VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup

By Shawn Welsh

VET S.O.S. – Veteran Entrepreneurial Spotlight highlights the journeys of veteran and veteran spouse entrepreneurs. Through candid conversations, we explore lessons learned, best practices, and resour... more

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FAQs about VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup:

How many episodes does VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup have?

The podcast currently has 77 episodes available.

VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup episodes:

March 06, 2025 Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight: Mark Elder on Career Transition, Networking & Financial Success
In this episode, we sit down withMark Elder, a U.S. Air Force veteran, expert networker, and the founder & president ofClear Path Wealth Strategies. With over two decades of experience in financial services and professional networking, Mark is passionate about helping veterans and professionals transition successfully into the business world.
🔍What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Mark’s military transition journey & lessons learned
✔️ How he became an entrepreneur & the power of networking
✔️ The biggest challenges & rewards of running a business
✔️ Financial strategies for career transitions
✔️ Veteran & civilian resources to build success
🎯Looking for career or financial guidance? Mark shares actionable insights to help veterans and entrepreneurs take control of their future!
🔗Connect with Mark Elder:
📍 LinkedIn: Mark Elder (linkedin.com/in/markelder)
📧 Email:[email protected]
🌐 Website: Clear Path Wealth Strategies (cpwstrategies.com)
🔥Follow & Subscribe to VET S.O.S.!
🎙️ Podcast: Spotify (open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM) | Apple Podcasts (podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vet-s-o-s/id1673146703)
📲 Website: vetsospodcast.com
🔗 Socials: YouTube (youtube.com/@vetsospodcast) | LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast) | Instagram (instagram.com/vetsospodcast) | Facebook (facebook.com/vetsospodcast)
💡"Don’t try to see a transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!"
#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #BusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship #CareerGrowth #NetworkingMatters #FinancialWellness #VeteranSupport #WhoYouKnow

...more
16min
February 27, 2025 🏹 From Army Veteran to Archery Therapy Pioneer | Sam Westfall’s Entrepreneur Journey
Join us as we welcomeSam Westfall—Army veteran,serial entrepreneur, andcompetitive archer—to discuss his journey from military service to building multiple businesses. Sam shares how archery became apowerful tool for therapy, empowerment, and connection, particularly within the military and veteran communities.
🏹What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ How Sam overcamemilitary transition struggles with entrepreneurship
✔️ The impact ofarchery therapy on PTSD, anxiety, and mental health
✔️ Howarchery is gaining recognition as a VA-approved therapy
✔️ The veteran entrepreneurship journey—programs likeBunker Labs, Warrior Rising, and Boots to Business
✔️Valor Archery Challenge and how it’s bringing veterans together
💥Listen now and learn how archery could be the perfect therapy and entrepreneurial opportunity for veterans!
📲Connect with Sam & Valor Archery Challenge:
🌐Website: valorarcherychallenge.com
📱Social Media: @valorarcherychallenge
🔥Follow VET S.O.S. & Stay Connected! 🔥
🌐Website: vetsospodcast.com
🎧Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
📺YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
🔗LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
📱Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), TikTok: @vetsospodcast
🎙️Sponsored by Spearpoint Solutions – your one-stop shop for cutting-edge products, services, and training. Visitpointonline.com and use codeVETSOS to support our mission!
🛟Don’t drown in transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!
#VETSOS #VeteranBusiness #ArcheryTherapy #MilitaryTransition #EntrepreneurLife #Veterans #Archery #MentalHealthMatters #BunkerLabs #WarriorRising
...more
15min
February 20, 2025From Military Spouse to Bestselling Ghostwriter | Brunella Costagliola’s Entrepreneurial Journey
In this episode ofVET S.O.S., we welcomeBrunella Costagliola, abestselling ghostwriter, award-winning author, journalist, and translator with over a decade of experience in publishing. She is the founder ofThe Military Editor Agency, a boutique agency that helpsveterans, military spouses, and service members navigate the publishing world and share their powerful stories.
Brunella opens up about:
✅ Her transition frommilitary spouse to entrepreneur
✅ How she broke into thepublishing industry
✅ The challenges ofgetting military stories published
✅ HowThe Military Editor Agency supports veteran authors
✅ Advice foraspiring writers in the military community
📢Looking to publish your story? Connect with The Military Editor Agency:
🌐 Website:www.themilitaryeditor.com
📧 Email:[email protected]
🔴Follow & Subscribe to VET S.O.S.:
🌐 Website: vetsospodcast.com
🎧 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
🍏 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vet-s-o-s/id1673146703
📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
🔗 Social Media:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Twitter: x.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
📣Don’t miss more inspiring stories from veteran entrepreneurs—follow and rate VET S.O.S. today!

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitarySpouse #PublishingIndustry #VeteranStories #Ghostwriting #MilitaryAuthors #TransitionTips #Entrepreneurship #MilitaryCommunity
...more
15min
February 13, 2025 Rescuing Lives Worldwide: Bryan Stern’s Journey with Grey Bull Rescue
Welcome to VET S.O.S., where we shine a spotlight on veteran
entrepreneurs making a difference. In this gripping episode, we’re
joined by the extraordinary Bryan Stern, Chairman and Founder of Grey
Bull Rescue, a decorated U.S. Army and Navy combat veteran, 9/11 first
responder, and Purple Heart recipient.
Bryan's story is nothing
short of incredible. As a former intelligence officer with decades of
experience, Bryan transitioned from military service to founding a
nonprofit that specializes in rescuing Americans and allies from some of
the most volatile and dangerous situations in the world. From the fall
of Afghanistan in 2021 to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, natural
disasters in the U.S., and even rescuing hostages from Gaza, Bryan and
his team at Grey Bull Rescue have conducted 728 high-stakes missions and
saved over 7,000 lives worldwide.
🛠️ Key Topics Covered:
✔️ Military Transition: How Bryan landed on his feet after service, starting with consulting before founding Grey Bull Rescue.
✔️
Entrepreneurial Journey: The challenges of running a nonprofit in
high-pressure environments and the importance of leadership, creativity,
and resilience.
✔️ Rescue Operations: First-hand accounts of daring missions in places like Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Haiti.
✔️
The Realities of Nonprofits: Bryan’s candid insights into the veteran
nonprofit sector, the importance of loyalty, and the tough decisions
leaders face.
✔️ Life-Saving Impact: How Grey Bull Rescue fills a critical gap where governments and other organizations cannot operate.
💡 About Grey Bull Rescue:
Grey
Bull Rescue was founded during the fall of Afghanistan in 2021 when
Bryan decided he could no longer stand by and watch people in need
suffer. Since then, the organization has conducted life-saving missions
in war zones, disaster areas, and other challenging environments where
conventional help is unavailable. Grey Bull Rescue has set records,
including two of the largest private rescues in U.S. history, saving 293
Americans from Israel in 2023 and 117 Americans from Afghanistan in
2021. Their motto? “We buy one-way tickets—we don’t come home until they
come home.”
💡 Support Grey Bull Rescue:
Bryan and his team
rely on donor funding to carry out their life-saving missions. Every
contribution helps them save lives and bring Americans and allies to
safety.
👉 Visit greybullrescue.org to learn more and donate today.
📌 Stay Connected with VET S.O.S.:
✅ Follow VET S.O.S. on all major podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media.
✅ Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to support the veteran community and stay up to date with future episodes.
🌟 Don’t Drown During Your Transition—Grab the VET S.O.S. Lifeline Today!
#VETSOS
#GreyBullRescue #BryanStern #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition
#VeteranEntrepreneur #NonprofitLeadership #Resilience #Leadership
#HighStakesRescue #MilitaryStories
...more
26min
February 06, 2025 From Soldier to CEO: Jeremiah Hardy’s Journey with Victory Leadership Coaching
Welcome back to the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight! In this
powerful episode, we’re honored to feature Jeremiah Hardy, a seasoned
leadership coach, resilience advocate, veteran supporter, and founder of
Victory Leadership Coaching. With 18 years of leadership experience,
Jeremiah has dedicated his post-military career to empowering leaders to
thrive through empathy, effective communication, and mental toughness.
Jeremiah
opens up about his unexpected and challenging military transition due
to health issues and how he navigated those difficulties by tapping into
local veteran support systems like DAV and the American Legion. He
discusses how his professional experiences in management revealed a
significant gap in basic leadership skills, motivating him to launch his
own company to help organizations foster healthy workplace cultures and
build strong, resilient teams.
Now, through Victory Leadership
Coaching, Jeremiah provides personalized leadership coaching, consulting
services, a Business Basics Program designed for aspiring
entrepreneurs, and a Warrior Leadership Coaching Certification that
equips leaders with mindset and coaching tools to drive success. He also
emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship, crediting
veteran entrepreneur programs like Bunker Labs for playing a critical
role in his business growth.
📌 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Jeremiah’s personal story of overcoming adversity during his military transition
- How leadership gaps in corporate environments inspired him to start his business
- Strategies for building effective teams and positive workplace cultures
- Insights into launching and sustaining a lifestyle business versus scaling a large enterprise
- The role of veteran support organizations like Bunker Labs in entrepreneurial success
- Why resilience, hard work, and adaptability are critical in business ownership
- Practical advice for new entrepreneurs: “Do the hard things and don’t give up!”

🔗 Connect with Jeremiah Hardy:
🌐 Website: victoryleadershipcoaching.com (New website launching soon with downloadable resources and leadership tools)
📱 Social Media: Victory Leadership Coaching (Available on all major platforms)
📅 Book a session with Jeremiah—whether or not you join his programs, it’s worth the conversation!
💥 Support VET S.O.S.
A
huge thank you to our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, your one-stop shop
for cutting-edge products, services, and training. From AI technology
to corporate gifts, they have everything you need to help your
organization thrive.

👉 Check them out at spearpointonline.com and use code VETSOS to support our mission!
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Find VET S.O.S. on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms.
As always, remember:
💡 Don’t try to sea a transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!
#VeteranEntrepreneur
#LeadershipDevelopment #VictoryLeadershipCoaching #VeteransInBusiness
#MilitaryTransition #ResilientLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset
#VeteranSupport #BunkerLabs #VETSOS #LeadershipCoaching
...more
15min
January 30, 2025 From Combat Boots to CEO: Paula Sanchez Journey in Healthcare Innovation & Veteran Entrepreneurship
Welcome back to the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight! In this
episode, we're honored to sit down with Paula Sanchez, CEO and founder
of Sankirtz Marketing & Consulting Services. Paula is a proud
veteran of the Air Force and Army National Guard, holding a master's
degree in nursing informatics. Her company is an independent health IT
consulting agency that specializes in interoperability, human-centered
design concepts, UX/UI solution designs, pragmatic marketing, and agile
methodology.
Paula shares her inspiring journey from serving as a surgical technician
in the Air Force to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She opens up
about the emotional and professional challenges she faced during her
military transition, highlighting how the lack of support in 2001 led
her to discover veteran resources much later in her career. Programs
like V-WISE, FourBlock, and WoVen played a critical role in helping
Paula gain business acumen, build a supportive network, and foster
resilience in entrepreneurship. She also emphasizes the importance of
paying it forward by actively mentoring and empowering fellow veterans,
especially women veterans.
In this episode, Paula delves into how Sankirtz Marketing &
Consulting Services helps healthcare organizations and regulatory
industries streamline workflows, improve compliance, and implement
innovative solutions. She explains how her background in nursing
informatics allows her to bridge the gap between healthcare providers
and IT professionals, ensuring that technological solutions are both
compliant and user-friendly. Paula discusses her company's growth from
domestic healthcare clients to international corporate partnerships,
expanding into other regulatory industries beyond healthcare.
Discover how Paula turned her passion for healthcare innovation into a
thriving business and how she's leveraging her extensive experience to
tackle industry pain points. Gain valuable insights into how veterans
can transition into entrepreneurship, maintain discipline, and build
sustainable businesses in competitive markets.
Learn more about Sankirtz Marketing & Consulting Services:
https://sankirtz.com/
Connect with Paula Sanchez on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-sanchez-msn-bsn-rn-cspo/
Contact Paula directly: [email protected] | Text: 404-825-1041
✨ Subscribe to VET S.O.S. on YouTube and hit the notification bell so
you never miss an episode!
🔗 Follow VET S.O.S. on all major podcast platforms and social media.
Remember: Don't drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S.
lifeline!
#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneur #PaulaSanchez #SankirtzConsulting #MilitaryTransition #VeteranSupport #HealthcareInnovation #Entrepreneurship #WomenVeterans #Leadership #VeteranSuccessStories

...more
16min
January 23, 2025 From Trauma to Triumph: Daniel O'Dell’s Journey with MotiveFate, LLC & The Fluffy Poodle
Welcome back to the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight—the
lifeline for transitioning service members and veteran entrepreneurs! In
this powerful episode, host Shawn Welsh sits down with Daniel O'Dell, a
disabled Army veteran, motivational speaker, social media influencer,
and the founder of MotiveFate, LLC.
Daniel’s story is one of
resilience, determination, and purpose. Born into poverty and raised in
foster care, group homes, and shelters, Daniel endured unimaginable
physical, mental, and sexual abuse before the age of 18. After serving
in the military, he faced a difficult transition complicated by severe
disabilities, including a full neck replacement that limited his ability
to work in traditional roles.
Struggling to find his purpose,
Daniel discovered his calling as a motivational speaker and
entrepreneur. He founded MotiveFate, LLC, a company dedicated to
inspiring others to overcome adversity and achieve their goals. With the
help of his beloved service dog, the unmistakable Fluffy Poodle—known
for his eye-catching green fur—Daniel travels the world speaking to
corporations, schools, foster care groups, and Fortune 500 companies,
delivering powerful and customized messages of resilience, adaptability,
and hope.
In This Episode, Daniel Discusses:
⚡ His challenging transition from military service to civilian life.
⚡ The struggles of finding employment as a disabled veteran.
⚡ How he turned personal hardship into a thriving business.
⚡ The creation and mission of MotiveFate, LLC.
⚡ His partnership with organizations like Warrior Rising and the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce.
⚡ The importance of setting short- and long-term goals for success.
⚡ Valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Never give up. Adapt and overcome.”
Daniel’s
journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of
sharing your story. Whether you’re a veteran navigating your own
transition or an entrepreneur seeking motivation, this episode is packed
with inspiration and actionable insights.
🔗 Connect with Daniel O'Dell and MotiveFate, LLC:
📱 Facebook: MotiveFate, LLC
🐩 Follow "The Fluffy Poodle" on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, and YouTube for more behind-the-scenes moments and updates!
🔗 Explore More from VET S.O.S.:
🌐 Website: https://vetsodpodcast.com
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | [Insert Platforms]
🎯 Sponsored by Spearpoint Solutions
🛠️ Your one-stop shop for leading-edge products, services, and training solutions—from AI training to corporate gifts.
💻 Visit: spearpointonline.com
🎟️ Use code VETSOS at checkout to support our mission and access exclusive deals!
👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE!

🔔 Hit the notification bell so you never miss an inspiring story!
Remember: Don’t drown in the sea of transition. Grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline.
#VeteranEntrepreneur
#MilitaryTransition #MotivationalSpeaker #VETSOS #Entrepreneurship
#Resilience #TheFluffyPoodle #MotiveFateLLC #VeteransHelpingVeterans
#VeteranOwnedBusiness #DisabledVeteran
#EntrepreneurMindset #MentalHealthAwareness
...more
15min
January 16, 2025 Stories of Service: Tales of Leadership, Resilience, and Community Impact with Theresa Carpenter
In Stories of Service, Theresa Carpenter—a dedicated Navy Commander with
28 years of service—shines a light on the lives of ordinary people
making extraordinary impacts in their communities. As a seasoned leader,
storyteller, and public relations professional, Theresa uses her
platform to explore diverse narratives of courage, resilience, and
service.
Each episode takes listeners on a journey through inspiring stories of
individuals tackling systemic challenges, breaking barriers, and
uplifting others. From veterans and active-duty service members to
everyday heroes, the podcast showcases people who embody selflessness
and determination.
Theresa shares her own experiences transitioning to retirement,
addressing physical and mental health challenges like PTSD and anxiety,
and navigating the complexities of balancing her military career with
her entrepreneurial endeavors. She openly discusses the ups and downs of
podcasting, from technical hurdles to the joy of connecting with her
audience.
Embracing technology and innovation, Theresa uses AI tools to enhance
her storytelling, creating rich, engaging content that resonates deeply.
She balances this creativity with the discipline of coordinating with
her legal team and chain of command to maintain compliance while still
sharing her personal voice.
Highlights of the podcast include:
Stories of perseverance from veterans, service members, and civilians
alike.
Honest discussions on mental health, leadership, and the realities of
service.
Practical advice on professional development, storytelling, and personal
growth.
Insight into the challenges and rewards of creating a meaningful side
hustle.
Theresa's passion extends beyond the microphone, with her presence on
LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Wreaths Across America
Radio. She invites her audience to join her mission to bridge gaps in
the veteran and active-duty communities, encouraging connection,
critical thinking, and humor in the face of life’s challenges.
Whether you're a veteran, an advocate, or simply someone seeking
inspiration, Stories of Service reminds us all of the profound impact of
those who choose to serve.
https://www.theresatapestries.com/stories-of-service
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrdmJ4QyRnOCxyB8T-kBtwpPuwqW60P2E
And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, for a variety of business training and consulting services:
https://spearpointonline.com/
Referral Code: VETSOS
#vetsos #StoriesOfService #LeadershipInAction #VeteranVoices #CommunityImpact #ResilienceAndService

...more
22min
January 09, 2025 David Daly's Journey: From Marine Corps to Drone Industry Innovator
In this compelling episode of the VET S.O.S. Entrepreneurial Spotlight,
Shawn Welsh welcomes David Daly, a Marine Corps veteran and trailblazer
in the drone industry. David shares his remarkable story of
transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship, illustrating
the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.
David
reflects on his four tours in Iraq and his struggle to adjust to
civilian life, facing obstacles like PTSD and a difficult corporate
environment during the 2008 economic downturn. After returning to war
zones as a contractor and another stint in Afghanistan, David decided to
embrace entrepreneurship, finding both solace and purpose in drone
flying.
In 2017, David founded Vigilante Drones, a versatile
drone service provider offering solutions in aerial photography,
mapping, and disaster response. His journey didn’t stop there—David
launched Altitude University, a comprehensive training program to help
aspiring pilots pass the Part 107 drone license exam, and High Stakes
University, focusing on advanced drone operations for law enforcement,
security personnel, and emergency responders.
David candidly
discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced his
business revenue to just $250 in one month. Despite this setback, he
rebuilt his ventures with the help of key resources like an MBA from the
University of Redlands and support from the Wounded Warrior Project,
Rosie Network, and Work Vessels for Veterans, which provided essential
drone equipment.
Shawn and David explore the transformative
potential of drones in industries like real estate, topography, and
high-stakes operations. They also emphasize the importance of proper
training and the legal implications of unregulated drone usage.
Listeners
will gain insight into the dedication, adaptability, and community
support that fuel David’s entrepreneurial journey. His story is a
testament to the resilience of veterans and the power of turning passion
into impact-driven business ventures.
Key Takeaways:
Overcoming challenges in transitioning from military to civilian life
The therapeutic and professional benefits of drone flying
Building a business from scratch and adapting through crises
The importance of training and vetting in the drone industry
Resources and support networks for veteran entrepreneurs
Links & Resources:
Vigilante Drones Consulting
Altitude University
High Stakes University
Connect with David Daley on LinkedIn
Don’t
miss this inspiring episode! Subscribe to the VET S.O.S. podcast for
more stories of veterans transforming their lives and communities
through entrepreneurship.
https://www.vigilantedronesconsulting.com/
https://www.altitude-university.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@altitudeuniversity/videos
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-daly-drones/
And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, for a variety of business training and consulting services:
https://spearpointonline.com/
Referral Code: VETSOS
#vetsos #VeteranEntrepreneurship #DroneIndustry #MilitaryToBusiness #PTSDRecovery #VetSOSPodcast
...more
14min
January 02, 2025Achieve New Heights: Navigating Career Transitions with Don Gleason
In this episode of the Vet SOS Podcast, Shawn Welsh sits down with Don Gleason, a leader with over four decades of experience spanning military service, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship. Don shares his inspiring journey from a 27-year military career to his role in environmental leadership at Booz Allen Hamilton, and eventually, the launch of his own company, Achieve New Heights LLC.
Don offers invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from military to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of aligning your passion with your career. His mission is to empower veterans and military spouses to articulate their skills effectively and secure fulfilling careers.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of targeted resumes tailored to job requirements.

How early preparation, networking, and goal-setting can ease the military-to-corporate transition.

Insights on leveraging leadership principles and personality assessments to unlock career potential.

Encouragement to pursue careers that energize and fulfill you rather than settling for just any role.
This episode is packed with actionable advice for veterans, military spouses, and anyone navigating career transitions. Tune in to hear Don’s inspiring story, practical strategies, and tips for achieving new heights in your personal and professional life.
Actionable Resources:
Mock interview tips and guidance for military spouses.
Explore career transition services at Achieve New Heights LLC.
Website – www.AchieveNewHeights.com

LinkedIn – personal – https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-gleason
LinkedIn – business - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12373390/
And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, for a variety of business training and consulting services:
https://spearpointonline.com/
Referral Code: VETSOS
#vetsos #VeteranSupport #CareerTransition #LeadershipDevelopment #MilitaryToCivilian #EntrepreneurshipJourney
...more
18min

FAQs about VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup:

How many episodes does VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup have?

The podcast currently has 77 episodes available.