Service Academy Business Mastermind

"They've run hundreds of missions out here, and they're an incredibly nimble group. They create their missions the day before, and then they push out that morning with those missions." - Alex Jarbo, U.S. Marine Corps '13 - '17

This podcast is a slight departure from the regular SABM Podcast episode because of the hurricanes that have devastated communities in the southeastern U.S. For this episode, we interviewed Alex Jarbo, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, 10X Vets Member, and resident of Asheville, North Carolina – an area that has been heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. Alex and a team of heroic volunteers are working to help local residents with rescue and reconstruction efforts. In this episode, Alex describes his first-hand experience of what's been happening on the ground and how people are coming together to help. To support their efforts, please consider donating to their GoFundMe campaign.

How You Can Help

As of this writing, 60 consistent volunteers, who will be up to 100 by this weekend, are running missions to help stranded, isolated, and hurricane-impacted residents in Western North Carolina There is an immediate need of $65,000 that will go towards chainsaws, fuel, and other supplies, with the eventual goal being $1,000,000, which will go into rebuilding roads and bridges in Western North Carolina.

The team is doing incredible work. For example, there's an IV bag shortage and they were able to secure 10,000 IV Bags even before FEMA was able to, as FEMA is managing relief in multiple geographical areas impacted by multiple hurricanes.

Equip Aerial Recovery Volunteers to Rebuild Western North Carolina After Hurricane Helene

• GoFundMe
• Updates on Instagram

As a seasoned expert in the short-term rental industry, Alex Jarbo owns 16 successful properties and founded Open Atlas, an investment and management firm dedicated to developing and acquiring distinctive short-term rentals worldwide. Over the past seven years, Alex has coached over 5,000 students and provided personalized guidance to more than 300 individuals, helping them build thriving vacation rental businesses. He is the lead writer on short-term rentals for BiggerPockets, a real estate investing community, where his blog posts have reached over 500,000 readers in the past year. Alex's ambitious goal is to develop or acquire 1,000 unique micro resort units within the next five years.

Prior to his entrepreneurial journey, Alex served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 4.5 years as part of the Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. He holds an MBA specializing in Real Estate Development and is completing a Doctorate in Business with a focus on Leadership.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The unexpected impact of Hurricane Helene on inland areas, such as Asheville, North Carolina, including severe flooding, which has not been seen in over 100 years.
• The initial lack of communication and awareness about the severity of the storm, including the loss of cell phone reception, and the overwhelmed 911 emergency system.
• Alex and his wife turning their bed and breakfast property, Engadine Inn and Cabins, into a base for relief operations.
• The partnership with Aerial Recovery Group, a nonprofit organization specializing in disaster recovery, and how they joined forces to respond to the crisis.
• How relief efforts have evolved quickly, starting with an initial team of 8-10 volunteers, then 50, and with expectations the team will soon grow to more than 200 people.
• The diverse range of missions conducted by the relief team, including aerial rescues, road clearing, food and supply delivery, and medical assistance.
• The involvement of diverse helpers, including ex-special forces personnel, general contractors, electricians, and even local Amish taking horses into areas inaccessible to vehicles.
• The challenges faced by the local community, such as the collapse of Asheville's water system and the destruction of key infrastructure, including concrete and gravel factories.
• The fundraising efforts initiated by Alex and his team to support the relief operations, with a goal of raising $1 million.
• The focus on acquiring essential equipment, like heavy-duty chainsaws and communication gear, to enhance the efficiency of rescue and recovery operations.
• The potential long-term impact of these private relief efforts, emphasizing speed and flexibility, in responding to community needs.

Help Equip Aerial Recovery Volunteers to Rebuild Western North Carolina in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

• GoFundMe
• Updates on Instagram

Connect with Alex:

• LinkedIn
• Engadine Inns and Cabins

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

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

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

Are you a real estate investor in need of financing for your next investment property? If so, the Academy Fund has you covered! Whether you need short term financing for "fix-and-flip" projects, land development, or new construction or you need long term financing for single family or multi family rentals, we are your reliable financial partner. Our mission is to bridge the gaps often left by conventional banking institutions, making sure your real estate dreams become reality.

And for accredited investors looking to earn purpose driven passive income while supporting military veteran real estate investors, the Academy Fund is the perfect opportunity. Our short term loans are powered by capital from investors like you, who receive monthly distributions.

To learn more, visit AcademyFund.com.

Are you ready to connect, grow, and have some serious fun? Reserve your spot now for our upcoming event at The Tampa Club in Tampa, Florida, on January 28th. Space is limited to just 30 participants, so act fast to secure your place.

Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and personal growth alongside like-minded individuals who share your values and ambitions.

To learn more and reserve your spot, visit 10xvets.com/events.

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If you've ever worked on a really high performing team, it's just awesome. Everything seems easy. It's easier to come to work. Challenges seem easier. You're in a better mood when you go home." –Caleb Mancuso

Caleb Mancuso is a Founding Partner at Ayres Advisory Partners, a strategic business consultancy that specializes in helping mid-size and privately-held companies build organizational success. Caleb's diverse professional experience spans roles in military intelligence, plant management, logistics, and operations leadership. As a former U.S. Army officer with over five years of service, Caleb held various leadership roles, including Intelligence Program Officer and Program Director. Caleb's mission is to assist business owners in achieving new levels of success by identifying employee talents, setting clear goals, fine tuning business strategy, and fostering team engagement. His unique blend of military discipline and business acumen makes him a valuable asset in guiding high-caliber teams and driving organizational success. Caleb is currently writing a book about building high-performing teams.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Caleb leveraged his experience from the Army to create his company Ayres Advisory Partners, which specializes in building high-performing teams.
• HIs experience serving as a Fire Detection Officer in the United Arab Emirates when ISIS took over a large portion of Iraq and Syria.
• The importance of role fit, as illustrated by the story of an E7 NCO who flourished in a new position during deployment.
• How he uses the Judgment Index™ tool to assess decision-making abilities and improve team performance and how it can be used by private equity and VC firms to screen potential investments and avoid "red flags" with founders.
• How to reduce employee turnover as exemplified by a health insurance company's success story.
• The value of partnerships and networking in business growth, particularly through programs like 10X Vets.
• Insights into writing a book, including setting a consistent writing schedule and knowing when to stop.
• Caleb's approach to goal-setting and his shot- and long-term visions for Ayres Advisory Partners.
• The challenges and opportunities of working with mid-sized, privately held companies

Connect with Caleb

• LinkedIn
• [email protected]
• Ayres Advisory Partners

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 & Spotify
• Leave us a 5-star review!

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

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

Are you a real estate investor in need of financing for your next investment property? If so, the Academy Fund has you covered! Whether you need short term financing for "fix-and-flip" projects, land development, or new construction or you need long term financing for single family or multi family rentals, we are your reliable financial partner. Our mission is to bridge the gaps often left by conventional banking institutions, making sure your real estate dreams become reality.

And for accredited investors looking to earn purpose driven passive income while supporting military veteran real estate investors, the Academy Fund is the perfect opportunity. Our short term loans are powered by capital from investors like you, who receive monthly distributions.

To learn more, visit AcademyFund.com.

Are you ready to connect, grow, and have some serious fun? Reserve your spot now for our upcoming event at The Tampa Club in Tampa, Florida, on January 28th. Space is limited to just 30 participants, so act fast to secure your place.

Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and personal growth alongside like-minded individuals who share your values and ambitions.

To learn more and reserve your spot, visit 10xvets.com/events.

__

Nate Lamb is the Marketing Director at Joint Forces Roofing, a veteran-owned commercial roofing company dedicated to providing top-tier roofing solutions with integrity and excellence. The team, made up of veterans and industry experts, is committed to delivering superior service and quality workmanship. Honoring their military roots, they infuse discipline, commitment, and a strong work ethic into every aspect of their work. Nate is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He further enhanced his business acumen by completing an MBA at Johns Hopkins University's Carey Business School.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Nate's unique path as an older student at the Naval Academy and how he over-compensated for his self-described lack of "smarts" with hard work and dedication.
• Nate's transition from naval service to the roofing industry, and how he identified a customer-centric niche in roof life extension services.
• The unique approach of Joint Forces Roofing, focusing on rehabilitating and extending the life of existing commercial roofs instead of pushing premature replacements on customers.
• Nate's short-term and long-term revenue goals for the company, and his commitment to growing the business for the long haul.
• The importance of educating potential clients about a novel approach and getting them to understand the benefits.
• How the combination of Nate's experience at the Naval Academy and his MBA program prepared him for entrepreneurship.
• The value Nate finds in the veteran entrepreneur community for networking and business development.

Connect with Nate Lamb:

• LinkedIn
• Joint Forces Roofing
• (443) 454-3369
• [email protected]

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.

Are you a real estate investor in need of financing for your next investment property? If so, the Academy Fund has you covered! Whether you need short term financing for "fix-and-flip" projects, land development, or new construction or you need long term financing for single family or multi family rentals, we are your reliable financial partner. Our mission is to bridge the gaps often left by conventional banking institutions, making sure your real estate dreams become reality.

And for accredited investors looking to earn purpose driven passive income while supporting military veteran real estate investors, the Academy Fund is the perfect opportunity. Our short term loans are powered by capital from investors like you, who receive monthly distributions.

To learn more, visit AcademyFund.com.

Are you ready to connect, grow, and have some serious fun? Reserve your spot now for our upcoming event at The Tampa Club in Tampa, Florida, on January 28th. Space is limited to just 30 participants, so act fast to secure your place.

Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and personal growth alongside like-minded individuals who share your values and ambitions.

To learn more and reserve your spot, visit 10xvets.com/events.

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"That's actually why I started calling myself 'Iron' Mike. It wasn't because of the boxing ring. It was suggestive. But it was really because I had to give myself a mental pep talk during COVID, when I had spent all this time building something, and to virtually see it go to zero overnight. Luckily, I was able to bounce back." –"Iron" Mike Steadman, USNA '10

"Iron" Mike Steadman is a dynamic entrepreneur, business coach, and brand builder who specializes in helping "underdogs" and "misfits" launch successful brands. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and former Marine Corps infantry officer with deployments to Afghanistan, Japan, and the Philippines, Mike is also a three-time national boxing champion.

He is the founder of the nonprofit IRONBOUND Boxing as well as the business and consulting companies IRONBOUND Media, Flawless Acceleration, and The MisFits Branding & Design Co. Mike is also the author of Black Veteran Entrepreneur, and he's working on his second book, Dog Whistle Branding. In addition, he hosts two podcasts.

Mike says he became "Iron" Mike during the COVID pandemic when he had to keep his newly opened boxing gym alive despite shutdowns and little support. As a Hoover Veteran Fellow at Stanford University and a mentor for Techstars, he's made it his mission to support and empower underrepresented entrepreneurs. Mike's diverse experience and resilient spirit fuel his mission to "lift as he climbs," helping others overcome adversity and build impactful businesses and brands.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Mike transitioned from a three-time national boxing champion to a multifaceted business owner who empowers underrepresented entrepreneurs.
• Mike's entrepreneurial journey from founding the nonprofit IRONBOUND Boxing to weathering the storms of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, how he got through it, and why he gave himself the nickname "Iron" Mike.
• How Mike went on to found other businesses, including IRONBOUND Media and The MisFits Branding & Design Co., offering services in branding, marketing, and business coaching.
• The importance of category design in marketing, using examples like Red Stripe's "Jamaican beer" category to illustrate how businesses can create their own niches.
• His first big deal, which set the stage for The MisFits' business model and suite of services.
• The importance of creating adaptive brand identities that can evolve as a business does.
• How his approach to business and branding emphasizes "creative bravery" and helping underdogs and misfits build impactful businesses.
• His mission to "lift as he climbs," supporting fellow entrepreneurs as he grows his own businesses.

Connect with Mike Steadman:

• LinkedIn
• [email protected]

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 & Spotify
• Leave us a 5-star review!

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

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

"Having served in the military, having that leadership experience, having gone to a service academy, I think that we can optimize things really well. We're relatively decent with technology. And so rather than having to invent a business, our skill sets work pretty well with – let's buy a Mom and Pop business and bring it into this century. Modernize things and make it work more efficiently." –Carl Dieckmann

Carl Dieckmann is a commercial real estate broker at Emily Dieckmann Real Estate Team in Lago Vista, Texas, a firm he co-owns and runs with his wife Emily, which is one of the top producing brokerages in the Austin area. As a real estate investor, Carl has over a decade of experience flipping properties, managing buy-and-hold properties, and purchasing tax foreclosures. A serial entrepreneur, in 2020 Carl purchased Snowblaze Ski Shop in Angel Fire, New Mexico. In doing so, he acquired one of the most prime commercial property locations in Angel Fire along with additional land that's earmarked for future development. In 2021, Carl teamed up with retired military veteran Ismael Reyna to start CJ Site Works, a tree clearing and dirt work business servicing Northwest Austin. Carl also leads a team of five in a syndication to develop a 120-pad RV park in New Braunfels, Texas. In addition to running his businesses, Carl is a part-time military reservist in the 701st COS supporting the Korean Theater.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How a risky move from Las Vegas, Nevada to be closer to family near Austin, Texas opened up a wave of new opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
• How Carl and his wife Emily turned a real estate business that made only $5,000 its first year into one of the top producing brokerages in the Austin, Texas area.
• Opening up and running a ski shop on the fly, right before ski season opens, and coercing your kids into cleaning skis when they're returned.
• Why RV parks can be a good investment and the kinds of challenges you can face setting them up.
• Getting expert help to fill in for your own skill gaps.

Carl Dieckmann's journey from Air Force pilot to multi-faceted entrepreneur highlights how seemingly simple "Mom and Pop" type local businesses can turn into big opportunities while diversifying your business interests. After a risky move from Las Vegas to the Austin area, Carl and his wife Emily transformed a struggling real estate brokerage into one of the top-producing firms in the area. Carl's entrepreneurial spirit led him to expand beyond real estate, acquiring Snowblaze Ski Shop in New Mexico and co-founding CJ Site Works, a land clearing business, with a fellow vet. His latest venture involves developing a 120-pad RV park, demonstrating his ability to identify new business trends.

Carl's story illustrates how embracing change, leveraging local opportunities, and filling skill gaps with expert help can lead to success in different niches. His experiences remind us that entrepreneurial growth often comes from being adaptable, taking calculated risks, and continuously exploring new business avenues while maintaining a strong foundation in core competencies.

Connect with Carl Dieckmann:

• LinkedIn
• Team Dieckmann Commercial
• Snowblaze Ski Shop
• CJ Site Works
• [email protected]

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 & Spotify
• Leave us a 5-star review!

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

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

"One of the things that the military really does well to prepare entrepreneurs is creating the ability to be comfortable in an environment with a lot of unknowns, that's highly dynamic, and rolling with the punches with whatever's thrown at you." -Zach Scheel, U.S. Navy Veteran

Zach Scheel is the CEO and Co-founder of Rhumbix, a mobile technology company that empowers construction workers to capture accurate, real-time data in the field while providing project managers with data-driven insights to dramatically improve site safety and labor productivity. Zach has led Rhumbix from its inception in 2014 to the company being recognized as the Forbes #8 Veteran Startup in the U.S. He holds a BSE in mechanical engineering and mathematics from Duke University and an MS/MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. From 2006-2011, Zach served as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer in the U.S. Navy while stationed in the Republic of Djibouti and as an Assistant Public Works Officer and Assistant Resident Officer in the Greater Seattle Area. He is a California Board Certified Professional Engineer, an LEED Accredited Professional, and an active member of YPO. He is passionate about leveraging technology to improve construction efficiency and worker safety.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Zach's career in the Navy as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer, managing large construction projects and facing technology limitations in the field.
• The inspiration for Rhumbix, drawn from Zach's military experience and exposure to systems like Blue Force Tracker while working in the Horn of Africa in Djibouti.
• Rhumbix's focus on field and workforce management for contractors and digitizing workflows, like timekeeping, production tracking, and safety compliance.
• The company's emphasis on user-friendly mobile applications designed specifically for field workers.
• Rhumbix's journey from a venture-backed startup to approaching profitability, with a shift in focus from hypergrowth to unit economics.
• The challenges faced by the construction industry, including skilled labor shortages and the need for increased productivity.
• Challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including workforce reductions and transitioning to remote work.
• Zach's goals for Rhumbix, including becoming the software of choice for craft workers in the construction industry.

Connect with Zach:

• LinkedIn
• Rhumbix
• [email protected]

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 & Spotify
• Leave us a 5-star review!

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

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

"Do what you have to do in this industry to be successful, and what that usually entails is being uncomfortable and putting yourself out there… Every single time you put yourself out there, you're kind of shedding off a little bit of this ego." -Shawn Cleary

Shawn Cleary is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in the Charleston, South Carolina area. Prior to his career in real estate, he served in the U.S. Navy for over 11 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. During his naval career, Shawn served as a Submarine Officer and held various other positions including Shift Engineer at the Naval Prototype Training Unit and Naval Science Instructor at The Citadel. Shawn's educational background includes a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 2016. His diverse experience in naval operations and engineering provides a unique foundation for his current work in real estate.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Shawn's transition from Naval Submarine Officer to being on track to become the #1 real estate agent in Charleston, South Carolina within two years of getting his license.
• How living with roommates sparked his real estate investing fire.
• How military training can give you the skills for your next gig but how you have to let go of your ego when switching careers.
• Embracing the idea that everything is sales.
• The value of continuous learning through books, podcasts, and YouTube videos to become a knowledgeable expert in your craft.
• Strategies for building a personal brand, including having a consistent social media presence, and mirroring what other successful people do.
• The challenges and importance of scaling a business and building a team.
• Advice for aspiring real estate agents, investors, and entrepreneurs, on overcoming limiting beliefs and embracing discomfort to be successful.
• Why Charleston is a great place to live and do business.

Shawn Cleary, a former Naval Submarine Officer turned successful Realtor, joins us in this podcast episode to share his remarkable journey from military service to being on track to become the #1 real estate agent in Charleston, South Carolina. Drawing from his experiences in naval operations and engineering, Shawn discusses how he leveraged his military training while letting go of his ego to excel in his new career. In our conversation, Shawn reveals the strategies that propelled his rapid success, including continuous learning, personal branding, and embracing discomfort. He also delves into the challenges of scaling a real estate business and building a team, offering valuable insights for aspiring agents, investors, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, Shawn shares his perspective on why Charleston is a thriving business and lifestyle hub. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in a career transition or who's interested in real estate or working on personal development.

Connect with Shawn

• LinkedIn
• ShawnClearyHomes.com
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram

Book and Podcast Recommendations

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller
• Books by Bigger Pockets Publishing
• Real Estate Rockstars Podcast
• The Millionaire Real Estate Podcast

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 & Spotify
• Leave us a 5-star review!

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

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

"I think people can't give their own personal agency away. I talk to a lot of veterans that kind of throw up their hands, 'Oh, the VA isn't giving me the help that I need.' Well, hey, man, take responsibility for your own life. You've got to figure this sh-t out. And we're here to help you." –Scottie Schneider

Scottie Schneider is a military veteran, West Point graduate, and the founder of Waking Warrior, a community and support system for military veterans who are experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse issues, and thoughts of suicide. Based in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, Scottie is adept at using traditional plant medicine, including hallucinogens, as part of the psychological healing process.

A West Point graduate with a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering and Russian language, Scottie served as an Army officer from 2005 to 2012, where he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Following his military service, Scottie embarked on a successful career in sales for a number of technology companies, where he mentored teams and developed an expertise in strategic relationships, key account management, sales operations, and revenue generation. Despite his business success, he also dealt with severe depression, substance abuse issues, and thoughts of suicide, which put him on a path of personal and spiritual exploration and, ultimately, healing.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Scottie's journey from West Point graduate to salesperson and his struggles with depression and alcoholism after leaving the military.
• The role of plant medicines and psychedelics in Scottie's personal healing process.
• The founding of Waking Warrior, an online community and support system for military veterans dealing with mental health challenges and substance abuse.
• The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, especially for men and veterans transitioning to civilian life.
• Scottie's approach to personal development, including the concept of "skill stacking" and focusing on building systems rather than just goals.
• The challenges of identity restructuring for veterans after leaving the military, and how Waking Warrior aims to address this.
• Alternative healing methods, from breathwork to meditation and beyond, and how experimenting with different modalities can help veterans coping with PTSD and other mental health issues find the right tools to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Scottie Schneider's journey from West Point graduate to founder of Waking Warrior, a community and support system for veterans, is a testament to the power of personal and spiritual transformation and the importance of addressing mental health in the veteran community.

After serving as an Army officer in Fairbanks, Alaska, Scottie faced his own battles with depression and alcoholism upon leaving the military. His struggle led him to explore alternative healing methods, including plant medicines and psychedelics, which played a crucial role in his personal recovery.

Drawing from his experiences and leveraging his diverse skill set – which spans from environmental engineering to sales and technology – Scottie founded Waking Warrior. This online community and support system aims to help military veterans grappling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

Scottie's approach emphasizes the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and personal growth. Waking Warrior encourages veterans to explore various healing modalities, from breathwork to meditation and other systems, recognizing that each individual's path to recovery is unique. By addressing the challenges of identity restructuring and promoting "skill stacking," Scottie and Waking Warrior are working to provide veterans with the tools they need to thrive in civilian life and rediscover their sense of purpose.

Connect with Scottie:

• LinkedIn
• www.wakingwarrior.org
• [email protected]

Scottie's book recommendations from the podcast:

• Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
• How to Fail at Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams
• 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan Peterson

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 & Spotify
• Leave us a 5-star review!

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

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

"I talked to a lot of people, and it was really surprising to me – the low levels of service that are prevalent in this industry. And a lot of the way we will win is by simply doing what we say we're going to do… We think we can bring more value, especially for someone who's in the e-commerce space and looking to be multichannel…" –Eric Lobdell

Eric Lobdell is the founder of Thrive 3PL, Lonestar Trade, and Lobdell Capital, companies that offer warehousing, fulfillment, and logistics solutions to help launch and scale e-commerce businesses. Eric turned a career in commercial real estate and a side hustle selling supplements on Amazon into a collection of companies that help their clients focus on growing their businesses and achieving success in the competitive e-commerce market.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The founding of Thrive 3PL, a third-party logistics company offering fulfillment services for e-commerce and other businesses.
• Eric's journey from running an Amazon reselling business to starting a commercial real estate venture and eventually launching Thrive 3PL.
• How Eric's colleague Robert Parr joined the company, transitioning from a career in tech and professional soccer coaching to e-commerce and logistics.
• How Eric's other companies, Lonestar Trade and Lobdell Capital, fit into the mix.
• The company's vision for growth, including plans for expansion, and navigating the changing e-commerce business landscape that is largely dominated by Amazon.

Eric's journey from Amazon reseller to logistics innovator showcases the power of entrepreneurial adaptation. Eric explains how hurdles he faced in a side hustle selling supplements on Amazon led him to explore commercial real estate and warehousing as a tangible asset. This pivot unexpectedly paved the way for Thrive 3PL, a third-party logistics company born from the intersection of e-commerce expertise and real estate experience. By identifying the underserved needs of small to medium-sized e-commerce businesses, Eric and his team created a solution that combines warehouse management and fulfillment, cutting-edge software, and personalized service to help their customers thrive. Their story reminds us that entrepreneurial success often comes from leveraging past experiences to solve new problems and turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.

Connect with Eric Lobdell:

• LinkedIn
• Thrive 3PL
• Lonestar Trade
• [email protected]

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 & Spotify
• Leave us a 5-star review!

Special thanks to Eric and Robert for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01

"Let us show you how competitive we can be, how well we service, how well we support your draw and your rehab and construction efforts and let that speak for itself. Words are one thing, but action... I put a lot more stock in that." -Jason Hutton

Jason Hutton is the Managing Director of Academy Fund, a gateway for military veteran real estate investors to obtain flexible and competitively-priced capital to support their projects. In turn, these loans generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and ongoing passive income for Academy Fund investors. With nearly 25 years of experience as a senior executive, Jason has led organizations across various industries, managed multi-million dollar P&Ls, and has been involved in over $28 billion in loans. His expertise spans leadership, negotiations, strategic planning, and relationship management. Jason is a West Point graduate ('95) and he holds an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business. He is committed to mentoring veterans and aspiring Academy graduates and helping them to achieve their financial goals.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Jason's career path leading up to his work at Academy Fund, including being the SVP and COO at Sherman Bridge, where he overhauled the company's prospecting, deal management, and CRM processes, resulting in over 2,300 loans valued at $500 million in less than two years.
• How Jason joined Academy Fund and his quick implementation of new products, including a 30-year financing option for real estate investors.
• The Academy Fund's focus on providing flexible financing options for military veteran real estate investors, including purchase, rehab, and ground-up construction financing for single-family and multifamily properties.
• Advice for real estate investors, emphasizing the importance of market research, proper planning, and open communication with lenders.
• Jason's goals for Academy Fund, including expanding the team, improving technology, and potentially doubling or tripling the business within the next two years, making it the premier lender for veteran and academy graduate real estate investors in the United States.

Jason Hutton is the Managing Director of Academy Fund. As a West Point graduate with an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business and a former SVP and COO at Sherman Bridge, Jason brings nearly 25 years of senior executive experience to his role at Academy Fund. In this podcast interview with Service Academy founder Scott Mackes, Jason shares insights from his impressive career as well as his big goals to expand Academy Fund's team, improve its technology, and grow the business in the coming years, making it the premier lender for veteran and academy graduate real estate investors in the United States.

Connect with Jason:

• LinkedIn
• [email protected]
• (214) 205-7492
• https://www.academyfund.com/

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 & Spotify
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Special thanks to Jason for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA '01