In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Todd Woodrick, President and Founder of Ceptor Technologies Corporation and a former U.S. Air Force Combat Control Officer, to discuss his remarkable journey from the battlefield to the forefront of defense technology, private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.

Todd shares how a childhood inspired by Top Gun led him to the Air Force, only to have changing military needs redirect his career into Combat Control. After serving more than two decades in Air Force Special Operations, Todd transitioned into technology development at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory before building experience in private equity, venture capital, and defense manufacturing.

The conversation explores how military operators can successfully transition into the private sector, the realities of launching a technology company, and why understanding customers is far more important than simply building great technology. Todd also shares powerful lessons from uncovering a $98 million investment fraud early in his civilian career, reinforcing the importance of integrity, due diligence, and trusting but verifying the people you choose to work with.

Today, Todd is focused on building Ceptor Technologies Corporation, developing AI-enabled sensing systems that enhance situational awareness and help protect soldiers and Marines on tomorrow's battlefield. Drawing from decades of operational experience and defense innovation, he explains why the future of warfare will depend on accelerating decision-making through advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and computer vision.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Transitioning from Air Force Combat Control to entrepreneurship
• How military experience translates into technology leadership
• The future of AI-enabled defense technologies and battlefield awareness
• Lessons from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and defense innovation
• Understanding private equity, venture capital, and defense investing
• Why customer discovery is the foundation of every successful startup
• The difference between building technology and building a business
• How defense acquisition works and what founders need to know before selling to the government
• Why veterans should understand funding, acquisition, and operational requirements before entering the defense market
• Lessons learned from uncovering investment fraud and the importance of due diligence
• Why "trust, but verify" is essential when evaluating career opportunities
• Choosing the right first job after military service
• The "Name, Title, or Salary" framework for navigating military transition
• Why founders should avoid burning bridges throughout their careers
• Building mission-driven companies with long-term purpose

Todd also shares practical advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship, joining startups, or pursuing careers in private equity and venture capital. His insights on leadership, ethics, innovation, and lifelong learning provide a valuable roadmap for anyone looking to build a meaningful career after military service.

Whether you're preparing for military transition, launching a startup, exploring private equity or venture capital, or interested in the future of defense technology, this episode offers actionable lessons on leadership, customer discovery, integrity, and building businesses that solve real-world problems.

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, and executive leadership.

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