Beyond The Frontline

Donna and Jay come back together for a little one on one catch up. They reflect on the last 10 months, how Beyond the Frontline was born, and wrapping up the Entrepreneurship series. They review the guests they brought on, discuss the various aspects of entrepreneurship - franchises, start-ups, non-profits, and tips for success.

They discuss their own journey and the lessons they have learned along the way. Listen closely! At the end they will be announcing their next mini-series.

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/ 

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

In 2003, American Airline attendant, Janis Roznowski, started flying Soldiers and Marines in and out of Kuwait City. During this time she was deeply impacted watching them come home injured and ill. Feeling the need to give back, Janie started visiting wounded service members at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and later Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

In 2004, she started the non-profit, Operation Comfort. What started out as a simple gesture to give back has morphed into supporting wounded warriors and their families through emergency financial assistance and adaptive sports.

Due to family health issues, Janis was unable to stay at the helm. However, with the help of executive director, Dianna Sisnero, and her team, Operation Comfort is in it’s 19th year, and continues to run strong.

Join Jay and Donna and they talk with Dianna about the mission of Operation Comfort, the gratification watching warriors overcome their adversity, and challenges of running a non-profit on a shoestring budget.

Dianna’s Bio

Dianna is currently the Executive Director for Operation Comfort, and is responsible for overall operations. She has been with the organization since June of 2007. She began her journey as the assistant to the Founder and Executive Director, Mrs. Janis Roznowski. 

Before joining Operation Comfort, Dianna was the Family Readiness group leader of her then husband's unit located at Fort Drum, New York. She worked to support her unit's families who were transitioning in and out of the military, and during deployment. 

Dianna was born and raised in New Braunfels, Texas and came home in December of 2006 after her husband was unexpectedly medically retired from the Army. 

Dianna has always worked in the non-profit world and held several positions over the years as a Teacher, Social Service Assistant, and Assistant Program Director. She loves working with children and families in low income communities, children with different abilities, and of course service members and their families.

It is her mission to help Wounded, Ill, and Injured Service Members and Disabled Veterans through programs that keep them actively engaged in their healing. The programs that her and her team work tirelessly to offer provide recreation, rehabilitation, and most importantly, healing. 

Dianna’s Contact Information

Website: www.operationcomfort.org

Facebook: SupportOperationComfort

Instagram: operationcomfort

Twitter: operationcomfo1

Operation Comfort Promo Video

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

What could be better than fun in the sun?! Having fun in the sun while supporting Veterans, is what!

In 2005, two friends, Wes Garnett and Seth Warnick, watched the first troops come home from Afghanistan and Iraq, and were motivated to help. What started as taking a few wounded service members out on a boat, has turned into Operation Float a Soldier, an all volunteer 501(c)3 dedicated to giving respite time to the soldier and family. They do this through water recreational sports - fishing, boating, jet skiing, water sports, or just relaxing in Canyon Lake. And it wouldn’t be a complete day without a good ol’ Texas BBQ lunch.

Donna goes solo, as Jay was out sick, with Wes to talk about Operation Comfort, the journey of starting up the non-profit, and how he and his team keeps the non-profit running over the last 17 years.

Wes’s Bio

Born 1962 in San Antonio TX, Wes oined the Navy in 1980 as an Cryptologic Technician Collector and became adept at decrypting and copying Morse Code. He got out in 1984 and worked in several different fields until going to Texas A&M and graduating with an Electronics Engineering degree in 1988. 

Wes started working in IT in 1988 and worked towards several different certifications and is now the IT Systems Engineering Supervisor at GVTC Communications. Before working with GVTC, Wes did some work with the government as a contractor. Married to Letty Garnett, he has 1 step son and 2 sons with his wife. 

Wes’s Contact Information

Webstie: www.floatasoldier.org

Facebook: Operation Float a Soldier

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/ 

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

There is a saying, entrepreneurs would give up a 40 hour job to work 80 hours for themselves. Starting up a new business can easily take many more hours than a cushy 9-5 job. But entrepreneurs would happily put in the extra hours to be in full control of their lives.

What about the entrepreneur that owns multiple businesses? How do they keep up? In this episode, Donna and Jay talk to Mike Johnson - veteran, owner of a print supply business, operator of Mr. Fireworks, and home building consultant. They sit down to discuss how Mike got into each business, how he manages all three, and learning to go with the ebb and flow that comes with business ownership.

Mike’s Bio

Mike Johnson has lived in the Bulverde/Spring Branch area since 2001. After moving every 1-3 years the first 40 years of his life (as an Army brat through High School, then the next 22 years for his own career in the Air Force) Mike has enjoyed setting his roots in Texas the last 28 years. Having developed a myriad of skills as an Intelligence Analyst and Senior NCO (retired Senior Master Sergeant/E-8), Mike chose to be his own boss as a civilian. He currently owns San Antonio Print Supplies (24 years), operates the Bulverde Mr W Fireworks Superstore (10 years), and is a home-building consultant for Built Green Custom Homes (2 years). As a professional networker and connector, much of his time is spent helping others in the community. Mike has been very active in the BSB Chamber of Commerce since 2013, to include being Chairman of the Board for 2017 and 2019. He has served as Vice Chair of the BSB Chamber Foundation from 2019 to present. He serves on the board of several other non-profit organizations, including Acacia Medical Mission. Mike currently attends Hillside Fellowship in Bulverde/Spring Branch. 

Mike’s Contact Information

Website: www.saprintsupplies.net

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/ 

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Do you have an entrepreneurial itch? Do you see a gap in the market that you feel you can fill? Are you just tired of having a boss or grinding out the 9-5? Are you staying at home to raise your children and thinking about ways to bring in a little extra income?

Starting a business from the ground up is no easy feat. We often hear people throw out the statistic that the average business start-up lasts only 5 years. But wait, that is not every start up! There are start-ups that have been and are successful. What does it take to break from the 5 yr statistic?

Donna and Jay bring on guest host Karen Sroka, veteran and owner of My Scratch Offs. They discuss how her business came to fruition, what it took to get it off the ground, the trials and tribulations, and what she has learned during her 14 years of owning and operating the business. 

Karen’s Bio

Karen Sroka is an entrepreneur and the Founder and Creative Executive of My Scratch Offs. She was born and raised in Maryland. She enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 19. In the Air Force she worked as a Medical and Aeromedical Evacuation Technician. After the Air Force she chose to return to school full time, at Allan Hancock and Excellsior College, and stay home to raise her 2 daughters Madison (17) and Molly (14). While Molly was still an infant is when My Scratch Offs was created. Her love of graphic design is what spurred the idea to create My Scratch Offs. A company that started in 2008 to bring to the consumer market little-known scratch off products. In 14 years, she, and her small staff, have built a physical and online business presence that is rivalled by few. Karen grew the business in her home for the first 4 years and then moved the business into commercial space, where she remains today. 

Karen lives in Belleville, Illinois with her daughters Madison and Molly and dog Bella. She enjoys spending time with her daughters, reading, social activities, outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends, traveling and graphic design. 

Karen’s Contact Information

Website: www.MyScratchOffs.com 

Facebook: My Scratch Offs

IG: @myscratchoffs

Twitter: @myscratchoffs 

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetra

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Did you know the DoD has a program that allows any service member, with commander’s approval, to do an internship if they are within 6 months of separation? The Skillbridge Program was developed in 2009 to help connect service members with industry to get real world civilian experience and skills.

Theron Van Meter is a 21 yr retired Air Force Red Horse civil engineer. After 6 duty assignments and multiple deployments he was ready to move on to his next adventure. Him and his wife decided to move back to her hometown area of San Antonio. Before retiring he decided to take advantage of the Skillbridge program. 

Theron joins Jay and Donna to talk about the program; the process to participate in the program; how it helped him transition from military to civilian life; and how it gave him the skills to start his own home inspection business.

Theron Van Meter Links

Website: www.silverspurpropertyinspections.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/theron.vanmeter/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SilverSpurPropertyInspections/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theron-vanmeter-795b1157/

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/ 

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Stay up to date and gain early access to new podcasts and upcoming events by signing up for our newsletter at Coming Home Well Newsletter

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Did you know the DoD has a program that allows any service member, with commander’s approval, to do an internship if they are within 6 months of separation? The Skillbridge Program was developed in 2009 to help connect service members with industry to get real world civilian experience and skills.

Jose Ontiveros had no idea he was going to be an integral part in the development of the Skillbridge Program in San Antonio, after his own 20 year career. Currently he is the Skillbridge Manager and Co-Chair for Joint Base San Antonio. 

Join Jay and Donna, as they have an in-depth discussion with Jose about the Skillbridge Program. When it started in the San Antonio area; what the process is to be part of the program; the benefits and challenges of the program; who is participating, and how it has grown. Jose goes on to explain the benefits of small businesses becoming a DoD approved business.

As Jose says, “this program will not make transition easy, but definitely easier.”

Jose’s Bio

Jose Ontiveros is the Skillbridge Manager and Co-Chair of the Workforce & Transition Alliance for Joint Base San Antonio. After a 20 year Air Force Career as an F-16 aircraft mechanic and supply technician, he found his passion for Social Services while concluding his military service in the Military and Family Readiness Center, providing support to families of deployed service members. He joined Joint Base San Antonio in 2016, launching the then named Career Skills Program, which has since been largely renamed Skillbridge. Jose holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from University of Arizona Global Campus.

Jose’s Contact Information

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseontiveros1/ 

Professional LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbsa-skb-csp

Links: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/resources.htm

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/ 

Book:

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Have you been considering getting into the franchise business, but not sure if it is for you? Do you ever wonder how to go about owning a franchise business? Is it affordable? How long does it take to start making money? Last episode we talked with franchise recruiter, Gary Chernow, on how the franchise business in general works; and how his role as a recruiter is instrumental in ensuring an optimal match. 

In this episode, Donna talks with Clint Blundon, owner of the franchise, Payroll Vault. Clint talks about his journey into franchising after almost a decade in the military and another 25 years in the corporate world. They discuss the ups and downs of owning a franchise and how his soft skills he developed in the military helped him in his franchise business.

Clint’s Bio

Clint Blundon is a United States Army Veteran (9 years on active duty) and former Sales Leader in Corporate America (25 years). Clint is now working hard for the small business owners of Comal County with highly sought-after payroll and workforce management solutions through his franchise, Payroll Vault.

Clint Contact Information

Website: https://payrollvault-spring-branch-tx-183.com/

Facebook: Payroll Vault Spring Branch, TX

Links:Payroll Solutions For Small Business

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/ 

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Stay up to date and gain early access to new podcasts and upcoming events by signing up for our newsletter at Coming Home Well Newsletter

Follow us on IG @cominghomwell_bts and @behindtheservicepodcast

Facebook at Coming Home Well or Behind The Service

LinkedIn at Coming Home Well

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

As Donna and Jay continue their entrepreneur series, they explore the world of franchises. In 2021 there were over 750,000 franchises in the US and it is expected to grow to close to 800,000 by the end of 2022! That equates to almost $800 billion in revenue and giving 8 million people jobs.

When we think of franchises, we may immediately think of the food industry - McDonalds, Chik-a-fila, Taco Bell, etc. However, food only accounts for only a little over 25% of the franchising industry. There are a host of other sectors to choose from. Best of all…you do not have to start off as an expert to own and operate a franchise.

Join Donna and Jay, as they talk to Gary Chernow, a franchise recruiter, who specializes in ensuring the franchise is suited for the person. He joins them to discuss all aspects of franchising - from researching franchises to what it takes to launch one; and why Veterans are an optimal fit for franchising.

Bio

Gary Chernow, President of Integrity Business Options, has almost 25 years of business ownership experience, as both a franchisee and independent entrepreneur. He also has vast management and executive sales experience with Fortune 500 companies. He has started businesses from the ground up, and has been where you are today. Gary has experienced the uncertainty and fear of investing your life savings, and been through the grass roots efforts of exploring various franchise concepts.

So, whether you are the first time business owner looking for that perfect franchise match, or the seasoned entrepreneur looking to diversify your business portfolio, Integrity Business Options will be ready to guide, consult and explore all the options available to you.

Our company is a Member of the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) and will bring a host of resources to assist you in your search. When you work with a professionally trained franchise recruiter you are tapping into a franchise professional who has a process in place to help you succeed in your search for the right business

Gary’s Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.IntegrityBusinessOptions.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gary-chernow-cfc-8a95b458

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

Have you ever thought of starting your own business but have no idea where to start? We hear lots of people talk about “start-up”. What exactly does that look like? How is it funded? How long does it take to make an income? 

Take a journey with Jay and Donna, as they kick off a series on entrepreneurship. Kicking off this series with their own experiences with starting up a business. They talk about why they decided to get into owning their own businesses, how they each went about it, and the positives and challenges of being self employed. 

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/ 

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Stay up to date and gain early access to new podcasts and upcoming events by signing up for our newsletter at Coming Home Well Newsletter

Follow us on IG @cominghomwell_bts and @behindtheservicepodcast

Facebook at Coming Home Well or Behind The Service

LinkedIn at Coming Home Well

Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

Download on Apple Play and Google Play

Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.

Donna’s Links

Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching

Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)

Blog: Taking Off The Armor

IG: @thetransitioningwarrior

Twitter: @wtpc

FB: The Transitioning Warrior

Jay’s Links

Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/

Book: Breaking Average (2020)

Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!