VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup

On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy talks with Dr. Brenda Pridgen, retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class and founder of Authentic Mind LLC. Dr. Pridgen shares how her post-service journey evolved from uncertainty to empowerment as she built a purpose-driven business centered on mental-health awareness and authentic healing.

From her early days without TAP support to finding strength through faith, family, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Pridgen proves that transformation begins when we lean into vulnerability and purpose. Her story highlights the importance of empathy, community, and courage—values that define both her military career and her entrepreneurial success.

Discover the lessons she learned through transition, the programs that helped her grow (VR&E, Good Biz, Boots to Business), and how Authentic Mind LLC empowers veterans and civilians alike to rediscover their worth and inner strength.

💡 “Every individual already has the answers inside of them. I’m just here to help you discover them.” – Dr. Brenda Pridgen

🎙 Presented by the VET S.O.S. Network – helping veterans, service members, and families thrive through transition, education, and entrepreneurship.

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranPodcast #MilitaryTransition #WomenVeterans #AuthenticLeadership #MentalHealthForVeterans #EntrepreneurMotivation #FaithDrivenBusiness #VeteranSuccess #GrabTheLifeline

On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy welcomes Michael Dermer, founder of The Lonely Entrepreneur and creator of the Veteran Entrepreneur Initiative (VEI).

Michael shares how he went from a successful corporate lawyer in New York City to launching the first company that rewarded people for healthy behavior—then nearly lost everything during the 2008 crash. Through perseverance and innovation, he rebuilt his company and went on to found The Lonely Entrepreneur, a platform designed to help others conquer the emotional and financial challenges of entrepreneurship.

Now, through the Veteran Entrepreneur Initiative, Michael is on a mission to provide 100,000 veterans and their families with access to the Learning Community—a one-stop shop offering on-demand knowledge, tools, and support for every stage of entrepreneurship.

Tune in to hear:

• What inspired Michael’s transition from law to entrepreneurship.

• How the VEI is transforming veteran transition through business ownership.

• Why the sacrifices of military families fuel his passion to give back.

• How to support or enroll at TLEfoundation.org/VEI.

Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline and start your next mission today.

🎙 Part of the VET S.O.S. Network — connecting veterans, families, and communities through storytelling and opportunity.

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On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy welcomes Brian Pultro, U.S. Navy Reserve Commander and co-owner of Pultro Financial Management, to share his powerful story of service, transition, and entrepreneurship.

Brian opens up about the challenges of translating military experience into civilian success, the discipline it takes to build a business from zero, and how he found purpose again by helping others achieve financial confidence. With nearly a decade of experience guiding clients toward retirement readiness and long-term security, Brian emphasizes the importance of behavioral finance and education—empowering people to make calm, informed decisions when markets are volatile.

From his time at Auburn University to running a family-owned firm, Brian’s story is filled with lessons on resilience, confidence, and service beyond the uniform.

💬 Tune in to the Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight on the VET S.O.S. Network and grab the lifeline today.

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The VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight welcomes Kate Hufnagel, founder of Digital Wrangler. With a 25-year career in the intelligence community and big tech, Kate now channels her skills into helping families and small business owners organize critical digital information—from passwords and documents to legacy planning—ensuring continuity and peace of mind when it matters most.

In this conversation, Kate and host Maurice Murphy discuss:

• The mindset shift from intel professional to entrepreneur.

• Why resilience and preparation are the cornerstones of business success.

• The frustrations and rewards of building a purpose-driven business.

• How Digital Wrangler bridges technology and compassion for clients.

• The importance of normalizing conversations about legacy and continuity.

Kate also shares her lighter side—her decade-long quest to find the world’s best donut (current titleholder: Blue Star Donuts in Portland, Oregon).

🎙️ This episode is a must-listen for veterans, entrepreneurs, and military families looking to blend impact, business, and legacy.

📌 Learn more about Kate at: thedigitalwrangler.com
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#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranBusiness #MilitaryTransition #EntrepreneurSuccess #DigitalWrangler #VeteranCommunity #LegacyPlanning #VeteranSpouse #GrabTheLifeline

On this episode of the Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, part of the VET S.O.S. Network, host Maurice Murphy welcomes Jake Dyal, CEO and co-founder of Certis Core. Jake combines a distinguished military career with expertise in defense technology, building AI-driven solutions that are transforming how the Department of Defense uses robotics, data, and automation.

Jake shares candid insights on:

• The three biggest lessons from his transition out of the military

• Why he chose entrepreneurship over government contracting

• How Certis Core is solving real defense challenges with AI and data fusion

• The struggles of leadership, co-founder changes, and startup uncertainty

• His advice to veterans considering entrepreneurship

Whether you’re a veteran navigating transition, an entrepreneur building in defense tech, or simply curious about the future of AI in national security, this episode delivers valuable lessons and inspiration.

🎙️ Follow the VET S.O.S. Network on all major platforms to hear more veteran stories and entrepreneurial spotlights.

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranEntrepreneurJourney #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #DefenseTechnology #AIForDefense #VeteranLeadership #EntrepreneurInsights #GrabTheLifeline

Guest: Jenna Griffith — military & first-responder spouse, author of Service & Soul, speaker, and workshop leader.

Episode in a Sentence: Transition isn’t “back to normal”—it’s a whole new mission. Jenna shares how spouses can navigate identity shifts, heal past wounds, and rediscover purpose through community, faith, and practical tools.

What We Cover

• Honest look at spouse-side transition: fear, identity, resentment

• Tools to stop self-sabotage and reframe limiting beliefs

• Building a tribe that can handle the “messy middle”

• What Service & Soul workshops look like (for spouses and couples)

• How Jenna mapped and wrote her first book (bootcamp method)

Connect with Jenna

• serviceandsoul.com

• [email protected]

• IG: @ms.jennagriffith

Support the Show

• Affiliated with The Neil Haley Show

• Sponsored by Spirit Point Solutions — www.spiritpointonline.com (code VETSOS)

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Army veteran Angeletha Long turned decades of logistics and operations into a thriving group-travel and retreat business. In this VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, Angeletha explains how she plans “door-to-destination” experiences with military-grade precision—coordinating accessibility, dietary needs, and excursions that reinforce a team’s goals. She also opens up about the hardest parts of entrepreneurship (marketing yourself after OPSEC), the importance of mentors and community (ACP, Boots to Business, local chambers), and how she designed work that keeps her present for family.

• Military planning skills map directly to group travel and corporate retreats

• “Rank doesn’t carry over”—earn credibility from scratch

• Systems for special diets, accessibility, and purpose-built excursions

• Mentorship and training accelerate the learning curve (ACP, Boots to Business)

• Practical ways to show up on social without oversharing

Guest links
Website: mydreamvacationtravel.com | Phone: 478-334-0177
LinkedIn: Angeletha-Long | FB/IG: “Angeletha-Long Cruise Planners”

Sponsor
Spearpoint Solutions — spearpointonline.com (use code VET SOS)

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

#VeteranPodcast #VeteranEntrepreneur #TravelConcierge #BusinessRetreats #GroupTravel #MilitaryTransition #CruisePlanners #ACP #BootsToBusiness #VETSOS #GrabTheLifeline

In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, we welcome Rich Holley, a retired Navy air traffic controller turned financial literacy advocate. Rich is the creator of The Adventures of Buck Dollar—a children's book series and animated educational tool designed to teach kids how to save, invest, and build wealth from an early age.

Rich shares his personal journey from serving in the military to building a mission-driven business that empowers families to take control of their financial futures. Learn how he turned his frustration with adult financial habits into a movement that starts with children. With the motto "Spend some, save some, so you always have some," Rich is helping shape the next generation of financially confident kids.

He’s sold over 2,500 books, created a financial wellness journal, and now travels across the country delivering powerful assemblies and workshops for schools and colleges. This is an episode filled with purpose, passion, and practical advice.

🔗 Visit: buckdollar101.com
📲 Instagram: @buckdollar101

#VeteranEntrepreneur #FinancialLiteracy #MilitaryTransition #YouthEducation #MoneySkills #BuckDollar #KidsFinance #BuildWealth #LegacyBuilding #FinancialWellness #VETSOS #GrabTheLifeline

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, we speak with Nicole (Pompei) Zettlemoyer—Marine and Air Force veteran, mom, and founder of Wreaths by Nicole P. What began as a creative way to repurpose an old uniform became a viral business now featured on major platforms like Fox News and CBS.

Nicole discusses her dual-military transition, the inspiration behind her first wreath, and how she’s built a thriving company crafting military uniform keepsakes that preserve stories of service. With over 3,000 pieces made for veterans and Gold Star families across all 50 states, Nicole's work goes far beyond décor—it's about legacy, honor, and healing.

🎙️ Don’t miss this powerful story of transformation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Visit: www.wreathsbynicholep.com
Follow: @wreathsbynicholep on Instagram and Facebook
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#VeteranEntrepreneurJourney #MilitaryUniformKeepsakes #VeteranOwnedBusiness #WomenInUniform #MilitaryMomsMatter #GoldStarFamilySupport #VeteranCreativity #WreathsByNicoleP #PostMilitaryLife #VETSOS

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy sits down with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jason West, founder of Officers Eat Last. Jason opens up about his transition journey, the unpredictability of entrepreneurship, and the life-changing impact of servant leadership.

Discover how he turned setbacks into strategy and how his consulting firm now helps business owners scale with intention and integrity. If you're a veteran looking to lead with purpose or launch your own venture, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now and grab the SOS lifeline!
🔗 officerseatlast.com | LinkedIn: Jason West

#VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryLeadership #OfficersEatLast #ServantLeadership #VeteranPodcast #VetTransition #BusinessConsulting #LeadershipTraining #VeteransInBusiness #VetSOS