Veteran On the Move

In this episode, we talk with Zack Knight, an Infantry leader, former metro-Atlanta police officer, and now an entrepreneur. He dives into what drove him to build his business (Knight Protection Services), how being a service-member helped him become the strong leader and entrepreneur he is today, and how to know where your clients are and focus your marketing efforts there.

"Your network is your net-worth" - Zack Knight

About Our Guest  

From the streets of metro-Atlanta as a police officer to the mountains of Afghanistan as an Infantry leader, Zack has been tested on his crime and risk mitigation expertise as well as his leadership. He has built his experience into Knight Protection Services, where he provides those techniques to a wide array of businesses. He also volunteers on the board of Vet-lanta, the physical security council for ASIS, and as co-chair of Surviving To Thriving.

 

Connect with Brit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaknight/

Knight Protection Services: http://knightprotection.net/index.html

 

Join the conversation over on our Facebook!

Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.

 

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union

If you are an active duty service-member, veteran, DoD civilian, or military family member, you can join Navy Federal. That means if you’ve served in any branch of the military—doesn’t have to just be the Navy, could be Army, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard—you can join Navy Federal Credit Union.

American Express is a registered service mark of American Express, used by Navy Federal under license.

Visit navyfederal.org/veteranmove for more information.

 

Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected]. 

 

Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!

Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470.

Veteran On the Move podcast has published over 250 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 1,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes, and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

Are you an entrepreneur trying to make sure you're starting your business the right way? In this episode, we sit down with Brit Yonge, a Naval officer who is well-versed in the "tech" environment and he shares his insights, struggles, and advice on successfully bringing a business to market to ensure you're covered in the long run.

 

About Our Guest  

Brit is a technology-focused Operating Partner at Corsair Capital, concentrating on initiatives within the portfolio and deal diligence.

Before working with Corsair, Brit co-founded a company that built a technical infrastructure for the correspondent banking industry. Previous to that he worked at Palantir Technologies, where he worked closely with clients in the financial services industry. During his time at Palantir, Brit established and headed up the Asia business, and was Chief of Staff to the Chief Technology Officer.

Brit began his career as a Naval officer deploying downrange twice. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

 

Connect with Brit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byonge/

Check out his Blog: https://brityonge.io/

 

Join the conversation over on our Facebook!

Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.

 

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union

No one is more reliable and committed than the men and women of the military. That’s why since 1933, Navy Federal Credit Union has been committed to being there for our members through all of life’s challenges. Our Members Are the Mission.

American Express is a registered service mark of American Express, used by Navy Federal under license.

Visit navyfederal.org/veteranmove for more information.

 

Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected]. 

 

Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!

 

Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470.

Veteran On the Move podcast has published over 250 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 1,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes, and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

About This Episode  

Most people are doing digital marketing wrong. Are you? In this episode, we sit down with George Bryant, a USMC veteran and the highest-paid digital marketing consultant in the world, to hear how he is changing the approach to digital marketing and teaching entrepreneurs to do the same. George is no stranger to life struggles, but how those struggles ultimately helped him become the digital guru he is today is inspiring.

About Our Guest  

George Bryant helps brands ethically scale by guiding entrepreneurs to develop deeper relationships with their customers, employees, and themselves. His trademark, Relationships Beat Algorithms, is the core of what he teaches his private mastermind, corporate clients, and his digital community. In George’s community, they focus on helping customers accomplish their goals BEFORE a purchase is made. Then taking them on a journey that creates a meaningful transformation in their life forever. As a result, the brands George works with dominate their markets by gaining & keeping customers for life. And collectively generating billions of dollars.

If you want to connect & learn from George & the influential people around him, the only way is to apply to join his Relationships Beat Algorithms community.

Apply here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/georgebryant/

Join the conversation over on our Facebook!

Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union

May is Military Appreciation Month, and Navy Federal Credit Union is proud to serve Active Duty military, veterans, and their families. During Military Appreciation Month, Navy Federal Credit Union is celebrating with special offers on car loans, credit cards, certificates, and more.

Join Navy Federal Credit Union in thanking service members during Military Appreciation Month. Show your appreciation with tweets, posts, captions, and letters using #MissionMilitaryThanks.

American Express is a registered service mark of American Express, used by Navy Federal under license.

Visit navyfederal.org/veteranmove for more information.

 

Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected]

 

Don’t forget to leave us a 5-star rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470.

Veteran On the Move podcast has published over 250 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 1,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes, and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

About This Episode  

Do you have a hobby that you have been wanting to turn into a business, but haven't had that push to make it happen? Today I am joined by long-time friend John Currie and his wife Stacy to talk about their thriving salad dressing and marinade business, Semper Savage. A business that was fueled by a passion of salad, encouraged by friends and family, and ultimately created because of a humorous Christmas gift.

About Our Guests  

John Currie served 23 years in the USMC and has continued serving stateside and overseas in civilian life. John began making salad dressing for family and friends in 2009 in a quest for a truly great salad dressing. He is the founder and guiding force behind Semper Savage.

Stacy Currie, (co-owner, Production, and Product Development) has been an educator for over 25 years at high school and university levels. She is always busy developing new products and driving production and logistics. She is an avid hiker who loves all aspects of outdoor life.

Check out Semper Savage and shop their dressings or visit them on Facebook!

Join The Conversation Over On Our Facebook!

Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union 

May is Military Appreciation Month, and Navy Federal Credit Union is proud to serve Active Duty military, veterans, and their families. During Military Appreciation Month, Navy Federal Credit Union is celebrating with special offers on car loans, credit cards, certificates, and more.

Navy Federal Credit Union. Our Members Are The Mission. Insured by NCUA.

American Express is a registered service mark of American Express, used by Navy Federal under license.

Visit navyfederal.org/veteranmove for more information.

Fiverr 

Finding talent for your project has never been easier — review seller ratings, buyer feedback, and select the right freelancer based on your budget.

⦁ Find what you’re looking for instantly.

⦁ Search by service, deadline, price, reviews, and more.

⦁ You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for upfront – no negotiating needed.

Check out FIVERR.com today and receive 10% off your first order by using my code VETERAN.

Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected]. 

Don’t forget to leave us a 5-star rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. 

Veteran On the Move podcast has published over 250 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane . The podcast features people, programs and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 1,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

About this Episode

Today we are honored to host Dane Mawell on the show. Dane is an US Army veteran and a serial entrepreneur. His specialty is helping underdogs start successful businesses. Dane has had some great opportunities in life and has learned many lessons.  Tune into this episode to hear more about his journey and learn from his success story.

Key Points of Discussion

Dane Maxwell’s life story

Being an entrepreneur

Starting of successful career

Greatest regret in life

Accepting happiness

Leadership and fear

Metacognitive training

Software as a potential business

Key Milestones of this Episode

[00:57] Dane’s life story

[03:18] Entrepreneurship at an early age

[06:30] First successful business

[12:02] Greatest regret

[20:40] Hard time accepting happiness

[27:31] Fear and leadership

[33:49] Concept of metacognitive training

[40:10] Identity conflict and decision to be free

[43:53] Software as a potential business

Key Quotes

“The patterns are so unbelievably simple and in the end and then implementing them can cause an internal riot inside the brain.”

“One of the most important things I've ever learned in my entire life is to not take things personally.”

“Find anybody’s pain and you have found an amazing business opportunity.”

“Fear is used to conquer fear.”

“I can't think of people that might have a stronger sense of identity in the world than a veteran.”

“If you will sit still in a room and do nothing, the worst thing will come up right away.”

“I would say don't look for what business you're going to start, look for the heart of Entrepreneurship; install that heart within you and then it's not going to matter.”

About Our Guest  

Dane Maxwell is a serial entrepreneur and he has taken his businesses from mere ideas to seven figure companies within a brief period of 5 years. He has gone on to create over 15 millionaires with his teachings. He specializes in helping underdogs start successful businesses. He is the author of the upcoming book Start From Zero which teaches entrepreneurs a new way to build businesses quickly, without the risk, from scratch.

LinkedIn

Website

Start from Zero: Build Your Own Business & Experience True Freedom

About Our Sponsors

May is Military Appreciation Month, and Navy Federal Credit Union is proud to serve Active Duty military, veterans and their families.  No one is more reliable and committed than the men and women of the military.

That’s why since 1933, Navy Federal Credit Union has been committed to being there for our members through all of life’s challenges.

Join Navy Federal Credit Union in thanking service members during Military Appreciation Month. Show your appreciation with tweets, posts, captions and letters using #MissionMilitaryThanks.  Navy Federal Credit Union. Our Members Are The Mission.  

Navy Federal is Insured by NCUA.

Visit navyfederal.org/veteranmove for more information.

Don’t forget to leave us a 5-star rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you!

Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. 

Join the Veteran on the Move on Facebook!

Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests! It’s a great place where you can stay in touch with other veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship.  Get updates and free gouge on the people, programs and resources to help you in your transition to entrepreneurship.

Veteran On the Move podcast has published over 250 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane . The podcast features people, programs and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 1,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Mil...

About this Episode

Today we are honored to host Noble Gibbens on the show. Noble is a West Point graduate, successful entrepreneur, speaker, personal mentor, and business coach who learns, lives, and breathes leader development. Nobel is the founder and president of several startups including the 360 movement. Tune into this episode to learn more about Noble Gibbens and his journey.

Key Points of Discussion

Nobles Gibben’s life story

Failure; a professor

Getting out of the army and involved in the business

Job description for a successful entrepreneur

Advice for entrepreneurs

Doing everything by yourself

Advice for veterans

Key Milestones of this Episode

[01:06] Noble’s life story

[03:15] Planning to get out

[06:06] Teaching kids not to be afraid of failure

[13:08] Experience of getting out of the Army

[17:07] Best advice

[19:26] Evaluating future opportunities

[27:17] Advice for new entrepreneurs

[33:56] Advice for veterans

Key Quotes

“Failure is a tool to maximize; not something to be avoided.”

“How can you meet other people's needs like creating a business using the strength of God's giving you to make a better impact in this world?”

“There's no doubt that transitioning from your comfort zone to the unknown is brutal.”

 “I tell a lot of entrepreneurs that entrepreneurship is like being a UFC fighter. Even if you're the greatest UFC fighter on the planet, they still get punched in the face and they don't freak out when they get punched in the face. They don't cry when they get punched in the face. They don't walk out of the ring. That is part of the job description.”

“I don't recommend putting yourself in a situation like getting out of the military if you haven't even started your side hustle yet or without getting a job. You need seed money and a primary source of income while you are working your side hustle because there's no pain like financial pain.”

“Failure is not an event. It's a lesson, it’s a tool.  Learn from your mistakes and learn from those around you.”

About Our Guest  

Noble graduated from West Point and was an Infantry Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division. From there he went on to become a serial entrepreneur being involved in over 10 different start-ups, of which many failed. He recently started a podcast called EQ for Entrepreneurs, runs an active Facebook group called The 360 Movement Personal Growth Tribe and is very involved in the Classical Conversations Homeschool Community.

LinkedIn

Why 'A' Students Work for 'C' Students and 'B' Students Work for the Government: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Education for Parents

About Our Sponsors

May is Military Appreciation Month, and Navy Federal Credit Union is proud to serve Active Duty military, veterans and their families.  During Military Appreciation Month, Navy Federal Credit Union is celebrating with special offers on car loans, credit cards, certificates and more.

Now, more than ever, we want to say thank you.

Join Navy Federal Credit Union in thanking service members during Military Appreciation Month. Show your appreciation with tweets, posts, captions and letters using #MissionMilitaryThanks.

Navy Federal Credit Union. Our Members Are The Mission.  

Navy Federal is Insured by NCUA.

Visit navyfederal.org/veteranmove for more information.

For 32 years, there has been a motorcycle demonstration on Memorial Day weekend to raise awareness of the critical issues facing our nation’s veterans and demand action for the 82,000 service members missing in action.

On May 24, 2020, the tradition will continue through the Rolling to Remember Challenge. For the first time in ride history, we will also demand action for the 22 veterans who die by suicide each day.

Due to the COVID-19 health crisis and to protect the safety of the riding community, AMVETS announces the Rolling to Remember Ride Challenge in conjunction with REVER,

About this Episode

Today we are honored to host Jason Valadão on the show. Jason is an active duty Doctor in the United States Navy and is the founder and president of several startups. With 19 years of military service on land, in the air, on sea, and in hospitals, along with many years as a professor, coach and mentor, Jason had some great opportunities in life.  Tune into this episode to learn more about Jason Valadão and his journey.

Key Points of Discussion

Jason Valadão’s life story

Being a doctor; a childhood dream

Running business while on active duty

Primary and Tricare manager

SteadyMD; a revolutionary startup

Writing a book

Advice for veterans

Key Milestones of this Episode

[01:18] Jason’s life story

[02:22] Pursuing childhood dream

[05:06] Business while being on active duty

[09:46] Primary care manager

[12:17] How SteadyMD works

[16:52] Experience with Masterminds

[20:10] Basic concept of Masterminds and benefits of it

[28:00] Advice for veterans

Key Quotes

“So that is what's really cool about Mastermind groups as you bring people together you get involved in a topic and whether it's 20 minutes 40 minutes you start diving in.”

“I was taught the concept of a mastermind being as where you take a book to study and basically you assign everybody's assigned reading.”

“Things that you want in life, whether it's getting involved with investing in real estate, whether it's starting your own business, whether it's how you want to interact with your family and be a better father, brother, husband, wife or be a better coworker to your colleagues.”

“John Maxwell wrote that, everyone communicates but few connect.”

“And so what I love about being a mastermind leader or facilitator is it's not about me on a Podium just lecturing. It's about everyone in the group contributing and that contribution is what Society is all about.”

“Find mentors in different areas of your life that are important.”

About Our Guest  

Jason Valadão knows the challenges everyday people face when it comes to creating a fulfilling life. While Jason is 100% inspiring living proof, he has overcome many challenges by anyone’s standards – a leader of men and women in uniform, has taught and mentored at several universities, survived cancer, is a father, and is currently a doctor of family and sports medicine in the United States Navy – his secret for true fulfillment has nothing to do with time or to-do lists. His keen sense and ability to help others through both their struggles and aspirations makes his message unique and inspiring.

LinkedIn

Website

SteadyMD

Exceptional Every Day: An Empowering Process to Unlock Your Why and Transform Your Life

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union~at Navy Federal Credit Union, we want you to know that we have your back.  We’ve all faced tough challenges individually. But right now, we’re facing some together.  And the safety of our members, employees, and community is our first priority.

We know our members will face these times head-on.  Still, at Navy Federal Credit Union, we want you to know that we have your back.  Because uncertain times call for reliable service. No matter what, we remain committed to serving all of our members, all of the time.  That means, our branches will remain open as long as possible. You can also get in touch with our world-class, member service. Whether you’re on ship or ashore, at home or abroad.  We’ve had our members’ backs for 87 years. In good times and bad.

Maybe that’s why we’ve been named one of the best Military Credit Unions by U.S. News and World Report.  Serving active duty, veterans, and their families.

Navy Federal Credit Union. Our Members Are The Mission.  Insured by NCUA.

American Express is a registered service mark of American Express, used by Navy Federal under license.

Visit navyfederal.org/veteranmove for more information.

About this Episode

Today we are honored to host Greg Shaffer on the show. Greg is a Coast Guard Veteran and is the founder and president of “Shaffer Security group."  Greg had some great opportunities in life while serving in the US Coast Guard.  He is an expert in crisis management and designing, implementing and managing security for high profile, large-scale special events.  Today Greg will talk about security and self-awareness.

Key Points of Discussion

Greg Shaffer’s life story

Working in FBI

Being a successful entrepreneur

Security; need of the hour

Gun and politics

Writing a book

Advice for veterans

Key Milestones of this Episode

[00:54] Greg’s life story

[03:22] Working in FBI

[06:29] Transition into successful entrepreneur

[09:26] Facts about security

[16:21] Dangers of guns for the society

[23:45] Importance of awareness

[27:33] Book about security

[29:39] Advice for veterans

[31:12] Helping other people

Key Quotes

“I can go out there and tell people why they need to hire me.”

“Do you know that the number one cause for women to die in the workplace is from violence.”

“Completely oblivious to everything around them and the bad guys know and that's what they target.”

“You’re never going to get rid of guns in America and this is for two reasons;  one is part of our culture and other is the 2nd Amendment.”

“The body can't go where the mind has never been.”

About Our Guest  

Greg Shaffer is recognized as a Subject Matter Expert on Active Shooter and Terrorism Matters.  He has over 31 years of law enforcement experience to include twenty years with the FBI and six years serving on their elite “Hostage Rescue Team”.  Additionally, he is the founding partner of Shaffer Security Group, a global security and risk management specialty firm based in Dallas, Texas.

Greg is the author of best-selling book, Stay Safe – Security Secrets for Today’s Dangerous World” and the host of Investigation Discovery Channel’s docu-drama, “Body Cam – Behind the Badge”. 

Stay Safe - Security Secrets for Today's Dangerous World

LinkedIn

Website

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union~at Navy Federal Credit Union, we want you to know that we have your back.  We’ve all faced tough challenges individually. But right now, we’re facing some together.  And the safety of our members, employees, and community is our first priority.

We know our members will face these times head-on.  Still, at Navy Federal Credit Union, we want you to know that we have your back.  Because uncertain times call for reliable service. No matter what, we remain committed to serving all of our members, all of the time.  That means, our branches will remain open as long as possible. You can also get in touch with our world-class, member service. Whether you’re on ship or ashore, at home or abroad.  We’ve had our members’ backs for 87 years. In good times and bad.

Maybe that’s why we’ve been named one of the best Military Credit Unions by U.S. News and World Report.  Serving active duty, veterans, and their families.

Navy Federal Credit Union. Our Members Are The Mission.  Insured by NCUA.

American Express is a registered service mark of American Express, used by Navy Federal under license.

Visit navyfederal.org/veteranmove for more information.

Where do you go to find on-demand talent?  There’s no doubt finding the right freelancer can be time-consuming, frustrating, and expensive.  Whether you’re launching your first business, scaling your current business or if you’re in need of extra support to complete a project, Fiverr is here to help you evolve, adapt, and grow. Fiverr connects businesses with freelancers who offer hundreds of digital services including graphic design, copywriting, web programming, film editing, and more.

In fact, several tasks involved in the production of this podcast are done by talented people we found on fiverr.

About this Episode

Today we are honored to host John L. Gronski, Major General (U.S. Army Retired) on the show.  John, is founder and CEO of Leader Grove LLC; an adjunct fellow with the Center for European Policy Analysis; and director of the leadership academy for student-athletes at Lebanon Valley College.  Today John will talk about Life, Leadership and Love.

Key Points of Discussion

John Gronski’s life story

Involvement in Iraq

Civilian Life Experience

Importance of networking

Civilian leadership as compared to military leadership

Book on leadership

Entrepreneurial aspects of writing a book

Advice for the Veterans

Key Milestones of this Episode

[01:10] John Grosnki’s life story

[05:12] Working experience in Iraq

[06:29] Normal civilian life for Army veteran

[09:26] Networking

[12:45] Leadership; difference in Army and Civilian

[16:45] Memorable adventure with family

[20:03] Leadership book

[24:24] Entrepreneurial aspects of writing a book

[31:32] Advice for veterans

[32:55] Talking about book reviews

Key Quotes

“Military creates more leaders than any other organization.”

“Whether it be a story from experience I had in the military or a story from an experience I've had in the civilian sector, I try to use those military leadership principles and frame them in a story that almost anybody could understand.”

“I think you really have to understand who your audience is and who you're speaking to.”

“You have to be comfortable with making decisions and having the courage to make the decisions.”

“Character really matters, and of course in the military, character based organizations and values are very important to us.”

“You have to be true to your values even when your back is against the wall.”

“If you're still in the military, you've get to start branding yourself and you really have to get a feel for what is your life purpose and you have to find something, if you're going to be an entrepreneur and get involved with a business, it has to be something that you're passionate about and I think if you could start doing those type of things, you know, Branding yourself, understanding what you believe, what your life purpose is, and then finding something you're passionate about. I think that really helps with the transition.

About Our Guest  

John is a leadership and peak performance expert, a motivational storyteller, and a much sought-after speaker and leadership seminar leader. His presentations feature inspirational stories and wisdom gained from his own leadership experience and the experience of others. John has provided leadership assessments, training and/or keynote addresses to many large organizations and companies including General Dynamics, the United States Army, the National Conference on Ethics in America at West Point, Pennsylvania National Guard, Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network, PECO Energy, Exelon, Comcast, , the YMCA, the Freedom Alliance, Penn State University, Drexel University, Widener University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh,  Wilkes University, Lebanon Valley College, Albert Einstein Health Network, Buckman’s Inc., Delaware Valley Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, Schlouch Inc., Boy Scouts of America, Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, the Kulski Foundation, the USO, Rotary International, VFW, and the Young Presidents Organization.

John is the author of the inspirational leadership book, “The Ride of Our Lives – Lessons on Life, Leadership, and Love”. The book tells the inspiring story about a family on a transformational journey as they bicycled across the USA. This was 1983, no ubiquitous mobile phones, internet, email, Google, nor social media sites.  The closest thing to connectivity was a payphone along a dusty road. Through the journey they camped in a variety of places including farmer’s fields, state parks, behind churches and schools, town parks,

About this Episode

Today we are honored to host Justin Lair on the show. Justin, a former US Navy Veteran is the founder of Fiber Light. During his service he was assigned to HMX-1 presidential helicopter squadron. Justin worked as a corporate trainer and conducted all new hire, customer service, sales, and technical support training for a call center. Today Justin will talk about learning from failures and his success story.

Key Points of Discussion

Justin’s life story

Life in the Marine Corps

Starting business at an early age

Transitioning out of Marine Corps

Ugly baby thesis

Importance of trade shows

Advice for veterans

Seeking help from successful veterans

Key Milestones of this Episode

[01:15] Justin Lair’s life story

[02:43] Working as presidential support specialist

[07:07] Starting of first business

[11:13] Life out of Marine Corps

[17:17] Starting of Fiber Light

[20:52] Thesis

[26:30] Learning the Importance of trade shows

[30:19] Advice for veterans

[32:58] Reaching out for help

Key Quotes

“I don't start companies with debt.”

“I will absolutely go get a freaking crap job to pay some bills so I can build a business.”

“When I'm worried that it’s not working or I hit some sort of a speed bump that I don't know how to get over; That's when I start seeing new shiny objects.” 

“The worst part about having a bad idea is it will suck the freaking life out of you, it will take all of your money and it will take all of your motivation and all of your time and it could put you in a super bad spot.”

“I've never had a customer purchase something from my website or Amazon and contact me later and say they want their money back.”

“If you're trying to bring anything to market, get on the trade show bandwagon, you will meet so many people, you will make so many connections.”

About Our Guest

Justin is a Marine Veteran and Entrepreneur. He stated Fiber Light 3 years ago and had taken Fiber Light from conception to market. Justin started his first business at the age of 15, 22 years ago. While in the Marine Corps, Justin was a Presidential Guard on Marine One with President Bush.

LinkedIn

Website

Instagram

Facebook

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union~at Navy Federal Credit Union, we want you to know that we have your back.  We’ve all faced tough challenges individually. But right now, we’re facing some together.  And the safety of our members, employees, and community is our first priority.

We know our members will face these times head-on.  Still, at Navy Federal Credit Union, we want you to know that we have your back.  Because uncertain times call for reliable service. No matter what, we remain committed to serving all of our members, all of the time.  That means, our branches will remain open as long as possible. You can also get in touch with our world-class, member service. Whether you’re on ship or ashore, at home or abroad.  We’ve had our members’ backs for 87 years. In good times and bad.

Maybe that’s why we’ve been named one of the best Military Credit Unions by U.S. News and World Report.  Serving active duty, veterans, and their families.  Navy Federal Credit Union. Our Members Are The Mission.  Insured by NCUA.

American Express is a registered service mark of American Express, used by Navy Federal under license.

Visit navyfederal.org/veteranmove for more information.

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Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests! It’s a great place where you can stay in touch with other veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship.  Get updates and free gouge on the people, programs and resources to help you in your transition to ent...