Veteran On The Move

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Navy veteran Valentin Contreras and program lead Elly Dickerman discuss the challenges of transitioning from military service to the private sector. Despite his experience as a Hospital Corpsman, Valentin faced significant difficulty finding his footing, eventually applying to 46 jobs with little success before connecting with Spectrum’s Military Recruiting Program. Elly explains how her team, comprised of veterans and military spouses, focuses on proactively coaching candidates to translate their specialized military skills into civilian career paths. By providing personalized resume assistance and interview preparation, the program helped Valentin move from a period of professional uncertainty into a role as a Lead Customer Service Account Agent. Their conversation highlights the importance of dedicated recruitment initiatives in bridging the gap for the veteran community, by matching them with careers that offer both community and purpose. Episode Resources: Milita

In this episode, Sam Alaimo, a former Navy SEAL and Co-founder of ZeroEyes, discusses his transition from elite military service to the forefront of AI-driven public safety. After completing his degree on active duty and navigating the shift from a final deployment to Columbia University, Sam found his true calling by co-founding ZeroEyes to combat gun violence through innovative gun-detection technology. He details the company’s "human-in-the-loop" AI approach, its rapid expansion across 46 states, and a steadfast commitment to the veteran community, with veterans making up 70% of their workforce. Episode Resources: ZeroEyes   About Our Guest Sam Alaimo is a former US Navy SEAL and Cofounder of ZeroEyes, an AI gun detection company dedicated to ending gun violence in America.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union offers exclusive benefits to all of their members. All Veterans, Active Duty and their families can become members. Have you been saving up for the season of

Air Force veteran and serial entrepreneur Michael "Buzz" Buzinski details his decade of military service and his post-transition path, which began with a recording studio before evolving into a 100% remote, strategy-first marketing firm. Buzz argues that businesses need to move past "random acts of marketing" and adopt a structured approach, focused on a clear strategy for predictable growth. His company's mission is to help owners build a scalable business that can operate beyond the founder, a goal directly tied to his broader mission of creating 17 million jobs in America by empowering entrepreneurs to scale past the point of being a self-employed business owner. Episode Resources: Buzzworthy Marketing The Rule of 26 Warrior Rising Owners In Honor   About Our Guest Michael is a decorated US Air Force veteran, serial entrepreneur, host of a US top 12 marketing podcast, best-selling author and dubbed a visionary marketer by the American Marketing Association. Buzz, as most call him, is on a mission to

Veteran Ron Beckner, who served 24 years across the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Naval Reserves, shares his unique story from a career as a pipe fitter to the founder of Peaks Integrity Wealth Management. Driven by his working-class background and military integrity, Ron emphasizes the critical need for financial education among working-class Americans, viewing money as a tool and stressing smarter tax strategies. He introduces his Financial STAR process as a blueprint for financial planning, and discusses his book, "A Blueprint and Financial Guide for the Working-Class American." Ron utilizes a hands-on approach to ensure client investments meet their lifestyle and goals, ultimately advising aspiring financial professionals to enter the industry with genuine passion. Episode Resources: Peaks Integrity - Westcliffe, CO  Phone: 719-581-7325     About Our Guest A military veteran of 24 years that included the US Navy, US Coast Guard and the US Naval reserves, Ron blends integrity, hard work and willingness

This episode of Veteran On the Move features Navy Veteran Robert DeLaurentis, a successful real estate entrepreneur, two-time solo aviation circumnavigator, and the founder of the Citizen of the World for the World peace movement. In this episode, Robert details his transition from service, explaining how he applied military qualities like honesty, hard work, and relationships to successfully build his San Diego real estate portfolio. He shares the inspiration behind his decision to pursue solo aviation after retirement and provides insight into his ambitious Pole-to-Pole flights, the upcoming Peace Pilot movie, and the strategies he used for handling major project sponsorship.  Episode Resources: www.PoleToPoleFlight.com   About Our Guest Peace Pilot Robert DeLaurentis is an aviation circumnavigator, author, speaker, pilot, real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Navy Gulf War veteran. He is the founder of the Citizen of the World for the World global peace movement to connect humanity through the

This week, we welcome Army veteran RJ Blake, Founder and CEO of Blake Willson Group (BWG), a technology-enabled CPA firm reshaping service to federal defense and civilian agencies. RJ details his unique 12-year journey from military service to achieving Big Four success, explaining how he applied his deep understanding of military operations to the federal audit space and ultimately founded BWG. He shares crucial leadership lessons, distinguishing between leading by demand versus leading by influence, and discusses how BWG successfully harnesses technology to improve financial stewardship at the operational level. Additionally, RJ provides essential advice for veteran entrepreneurs, including how to leverage valuable resources like the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) to maximize growth. Episode Resources: Blake Willson Group Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)     About Our Guest RJ Blake is the Founder and CEO of Blake Willson Group (BWG), a nationally recognized, technology-enabled CPA firm

How do you transform a good company into a great one? We talk to Chris Hallberg, the Business Sergeant, who blends military discipline with modern strategy. As an Army National Guard veteran, serial entrepreneur, and scaling coach, Chris shares his no-nonsense approach to rapid growth. Listen in to learn the critical need for an Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), how to get the "right people in the right seats," the mindset shift required for leadership, and how he utilizes AI tools.  Episode Resources: The Business Sergeant GoExpand   About Our Guest Chris Hallberg, known as the Business Sergeant, is a top-ranked leadership expert, military veteran, and serial entrepreneur who transforms good companies into great ones fast. Ranked #9 on Inc. Magazine's list of Top 50 Leadership & Management Experts, Chris blends battlefield-tested discipline with business strategy to help leaders scale with confidence. He has coached over 100 organizations to achieve breakthrough results, from billion-dollar contrac

This episode is essential for veteran entrepreneurs who want to stop chasing bad leads and start building a high-value business ready for a profitable exit. Mark Osborne dives into why "sales is a process, not an event." He shows how founders can leverage their military discipline to implement predictable, scalable B2B revenue systems. He shares that the goal is to maximize your company's Enterprise Value (EBITDA)—not just top-line revenue—by clearly defining your product's difference and building documented, transferable sales and marketing processes that any future buyer will pay a premium for. Episode Resources: FreeDownload - Modern Revenue Strategies About Our Guests Mark Osborne is the Founder of Modern Revenue Strategies. Advertising Age Magazine named him a  “Marketing Technology Trailblazer” putting him in the top 25 people in the world at using Technology and Data for Marketing.  He is the Author of the #1 Best-Selling B2B Marketing and Sales book “Are Your Leads KILLING Your Business?” Host of

On this episode of Veteran On the Move, host Joe Crane interviews a powerful father-son duo, Steven, a retired Army General, and Adam, an Army veteran. Together, they've channeled their military discipline into successful entrepreneurship as multi-unit owners of a PuroClean franchise. They discuss their journey from the military into the restoration industry, sharing why they chose the proven, systematic path of franchising over an independent startup. Episode Resources: PuroClean   About Our Guests After serving almost four decades in the military, Steve and his son (also a Veteran) Adam joined the PuroClean family in November 2022. Located in Cedar Rapids with a second location in West Des Moines, Steve and Adam are taking the Restoration business by storm, thanks to the outstanding support from the PuroClean leadership team and their support staff.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union offers exclusive benefits to all of their members. All Veterans, Active Duty a

In this episode, host Joe Crane talks with Tony DeMaio, founder of Helping Heroes USA. Tony shares his unique pivot from being a successful football coach and entrepreneur to leading a non-profit dedicated to suicide prevention for veterans, active-duty personnel, and first responders. Tony provides a crucial message for non-veteran allies: the most powerful action you can take is to simply listen without judgment.He also breaks down the business of non-profits, revealing how his coaching expertise in strategy and teamwork translates into mission-driven success. You’ll get clear advice on when to hire a consultant, how to understand your donors' motivations, and the key entrepreneurial lessons that keep a life-saving mission moving forward. Episode Resources: Helping Heroes USA About Our Guest Tony DeMaio brings his passion and tenacity to Helping Heroes USA, the nonprofit he founded to support veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first responders. Through suicide prevention programs, community ou

This week on Veteran On the Move, we welcome Tony Crescenzo, a Marine Corps veteran whose incredible journey spans from counter-intelligence and working undercover for NIS (NCIS) to the technology C-suite. Tony shares his remarkable pivot from military life, including a wrongful court-martial that was later overturned, into becoming a sought-after "CEO for hire" for tech startups. He emphasizes the essential role of veteran mentors in a successful transition. Listen in as he breaks down the stages of business growth, detailing what military leaders uniquely bring to the civilian sector, the power of a "service-first ethos," and the critical difference between leadership and management. Finally, Tony introduces Peak Neuro explaining how its programs are helping veterans and first responders achieve peak cognitive resilience and accelerating recovery. Episode Resources: - Peak Neuro - Text Peak Trial to 201-908-2820 for a free 30 day trial      About Our Guest Tony Crescenzo is the Chief Executive Officer

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, host Joe Crane sits down with Army veteran and financial advisor, Jeff Panik, the founder of Balance Wealth Partners. Jeff, who leveraged his military service to pay off college loans and build a 25-year career in finance, shares a unique perspective on the veteran transition and retirement planning. He discusses the crucial need for veterans to secure connections and resources to avoid getting "lost" after service, drawing parallels between the disciplined structure of the military and the financial industry. Jeff opens up about his decision to go independent, explaining how owning his own firm allows him to offer a more holistic and personalized approach to his clients, helping them not just manage money, but find their purpose in retirement. This conversation is a must-listen for any veteran approaching a big life decision or retirement, emphasizing the importance of a specific, customized financial roadmap and having those vital conversations before you hang up your

This episode of Veteran On the Move features Air Force retiree Nikki Allmann and her husband, Bobby Allmann, a 20-year law enforcement veteran, as they discuss their post-service pivot to wellness entrepreneurship. Nikki shares how a personal struggle with mental health during her transition led her to shift her career focus from military paralegal to health and wellness. Both Nikki and Bobby detail how their degrees from American Military University (AMU) supported their goals and provided a foundation for their next chapter. The Allmanns discuss the founding of their dual ventures: Warrior Axe CrossFit and the Workout Warriors Foundation. They explain how their combined experience inspired them to create a space that specifically serves veterans and adaptive athletes coping with post-traumatic stress. The episode concludes with their key lessons learned from managing both a small business and a non-profit organization. Episode Resources: Warrior Axe CrossFit  Workout Warriors Foundation    About Our

Host Joe Crane sits down with Army Veteran and business coach Cal Riley to explore a critical component of post-military success: compassion as a leadership system. Cal shares his journey from a high-stakes military career to unexpectedly running a family construction business, highlighting how the discipline of the Army mindset fuels entrepreneurial drive. He reveals the profound, personal tragedy that shifted his entire leadership philosophy, arguing that the relentless "grind mindset" is a path to burnout. Learn why compassion is a reliable, repeatable soft skill for high-performing organizations, the crucial importance of self-compassion, and the process behind writing his book, Entrepreneurial Compassion. This is a powerful conversation on how to lead your business and your team with integrity and heart. Episode Resources: Cal Riley Entrepreneurial Compassion on Amazon    About Our Guest Cal Riley believes that compassion isn't just a warm, fuzzy feeling. A US Army officer, successful entrepreneur,

On this episode of Veteran On the Move, Melissa Broughton, the founder of Busy Bee Advisors, shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship. Melissa created The 1-Hour Bookkeeper, an online course designed to help veterans, military spouses, and stay-at-home parents launch their own bookkeeping businesses. She discusses her goal to impact 1,000 military families and the process of building a course that has already helped over 3,000 people. Episode Resources: Busy Bee Accounting 1 Hour Bookkeeper   About Our Guest Melissa Broughton is the founder & now Co-Owner of Busy Bee Advisors, a Northern California based Accounting & Tax firm. In 2023 as Melissa's oldest son began the exit process from the Marine Corp she was surprised to learn of the challenges facing both veterans and military spouses in finding stable employment. "The light bulb went on and I knew I needed to do something." Working alongside her son Melissa developed the 1-Hour Bookkeeper, an online course designed to help Veterans

In this episode of Veteran on the Move, we feature Dr. John J. Kaplan, a retired Air Force Officer and the Director of the VA Technology Transfer Program (TTP). Dr. Kaplan shares his journey from a successful military career to his civilian role, discussing his dedication to continued learning and his transition into law. We explore how his desire to give back to veterans led him to the VA. Dr. Kaplan also explains the critical mission of the VA Technology Transfer Program and provides compelling examples of how it brings innovations from the VA to the private sector, benefiting the veteran community and beyond. Episode Resources: VA Technology Transfer Program     About Our Guest Dr. John J. Kaplan serves as the Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Technology Transfer Program (TTP). Dr. Kaplan received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico and his J.D. in Intellectual Property from the George Mason University School of Law. Further, Dr. Kaplan received his M

In this episode, host Joe Crane is joined by franchise coach and author Giuseppe Grammatico. Giuseppe shares his personal journey to achieving time freedom through business ownership, which he found by leveraging the proven systems of franchising. He discusses why franchising is not a passive investment, the specific qualities that make veterans successful franchisees, and the importance of finding a business model that truly fits your lifestyle goals. Episode Resources: Giuseppe Grammatico - The Franchise Guide   About Our Guest Giuseppe Grammatico is a franchise veteran, coach, author, speaker & consultant who simplifies the process of franchising and excels at guiding his candidates to the business model that best suits their desired lifestyle. His greatest joy is helping people realize the American dream and sharing the freedom that comes from franchising. About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Whether you’re looking to buy a new or used car or maybe you want to refinance your current car loa

In this episode, host Joe Crane talks with Don Yurick, franchisee and the Northeast Area Representative for Hammer & Nails, a luxury men's grooming salon. Yurick discusses his journey from Silicon Valley to becoming a franchise owner, driven by the desire to be his own boss. He explains what makes Hammer & Nails different from traditional barbershops and highlights the support they offer new franchisees. A key focus of the conversation is why veterans make great business owners, with Yurick pointing to their discipline and leadership skills. He also discusses how the franchise model makes business ownership more accessible for veterans. Episode Resources: Hammer & Nails   About Our Guest Don Yurick is the Northeast Area Representative for Hammer & Nails, a luxury men's grooming salon. His dad was a Drill Sargent in the Army and was stationed in Vietnam. Don is passionate about helping veterans find their way after returning to civilian life and start their next careers. He has recruited two Navy SEALs to H

This episode features Marine Corps veteran Edgar Zavala, who shares his journey from a diesel mechanic to a successful entrepreneur. Zavala discusses the challenges of military transition, the feeling of unfulfillment despite a high-paying job as a wind turbine technician, and his decision to take a risk by going all in on a new business. As a Global Financial Impact business partner, he now helps others achieve financial freedom through education on estate and legacy planning, proving that with an intentional mindset, veterans can build a prosperous future and generational wealth.   About Our Guest From a Brooklyn kid raised by a single mother to a Marine Corps veteran turned multiple six-figure entrepreneur, Edgar Zavala is proof that your past doesn't define your future. On track for seven figures, Edgar helps people escape the 9-to-5 grind, build generational wealth, and take control of their financial destiny! About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Whether you’re looking to buy a new or used c

This episode of Veteran On the Move features Chris Moore, Director of Veteran Services at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) and a retired Command Sergeant Major. Chris shares his personal journey and the challenges veterans face when transitioning to higher education. He explains his role in helping veterans adapt and succeed as students, discussing common struggles and misconceptions, and highlighting how NYFA provides unique support to nearly 3,000 veterans pursuing their passion for film. Tune in to learn more about the critical resources and support systems available to veterans who pursue higher education.   Episode Resources: Veterans & Military Dependent Students - NYFA   About Our Guest Chris Moore, Director of Veteran Services (DVS) at New York Film Academy (NYFA). Alongside his role, Chris is also a Retired Command Sergeant Major and served as a Inter-Agency Coordinator for the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Whether you’re looking t