What does it take to go from guarding nukes in the Air Force, to roasting specialty coffee in your garage?

On the next episode of the Milprenuer Podcast, Spencer Verhines shares how he went from veteran to founder of American Classic Coffee, building a family-run business one roast, one lesson, and one big leap at a time.

His journey is gritty, inspiring, and full of hard-earned wisdom about resilience, mistakes that become momentum, and the power of slowing down to scale up.

Dropping this week, don’t miss it!

Catch past episodes now and get ready for a conversation that’ll wake you up in more ways than one. Link in the comments!

#MilprenuerPodcast #VeteranEntrepreneur #AmericanClassicCoffee #CoffeeLovers #VeteranOwned #EntrepreneurshipJourney #BusinessResilience #AirForceVeteran #FromMilitaryToBusiness #CoffeeBusiness #InspiringStories

In this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Donta Henson, a U.S. Navy veteran and the visionary CEO behind Los Hermanos Tequila. Donta shares his incredible journey from serving in Japan to launching an award-winning spirits brand during the height of the 2020 pandemic. This conversation explores how a veteran entrepreneur utilized military precision to disrupt a competitive industry, turning a family passion project into a rapidly scaling business empire.

Donta dives deep into the realities of the spirits industry, discussing the intense hurdles of cash flow management, international logistics in Mexico, and the patience required to build a premium product. He contrasts the "celebrity tequila" trend with his approach of authentic community building and treating partners like family. The discussion highlights the critical conflict between the civilian tendency to dream and the military mandate to execute, showcasing how resilience and adaptability are the true keys to scaling a business.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to transition military execution skills into successful business administration.

• Strategies for scaling a product-based business from a single location to multi-state distribution.

• The importance of resilience when facing financial and logistical walls in entrepreneurship.

• How to leverage authentic networking to get into rooms with global leaders and NFL athletes.

• Why diversity and culture (military-style) are competitive advantages in the business world.

About Donta Henson:

Donta Henson is the Founder and CEO of Los Hermanos Tequila, a premium 100% Blue Weber Agave tequila brand based in Baltimore, Maryland. A U.S. Navy veteran, Donta leverages his military background to drive operational excellence and community-focused growth in the spirits industry.

Connect with Donta Henson & Cynergists:

Los Hermanos Tequila Website: https://tequilaloshermanos.com

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

If you're ready to stop dreaming and start executing on your business idea, hit that subscribe button and share this episode with a fellow veteran entrepreneur!

#Milpreneur #VeteranBusiness #LosHermanosTequila #NavyVeteran #TequilaBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ScalingBusiness #BusinessResilience #SpiritsIndustry #systems

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to the Milpreneur Podcast & Sponsor

00:55 - Donta's Navy Journey: From New Jersey to Japan

03:30 - The Lockdown Idea: How Los Hermanos Tequila Was Born

04:23 - Taking Action: From Cold Calls to Mexican Distilleries

05:35 - Military Mindset: Why Veterans Execute While Others Dream

06:48 - Validation & Rapid Growth: Scaling to 230+ Locations

07:38 - Navigating Challenges: Cash Flow & International Patience

10:00 - Resilience: The Founder's Ultimate Superpower

11:13 - The Pride of Building a Legacy from Scratch

12:14 - High-Level Networking: Berlin, Jamie Dimon, & The NFL

16:00 - Why Authentic Culture Wins Over Celebrity Hype

20:45 - Rapid Fire: Books, Superpowers, and Bucket Lists

24:15 - Advice to the Younger Self: Don't Settle

26:10 - Conclusion & How to Connect

What does it take to turn a tequila tasting at home into a nationwide brand? 🍹

On the next episode of the Milprenuer Podcast, Donta Henson shares how he went from Navy veteran to co-founder of Los Hermanos Tequila, now in over 230 locations with 44 awards.

His journey is bold, inspiring, and packed with lessons on action, resilience, and building something bigger than yourself.

"If other people do it, then we can figure it out too… and that’s exactly what we did."

Dropping this week, don’t miss it!

Catch up on past episodes now and get ready for a truly motivating conversation. Link in the comments!

DanteHenson #LosHermanosTequila #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessMotivation #StartupJourney #TequilaBrand #MilitaryToBusiness #LeadershipLessons #RVO

In this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Russell Burgess, a 21-year Air Force veteran who successfully transitioned from aircraft maintenance to high-level management consulting. Now the founder of REJ Solutions, Russell shares how he leveraged his military background and Lean Six Sigma certification to build a thriving career in the infrastructure and engineering sectors. This conversation highlights the power of military systems and leadership in scaling civilian businesses.

Russell opens up about the uncertainty of transitioning out of the military and the realization that technical skills aren't the only value veterans bring to the table. He dives deep into the specific challenges of the engineering industry—where high IQ meets low EQ—and how veterans are uniquely positioned to bridge that gap through collaboration, dependability, and decisive leadership. Russell also discusses the pivotal risk of leaving a secure executive role to launch his own firm, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's own intellectual property and market value.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to apply military adaptability and SOPs to complex civilian infrastructure projects.

• Why "soft skills" like dependability and work ethic are highly monetizable assets in the private sector.

• Strategies for bridging communication gaps between technical engineering teams and executive management.

• How to identify your niche market by analyzing industry deficits (e.g., leadership in engineering).

• The mindset shift required to move from employee to entrepreneur and scale your own consulting firm.

About Russell Burgess:

Russell Burgess is a retired Air Force veteran and the founder of REJ Solutions, a management consulting firm dedicated to helping infrastructure and engineering companies optimize programs and processes. He combines decades of military leadership with Lean Six Sigma expertise to deliver operational excellence.

Connect with Russell Burgess & Cynergists:

REJ Solutions Website: http://www.rejsolutions.com

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

If you enjoyed this journey from the flight line to the boardroom, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow veteran entrepreneur!

#Milpreneur #VeteranBusiness #REJSolutions #AirForce #LeanSixSigma #ManagementConsulting #Infrastructure #Leadership #BusinessScaling #entrepreneurship

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Sponsor Message

00:52 - Origin Story: From A-10 Mechanic to Emergency Management

01:55 - The Advantage of Lean Six Sigma in Government

04:46 - Managing Mega-Projects: The Seattle Tunnel Experience

06:38 - Why Military Soft Skills Are a Superpower in Business

08:30 - Bridging the Gap Between Engineers and Leadership

10:50 - Transition Advice: Seeing Opportunities Beyond the MOS

12:37 - Climbing the Corporate Ladder: From Consultant to COO

19:10 - The Turning Point: Taking the Leap to Start REJ Solutions

26:39 - Rapid Fire Questions: Superpowers, Books, and Cheat Meals

27:40 - Conclusion & Connecting with Russell

Transitioning out of the military isn’t as straightforward as it seems, just ask our next guest.

In this sneak peek of the Milprenuer Podcast, Russell Burgess opens up about the challenges of moving from military life to the civilian world.

From navigating TAP classes to realizing the priceless value of dependability, responsibility, and dedication, he shares how the skills learned in service became his biggest advantage outside the uniform.

This episode is full of insight, inspiration, and practical lessons for anyone making the leap from military to entrepreneurship or civilian careers.

Dropping soon, don’t miss it! Link in the comments.

#MilprenuerPodcast #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEntrepreneur #LifeAfterMilitary #VeteranSuccess #MilitarySkills #CareerReinvention #VeteranLeadership

In this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Omum sits down with Nathan Wheeler, a U.S. Army veteran who served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and 10th Special Forces Group before pivoting into the world of financial services. They discuss the often-difficult journey from military service to becoming a successful entrepreneur, highlighting the critical role of systems and discipline in building a new life. Nathan shares his powerful story of overcoming the loss of identity after service and finding a renewed drive to help others achieve financial independence.

Nathan dives deep into the struggles many veterans face when the uniform comes off, including the battle for purpose and the temptation of vices. He explains how rediscovering his faith provided the foundation for his personal growth and business success. The conversation covers practical insights on scaling a business by developing leaders, the importance of financial literacy for service members, and how to apply the "team sport" mentality of the military to the competitive world of finance.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to navigate the loss of identity and find purpose during military transition.

• The importance of spiritual and personal development in business growth.

• Why financial literacy and systems are crucial for retiring veterans.

• How to apply military leadership principles to build and scale a sales team.

• Strategies for creating generational wealth through entrepreneurship.

About Nathan Wheeler:

Nathan Wheeler is a U.S. Army veteran and financial services leader dedicated to helping families build wealth and empowering veterans to find success through entrepreneurship. He leads one of the fastest-growing teams in his industry, focusing on leadership development and financial education.

Connect with Nathan Wheeler & Cynergists:

Nathan Wheeler Financial Website: https://www.nathanuwheeler.com/

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

Tune in to redefine your purpose and learn the strategies needed to secure your financial future!

#Milpreneur #VeteranBusiness #FinancialFreedom #ArmyVeteran #LeadershipDevelopment #GenerationalWealth #Entrepreneurship #ScalingUpSuccess #PersonalGrowth #transitioningveterans

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to the Milpreneur Podcast & Sponsor

01:07 - Nathan's Military Journey: Artillery to Electronic Warfare

03:02 - The Power of Leadership: A Commander's Promise & Ranger School

04:53 - The Hardest Battle: Transitioning to Civilian Life

07:25 - Finding a Higher Purpose: Faith & Transformation

10:50 - Career Pivot: From Defense Contracting to Financial Services

12:51 - The Critical Gap in Financial Education for Veterans

16:13 - Building a Team: Scaling Leadership in Finance

19:43 - Rapid Fire: Habits, Books, and Superpowers

24:44 - Conclusion

What happens when a soldier trades the battlefield for civilian life?

The answer might surprise you. 👀

On the next episode of the Milprenuer Podcast, Nathan Wheeler opens up about life after the military in “What Happened When Nathan Wheeler Left the Military Could Shock You.” His story is raw, real, and filled with lessons on resilience, purpose, and transformation.

Dropping this week, don’t miss it!

While you wait, catch up on past episodes and get ready for one of the most eye-opening conversations yet. Link in the comments.

#VeteranStories #MilitaryTransition #LifeAfterService #ResilienceMatters #MilprenuerPodcast #NathanWheeler #VeteranSuccess #AuthenticConversations #MilitaryLife RVO

In this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Trisha Stetzel, a U.S. Navy Veteran and dynamic business leadership coach. Trisha shares her fascinating journey from fixing fiber optics as a Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) in the 1990s to guiding female veteran entrepreneurs toward sustainable growth. They discuss the vital transition from military service to the corporate world and, ultimately, to business ownership, highlighting how the discipline and "get it done" attitude of the military are superpowers in the private sector.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the modern challenges of entrepreneurship, specifically the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining human connection. Trisha offers a compelling perspective on why AI tools like chatbots can streamline systems and SOPs but can never replace the empathy and accountability of a human leader. They also explore the concept of redefining success, moving away from purely financial metrics to a model that prioritizes time freedom, relationships, and community impact.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Translating Soft Skills: How to leverage military discipline and reliability to stand out in the civilian business world.

• The Limits of AI: Why automation aids scaling but cannot replace the critical human element of leadership.

• Community Building: The importance of re-engaging with the veteran community to find mentorship and support.

• Redefining Success: How to shift your business goals from revenue-chasing to creating a life of "permanent vacation."

• Confidence in Leadership: Why embracing leadership roles early is crucial for long-term entrepreneurial success.

About Trisha Stetzel:

Trisha Stetzel is a Navy Veteran, wife, mother, and the Board Chair for the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce. As a business coach, she specializes in helping teams build trust and communication, with a specific passion for mentoring female veteran entrepreneurs and startups.

Connect with Trisha Stetzel & Cynergists:

Trisha Stetzel Website: http://www.trishastetzel.com

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

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow veteran ready to scale their business!

#Milpreneur #VeteranBusiness #WomenVeterans #USNavy #BusinessCoaching #Leadership #AIinBusiness #ScalingUp #HoustonBusiness #entrepreneurship

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Sponsor: Cynergists

00:53 - The Yellow Pages Story: Joining the Navy

02:11 - Breaking Barriers as a Female CTM in the 90s

03:20 - Translating Military Soft Skills to Entrepreneurship

05:07 - Coaching Female Veterans & Building Trust

07:15 - "Beyond the Uniform" & The Houston Veterans Chamber

08:26 - The Evolution of Success: From Revenue to Freedom

11:15 - The Power of Unexpected Opportunities

12:25 - Finding "Home" in the Veteran Business Community

15:15 - Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Connection

18:35 - Rapid Fire: Early Birds & Mushroom Coffee

21:55 - Advice to My Younger Self: Embrace Leadership

23:20 - Future Vision: The Rural Texas Compound

What if the same skills that helped you thrive in the military could also be the key to building a powerful business and legacy? 👀

That’s the journey of Trisha Stetzel, Navy veteran, leadership mentor, and entrepreneur who turned service into strategy. But how did she do it? And what unexpected lessons shaped her path from the Navy to the boardroom?

This is one story you won’t want to miss.

While waiting for the episode to drop, click the link in the comment to watch past episodes of the Milprenuer Podcast!

#MilprenuerPodcast #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #VeteransSuccess #BusinessGrowth #PodcastInterview #NavyVeteran #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessLeadership

In this episode of the Milpreneur Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Troy MacDonald, a retired Marine Corps Major and founder of the Opulent Group. Troy shares his incredible journey of joining the Marines right before 9/11, serving 20 years, and simultaneously launching a high-growth real estate business during his final years of active duty. They discuss how the core military values of discipline, consistency, and a "don't quit" attitude provided the foundation for Troy to become a top-producing agent in Colorado immediately upon retirement.

The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of scaling a business in a volatile market. Troy explains the difference between "systems" and "leverage," offering a masterclass on how to handle massive transaction volume without sacrificing sleep or quality. They also tackle the reality of market shifts, the limitations of technology versus the value of human connection, and how to build a team culture that balances family vibes with high-performance metrics. Whether you are a veteran transitioning out or an entrepreneur looking to systemize your workflow, Troy's insights on SOPs and leadership are invaluable.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Military Discipline in Business: How to use the "don't quit" mindset to survive the 85% failure rate in real estate.

• Systems vs. Leverage: How to identify when you need a new process versus when you need to hire a person.

• Managing Client Expectations: The strategic importance of addressing potential failures before they happen.

• Adapting to Market Shifts: Why the strategies that worked in 2020 will fail in 2025 and how to pivot.

• Building Team Culture: How to lead a team that is driven by financial success but grounded in authentic connection.

About Troy MacDonald:

Troy MacDonald is a retired USMC Major and the founder of the Opulent Group, a premier real estate team based in Colorado. Leveraging two decades of military leadership, Troy helps clients navigate complex real estate transactions with precision and integrity while mentoring a team of agents to achieve financial independence.

Connect with Troy MacDonald & Cynergists:

Opulent Group Website: http://www.opulentgroup.com

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

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support veteran entrepreneurs!

#Milpreneur #OpulentGroup #RealEstateSuccess #USMC #MarineVeteran #BusinessSystems #ScalingUp #VeteranBusiness #ColoradoRealEstate #discipline

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to the Milpreneur Podcast

00:46 - Origin Story: Joining the Marines on the Eve of 9/11

02:40 - The Transition: Launching a Real Estate Career While Active Duty

03:50 - Why Military Discipline breeds Real Estate Success

05:57 - Scaling Volume: How to Manage 50-70 Transactions a Year

07:22 - Systems vs. Leverage: Avoiding Burnout through Strategy

08:43 - The Art of Setting Expectations & Solving Problems

11:10 - The Role of the Realtor: Trusted Advisor vs. Technology

12:27 - Adapting to Market Shifts: From the 2020 Boom to Now

15:47 - Building a Cohesive & High-Performing Team Culture

17:50 - Advice to Younger Self: Don't Wait for the Pension

21:13 - Rapid Fire Questions & Tattoo Stories

25:42 - Conclusion & Connect with Troy