From the battlefield to the fast lane, Josh White isn’t just chasing speed, he’s building momentum, breaking barriers, and proving what grit really looks like. 🇺🇸

In this upcoming episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, we dive into the mind of the Marine-turned-professional-racer who turned discipline into horsepower and passion into purpose.

Get ready for stories that hit hard, lessons that fuel growth, and the kind of drive that only a warrior on wheels can bring.

🎧 Episode drops tomorrow!

In this episode of Scaling Up Success, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with his longtime friend and Air Force pilot, CJ Cartagena. With nearly two decades of service, CJ shares his compelling journey from piloting the T-6A trainer and the HC-130J Combat King II for search and rescue, to his current role flying the massive C-17 Globemaster III. CJ opens up about the rigorous demands of military aviation, the transition between vastly different airframes, and how the discipline required in the cockpit translates to personal growth and leadership.

Beyond the mechanics of flight, CJ and Ryan dive deep into the mindset required to sustain high performance over a long career. They discuss the technological shift in modern aviation—moving from analog "steam gauges" to complex glass cockpits that operate like flying computers. The conversation pivots to profound life lessons, including CJ's "1% better every day" philosophy, the necessity of curating your social circle for success, and the harsh reality of balancing the "three pillars" of life: work, family, and friends.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to Adapt to New Systems: Understanding the learning curve when transitioning between complex operational environments.

• The "1% Better" Rule: How to apply incremental improvements to achieve long-term professional mastery.

• Circle Curation: The critical difference between "friends" and "associates" and how they impact your growth.

• Technological Adaptation: How modern pilots manage systems failures by "rebooting" rather than manual fixing. * The Triangle of Sacrifice: Why you can usually only pick two out of three: Work, Family, or Social Life.

About CJ Cartagena:

CJ Cartagena is a seasoned U.S. Air Force pilot with experience across multiple airframes, including the HC-130J and C-17. He is a dedicated husband, father, and advocate for financial literacy and continuous self-improvement within the military community.

Connect with CJ Cartagena & Cynergists:

CJ's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BHrPTpoYY/

CJ's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p_champu?igsh=MWNvYWY5MWlhN3FseQ==

Sponsor: The sponsor is Cynergists: http://www.cynergists.com

Are you striving to get 1% better today? Listen in and start your ascent!

#ScalingUpSuccess #Milpreneur #AirForcePilot #C17Globemaster #SelfImprovement #LeadershipMindset #VeteranStories #AviationLife #PersonalGrowth #1percentbetter

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Sponsor Recognition

01:12 - CJ’s Air Force Origin Story & Flight Training

02:27 - Comparing Airframes: How Different Planes Fly

04:08 - The Challenge of Switching Missions: Rescue to Transport

05:03 - Tech Evolution: From Steam Gauges to Flying Computers

06:17 - Building Critical Habits for Career Growth

08:06 - The Philosophy of Getting 1% Better Every Day

09:13 - Elevating Your Circle: Friends vs. Associates

11:19 - Why You Can't Have It All: Work, Family, or Friends?

12:21 - The Struggle of Work-Life Balance in the Military

14:45 - Advice to a Younger Self: Everything Happens for a Reason

15:35 - The Importance of Understanding the "Why"

16:26 - Closing Thoughts & Final Value Bomb

From flying T-6 trainers to commanding C-17s, CJ Cartagena has conquered some of the Air Force’s toughest missions. ✈️

In this week’s episode of Milpreneur Podcast, “Air Force Lessons for Life & Leadership with CJ Cartagena,” he shares his journey from daring combat search-and-rescue missions to mentoring the next generation of pilots.

🎧 Stay on standby: Episode drops this week. Check past episodes and prepare for takeoff! Link in the comments.

#MilpreneurPodcast #AirForceLife #CJCartagena #ScalingUpSuccess #MilitaryLessons #PilotLife #LeadershipJourney #MissionSuccess #LifeInTheAirForce #1PercentBetter

In this inspiring episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Shannon Huffman Polson, one of the first women to fly the Apache attack helicopter and the founder of The Grit Institute. Shannon shares her incredible journey from the cockpit of a combat helicopter to the corporate boardroom, eventually becoming a successful veteran entrepreneur. This conversation explores how military precision meets business agility, offering a masterclass on systems, leadership, and the power of grit.

Deep Dive & Conflict: Transitioning from the military to the civilian sector often requires a profound shift in identity, a struggle Shannon navigates by teaching leaders how to "own their own story." She dives deep into the "Grit Triad"—Commit, Learn, and Launch—providing a framework for overcoming failure and taking audacious risks. Shannon also tackles the conflict between rapidly changing technology and the timeless necessity of human-centric leadership, emphasizing that while tools change, the principles of scaling a strong culture remain rooted in people and values.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The Grit Triad Framework: Understanding the three critical phases—Commit, Learn, and Launch—to build resilience and success.

• Owning Your Narrative: How to transition from your military unit's story to defining your personal purpose as an entrepreneur.

• Culture Over Tech: Why scaling a business relies more on maintaining human connections and values than chasing the latest AI trends.

• Operationalizing Inclusivity: How ensuring the best people are in the right roles drives bottom-line success.

• Authentic Leadership: The importance of showing up as your true self to foster trust and high performance in your teams.

About Shannon Huffman Polson:

Shannon Huffman Polson is the founder and CEO of The Grit Institute and the author of The Grit Factor. Drawing on her experience as one of the Army's first female Apache pilots and her corporate leadership roles at Microsoft and in the medical device industry, she provides training and development programs to help individuals and organizations build resilience and leadership capability.

Connect with Shannon Huffman Polson & Cynergists:

The Grit Institute Website: https://www.thegritinstitute.com (Use code VET50 for 50% off online programs)

Sponsor: The sponsor is Cynergists: http://www.cynergists.com

If you found value in Shannon’s insights on grit and leadership, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow veteran entrepreneur ready to launch their next mission!

#Milpreneur #TheGritInstitute #ArmyAviation #ApachePilot #GritFactor #VeteranBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessResilience #WomenInBusiness #organizationalculture

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to the Milpreneur Podcast

00:41 - Shannon's Origin: From Army Aviation to The Grit Institute

02:33 - The Genesis of "The Grit Factor" Book

03:50 - Deconstructing the Grit Triad: Commit, Learn, Launch

06:33 - Technology vs. People: Keeping Leadership Human

08:05 - Strategies for Building and Maintaining Strong Culture

10:11 - The Business Case for Inclusivity and Diversity

11:57 - Rapid Fire: Books, Travel, and Superpowers

16:28 - Advice to Her Younger Self: The Power of Authenticity

18:17 - The Future of The Grit Institute

18:48 - Special Offer for Veterans & How to Connect

20:25 - Conclusion and Sign Off

Our next guest, Shannon Huffman Polson, isn’t just a trailblazer, she’s a force of nature.

As one of the first women to pilot the Apache helicopter and the founder of The Grit Institute, she brings powerful lessons on courage, leadership, and navigating adversity with strength.

If you’re ready for an episode filled with grit, wisdom, and serious inspiration… this one’s for you.

#MilprenuerPodcast #ShannonHuffmanPolson #VeteranLeadership #WomenInMilitary #ApachePilot #MilitaryStories #GritAndResilience #VeteranCommunity #LeadershipPodcast #MilitaryAviation #VeteranSupport #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranSuccess #WomenLeaders #TheGritInstitute

In this powerful episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Matt Madison, a Navy veteran who served as a bomb builder on the USS Enterprise during two tours in the Persian Gulf. Matt opens up about his profound struggle with transition trauma, isolation, and PTSD, sharing how he turned a personal battle for survival into a lifeline for his fellow service members.

They take a deep dive into the mental health crisis facing the veteran community and the innovative way Matt is combating the "22 a day" statistic. By leveraging the digital landscape, Matt founded the Veterans Breakthrough Network on Discord, creating a safe, accessible space where veterans can find camaraderie and peer support without barriers. This episode explores the journey from hitting rock bottom to building a system that meets veterans exactly where they are—behind the screen and in need of a brother.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to leverage digital platforms like Discord for mental health support.

• The critical importance of peer-to-peer connection in preventing veteran suicide.

• Strategies for navigating the difficult transition from military service to civilian isolation.

• The role of specialized facilities like Camp Hope in treating combat PTSD.

• Why establishing boundaries is a vital skill for personal recovery and growth.

About Matt Madison:

Matt Madison is a Navy veteran and the founder of the Veterans Breakthrough Network, a nonprofit community based on Discord. His mission is to provide an accessible, transparent, and supportive environment where veterans can connect, share their trauma, and hold each other up through shared experiences.

Connect with Matt Madison & Cynergists:

Veterans Breakthrough Network Email: [email protected]

Sponsor: The sponsor is Cynergists: http://www.cynergists.com

If you or a veteran you know is struggling, this episode offers a new perspective on finding connection and support in the digital age.

#Milpreneur #VeteransBreakthroughNetwork #NavyVeteran #PTSDAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #PeerSupport #DiscordCommunity #CampHope #VeteranSuicidePrevention #nonprofitstrategies

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Sponsor: Synergist

00:54 - Navy Service: Bomb Building on the USS Enterprise *

01:48 - The Darkest Hour: Battling PTSD and Isolation

02:18 - Finding Connection Through Gaming and Discord *

03:45 - What is the Veterans Breakthrough Network?

05:00 - The Power of Peer Support in Crisis Situations

06:25 - The Impact of Camp Hope & Finding a New Calling *

07:11 - Rapid Fire: Leadership Personality & Fun Facts

10:05 - Time Travel Advice: Don't Close Doors Too Fast

11:16 - How to Connect with Matt Madison & Closing

This week on the Milprenuer Podcast, we sit down with Matt Mattison — Navy veteran, former bomb builder aboard the USS Enterprise, and founder of the Veterans Breakthrough Network.

Matt opens up about his journey from military service to mental health advocacy, how gaming and online platforms became lifelines, and how he’s turning personal struggles into a mission to help others.

#MattMattison #MilpreneurPodcast #VeteransBreakthroughNetwork #NavyVeteran #PTSDRecovery #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #VeteranAdvocacy #OnlineCommunity #DiscordCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteransHelpingVeterans #PeerSupport #MilitaryToCivilian #InspirationalVeteran

In this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Kevin Sullivan, a retired Army Aviation officer and the founder of Military Connect. They discuss Kevin's transition from the cockpit to the boardroom, exploring how he utilized military discipline and structure to navigate the often chaotic world of entrepreneurship. This conversation highlights the power of veteran networks and the journey of scaling a business that serves the military community.

Kevin dives deep into the lessons learned from his early business ventures, including the massive success of creating the Military Costco Program and the Military Epic Pass with Vail Resorts. He explains the friction veterans face with constant verification for benefits and how Military Connect solves this by creating a unified, seamless ecosystem. The discussion also touches on the importance of "handshake deals" among veterans, the necessity of patience in business, and why entrepreneurs should build their dreams in the garage while protecting their day-to-day security.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to translate military structure and integrity into business reliability.

• The strategy behind landing major corporate partners like Costco and 1-800-Flowers.

• How to build a consolidated ecosystem that simplifies veteran access to benefits.

• The philosophy that "Every Day is Veteran's Day" regarding customer service.

• Critical advice on balancing startup ambition with family stability.

About Kevin Sullivan:

Kevin Sullivan is a retired Army Aviation officer and the founder of Military Connect, a verified network connecting veterans, active duty service members, and their families with brands, jobs, and resources.

Connect with Kevin Sullivan & Cynergists:

Military Connect Website: https://www.militaryconnect.com

Sponsor: The sponsor is Cynergists: http://www.cynergists.com

Join the community at Military Connect today to access a world of verified benefits, and don't forget to subscribe to the Milpreneur Podcast for more stories of veteran success!

Milpreneur #VeteranBusiness #MilitaryConnect #ArmyAviation #Entrepreneurship #ScalingBusiness #VailResorts #Costco #MilitaryBenefits #businessstrategy

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to the Milpreneur Podcast

00:44 - Kevin's Origin: Army Aviation & ROTC

01:30 - Applying Military Structure to Civilian Business

02:30 - The Power of the Veteran Handshake Deal

04:30 - The Pivot: From Employment to "Leading Points"

05:55 - Success Story: Building the Military Costco Program

07:10 - The Military Epic Pass & Charitable Impact

08:20 - The Genesis of the Military Connect Ecosystem

10:30 - Identifying Market Gaps: The Golf Channel Pitch

12:55 - Rapid Fire: Books, Habits, and Superpowers

14:40 - Advice to Younger Self: Family First

16:20 - The 5-Year Vision for Military Connect

On this episode of the Milprenuer Podcast, Kevin Sullivan shares how he’s helping veterans and service members navigate business, finance, and post-service opportunities.

From military strategy to building impactful businesses, Kevin breaks down the mindset, systems, and leadership skills that lead to mission success, both in uniform and in entrepreneurship.

In this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Lindsey Chrismon, a powerhouse veteran entrepreneur with a resume that reads like fiction. From being the First Captain at West Point and the first female AH-6 Little Bird pilot in the 160th SOAR to graduating from Harvard Business School, Lindsey is now tackling her biggest challenge yet: the tech startup world. She is the co-founder of Oply, an AI-driven PropTech company designed to revolutionize how homeowners manage maintenance.

Lindsey opens up about the massive transitions in her life, moving from the cockpit of elite helicopters to the classrooms of HBS, and dealing with the imposter syndrome that came with it. She shares her brutally honest take on resilience, explaining why "success" is just the result of refusing to quit after failing 100 times. The conversation dives deep into her leadership philosophy—specifically the "Buy Cleats" mentality—and how she is applying military precision to scale Oply into the ultimate home management system.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The 3 non-negotiable leadership principles Lindsey learned from her military commanders.

• How to leverage the "Buy Cleats" mindset to show up prepared for any business challenge.

• Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome when entering high-performance environments like HBS.

• How Oply is using AI to predict maintenance needs and automate home service bookings.

• Why resilience and the willingness to fail are the most critical traits for a startup founder.

About Lindsey Chrismon:

Lindsey Chrismon is a West Point graduate, former 160th SOAR helicopter pilot, and Harvard Business School alumna. She is the co-founder of Oply, a company dedicated to simplifying homeownership through intelligent, AI-powered home management and service automation.

Connect with Lindsey Chrismon & Cynergists:

Oply Website: http://oply.app

Sponsor: The sponsor is Cynergists: http://www.cynergists.com

If you enjoyed Lindsey's journey from the cockpit to the boardroom, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and check out Oply to streamline your home maintenance today!

#Milpreneur #VeteranBusiness #Oply #PropTech #WomenInTech #LittleBirdPilot #WestPoint #HarvardBusinessSchool #Entrepreneurship #leadership

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Sponsor

00:55 - West Point, Track & Field, and First Captain

01:55 - Aviation Career: From Apaches to the 160th SOAR (Little Birds)

03:15 - Transitioning to Harvard Business School & Imposter Syndrome

04:41 - The Role of Failure in Building Resilience

07:05 - The 3 Principles of Leadership: Be a Good Dude, Figure it Out, Buy Cleats

09:47 - The Origin of Oply: Solving the Homeowner's Nightmare

11:00 - How Oply Uses AI to Automate Home Maintenance

14:05 - The Vision: Becoming the "Instacart" for Home Services

15:43 - Rapid Fire: Podcasts, Superpowers, and Cheat Meals

17:28 - Closing & Call to Action