-founded ASR Alternative Investments Why his company pivoted to the debt industry  Current trends in the debt market  Tips for raising capital and the importance of finding your market  Joe also talks about the unique structure of his company’s funds and trusts, the difference between Regulation D Rul

Hersh Rai and Nick Vu (USNA ‘19) have set the record for the youngest Academy grads on the podcast!  Hersch and Nick are both active duty in the Navy, stationed in Hawaii and Florida, and are partners in RaiVu Capital, a real estate investment firm that invests in multifamily real estate and mobile home parks. In this episode, we discuss: How they got started in real estate investing and how they landed their first deal How connections in the veteran community helped jump start their business Their best tips for starting a real estate side-hustle   Connect with Hersh and Nick:  Hersh Rai Nick Vu RaiVu Capital   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 Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher Leave us a 5-star review! Special thanks to Her

Click here to register for the Real Estate Investing Accelerator 2.0 Discovery Webinar on Saturday, September 18th! “People love the content, the fact that it’s military and action-based...I care about helping people get closer to their goal of financial freedom. That’s it. The results people have attained has skyrocketed because of how the course is structured. We all sharpen each other. The network grows more powerful with each course we complete. We’re about helping military veterans create financial freedom so they can unleash their talents on the world. We’re a coalition and a family.” -Buddy (Edward) Rushing (USNA ‘04) Nearly 200 people have graduated from the Real Estate Investing Accelerator led by Buddy Rushing (USNA ‘04) and his team at White Feather Investments. We’re excited to announce the launch of Real Estate Accelerator 2.0 in January 2022! A Discovery Webinar is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th and we’d love you to join the call if you want to learn more. Ten people are already signed u

“I’m really passionate about understanding as much as possible and sharing as much as possible on what it takes to be successful as a small B2B business owner...whether you’re a client or not. It’s a tough job and we’re here to guide B2B business owners through the process.” -David Wuensch (USMA ‘77) Following graduation from West Point, David served as an Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army. He went on to become a successful sales executive and now has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing and over 15 years of experience leading sales teams. David is currently President and Founder of Epoch Sales Management Solutions and also leads the B2B Circle in our 10X Vets program where he focuses on helping small B2B Business owners achieve sustainable revenue growth. His knowledge and experience when it comes to sales is second to none and he’s passionate about sharing this wisdom with others.  In this episode, we discuss: How to hire a good sales representative Tips for leading and managing top sales re

“If you can get the right tools behind you and understand where your vision will take you, there are no limits to what you can do.” - Greg Martin (USAFA ‘98)   Greg Martin (USAFA ‘98) is a Principal at The Enginuity Group in Charlotte, North Carolina where he provides boutique M&A services including buy-side advising, sell-side advising, business scaling, and other M&A services. Greg’s military service established a foundation of integrity, service, and excellence, which informs every relationship that he builds and every transaction he advises. Greg is also an accounting professor. His primary research interest in financial accounting includes earnings management, fundamental analysis, audit quality, and financial reporting quality.  In this episode, we discuss: Greg’s background and what led to his career in M&A What The Enginuity Group does and who they work with Expert insights into company valuation and buyer profiles Financing strategies for military veteran entrepreneurs and business owner

I want to share our story. Our goal is to help you figure out what your next step is. I’d love to hear from you and connect, not only with the real estate side of things, but also if you’re interested in RV living, mountain biking, or traveling around America the Beautiful.” - Victor Thompson (USAFA ‘07)   Victor Thompson (USAFA ‘07) is a lifestyle entrepreneur, real estate investor, and military veteran. His successful real estate investing business, Zero Gravity REI serves the South Carolina and Georgia markets and is focused on single family and small multi-family properties. Victor is focused on becoming a master communicator and solution provider. He’s passionate about building meaningful relationships and helping others exceed their potential. He believes that if you want to go far, go together. His goal is to help provide safe, clean, and affordable housing, to make his investors money, and to continue to grow his business partnership. In this episode, we discuss: How Victor became interested in real

David Duncavage (USMA ‘75) joins us on the podcast with a background very different from many of our previous guests. David was a linebacker on the West Point football team and an infantry officer before he became a Trappist monk. He then joined the corporate world, working in companies that developed cutting edge technologies. David is now an executive coach and founder of Monk Coach where he helps executives live richer lives through mindfulness and meditation. In this episode, we discuss: How meditation and mindfulness fit into the business world and how David helps his clients integrate mindfulness into their professional lives His personal journey to stillness and the “aha” moment in his meditation practice How mindfulness and mediation can help you live a richer life  Connect with David:  David Duncavage MonkCoach 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 sup

“This deal reinvigorated me. Being part of the Real Estate Accelerator gave me a new focus where I applied what I learned to go after what I wanted.” - Jeff Quinn (USAFA ‘93)   “This is the best deal I’ve ever been part of. Action is the number one thing that separates the dream from reality...seize control of your fear and plow forward.” - Buddy Rushing (USNA ‘04)   “Money moves at the speed of trust. This deal exceeded my expectations for the Academy Fund.” - Bill Militello (USNA ‘92)   We’re so excited about this episode! Jeff Quinn (USAFA ‘93), is a leader in data management and analytics and a recent alumnus of our Real Estate Investing Accelerator. He joins SABM podcast regulars Buddy Rushing (USNA ‘04) and Bill Militello (USNA ‘92) to discuss a groundbreaking Academy Fund-ed real estate deal he recently made with Buddy and the White Feather Investments team. The multi-million dollar deal’s success is an absolute game-changer and the most significant we’ve ever seen a Real Estate Investing Accelerator m

Ty Rose (USNA ‘06) is a Managing Director at Oaklins Capital Alliance, a leading international mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and financial advisory firm. In his role as Managing Director, Ty focuses on working with business owners to capitalize on acquisition opportunities.   In this episode, we discuss: The typical process Oaklins walks business owners through to achieve a successful sale Common problems that need to be fixed in order to prepare a business for acquisition The importance of understanding a seller’s motivation and how Oaklins works to find sellers while maintaining confidentiality Connect with Ty: Ty Rose Oaklins Capital Alliance 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 Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher Leave us a 5

John Schwartz (USMA ‘86) is the Founder and President of the Center For Combating Elder Financial Abuse.  His Center is focused on reducing elder financial abuse by providing innovative detection and prevention solutions. Prior to establishing the Center, John served his country for over three decades in the Army and FBI.  In this episode, we discuss: His best tips for preventing elderly financial abuse for our listeners and their loved ones His personal connection to the Center’s mission The experiences from West Point and the FBI that are helping him pursue his new mission  Connect with John: John Schwartz Center For Combating Elder Financial Abuse 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 Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher Leave us a 5

Dan Yokoyama (USMA ‘05) is a commercial insurance broker with Clarke & Sampson, a company focused on helping business owners mitigate risk. Although Dan never dreamed of being in the insurance field, he has become very passionate about helping business owners protect their businesses with commercial insurance.  In this episode, we discuss: His tips for the type of insurance coverage every business owner should have His process for helping customers determine the coverage they need  The biggest mistakes business owners make as it relates to insurance The Clarke & Sampson 4Vets program which delivers first-rate insurance services to veteran-led companies while supporting veteran charities Connect with Dan: Dan Yokoyama Clarke & Sampson 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: S

Chase Hobby (USNA ‘07) is the Co-Founder of VRB Labs, a CBD company focused on optimizing physical and cognitive performance.  Coming off active duty, Chase and his business partner Evan Seale (USMA ‘10) joined forces while at Wharton Business School to create a company focused on creating a clean, safe, and effective CBD product for elite military veterans. In this episode, we discuss: His personal story of how CBD helped him sleep better which made him a believer in the product How a shared background and value system with a fellow Academy grad resulted in a strong business partnership A special discount code for the SABM community for 20% off VRB products Connect with Chase: Chase Hobby VRB Labs 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 Goo

Brendan Aronson (USNA ‘12) is the Co-Founder and CFO of Paintru, a company that turns photos into custom paintings.  Through their network of artists, Paintru makes it easy to turn your most cherished moments and memories into a work of art.   In this episode, we discuss: His moment of clarity that led him to bet on himself as an entrepreneur How Paintru can turn your photos into custom paintings that make amazing gifts The biggest lessons he learned from the Naval Academy and the Marine Corps that are helping him as an entrepreneur Connect with Brendan: Brendan Aronson Paintru 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 Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher Leave us a 5-star review! Special thanks to Brendan for joining me this week.  Until

Barry Lingelbach (USMA ‘99) is the Co-Founder of BlackGreyGold and Slides Wizard, two companies that he started with his West Point classmate, Matthew Hargrove. Matt and Barry started BlackGreyGold to help small to medium-sized companies shorten the path to success and they started Slides Wizard to help people create winning pitch decks. In this episode, we discuss: Why he decided to go into business with a USMA classmate How Barry and Matt founded their companies based on their shared values and passion for helping small businesses succeed  The 3 main objectives a pitch deck should accomplish and the common mistakes to avoid when creating a pitch deck Connect with Barry: Barry Lingelbach BlackGreyGold Slides Wizard 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 Als

Ricky Waters (USNA ‘06) is a professional engineer and Principal with Bowman Consulting leading the Charleston, SC and Charlotte, NC offices.  At Bowman, Ricky works with a broad range of clients on real estate development projects such as large commercial development and master-planned communities.  Ricky also plays an important role in our 10X Vets program as the leader of the 10X Vets Real Estate Development Circle. In this episode, we discuss: His passion for finding the highest and best use for real estate His vision for the 10X Vets Real Estate Development Circle  His goal for Academy grads and veterans to team up on real estate projects across the country Connect with Ricky: Ricky Waters Bowman Consulting 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 av

Jordan Foley (USNA ‘12) is the Founder and CEO of Chow, a community-focused nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide active vocational food truck training to veterans and military spouses.  Chow seeks to provide its fellows with a “Food Truck MBA” and offers everything from food safety and culinary instruction to marketing and business training.  In this episode, we discuss: Why Jordan wanted to start a nonprofit hyper-focused on food trucks Chow’s “Service Above Self” ethos and its charitable mission  His advice on starting a nonprofit and the biggest challenges he’s faced Connect with Jordan: Jordan Foley Chow 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 Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher Leave us a 5-star review! Special thanks

Josi Heron (USCGA '00) is the Founder and CEO of Waypoints Equity, a company that empowers like-minded real estate investors to reach financial freedom through passive income with tax benefits. They buy, renovate and operate multifamily properties with teams and partners in growing U.S. markets.  She is a graduate of Real Estate Accelerator class 2020-1. In this episode, we discuss: How Josi is using her military experience to structure deals and manage her real estate projects Her experience purchasing a 24-unit property and her goal to complete a $10M deal How the Real Estate Accelerator helped her transition into real estate investing as a full-time career Connect with Josi Heron: Josi on LinkedIn Waypoints Equity If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and would like to learn more about our Real Estate Accelerator, please visit: https://sabmgroup.com/realestate/ Join our Upcoming Webinar On Wednesday, June 2nd we are hosting

Michael Cashman (USMA ‘91) is an estate planning and business attorney.  He served as an infantry officer and Airborne Ranger before attending law school.  Michael runs his own firm based in California and Hawaii in addition to serving as a lawyer for the Hawaiian Air Guard.  He is the recipient of Lawyer's Weekly Leadership in Law Award and has been recognized for two consecutive years as a rising star in Business Litigation. In addition, he is currently on the 2020 Super Lawyer list, an honor reserved for only 5% of attorneys.   In this episode, we discuss: His path to becoming an attorney after his service in the Army The different components of an estate plan and why you need each of them The new Academy networking group he started in Hawaii Connect with Michael: Michel Cashman Cashman Law 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 s