MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 27: Lisa Bradley, Co-Founder & CEO of R.Riveter
Show Notes
Join host Rod Loges as he sits down with Lisa Bradley, co-founder and CEO of R.Riveter, a handbag company creating flexible, mobile work opportunities for military spouses across America.
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Key takeaways:
Guest: Lisa Bradley, Co-Founder & CEO of R.Riveter
Lisa Bradley grew up in Montana where her entrepreneur parents taught her QuickBooks at age 13. After marrying into the Army at 21, she experienced firsthand the employment challenges facing military spouses through four moves in six years. In 2011, alongside co-founder Cameron Cruse, Lisa launched R.Riveter from an attic in Georgia.
Today, R.Riveter employs military spouses nationwide, creates meaningful products from military materials, and provides grants to help other military spouses start their own businesses. Lisa has been recognized by the National Retail Federation as one of 25 people reshaping retail's future and honored among Central Ohio's remarkable women in 2023.
Looking ahead: R.Riveter is expanding retail locations near military bases and launching their first men's line in late October.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at milcomfounders.com
MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 26: From Navy Nuclear Technician to Elite Veteran Talent Connector with David Brown-Dawson
Join host Rod Loges and guest David Brown-Dawson as he shares his journey from serving as a civil engineer officer and air advisor in the U.S. Air Force to founding LeadCommGym and Palm, a growth intelligence platform dedicated to helping professionals turn real-time feedback into actionable career insights.
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Guest: David Brown-Dawson, Founder of LeadCommGym and Palm, Air Force Veteran (5 years of service)
David Brown-Dawson is an Air Force veteran who served as a civil engineer officer and air advisor from 2011-2017, with assignments in Okinawa, Japan, and New Jersey. After his military service, David earned his MBA from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business with a focus on leadership development and real estate finance. He became a certified Working Genius Facilitator and iPEC Core Energy Coach, creating LeadCommGym to provide leadership development through workshops and coaching programs.
Through his work with leaders and teams, David repeatedly saw the same disconnect: leaders wanted to invest in their people but lacked scalable tools to do it effectively. This insight led him to found Palm, a growth intelligence platform that uses AI to help managers provide ongoing career development and feedback, moving beyond annual performance reviews to help team members feel seen, valued, and supported.
Looking ahead: David is conducting pilots with companies in professional services, nonprofits, and construction while exploring an angel funding round to scale Palm's team and impact across more organizations.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast - Episode 25: From Air Force Linguist to Building San Antonio's Startup Ecosystem with Charles Woodin
Join host Rod Loges and guest Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom, as he shares his journey from serving as an Air Force Korean linguist to leading San Antonio's premier entrepreneurial community. Charles discusses how his military experience shaped his leadership philosophy and how Geekdom is transforming founders from zero to one.
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Key takeaways:
Guest: Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom, Air Force Veteran (8 years of service)
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleswoodin/
Website: https://geekdom.com/
Charles Woodin is the CEO of Geekdom, a startup incubator founded in 2011 dedicated to growing San Antonio's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Since joining Geekdom in 2017 as a Business Development Manager, Charles took on increasing responsibilities, moving into the role of Membership Director before being appointed CEO in 2019.
Under his leadership, Geekdom has redefined its mission, launched key initiatives like the Accelerate South Texas Fund, and partnered with the City of San Antonio to oversee Launch SA, fostering innovation and small business growth. A former U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant, Charles served as an Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst for eight years, specializing in intelligence collection and training.
Originally from Michigan, Charles now calls San Antonio home, where he is deeply committed to its growth. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking national parks, and spending time with his daughters, Penelope and Amelia.
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Looking ahead: Charles continues leading Geekdom's mission of "building San Antonio, one entrepreneur at a time" while exploring virtual programming options and strengthening partnerships with veteran-focused organizations like V Source.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 24: From Air Force Officer to Startup Attorney with Kevin Milgram
Join host Rod Loges and guest Kevin Milgram as he shares his journey from serving as a U.S. Air Force officer across diverse missions to becoming a legal advisor who specializes in guiding emerging growth companies and investors through formation, venture capital financing, and mergers and acquisitions.
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Key takeaways:
Guest: Kevin Milgram, Legal Advisor at DLA Piper, U.S. Air Force veteran
Kevin Milgram is a legal advisor who specializes in guiding emerging growth companies and investors through formation, venture capital financing, and mergers and acquisitions. He represents innovative clients across defense and dual-use technology, aerospace, cybersecurity, and software sectors, with a particular focus on supporting military veteran-led startups as they scale and secure funding.
His distinguished military background includes service as a U.S. Air Force officer, where he contributed to diverse missions spanning cyber operations, unmanned aircraft systems, and B-1B bomber operations, developing the strategic thinking and operational expertise that now serves his legal practice.
Beyond his corporate work, Kevin demonstrates his commitment to the veteran community by representing nonprofit organizations serving military veterans and providing pro bono legal support to military veteran and spouse entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead: Kevin is building DLA Piper's veteran startup practice, creating resources and special arrangements to remove barriers for veteran founders while connecting them with sources of capital and strategic opportunities.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at
https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 23: From Navy Nuclear Technician to Maritime AI Pioneers with John McGunnigle and Michael Hunter
Join host Rod Loges with guests John McGunnigle and Michael Hunter as they share their journey from Navy service to co-founding Spear AI, a maritime artificial intelligence company focused on national defense applications.
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Guests:
Company Focus: Spear AI develops AI-enabled software and hardware for maritime environments, including data management platforms, edge AI solutions, maritime sensors, and simulation capabilities. They serve the US Department of Defense and Navy while expanding into commercial applications.
Looking ahead: John and Michael are focused on scalable product development, strategic market expansion, and upcoming capability demonstrations including Scarlet Dragon with the 18th Airborne Corps.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 22: From Coast Guard Academy to Performance Excellence with Jeff Parks
Join host Rod Loges and guest Jeff Parks as he shares his journey from Coast Guard Academy graduate to founder of Performance Breakthroughs Inc., where he spent 25+ years helping organizations, teams, and individuals achieve excellence.
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Key takeaways:
Guest: Jeff Parks, Founder of Performance Breakthroughs Inc., U.S. Coast Guard Academy Class of 1973
Jeff Parks is a Coast Guard Academy graduate who served as Director of Training, Workforce Performance Improvement, and Leader Development for the US Coast Guard. His distinguished military career included rescue operations in San Juan, Puerto Rico, serving as a counselor for cadets at the Academy following two tragic suicides, and developing comprehensive leadership programs at Coast Guard headquarters. After retiring from military service, Jeff became the Prime Contractor for the Department of Homeland Security's inaugural Executive Capstone Program, designed to unite leadership from 22 disparate agencies under the newly formed DHS. He also created and facilitated a George Mason University Certificate Program focused on "Management Development for Organizational Effectiveness."
Following his government service, Jeff founded Performance Breakthroughs Inc., where he specialized in building high-performance organizations and teams through executive coaching, leadership development, and culture transformation. His comprehensive approach included performance consulting, change management implementation, and helping leaders discover their unique purpose and gifts. Jeff has battled pancreatic cancer for over 10 years and recently entered hospice care, yet continues to share his profound wisdom about leadership, relationships, and facing life's ultimate challenges with remarkable grace and authenticity.
Special note: Jeff recently gifted his entire leadership library to Fire Chief Tom LaBelle of Prince William County, ensuring his decades of collected wisdom continues to benefit future leaders.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 23: From Marine General to AI Innovator with Terry Williams
Join host Rod Loges and retired Marine Brigadier General Terry Williams as they explore leadership, community building, and the transformational power of technology in veteran entrepreneurship.
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Guest: Terry Williams, Retired Marine Brigadier General, Senior VP Global Fixed Assets at PenFed Credit Union, Program Director at PenFed Foundation
Terry Williams served 32 years in the US Marine Corps, retiring as Brigadier General in 2019. Throughout his distinguished career, he commanded at all levels and took on critical logistics and strategic planning roles worldwide.
After military service, Terry founded Van Williams, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in facilities management and executive coaching. Currently, he leads the PenFed Veteran Entrepreneur Program, which has graduated over 200 veteran founders. Terry is also passionate about AI innovation, having created three Christian contemporary music albums, written thriller novels, and built full-stack applications using artificial intelligence tools.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com
Support veteran entrepreneurs: Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 20: From Army First Sergeant to Life-Saving Emergency Solutions with Valerie Ellis Lavin
Join host Rod Loges and guest Valerie Ellis Lavin as she shares her journey from serving as a US Army First Sergeant to founding Luminary Global, a company providing emergency preparedness and trauma response solutions to clients ranging from sheriff's departments and fire rescue units to corporate clients like DoorDash and Cirque du Soleil.
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Key takeaways:
Guest: Valerie Ellis Lavin, Founder and CEO of Luminary Global, Co-founder of Action Zone, Retired US Army First Sergeant (21 years of service)
Valerie Ellis Lavin is a retired US Army First Sergeant who served 21 years in military intelligence, including roles as First Sergeant for multiple units and as the J-2 Army enlisted leader at United States Central Command. After retiring in 2014, she experienced firsthand the challenges of veteran transition and became passionate about supporting veteran entrepreneurs.
She co-founded Action Zone, a nonprofit that has helped over 300 veterans, military spouses, and first responders through their entrepreneurship programs, with participants generating over $19 million in earned revenue and employing close to 700 people. With Luminary Global, Valerie and her husband Jeremy provide customized emergency preparedness solutions to everyone from individual preppers to major corporations and government agencies.
Beyond her businesses, Valerie serves on multiple veteran advocacy councils and is currently program manager for a major Tampa Bay initiative creating a comprehensive database of defense-related organizations and veteran support services.
Looking ahead: Valerie continues expanding Luminary Global's product lines while monitoring supply chain challenges, and growing Action Zone's impact in supporting veteran and first responder entrepreneurs across diverse industries.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode: From Naval Academy to Marine Osprey Pilot to Business Owner with Ahron Oddman
Join host Rod Loges and guest Ahron Oddman as he shares his journey from Brooklyn teenager to Naval Academy graduate, Marine Osprey pilot, and successful business owner through entrepreneurship.
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Key takeaways:
Guest: Ahron Oddman, CEO and Co-founder of PSS, Marine Osprey Pilot (15 years of service)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahronoddman/
Business Website: https://pssk12.com/
Ahron Oddman is a Marine veteran who served as an Osprey pilot for 15 years, including combat deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Ahron graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in aerospace engineering before commissioning as a Marine officer.
As one of the early Osprey pilots, Ahron helped develop tactics and procedures for the revolutionary aircraft, giving him unique experience with startup-like environments within the military structure. After his military service, he transitioned to the private sector before acquiring PSS, a 25-year-old educational services company, in March 2020.
Ahron's acquisition of PSS came just weeks before COVID-19 shut down schools nationwide, providing an immediate test of his leadership and adaptability. He successfully guided the company through the pandemic while developing new digital products and maintaining strong customer relationships.
Looking ahead: Ahron continues to lead PSS while mentoring other veterans interested in entrepreneurship through acquisition, sharing hard-won lessons about the realities of business ownership beyond the search process.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 18: From Army Intelligence to Location Analytics with Brendan Huff
Join host Rod Loges and guest Brendan Huff as he shares his journey from Army counterintelligence to co-founding Anomaly Six, a cutting-edge behavior-based location intelligence and analytics company serving clients worldwide.
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Key takeaways:
Guest: Brendan Huff, Co-Founder and President of Anomaly Six, Army Warrant Officer (W3)
Brendan Huff is a seasoned military entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience spanning defense, intelligence, and the corporate sector. He is the Co-Founder and President of Anomaly Six, a cutting-edge behavior-based location intelligence and analytics company supporting corporate, national security, defense, and allied partners worldwide.
Before launching his entrepreneurial journey, Brendan forged an impressive military and intelligence career spanning over two decades with the U.S. Army and Joint Special Operations Command. As a Senior Counterintelligence Technician, he led signature management operations and red team assessments across high-threat environments in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. His expertise was tested in the field through multiple deployments supporting Joint Interagency Task Forces, where he directed teams targeting Al Qaeda and affiliated Islamic networks on a global scale.
Brendan's academic credentials include graduation from the FBI National Academy at Quantico, a Master's in International Relations from Troy University, a Bachelor's of Public Relations from Murray State University, and specialized training in Intelligence Operations and Counterintelligence. Prior to founding Anomaly Six, he served as Senior Vice President at both Semantic AI and Babel Street, where he grew client bases and built pipelines exceeding $30 million across broad agencies and departments. He's also trained over 1,200 analysts and agents in advanced targeting methodologies and open-source intelligence.
Beyond his business ventures, Brendan remains deeply committed to the military community, serving as a Board Advisor for both the Special Operations Charity Network and Defense Entrepreneurs Foundation, while supporting veterans through his involvement with the TF-7294 Foundation, Vigilant Torch Foundation, and as a mentor with NATO DIANA. Anomaly Six was recognized as a winner of the Capitol Post Bunker Labs DC Chapter Pitch Competition and selected for the CEO Circle with JPMorgan Chase.
Looking ahead: Anomaly Six continues expanding their technology capabilities, allowing clients to bring their own data into containerized environments and enabling analysts to create their own models without requiring data scientist expertise.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 17: From Immigrant Teen to Special Operations Hero and Mental Health Advocate with Pasha Palanker
Join host Rod Loges and guest Pasha Palanker as he shares his remarkable journey from arriving in America as a 15-year-old refugee from Soviet Moldova to becoming a decorated Army Special Operations Master Sergeant and successful entrepreneur. Pasha is the founder and CEO of Deliverance Solutions Corp, a service-disabled veteran-owned business specializing in data analytics and AI solutions for government agencies.
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Key takeaways:
Guest: Pasha Palanker, Founder and CEO of Deliverance Solutions Corp, Army Special Operations Master Sergeant (Retired), Bronze Star for Valor and Purple Heart (2x) recipient
Pasha Palanker immigrated to America from Soviet Moldova at age 15 and enlisted in the Army in 2003 out of gratitude for his new country. During his 17-year career in Army Special Operations, he served multiple deployments in Iraq and Africa, earning the Bronze Star for Valor for confronting a suicide bomber and saving 15 soldiers' lives, along with two Purple Hearts.
After struggling with mental health challenges that led to medical retirement in 2020, Pasha transformed his recovery journey into advocacy work and entrepreneurship. His vulnerability in sharing his mental health story on LinkedIn went viral and established him as a trusted voice in the veteran community. This authenticity and character led friends to encourage him to start Deliverance Solutions Corp, where he now helps government agencies with data analytics and AI solutions.
Beyond business, Pasha works as a mental health advocate and professional parachute demonstrator, jumping 1,100-square-foot American flags into major sporting events and ceremonies across the country.
Looking ahead: Pasha focuses on growing Deliverance Solutions Corp while continuing his mission to help other veterans through mental health advocacy and sharing lessons learned from his journey.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial: www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at: https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 16: From West Point Cyber Officer to Document Intelligence Innovator with Ian Garrett
Join host Rod Loges and guest Ian Garrett as he shares his journey from West Point graduate and Army cyber officer to co-founding Phalanx, a company that transforms document sharing into actionable business intelligence.
In this episode:
Key takeaways:
Guest: Ian Garrett, CEO and Co-founder of Phalanx, Former US Army Cyber Officer, West Point Graduate
Ian Garrett is a West Point graduate who served as a cyber officer in the Army, joining the cyber branch at its inception. He holds a PhD in computer engineering with research focused on AI and cybersecurity. After transitioning to the reserves, Ian worked in defense contracting before making the leap to entrepreneurship during the COVID era. Along with his brother Austin, he co-founded Phalanx, which helps startups and SMBs gain actionable insights from their document sharing activities. The company went through Techstars NYC and has evolved from AI security research to document intelligence solutions that solve real pain points for business development and sales teams.
Looking ahead: Ian continues building Phalanx while serving in the Army reserves, focusing on helping small teams that sell to enterprise clients gain visibility into their document interactions and convert that data into actionable insights.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 15: From Air National Guard to Firearm Safety Innovation with Shaun Tanaka
Join host Rod Loges and guest Shaun Tanaka as he shares his journey from serving in the Air National Guard to founding CastleLock™, a firearm safety company developing biometric technology to protect families while maintaining quick access for responsible gun owners.
In this episode:
Key takeaways:
Guest: Shaun Tanaka, Founder and CEO of CastleLock™, Air National Guard Airman First Class (current service)
Shaun Tanaka is an Air National Guard member serving as a Command and Control Operations Specialist while building CastleLock™, a firearm safety company focused on biometric technology. After losing a childhood friend to firearm violence during his sophomore year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Shaun committed himself to developing safety solutions that don't compromise accessibility for responsible gun owners.
An Eagle Scout who honored his grandfather's legacy through community service, Shaun co-founded CastleLock™ with Green Beret veteran Matt Phillips. Together, they've developed patented biometric safety devices that have achieved significant market validation, including 1,000 pre-sales in their first month of outreach to local gun stores.
Shaun also volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol, mentoring youth interested in Air Force careers and leadership development, continuing his commitment to service both in and out of uniform.
Looking ahead: Shaun aims to launch CastleLock's™ flagship product and earn customers' trust by creating firearm safety devices so effective that not buying one would leave families less safe.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 14: From Air Force Officer to Freedom-Enabling Entrepreneur with Laura Yang Renner
Join host Rod Loges and guest Laura Yang Renner as she shares her journey from Air Force officer to founder of Freedom Makers Virtual Services, a company that connects military spouses with small businesses needing flexible support.
In this episode:
Key takeaways:
Guest: Laura Yang Renner, Founder and Managing Director of Freedom Makers Virtual Services, Air Force veteran (6 years active duty, 6+ years reserves)
Laura Yang Renner comes from a multi-generational military family and served as a public affairs officer in the Air Force after graduating from the Air Force Academy. Following her active duty service, she earned an international MBA with an exchange at Peking University and gained small business experience in Beijing. After working in HR and attempting her first business venture, Laura founded Freedom Makers Virtual Services in 2015.
Freedom Makers operates on the principle of maximum flexibility, connecting military spouses with small businesses without minimum hour requirements or restrictive contracts. The company has celebrated 10 years in business and serves hundreds of clients while maintaining its core value of providing freedom to all stakeholders: business owners, military spouses, and Laura herself as she travels full-time.
Looking ahead: Laura continues to focus on scaling Freedom Makers while maintaining its flexibility-first approach and is currently working on developing better financial systems to support strategic growth decisions.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 13
From Army Captain to Chief Storyteller with Ira Koretsky
Join host Rod Loges and guest Ira Koretsky as he shares his journey from serving as a US Army Captain in the Medical Service Corps to founding The Chief Storyteller®, a communications consultancy that helps organizations improve performance and audience engagement through strategic storytelling and presentation coaching.
In this episode:
Key takeaways:
Guest: Ira Koretsky, Founder and Chief Storyteller of The Chief Storyteller®
Military Service: US Army Captain (5 years active duty, 3 years inactive), Medical Service Corps
Business Website: The Chief Storyteller®
LinkedIn: Connect with Ira
About Ira:
Ira Koretsky served as a U.S. Army Captain in the Medical Service Corps, where he led healthcare IT initiatives and designed executive-level communications. After earning his MBA from the University of Maryland, he entered the tech industry in Silicon Valley. Following 9/11, Ira founded The Chief Storyteller® in 2002. Since then, he has delivered more than 590 programs across 11 countries and developed proprietary storytelling frameworks now used by Fortune 50 companies, nonprofits, and government agencies alike. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland's Smith School of Business and a long-time instructor for the Veteran Institute for Procurement.
Looking ahead:
Ira is creating a standalone library of storytelling tools and frameworks as he prepares to transition his business by 2026, aiming to leave a legacy that helps others communicate with impact.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions military community business owners. Each episode offers practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial
www.onedegreefinancial.com
Support the Mission:
Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at milcomfounders.com
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 12: From Air Force Veteran to Vending Innovator with Nick Grillo
Join host Rod Loges and guest Nick Grillo as he shares his journey from serving 12 years in the US Air Force to founding Elevate Vending, an innovative company transforming the vending experience with smart technology and locally sourced products.
In this episode:
Key takeaways:
Guest: Nick Grillo, Founder and CEO of Elevate Vending, US Air Force Veteran (12 years of service)
Nick Grillo is an Air Force veteran who served for 12 years, starting as a Power Support Systems Mechanic working on equipment for unmanned aircraft before transitioning to training management. After leaving the service, Nick founded Elevate Vending, which provides innovative, AI-powered smart vending solutions featuring locally sourced products and fresh food options.
Nick's company stands out in the marketplace by addressing common pain points in traditional vending services. Elevate focuses on creating partnerships with local vendors like ZenJoy (relaxation tea), Mighty Meals (fresh foods), and Illy Coffee to bring unique, high-quality products to their clients. Their smart autonomous coolers provide a modern solution that elevates the typical vending experience.
Looking ahead: Nick is building Elevate Vending for long-term success while ensuring it maintains its innovative edge and commitment to quality partnerships.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at www.milcomfounders.com
MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 11: From Army Intelligence to Cybersecurity Leader with Odie Gray
Join host Rod Loges and guest Odie Gray as he shares his journey from Army intelligence professional to founding Dominus Gray and the Diversity Cyber Council, organizations dedicated to cybersecurity excellence and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities in tech.
In this episode:
Key takeaways:
Guest: Odie Gray, Army Veteran and Founder of Dominus Gray and Diversity Cyber Council
Odie Gray is an Army veteran who transitioned from military intelligence to become a cybersecurity leader and social entrepreneur. Through Dominus Gray, he helps organizations meet cybersecurity compliance requirements, including CMMC certification and FedRAMP certification. His nonprofit, Diversity Cyber Council, provides technology education to underserved communities, helping them build careers in tech while addressing critical workforce gaps.
Beyond his professional work, Odie is an avid traveler, certified scuba diver, and writer who was first published at age 11. His approach to business combines military discipline with a commitment to authenticity and creating opportunities for others.
Looking ahead, Odie continues to grow both his businesses while participating in entrepreneurial programs throughout Texas, focusing on building partnerships and creating more opportunities in cybersecurity.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 10: From Navy Nuclear Technician to Elite Veteran Talent Connector with Brandon Aaron
Join host Rod Loges and guest Brandon Aaron as he shares his journey from serving as a Navy Nuclear Electrician's Mate on submarines to founding HIGHR1, a recruiting firm dedicated to placing Navy nukes and technical veterans in mission-critical positions.
In this episode:
Key takeaways:
Guest: Brandon Aaron, Founder and President of HIGHR1, Navy Nuclear Electrician's Mate (6 years of service)
Brandon Aaron is a Navy veteran who served as a submarine-qualified Nuclear Electrician's Mate aboard the USS Nebraska and USS Michigan from 2011 to 2017. After his military service, Brandon experienced both challenges and growth working for a family business that ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 2020.
This experience, combined with being ghosted by military recruiting firms during the pandemic, inspired him to create HIGHR1, a disabled veteran-owned recruiting firm that places Navy nukes and other technical veterans into mission-critical positions across industries.
Brandon's company goes beyond traditional recruiting by focusing on truly serving veterans, whether they become placement candidates or not. His mission is to elevate Navy nukes as an elite talent pool and ensure every veteran receives resources and guidance, regardless of whether it leads to immediate placement.
Looking ahead: Brandon aims to transform HIGHR1 into the gold standard for veteran employment advocacy, expanding from Navy nukes to serving the broader veteran community.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 9: Brand Strategy for Growth with Reggie Ordonez
Join host Rod Loges and guest Reggie Ordonez as he shares his journey from the Marine Corps to founding Forward Brands, a brand strategy company helping founders generate more revenue through clear, compelling messaging.
In this episode:
Key takeaways:
Guest: Reggie Ordonez, Founder & CEO of Forward Brands, Former Marine Corps Veteran, Former Marketing Director and COO of Bunker Labs, MBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing
LinkedIn: Connect with Reggie Ordonez
Business Website: Forward Brands
Reggie Ordonez serves as the Program Director at Warrior Rising, an organization supporting veteran entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and funding opportunities. After leaving the Marine Corps in 2016, Reggie earned his bachelor's degree in Social Entrepreneurship with an emphasis in Economic Development from Belmont University, followed by an MBA with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Marketing from the University of Arizona.
Before founding Forward Brands, Reggie was the founding director of a Veteran Business Outreach Center serving Tennessee and Kentucky, and later served as Marketing Director and COO at Bunker Labs. His company, Ford Brands, helps founders develop clear brand strategies focused on customers, competitors, positioning, messaging, and touchpoints to generate more revenue and build their American dream.
In addition to his business ventures, Reggie runs a nonprofit called Embrace Process, which provides Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scholarships to at-risk youth and families with limited financial resources, helping develop character, discipline, and resilience.
Looking ahead: Reggie recently launched a five-week brand strategy sprint program where founders can work together to develop their brand strategy, with personalized guidance to fine-tune each element of their strategy.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/
MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 8: From Fighter Pilot to Storytelling Expert with Dan Manning
Join host Rod Loges as he speaks with Dan Manning, a former Air Force fighter pilot and military diplomat who now helps founders craft powerful stories that connect with audiences. Dan shares his journey from flying A-10s to negotiating with Russian military officials in Syria, and how he found his niche helping entrepreneurs clearly communicate their vision.
In this episode:
Key takeaways:
Guest: Dan Manning, Founder of Build the Story, 25-year US Air Force veteran (Fighter Pilot and Military Diplomat)
Dan Manning spent 25 years in the US Air Force, first as a fighter pilot flying the A-10 and later as a military diplomat. During his final assignment, he led operational negotiations with Russian forces in Syria and managed the hotline between US and Russian military headquarters. After retiring in 2019, Dan founded Build the Story, where he helps entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals craft compelling narratives that clarify their message and connect with their audience.
To date, he has helped create over 800 stories that have unlocked opportunities for his clients, from securing investments to landing fellowships and winning major contracts.
Looking ahead: Dan plans to create a community specifically for "story stage" founders—entrepreneurs at the very early stage where their story is their most valuable asset for attracting investment, sales, and team members.
The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by: One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com
Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/scholarship/