VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup

Description:
Brent Bowers joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into land investing and building passive income while transitioning out of the military.

In this episode, we explore:
• Creating a 3-year exit strategy from military service
• Building income through vacant land investing
• Scaling into manufactured housing for higher returns

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:
Brent Bowers is a former Army officer and real estate investor who specializes in land investing and development. He now coaches others on how to build passive income streams and achieve financial freedom through real estate.

Grab the Lifeline:
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:
VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:
Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #OperationStartup #VeteranEntrepreneur #LandInvesting #PassiveIncome #MilitaryTransition #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #VeteranSuccess #GrabTheLifeline

Description:
David Howe joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into strategic life planning and share insights on military transition, entrepreneurship, and leadership. In this episode, we explore:

• Why veterans must move beyond tactical transition steps and build a long-term life strategy
• How mentorship and preparation create smoother transitions into civilian careers
• Lessons from entrepreneurship, setbacks, and building purpose-driven businesses

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:
David Howe is a retired Army Colonel and former Deloitte consultant who now leads KHS Solutions and supports the Comfort, Peace, and Freedom Foundation. He specializes in life planning, leadership development, and helping veterans and families create meaningful, purpose-driven futures.

Grab the Lifeline:
The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:
VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:
Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #OperationStartup #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #LifePlanning #VeteranLeadership #EntrepreneurJourney #TransitionSuccess #VeteranResources #GrabTheLifeline

Description:

Isabel Garcia Schmitt joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into military spouse entrepreneurship, PCS relocation challenges, and building businesses that create real community impact.

In this episode, we explore:
• Transitioning from military service into entrepreneurship• Creating purpose-driven businesses that serve others• Overcoming burnout and leadership challenges• Leveraging veteran and spouse resources for success

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

Isabel Garcia Schmitt is a U.S. Army veteran, military spouse, and co-founder of LOGSA Mil Moves. She is also the founder of Guerrero Leather and a recognized advocate for military spouse entrepreneurship, recently named the 2026 Army Spouse of the Year.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitarySpouse #OperationStartup #MilitaryTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranSupport #SmallBusiness #Leadership #PCS

Description:

David Fivecoat joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into the realities of transitioning from military service into entrepreneurship and share insights on leadership, risk tolerance, and building a business from scratch.

In this episode, we explore:
• Key transition lessons every service member should know
• The importance of financial preparation and planning ahead
• How military leadership translates into business success
• Why entrepreneurship requires patience, resilience, and adaptability

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

David Fivecoat is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and founder of Fivecoat Consulting Group. With over two decades of leadership experience, he now helps organizations develop stronger leaders through coaching, training, and battlefield-based leadership programs.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #OperationStartup #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #EntrepreneurMindset #VeteranBusiness #TransitionSuccess #StartupJourney #GrabTheLifeline

Description:

Douglas Katz joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into entrepreneurship through adaptive innovation and share insights on military transition, identity, and building meaningful businesses. In this episode, we explore:

• The biggest mistakes veterans make during transition• How the Ability Curve redefines disability and opportunity• Why building the right team is critical to entrepreneurial success

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

Douglas Katz is a West Point graduate, Army veteran, and entrepreneur. He is the inventor of the NULU adaptive knife and creator of the Ability Curve framework, helping redefine disability, innovation, and human potential.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #StartupLife #AdaptiveDesign #VeteranCommunity #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #Innovation #GrabTheLifeline #OperationStartup

Description:
Tina Erwin joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into the journey from military leadership to entrepreneurship, sharing lessons from her career as a U.S. Navy Commander in the submarine force and how those experiences shaped her life after service.

After retiring from the Navy, Tina launched a tech company before ultimately discovering a deeper mission helping people navigate complex spiritual and personal challenges. Her story highlights the realities of military transition, identity shifts, and the courage required to pursue a new path.

In this episode, we explore:• The identity challenges veterans face after leaving the military• Lessons from launching and closing an early technology startup• How military leadership skills translate into entrepreneurship• Discovering purpose when unexpected doors close

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, or exploring your next chapter after service, this conversation provides powerful insight into resilience, leadership, and service beyond the uniform.

About the Guest:
Tina Erwin is a retired U.S. Navy Commander, entrepreneur, and author of multiple books on metaphysics and spirituality. She served in leadership roles supporting the submarine force and later transitioned into entrepreneurship and consulting. Through her work and writing, she helps people navigate complex spiritual challenges and personal transformation.

Grab the Lifeline:The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS
#OperationStartup
#VeteranEntrepreneur
#MilitaryTransition
#VeteranLeadership
#VeteranPodcast
#EntrepreneurJourney
#VeteranCommunity
#LeadershipAfterService
#VeteranSuccess #GrabTheLifeline

Description:

Randy McElwee joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how military leadership principles directly fuel entrepreneurial success. As a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Master Sergeant and founder of multiple businesses, Randy shares how persistence, resilience, and perspective guided his transition from combat operations to business ownership.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why discipline and structure outperform motivation• How veterans can apply elite team principles to business• The importance of training, mentorship, and building systems• How to start small but think strategically during transition

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, or strengthening your leadership foundation, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

Randy McElwee is a retired Special Forces Master Sergeant with over 30 years of leadership experience. He is the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Athens and Executive Director of Martial Arts Success Institute. Through his Going Commando Success program, he coaches veterans and entrepreneurs on structure, discipline, and business execution.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS
#OperationStartup
#VeteranEntrepreneur
#MilitaryLeadership
#SpecialForces
#EntrepreneurMindset
#VeteranSuccess
#TransitionTips
#BusinessCoaching
#LeadershipUnderPressure

Description:

John Renken joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into military transition, veteran entrepreneurship, and how Sales Platoon is helping service members convert leadership experience into high-income sales careers

In this episode, we explore:

• Why most military resumes miss the mark
• The importance of backward planning your transition from Day One
• How entrepreneurship offers freedom — but requires resilience
• Why purpose and income are critical for veteran success

John shares his journey from training special operations soldiers to building multiple businesses and leading a national DoD SkillBridge program. He breaks down the mindset shift veterans must make to dominate in the civilian workforce.

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, or exploring high-income career paths, this episode gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

John Renken is a U.S. Army veteran and founder of Sales Platoon, a DoD SkillBridge program that trains transitioning service members in professional sales and entrepreneurship. He has been self-employed since 1996 and specializes in helping veterans build revenue-producing careers with autonomy and impact.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Don’t drown in the sea of transition — grab the lifeline.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS
#OperationStartup
#VeteranEntrepreneur
#MilitaryTransition
#SkillBridge
#SalesLeadership
#EntrepreneurMindset
#VeteranCareers
#GrabTheLifeline
#TransitionSuccess

Description:

Cary Sparrow joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into military transition, startup leadership, and building a tech company from the ground up. After serving as a U.S. Navy submarine officer and spending 14 years in global consulting, Cary launched Wagescape — a real-time labor market intelligence platform used by major global organizations.

In this episode, we explore:
• The critical mindset shift from corporate executive to entrepreneur
• Why “speed over perfection” wins in startups
• How military leadership skills create competitive business advantages

Cary shares the real story behind growth stress, scaling teams, managing payroll pressure, and why entrepreneurship is both the most stressful and most rewarding career path he’s ever taken.

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, or exploring your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

Cary Sparrow is the Founder & CEO of Wagescape. A former Navy submarine officer and global HR executive, he now leads one of the most comprehensive labor market data platforms in the world, helping companies understand hiring trends, pay intelligence, and workforce strategy.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup
VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline
VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VeteranEntrepreneur
#MilitaryTransition
#StartupLeadership
#NavyVeteran
#Entrepreneurship
#VETSOS
#OperationStartup
#TechFounder
#LeadershipDevelopment
#BusinessGrowth

Description:

DeAndre Nixon joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into what it truly takes to build a business after military service and why vision and mindset determine long-term success.

After leaving the Navy, DeAndre started with just $2,000, nearly faced homelessness, and built two companies without loans or lines of credit. Today, he mentors and consults veteran entrepreneurs nationwide.

In this episode, we explore:

• Transitioning from military structure to entrepreneurial leadership
• Competing in tough markets and protecting your ideas
• Why veterans must shift from “following orders” to “giving orders”
• The Future Self Vision exercise that fuels long-term success

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, or preparing to step into leadership, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

DeAndre Nixon is a Navy war veteran, 27-year serial entrepreneur, and founder of Perficient Pro LLC and IN Education Inc. He specializes in hybrid consulting and coaching, helping veterans master strategy and mindset to build sustainable, legacy-driven businesses.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Don’t drown in the sea of transition — grab the lifeline.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.
VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)
VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS
#OperationStartup
#VeteranEntrepreneur
#MilitaryToCivilian
#VeteranBusinessOwner
#EntrepreneurLeadership
#StartupJourney
#VeteranSuccess
#MindsetMatters
#GrabTheLifeline