The Strategic Veteran

Discover the inspiring journey of a Veteran Entrepreneur who transformed his Military Transition into a thriving Small Business Marketing success story. In this episode, we sit down with Paul Makiewicz, founder of Honorable Marketing, to explore how leadership skills and resilience shaped his path from service and sacrifice to Strategic Veteran business growth. From growing up in Buffalo and enlisting in the Army after 9/11 to building a marketing company dedicated to helping small businesses thrive, Paul unveils invaluable insights for anyone aiming to merge military discipline with entrepreneurial ambition.

Learn how to overcome challenges as a veteran, leverage online presence for business growth, and utilize effective marketing strategies for small businesses. Paul shares why functional medicine marketing, client retention, and the core value of service inspired his unique approach. Whether you’re interested in building a business after military service or simply looking for powerful leadership tips, this episode covers it all—plus, we discuss how AI might reshape small business marketing in the future.

Join us for this comprehensive look at Paul’s journey, from facing college struggles and VA benefits frustrations to starting Honorable Marketing and achieving veteran owned business success stories. Don’t miss the opportunity to glean strategic insights that can help you transition from military to entrepreneurship, master how to start a marketing company, and grow with honor.

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro  

2:15 Meeting Paul Makiewicz  

3:45 Growing Up in Buffalo  

7:30 College Struggles & Military Decision  

12:20 Enlisting in the Army After 9/11  

17:10 Military Career & Deployment to Iraq  

22:45 Ethical Challenges in the Military  

28:35 Transitioning Out of the Army  

34:50 VA Benefits Frustration & College Struggles  

41:30 Discovering Entrepreneurship  

47:55 Managing a Golf Business & Moving to New Mexico  

53:40 Starting a Scooter Rental Business  

59:20 Discovering Lyme Disease & Moving to NYC  

1:03:55 Breaking Into Digital Marketing  

1:09:30 Building a Career in Sales & Marketing  

1:15:10 Moving to Miami & Scaling a Company  

1:21:45 The Downfall of a Marketing Firm  

1:28:10 Starting Honorable Marketing  

1:33:55 Growth & Client Success in Marketing  

1:38:45 The Vision for Honorable Marketing  

1:43:30 Thoughts on Small Business & AI  

1:48:05 Where to Connect with Paul  

1:50:10 Closing Thoughts & Outro  

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If you found this episode valuable, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more veteran owned business success stories and marketing insights. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your biggest takeaway and how you plan to use these strategies in your own entrepreneurial journey!

#VeteranEntrepreneur #HonorableMarketing #MilitaryTransition #SmallBusinessMarketing #StrategicVeteran #LeadershipSkills #BusinessGrowth

Dive into this inspiring conversation on Veteran Entrepreneurship with our guest, a Marine Corps Veteran Entrepreneur, who shares her powerful journey of Military Transition and overcoming unique obstacles as a Women Veterans advocate. From navigating the challenges for women in the military to finding renewed purpose after service, this episode offers strategic insights for every Veteran Business owner and aspiring entrepreneur. Whether you’re interested in Starting a Business After Military Service, learning about the Syracuse University EBV Program, or hearing Veteran Owned Business Success Stories, this podcast episode has invaluable advice to fuel your next steps. Join us as we uncover what it takes to become a truly Strategic Veteran and make a lasting impact in your community and beyond.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why transitioning from military to business can feel overwhelming and how to find the right support  

• How leadership skills gained during service can drive you to succeed in civilian life  

• The role of Public Policy and Tax Preparation for Veterans in building a solid foundation for your new venture  

• Insights on being a Family Readiness Officer in the Marine Corps and its impact on personal growth  

• Real-life strategies to conquer Imposter Syndrome and regain a sense of identity post-service  

• How the Okinawa Marine Corps experience shaped our guest’s leadership perspective  

• The power of the Syracuse University EBV Program and community support in scaling a Veteran Business  

• How one RV Living Business Owner balances work, travel, and family while expanding her entrepreneurial vision  

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CHAPTERS:  

0:00 Intro  

1:45 Kristen’s Military Journey  

4:32 Challenges as a Female Marine  

9:58 Stationed in Okinawa  

15:12 Learning Leadership in the Corps  

19:45 Passion for Policy  

23:38 Transitioning Out of the Military  

28:50 Loss of Identity After Service  

34:15 Challenges of Being a Military Spouse  

39:25 Navigating Post-Service Purpose  

43:18 Discovering the Tax and Policy Connection  

48:50 Battling Imposter Syndrome in Business  

52:30 Entrepreneurial Mentorship & Growth  

56:45 Syracuse EBV & Veteran Business Support  

1:03:12 Running a Business While Traveling  

1:07:40 Future Plans: Business & Farming  

1:11:10 Advice for Veteran Entrepreneurs  

1:13:15 Closing Thoughts  

If you’re seeking the inspiration to start or grow your veteran-owned enterprise—or simply looking for guidance on Military Spouse Entrepreneurship—don’t miss this engaging episode. Learn how service members and Women Veterans can transform challenges into opportunities and build thriving businesses.  

Ready for more veteran success stories and transformative discussions? Subscribe to our channel, hit the notification bell, and share your biggest takeaway from this episode in the comments below. Your support helps us continue creating valuable content for the veteran community.  

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Hashtags:  

#VeteranEntrepreneurship #MilitaryTransition #WomenVeterans #MarineCorps #ImposterSyndrome #BusinessAfterMilitary #VeteranOwnedBusiness

Discover how Marine Corps veteran and real estate mogul Edwin Carrion achieved Financial Freedom—despite major setbacks—and learn proven strategies for Business Scaling and Wealth Creation in this action-packed episode. From overcoming business failure to developing business systems and processes for growth, Edwin reveals his journey from Ecuador to the U.S., his inspiring service in the Marine Corps, and his blueprint for investing in financial independence. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur—or a Veteran Business owner—looking to Build a Scalable Business, this conversation will spark new ideas, accelerate your leadership development, and equip you with the mindset for success.

Join us as we unpack essential insights on Entrepreneurship, Leadership Development, and Business Mentorship. Edwin shares priceless lessons on Networking, Business Planning, and delegating effectively to reach your goals faster. Discover how to tap into your own potential, find the right mentors, and ultimately create a life of freedom and impact. 

Ready to grow your venture and level up your Marine Corps Entrepreneur Success story? Hit that subscribe button, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share this video with fellow entrepreneurs. Let’s work together to achieve the next stage of your business journey!

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0:00 Intro  

2:15 Edwin Carrion’s Background  

4:30 Moving from Ecuador to the U.S.  

7:45 Joining the Marine Corps  

11:20 Military Career and Embassy Duty  

16:10 Lessons from Embassy Duty and Networking  

20:30 Transitioning Out of the Military  

25:00 First Business Venture in Real Estate  

29:10 Facing Bankruptcy and Starting Over  

33:45 The Importance of Mentors  

37:20 Learning from Failure  

41:15 Building Business Systems  

46:40 The Power of Delegation  

50:15 Scaling Businesses with the Right Team  

54:00 Balancing Business and Family Life  

58:10 Mindset Shift for Financial Success  

1:02:30 Edwin’s Mentorship Philosophy  

1:07:30 Final Advice for Entrepreneurs  

1:10:45 How to Connect with Edwin Carrion  

1:12:30 Closing Remarks and Podcast Wrap-Up  

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe for more insights on Veteran Business, Business Scaling, and Real Estate Development Business strategies! Leave a comment about your favorite part and don’t forget to share this podcast with entrepreneurs who need to hear it.

#Entrepreneurship #VeteranBusiness #BusinessScaling #MarineCorps #FinancialFreedom #LeadershipDevelopment #RealEstateDevelopment

Join us as we explore the complexities of military to civilian transition through the lens of seasoned veterans who've walked this path. With a focus on leadership and professional development, we dive deep into the mindset shifts required for success after service. Our expert panel shares invaluable insights on maintaining discipline while adapting to civilian culture, offering practical strategies for veterans navigating this crucial life change. 

In this episode of The Strategic Veteran podcast, host Adam Peters interviews Juan Alvarado Jr., a U.S. Army veteran who transformed his life after serving nine years and rising to the rank of Sergeant (E5). Juan shares his inspiring journey—from navigating PTSD and the emotional toll of military service to becoming a full-time speaker dedicated to building leaders in schools and beyond.

Discover how 🎖️UK Special Forces veteran Aaron Hill transitioned from military service with the Royal Marines & UKSF to building a successful coaching business and empowering others. Aaron shares insights on overcoming isolation, finding purpose, and developing a winning mindset, both on the battlefield and in civilian life. If you're a veteran or entrepreneur seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-watch.

Episode Summary

In this episode of *The Strategic Veteran Podcast*, host Adam Peters dives deep into Aaron Hill's remarkable journey. Aaron served 10 dynamic years across the Royal Marines and UK Special Forces, navigating intense operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo. After leaving service, Aaron faced challenges transitioning to civilian life but found his calling as a coach and leader, helping others build resilience and find personal transformation. Hear Aaron's compelling insights on overcoming struggles, staying grounded, and building purpose-driven communities for veterans and entrepreneurs worldwide.

Key Discussion Points:

• Aaron Hill’s journey in the Royal Marines & UK Special Forces 🎖️🇬🇧

• Challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life

• How isolation led Aaron to coaching and mindset work

• Building communities for veterans and entrepreneurs

• The importance of mindfulness and being present

• Words of wisdom for veterans finding purpose after service

Military Experience Highlights:

🎖️ Aaron Hill served in the Royal Marines and UKSF, rising to the rank of corporal. Notable deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo shaped his leadership and resilience.

Expertise/Civilian Success:

Aaron is now a mindset and leadership coach focused on empowering veterans and entrepreneurs. He organizes retreats, events, and communities to foster resilience and transformation.

**#VeteranSuccess #SpecialForces #MilitaryTransition #MindsetShift #VeteranEntrepreneurs #AaronHill #OvercomingChallenges #Mindfulness #Leadership #PersonalGrowth**

📢 Discover how Christopher Phillips, 🎖️🇺🇸 former Army Staff Sergeant and founder of QRF Fit, is transforming veterans' lives through fitness and mental resilience. In this episode of 'The Strategic Veteran,' we take a deep dive into Christopher's 11-year military career, his four deployments with the Army, and his transition into creating a nonprofit that helps veterans regain their purpose through physical and mental well-being. Learn about his inspiring journey from military leader to founder of QRF Fit and the challenges he overcame.

Join us as we discuss:

- Christopher's transition from 11 years in the Army to entrepreneurship

- The story behind founding QRF Fit and its mission to empower veterans

- The mental and physical struggles veterans face during transition

- The science of fitness and its impact on mental health

- How QRF Fit tailors fitness solutions and builds supportive communities

QRF Fit proves that fitness can heal more than just the body—it heals the soul. Tune in and uncover actionable insights to inspire your own journey!

✨ **Key Discussion Points:**

• Christopher Phillips’ journey from Army leader to nonprofit founder

• The founding story and mission of QRF Fit

• Tackling veteran mental health and physical well-being

• The unique, tailored approach to fitness coaching at QRF Fit

• Building a supportive veteran community across the country

• QRF Fit's growing impact and vision for the future

🎖️ **Military Experience Highlights:**

- Served 11 years in the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant

- Completed four deployments: two to Iraq and two to Afghanistan

- Demonstrated exceptional leadership within platoons and squads

💼 **Civilian Success:**

- Founder of QRF Fit, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans through fitness and resilience programs

- Mentorship of veterans transitioning from military to civilian life

- Collaboration with fitness coaches to design personalized wellness programs

Sean Welsh 🎖️🇺🇸, a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant with a 20-year career in military intelligence, shares his transformative journey from service to civilian life. In this episode, Sean discusses leadership lessons, the struggles of transitioning from the military, and his mission to educate and empower veterans. Learn how Sean's story of adaptability and servant leadership can guide veterans through their unique challenges.

Sean co-founded the VetSOS Podcast, which aims to support veterans through education, mentorship, and a sense of community. His commitment to helping veterans discover transition resources has significantly impacted the military-to-civilian sphere. Tune in to hear Sean’s advice on navigating post-military challenges, building resilience, and finding purpose after service.

📌 Key Discussion Points: 

• Sean’s 20-year career in U.S. Army Military Intelligence and deployments.

• The importance of mentorship and servant leadership in the military. 

• Transition struggles and learning to find a new purpose post-service. 

• How Sean’s podcast educates veterans on transition resources. 

• Tools like Master Resiliency Training that support mental well-being. 

• Community building and sharing stories to inspire hope.

🔍 Military Experience Highlights:

Sean Welsh served 20 years in the U.S. Army in Military Intelligence.

Completed four deployments, emphasizing resilience and servant leadership.

Mentored by an infantry NCO, Sean honed his leadership philosophy of putting soldiers first.

#VeteranTransition #MilitaryPodcast #SeanWelsh #ServantLeadership #Resilience

Veterans, leaders, and changemakers—welcome to Part II of our Hidden Bridge series, where we expose the uncomfortable truths about military transition that have been hidden in plain sight for over fifty years. I’m joined again by Thomas McKenzie, along with special guest Matt Lasher, a 20-year Marine Corps veteran and former regional executive recruiting trainer. Together, we dive into where the transition problem truly begins—not when service members separate, but the moment they first consider putting on the uniform.

We’re not just talking about the failures of transition programs—we’re going deeper into systemic issues in military recruiting, retention, and leadership. We uncover how a declining veteran population is fueling a recruiting crisis, why outdated policies are failing today’s service members, and what really needs to change to prevent the next generation from suffering the same fate. This is a hard-hitting, no-BS conversation about the future of military service, national security, and the urgent need to fix transition now. Buckle up.

Next Week: The Hidden Bridge (Part III)

This series isn’t over yet. Next week, we pull zero punches in our deep dive into leadership, accountability, and how bad policies at the highest levels are crushing veterans before they even leave service. If you care about the future of our military, you can’t afford to miss this conversation.

If this episode hit home, please share it, leave a review, and let’s keep making noise. The system won’t fix itself—we have to force it. 🎙️💥 #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #HiddenBridge #FixTheSystem

The military transition isn’t just about finding a job or updating a LinkedIn profile—it’s an identity crisis. In this first installment of our three-part series, Thomas McKenzie joins me for an unfiltered conversation about the harsh realities of life after service. Thomas, a Marine with 20 years of experience in recruiting, mentoring, and shaping futures, opens up about his own unexpected and brutal transition—one that cost him everything, from his career to his sense of self.

But he didn’t just survive—he fought back. He took the lessons from his painful transition and built one of the most impactful SkillBridge programs in the country, helping nearly 10,000 service members navigate the uncertain path to civilian life. Together, we rip the Band-Aid off the biggest lies veterans are told about transition, the emotional programming no one warns you about, and why transition is a battlefield of its own. If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or someone who supports those who served, this episode is a wake-up call.

Join Us for Part II!

We’re not stopping here. Next week, Thomas and special guest Matt Lasher break down how broken transitions are crushing military recruitment—and what needs to change before it’s too late. Same time, same place. Mark your calendars!

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with the veteran community, leave a review, and let’s keep this conversation going. Change starts with us. 💪 🎙️ #VeteranTransition #MilitaryToCivilian #SkillBridge #TheHiddenBridge

Discover the inspiring journey of George Emerson Hayworth, 🎖️🇺🇸 a former Army field artillery officer turned leadership coach. Learn how his military career and lessons in resilience, leadership, and masculinity fueled his creation of Elite Sentinel Coaching. George's impact extends beyond military service, helping men build legacies and transform their lives authentically. Join us as we explore his motivated transition to civilian life and his mission to empower men through leadership and personal development.

Key Discussion Points: 

• George’s military journey as a field artillery officer and battalion leader.

• Lessons learned from deployment to Afghanistan 🇦🇫 and military failures. 

• Transitioning from active duty to corporate IT sales leadership. 

• The four pillars of authentic masculinity: king, warrior, mentor, lover. 

• Addressing modern masculinity and leadership challenges for men. 

• How Elite Sentinel Coaching helps men seize leadership and identity.

Military Experience Highlights: 

• Branch: U.S. Army 🎖️ 

• Role: Field artillery officer, deployments to Afghanistan. 

• Leadership: Command at the battalion level, mentorship development. 

• Active Service: Tennessee Army National Guard, rank of Major.

Expertise & Civilian Success: 

• Founder of Elite Sentinel Coaching: Focused on leadership and legacy-building. 

• Co-host of Present Fathers Podcast: Empowering men to lead at home. 

• Speaker on emotional regulation, authentic masculinity, and resilience.

Contact Information: 

🌐 Website: theelitesentinel.com

 📸 Instagram: @george.hayworth 

🐦 Twitter: @elitesentinelx 

📘 LinkedIn: George Hayworth 

🎙️ Podcast: Present Fathers Podcast