Service Academy Business Mastermind

Click here to register for the Real Estate Investing Accelerator 2.0 Discovery Webinar on Saturday, September 18th!

"People love the content, the fact that it's military and action-based...I care about helping people get closer to their goal of financial freedom. That's it. The results people have attained has skyrocketed because of how the course is structured. We all sharpen each other. The network grows more powerful with each course we complete. We're about helping military veterans create financial freedom so they can unleash their talents on the world. We're a coalition and a family."

-Buddy (Edward) Rushing (USNA '04)

Nearly 200 people have graduated from the Real Estate Investing Accelerator led by Buddy Rushing (USNA '04) and his team at White Feather Investments. We're excited to announce the launch of Real Estate Accelerator 2.0 in January 2022! A Discovery Webinar is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th and we'd love you to join the call if you want to learn more. Ten people are already signed up and we're excited for you to hear more about it!

In this episode, we discuss:

• How the Real Estate Investing Accelerator began
• Why Buddy is taking our Real Estate Investing Accelerator the the next level
• What enabled Buddy to step up the Real Estate Accelerator
• How U.S. Service Academy grads' success stories shaped the new course
• Key themes of real estate success

We also discuss the value of rental properties as a first step towards financial freedom, VA loan hacks, ground-breaking Accelerator Member case studies, and how Buddy structured Real Estate Investing Accelerator 2.0 around interests and strategies developed and honed by military vets and U.S. Service Academy grads.

Learn more about Real Estate Accelerator 2.0:

• Real Estate Investing Accelerator

Click here to register for the Real Estate Investing Accelerator 2.0 Discovery Webinar on Saturday, September 18th!

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today.

Subscribe and help out the show:

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher
• Leave us a 5-star review!

Special thanks to Buddy for joining me this week. Until next time!

- Scott Mackes, USNA '01

"I'm really passionate about understanding as much as possible and sharing as much as possible on what it takes to be successful as a small B2B business owner...whether you're a client or not. It's a tough job and we're here to guide B2B business owners through the process."

-David Wuensch (USMA '77)

Following graduation from West Point, David served as an Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army. He went on to become a successful sales executive and now has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing and over 15 years of experience leading sales teams. David is currently President and Founder of Epoch Sales Management Solutions and also leads the B2B Circle in our 10X Vets program where he focuses on helping small B2B Business owners achieve sustainable revenue growth. His knowledge and experience when it comes to sales is second to none and he's passionate about sharing this wisdom with others.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to hire a good sales representative
• Tips for leading and managing top sales reps
• How to identify sales issues and set realistic goals
• What makes or breaks a sales team
• B2B sales tools including LinkedIn, LeadiQ, Pipedrive and more

Connect with David:

• LinkedIn
• Epoch Sales Management Solutions

David and I also discuss how his company, Epoch Sales Management Solutions, operates and how 10X Vets is helping him achieve his company goals. We also talk about B2B managers as a target market, the value of putting strong sales processes and procedures in place, and why grit and resilience are essential to building a strong sales team. David believes leadership and culture are as important as sales when it comes to company success and we couldn't agree more. In addition to developing and growing businesses, David also loves cycling, general physical fitness and supporting his Chicago Sports Teams (Bears, Bulls and Cubs).

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today.

Subscribe and help out the show:

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher
• Leave us a 5-star review!

Special thanks to David for joining me this week. Until next time!

- Scott Mackes, USNA '01

"If you can get the right tools behind you and understand where your vision will take you, there are no limits to what you can do."

- Greg Martin (USAFA '98)

Greg Martin (USAFA '98) is a Principal at The Enginuity Group in Charlotte, North Carolina where he provides boutique M&A services including buy-side advising, sell-side advising, business scaling, and other M&A services. Greg's military service established a foundation of integrity, service, and excellence, which informs every relationship that he builds and every transaction he advises. Greg is also an accounting professor. His primary research interest in financial accounting includes earnings management, fundamental analysis, audit quality, and financial reporting quality.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Greg's background and what led to his career in M&A
• What The Enginuity Group does and who they work with
• Expert insights into company valuation and buyer profiles
• Financing strategies for military veteran entrepreneurs and business owners
• Why riches are in the niches and why it's important to have a vision

Greg and I also discuss why it's essential to establish realistic goals and strategies, the importance of marketing, and the differentiation between value and price. Greg also talks about some of his goals for the future and how his military service informs all aspects of his work.

Connect with Greg:

• Greg Martin
• The Enginuity Group

Greg is also the guest speaker at our next Career Night in August. Register to attend here.

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today.

Subscribe and help out the show:

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher
• Leave us a 5-star review!

Special thanks to Greg for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

I want to share our story. Our goal is to help you figure out what your next step is. I'd love to hear from you and connect, not only with the real estate side of things, but also if you're interested in RV living, mountain biking, or traveling around America the Beautiful."

- Victor Thompson (USAFA '07)

Victor Thompson (USAFA '07) is a lifestyle entrepreneur, real estate investor, and military veteran. His successful real estate investing business, Zero Gravity REI serves the South Carolina and Georgia markets and is focused on single family and small multi-family properties. Victor is focused on becoming a master communicator and solution provider. He's passionate about building meaningful relationships and helping others exceed their potential. He believes that if you want to go far, go together. His goal is to help provide safe, clean, and affordable housing, to make his investors money, and to continue to grow his business partnership.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Victor became interested in real estate
• Why he started Zero Gravity REI, how it operates, and what his focus markets are
• The impact and unique opportunities presented by the Covid-19 pandemic
• How fellow veterans and cross country travels are helping him develop the business
• How 10X Vets is helping his business grow

Victor also shares what his big-picture company goals are, where in the USA he's visiting now, why he loves RV life, and the connections he's made that are expanding the reach of his mission. We loved hearing about all the interesting people he's met and hope his story inspires you to connect with other like-minded individuals and turn your dream into reality.

Connect with Victor:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Zero Gravity REI

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today.

Subscribe and help out the show:

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher
• Leave us a 5-star review!

Special thanks to Victor for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

David Duncavage (USMA '75) joins us on the podcast with a background very different from many of our previous guests. David was a linebacker on the West Point football team and an infantry officer before he became a Trappist monk. He then joined the corporate world, working in companies that developed cutting edge technologies. David is now an executive coach and founder of Monk Coach where he helps executives live richer lives through mindfulness and meditation.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How meditation and mindfulness fit into the business world and how David helps his clients integrate mindfulness into their professional lives
• His personal journey to stillness and the "aha" moment in his meditation practice
• How mindfulness and mediation can help you live a richer life

Connect with David:

• David Duncavage
• MonkCoach

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today.

Subscribe and help out the show:

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher
• Leave us a 5-star review!

Special thanks to David for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

"This deal reinvigorated me. Being part of the Real Estate Accelerator gave me a new focus where I applied what I learned to go after what I wanted."

- Jeff Quinn (USAFA '93)

"This is the best deal I've ever been part of. Action is the number one thing that separates the dream from reality...seize control of your fear and plow forward."

- Buddy Rushing (USNA '04)

"Money moves at the speed of trust. This deal exceeded my expectations for the Academy Fund."

- Bill Militello (USNA '92)

We're so excited about this episode! Jeff Quinn (USAFA '93), is a leader in data management and analytics and a recent alumnus of our Real Estate Investing Accelerator. He joins SABM podcast regulars Buddy Rushing (USNA '04) and Bill Militello (USNA '92) to discuss a groundbreaking Academy Fund-ed real estate deal he recently made with Buddy and the White Feather Investments team. The multi-million dollar deal's success is an absolute game-changer and the most significant we've ever seen a Real Estate Investing Accelerator member take down.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The deal, how it came to fruition and why it's incredibly groundbreaking
• How the deal made several life-changing impacts
• Why the deal set major precedent for White Feather Investments and the Academy Fund
• How the veteran network made this deal possible and extended the reach of its success
• Tips on how to handle "fear of the deal" with highly effective strategies and insights from Jeff, Buddy and Bill

Bill and Scott also share how the Academy Fund began just over one year ago, why this deal exceeded everyone's expectations, and why we just can't stop talking about it! We hope it inspires you to connect with your fellow Academy grads and military vets and encourages you on your journey!

Connect with Jeff, Bill and Buddy:

• Jeff Quinn
• Buddy Rushing
• Bill Millitello

Learn more about the Academy Fund.

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today.

Subscribe and help out the show:

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher
• Leave us a 5-star review!

Special thanks to Jeff, Buddy and Bill for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

Ty Rose (USNA '06) is a Managing Director at Oaklins Capital Alliance, a leading international mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and financial advisory firm. In his role as Managing Director, Ty focuses on working with business owners to capitalize on acquisition opportunities.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The typical process Oaklins walks business owners through to achieve a successful sale
• Common problems that need to be fixed in order to prepare a business for acquisition
• The importance of understanding a seller's motivation and how Oaklins works to find sellers while maintaining confidentiality

Connect with Ty:

• Ty Rose
• Oaklins Capital Alliance

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today.

Subscribe and help out the show:

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher
• Leave us a 5-star review!

Special thanks to Ty for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

John Schwartz (USMA '86) is the Founder and President of the Center For Combating Elder Financial Abuse. His Center is focused on reducing elder financial abuse by providing innovative detection and prevention solutions. Prior to establishing the Center, John served his country for over three decades in the Army and FBI.

In this episode, we discuss:

• His best tips for preventing elderly financial abuse for our listeners and their loved ones
• His personal connection to the Center's mission
• The experiences from West Point and the FBI that are helping him pursue his new mission

Connect with John:

• John Schwartz
• Center For Combating Elder Financial Abuse

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today.

Subscribe and help out the show:

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher
• Leave us a 5-star review!

Special thanks to John for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

Dan Yokoyama (USMA '05) is a commercial insurance broker with Clarke & Sampson, a company focused on helping business owners mitigate risk. Although Dan never dreamed of being in the insurance field, he has become very passionate about helping business owners protect their businesses with commercial insurance.

In this episode, we discuss:

• His tips for the type of insurance coverage every business owner should have
• His process for helping customers determine the coverage they need
• The biggest mistakes business owners make as it relates to insurance
• The Clarke & Sampson 4Vets program which delivers first-rate insurance services to veteran-led companies while supporting veteran charities

Connect with Dan:

• Dan Yokoyama
• Clarke & Sampson

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today.

Subscribe and help out the show:

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher
• Leave us a 5-star review!

Special thanks to Dan for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

Chase Hobby (USNA '07) is the Co-Founder of VRB Labs, a CBD company focused on optimizing physical and cognitive performance. Coming off active duty, Chase and his business partner Evan Seale (USMA '10) joined forces while at Wharton Business School to create a company focused on creating a clean, safe, and effective CBD product for elite military veterans.

In this episode, we discuss:

• His personal story of how CBD helped him sleep better which made him a believer in the product
• How a shared background and value system with a fellow Academy grad resulted in a strong business partnership
• A special discount code for the SABM community for 20% off VRB products

Connect with Chase:

• Chase Hobby
• VRB Labs

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today.

Subscribe and help out the show:

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher
• Leave us a 5-star review!

Special thanks to Chase for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01