From Navy SEAL to Venture Builder:
Nuri Golan on Turning Elite Operators into Elite Entrepreneurs

In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie are joined by Nuri Golan, a man who proves that elite performance doesn’t end when the uniform comes off — it evolves.
A Veteran and Officer in the Israeli Navy SEALs, Nuri transitioned from high-stakes maritime operations to high-impact venture creation. Today, he is a serial entrepreneur, startup advisor, investor, and Managing Partner of Vetted — a powerful platform helping combat veterans build world-class companies.
In this episode, Nuri shares how the mindset forged in special operations becomes a competitive advantage in the startup arena.

Building & Exiting Multiple Companies
Nuri’s entrepreneurial track record is nothing short of remarkable:
·         Co-Founder & CEO of EXO Technologies (acquired by Lear Corporation)
·         Co-Founder of Navmatic (acquired by Superpedestrian)
·         Co-Founder of Sosivio
After EXO’s acquisition, Nuri went on to lead Lear’s corporate venture arm — investing in startups and venture funds, gaining firsthand insight into what separates promising founders from scalable operators.
He brings a rare perspective: he’s been the founder, the acquirer, and the investor.

Vetted: Unlocking the Entrepreneurial Power of Combat Veterans
Today, Nuri serves as Managing Partner of Vetted — an education, acceleration, and investment platform designed specifically for combat veterans from the U.S. and Israel.
Through:
·         The Vetted Startup Accelerator
·         The Alpha-Bet Entrepreneurship Program
Vetted equips veterans with:
·         Hands-on mentorship
·         Early-stage funding
·         Tactical business education
·         A powerful cross-border founder & investor network
The mission is clear: transform operational excellence into entrepreneurial success.

Bridging Two Innovation Powerhouses
As an Israeli-American, Nuri is passionate about strengthening collaboration between U.S. and Israeli veteran communities — two ecosystems known for innovation, resilience, and leadership.
He believes elite combat veterans represent one of the most untapped entrepreneurial resources in the world — disciplined, decisive, mission-driven leaders ready to build companies that matter.
This conversation with Nuri Golan delivers powerful insight from someone who has operated — and succeeded — at the highest levels.

 In this episode you will hear:
• By the time he was 19 or 20 [my grandfather] had already graduated from college and was in the U.S. Army. (8:31)
• You don’t have to precheck in Israel because it’s mandatory service for Israeli’s. (9:25)
• We saw our family with tattoos on their arms from death camps and concentration camps they were sent to. (19:19)
• In Israel, all of our officers are “Mustangs.” (Prior enlisted and then cross over to become officers) (26:51)
• In Israel, you don’t really have a lot of senior enlisted guys, especially operators. The most senior guys – the ones with the most experience – are officers. (30:11)
Israeli Arabs, who are Israeli citizens, don’t have to serve. Ulta orthodox Jews are also exempt from service. (31:44)
• [Marcus] Do something for your people. (37:01)
• I really wanted to help create a program to help show them [combat veterans] how to utilize the skills they got from their military training and service in the business world, because I realized that a lot of the skills that I got from the military is what helped me become a successful entrepreneur.0 (40:46)
• Our program is open to all combat veterans from U.S and Israel. We also started an entrepreneurship school.0 (43:53)
• Hamas operators don’t walk around with rifles. (57:51)
• Their command centers are all under Mosques and hospitals by design. (58:37)
• There’s always conflict so you’ll go to Tel-Aviv in the middle of the war and you’ll still see people on the beach playing volleyball, and out at restaurants. We have to continue to go on. That’s how you fight terrorism. (61:36)
• Israel is one of the most important partners that the United States has in the global landscape. (66:36)

Support Nuri:
- https://accelerator.thevetted.vc/ 
Support TNQ
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  -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit

Sponsors:
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Protecting the Voiceless: Bill Waybourn on Human Trafficking and Hidden Abuse

This week, Marcus and Melanie sit down with one of Texas’ most respected law enforcement leaders and advocates for the vulnerable — Sheriff Bill Waybourn.
With more than three decades of service, Bill’s career has been defined by courage, conviction, and a relentless commitment to protecting both communities and the voiceless.
From pioneering groundbreaking DWI reform programs to shaping Texas firearm legislation, Bill has stood at the intersection of public safety, constitutional rights, and moral responsibility.
But beyond the badge, Bill’s story is also one of deep compassion — especially when it comes to children in need.
Bill served 31 years as Chief of Police in Dalworthington Gardens, where he became a recognized expert witness and leader in statewide criminal justice reform.
He is credited with pioneering the Texas “No Refusal” DWI program, a model that has significantly reduced drunk driving fatalities and has since been adopted by multiple states.
Bill has also testified before the Texas Legislature on a myriad of key issues.
Bill is especially honored to have helped pass the Chris Kyle Bill, which streamlines the process for military servicemen and women transitioning into law enforcement careers.
His dedication to veterans and service members reflects a lifelong commitment to those who have sacrificed for this country.
During his first term as Sheriff, Bill launched several nationally recognized initiatives, including a Human Trafficking Unit, a Department of Intelligence, aggressive inmate service programs, less-than-lethal training expansion, and cutting-edge departmental reforms.
Bill and his wife Laura Waybourn are the proud parents of ten children, eight of whom have been adopted.
Together, they are passionate advocates for children without families, and their lives are rooted in service far beyond law enforcement.

A Heartbreaking Story of Survival: Alyssa
One of the most emotional moments in this episode comes as Bill shares the story of his foster daughter Alyssa, who endured horrific medical abuse as a toddler.
He recounts how Alyssa was severely malnourished, weighing only 18 pounds, dehydrated, and tragically harmed by her biological mother through Munchausen syndrome by proxy — a form of abuse where caregivers fabricate illness for attention or control.
Under proper medical care, Alyssa began to flourish — but her story shines a light on a rarely discussed form of child abuse that demands awareness and action.
This conversation is equal parts intense, inspiring, and deeply human — a reminder that real leadership means protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

In this episode you will hear:

• My dad believed in practical lessons. After bragging that I was the best cowboy on the ground today, and my dad put me on a Bramer steer. I lasted about a second and a half on that ride. He went from there teaching about humility, and how it’s a biblical principle, and I needed to learn about that. (9:10)
• One of the things that the Air Force did well is that they taught you leadership, independence, and discipline all at the same time. (15:56)
• I was 24 years old, and the Police Chief resigned. The city council interviewed a bunch of people and about an hour and a half later, they called me back and said, “You’re the Chief.” (20:34)
• [Marcus] Q: Explain to me the difference between a constable, a police officer, and a sheriff. (A: Starts at 22:40 and runs thru 28:14)
• There’ve been some great moments throughout my career. My [most memorable events] were surrounded by life-saving stuff. (30:57)
• As Sheriff, I was blessed to make a human trafficking unit. We are now moving close to 1,200 rescues. (31:42)
• Our daughter, Alyssa, at 3 ½ years old, weighed 18 pounds, and was on 17 meds and a feeding tube. She went septic. It was later proved that her biological mother put human feces and urine into her feeding tube. (34:34)
• We were honored that God called us to take her in. (40:36)
• I met Chris Kyle right after he came home in ’09. (55:29)

Support Bill:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sheriffwaybourn?igsh=cHU1eWt6djMzdGF3

Support TNQ
  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
  -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit

Sponsors:
  - Navyfederal.org     
  - selectquote.com/TNQ
  - davidprotein.com/TNQ
  - mizzenandmain.com   [Promo code: TNQ20]
   - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Dripdrop.com/TNQ
  - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ]
  - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes
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Forged by Fire: Jesse James on Craftsmanship, Controversy, and Reinvention

This week, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Jesse James, one of the most influential custom motorcycle builders of the modern era. A fabricator at heart and an old-school craftsman by trade, Jesse is best known as the founder of West Coast Choppers, a brand that redefined the custom chopper world with raw metal, rigid frames, and uncompromising attention to detail.
Jesse’s journey began in his mother’s garage, where he learned the art of fabrication under the mentorship of legendary hot rod builder Boyd Coddington. What started as a passion for building with his hands quickly evolved into a full-scale operation in Long Beach, California—one that would grow to employ more than 50 people and produce hand-built motorcycles commanding prices from $50,000 to $150,000.
His rise to national fame came through the Discovery Channel’s Motorcycle Mania, which gave viewers an unfiltered look into his shop, his process, and his relentless standards. That exposure led to Monster Garage, cementing Jesse as a household name and a defining figure in reality-based automotive television.
Known for crafting—not assembling—his bikes, Jesse’s signature style emphasizes stretched frames, precision metalwork, and function-driven design over flash. His work has been commissioned by high-profile clients including Kid Rock and Shaquille O'Neal, further solidifying his influence across culture, sports, and entertainment.
In 2010, after facing both personal and business challenges, Jesse closed the original West Coast Choppers headquarters and relocated to Texas. There, he rebuilt—both personally and professionally—continuing to create custom machines and expanding into new ventures, including firearms manufacturing and direct-to-consumer media through platforms like OTLW.tv.
In this episode, Jesse opens up about learning discipline and skill the hard way, building a brand from nothing, the cost of fame and fast success, and why craftsmanship, grit, and honesty still matter
This is a raw, no-nonsense conversation about earning your skills, owning your mistakes, and building something real—one weld at a time.

In this episode you will hear:
• I went to Iraq in ’03, a month after we invaded. We did a USO tour and Kid Rock went and invited me. Nobody from USO knew who I was, so I told them I was, so I lied and said I was his tour manager. (1:13)
• I ended up going t jail my senior year for stealing cars. (14:47)
• I went to college and it was like crabs trying to get out of a barrel. (15:25)
• I was always working in the garage, building bikes. I had a Harley in High school. I was restoring bicycles, and building Volkswagons and sending them to Japan. I was hustling. (16:11)
• From my parents being antique dealers, I had a huge, pretty valuable tin toy collection. Like really rare Mark 10 toys worth thousands of dollars. I loaded ‘em up in my car and took ‘em to the big toy show in Pasadena. I sold them all to a dealer, and I used that money to buy a mill and a lathe and a welder for my garage. (23:27)
• If you’re gonna wait for the right time, that’s never coming. (23:51)
• My dad started me really young working. I literally despised him for it. And now I’m thankful because I have this relentless work ethic. (25:01)
• I restored a 1940 or ’41 bicycle called the Hiawatha Chippewa. I bought it for $100. (29:08)
• The first thing I ever made was a dust pan. (32:33)
• I was getting pai $750 a week salary, and at night I was making about 15 grand a week, making and shipping fenders. (43:56)
• If you would watch the Discovery channel in ’99 and 2000, they would run [my documentary on how a motorcycle gets built by hand] over and over. It was the highest rated show in the history of the network. (53:32)
• I did 118 cars. (56:43)
• I love taking about what I do. I love interaction. (60:11)
• [Marcus] When you’re driving into work early – with an hour difference – what type of cars are on the road early in the morning as opposed to the ones during rush hour. I heard that. (61:47)
• Success in this country, and in the world, isn’t defined by tactile skills. (62:40)
• I’m eliminating everything in my life that keeps me from working and being a craftsman. (63:48)

Support Jesse:
-  IG: popeofwelding
- https://westcoastchoppers.com/
- https://jessejamesculinary.com/ 

Support TNQ
  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
  -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit

Sponsors:
  - Navyfederal.org     
  - selectquote.com/TNQ
  - davidprotein.com/TNQ
  - mizzenandmain.com   [Promo code: TNQ20]
   - masterclass.com/TNQ

  - Dripdrop.com/TNQ
  - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ]
  - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes
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Making the Invisible Visible: A SEAL’s Mission to Redefine Mental Health

This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Jonathan Wilson, founder and CEO of INVI MindHealth, a groundbreaking mental-health technology company built on one powerful mission: to save and improve lives by making the invisible visible.
Jonathan’s journey is anything but ordinary. He began his professional career serving over a decade as a United States Navy SEAL, deploying to multiple combat theaters across several SEAL Teams. After leaving active duty, he carried the mindset of service into the private sector—first as an equity trader at Goldman Sachs in New York City, and later at Capital Group.
In 2012, Jonathan co-founded and led the SEAL Future Foundation (SFF), a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting Navy SEALs in their transition beyond service. Under his leadership, SFF has helped thousands of SEALs and returned millions of dollars to the community—providing support in education, career development, and long-term well-being so operators can continue a life of service.
Now, through INVI MindHealth, Jonathan is tackling one of the most critical challenges facing both the military and civilian worlds: mental health. INVI’s technology leverages objective data to provide early insight, awareness, and intervention—bridging the gap between how someone looks on the outside and what’s happening on the inside.
Jonathan also brings elite academic credentials to the table, holding an MBA from the University of Oxford and graduating from the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School.
This is a conversation about purpose, prevention, and pushing the mission forward—no matter the battlefield.

In this episode you will hear:
• I inevitably landed on a book that I found from Vietnam: The Frogman Book and I thought: “What is this?” I read that and I was like: “This is it. This is what I wanna be.” (24:39)
• Looking back now, I think the Lord is probably teaching me a lesson. I got caught with a fake ID card. You’re done. From that point I hit one of lowest points. (27:22)
• [I went to SEAL] Team 4. We ended up going to Bagdad. I did back-to back. It’s what team guys want. We were doing DA’s, hostage rescues; we were operating damn near every night. (45:16)
• After being married and with 5 kids, and we had lost a lot of friends – maybe it’s time to get out and I agreed. (48:04)
• In my head I was thinking, what’s the next hardest thing? That’s how my brain thinks. (48:40)
• I didn’t think I’d fit outside. I partially still feel that way. (50:32)
• SEALS wasn’t my purpose. I think being a father and a Christian is. But I think the Lord put me on this planet to really see this business we’re creating of helping as many people as possible with their mental suicide. Empowering them to be the best version of themselves they can be. (55:13)
• We created INVI Mind Health. (IInvisibleVisible)  (57:12)
• We created an algorhythm that pulls all the biometrics from any wearable you’ve got, and we help you get your mind score. (63:22)
• [Marcus] When team start to spiral, they’ll pull away. They don’t want to detonate in front of their buddies. (66:34)
• Our mission is to save lives by making the invisible visible. (72:29)

Support Jonathan:
 - invi app
- https://invimh.com/ 
- IG: jdbemore
- IG: invimindhealth

Support TNQ
  - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13
  -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit

Sponsors:
  - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes
  - Navyfederal.org     
  - mizzenandmain.com   [Promo code: TNQ20]

- Dripdrop.com/TNQ
  - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ]
  - meetfabiric.com/TNQ
  - masterclass.com/TNQ
  - Prizepicks (TNQ)

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