Veteran On the Move

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Brian Smith shares his dynamic career journey, transitioning from banking to thriving in Denver's commercial real estate scene, and ultimately dedicating himself to empowering entrepreneurs. He discovered his passion for helping founders scale their businesses and founded Strategy Ladders. Brian emphasizes the importance of building a sellable business, avoiding the trap of being indispensable, and the critical role of mindset and leadership in entrepreneurial success. He provides practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, focusing on scaling strategies and the importance of community. He shares insight into how Strategy Ladders offer a tangible approach for B2B companies seeking to overcome growth bottlenecks. 

Episode Resources: 

Strategy Ladders

S Brian Smith - Strategy Ladders | LinkedIn

 

 

About Our Guest

Brian Smith is a long-time serial entrepreneur with experience in building a commercial real estate firm, property management company, an agency, and a coffee shop chain. And now, since 2021 he's been helping agency owners and B2B service providers scale and get the f**k out of operations and live life on your terms. When he's not busy, you can find him munching on tacos.

 

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union  

Navy Federal Credit Union has made it their mission to help people in the military community. Navy Federal Credit Union is open to all branches of the military, Veterans and their families. They have lots of flexible savings and investing options to help their members reach their financial goals. Don’t miss out. The sooner you start building your finances with savings and investing options, the better off they could be in the long run. 

At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   

 

 

Join the conversation on 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.

 

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 500 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 7,000,000 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.

This week on Veteran On the Move, Joe interviews Leroy Roberts, a British Army veteran whose eight-year career was cut short by injury. Leroy shares his insights on navigating military transition, emphasizing the direct correlation between transition effort and success. He details his entrepreneurial journey and the invaluable experience that can be gained through volunteering. Now, Leroy leverages his military training to address executive’s leadership challenges, guaranteeing fully functional teams within 90 days. He delves into the root causes of low morale, high turnover, and disconnect, highlighting the critical role of trust and authentic soft skills—qualities veterans possess in abundance. Learn how Leroy helps leaders implement lasting change by accurately assessing weaknesses and targeting root causes.

Episode Resources: 

Leroy's LinkedIn

 

About Our Guest

Leroy Roberts  is a dynamic professional speaker, personal development and coaching strategist specializing in leadership, communication, and connection. With a proven track record addressing military personnel, law enforcement, educators, and corporate professionals, Leroy inspires C-suite executives to achieve peak performance and build meaningful relationships. Leroy helps C-suite executives who struggle with disconnected and disengaged teams and who constantly struggle with issues like low morale, high turnover rates, and decreased profitability.

 

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union  

Navy Federal Credit Union has made it their mission to help people in the military community. Navy Federal Credit Union is open to all branches of the military, Veterans and their families. They have lots of flexible savings and investing options to help their members reach their financial goals. Don’t miss out. The sooner you start building your finances with savings and investing options, the better off they could be in the long run. 

At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   

 

Join the conversation on 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.

 

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 500 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 7,000,000 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.

On this episode of Veteran On the Move, Joe Crane interviews Kirolos Abdalla, founder of AI Dudes. Kirolos shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from a family business ransomware attack in Egypt to building a thriving AI business in the US. He discusses his transition from traditional employment  to entrepreneurship. He shares how he is empowering small businesses with personalized AI solutions and offers valuable advice for veterans pursuing entrepreneurship.

Episode Resources: 

The AI Dudes

 

About Our Guest

Kirolos Abdalla is the driving force behind The AI Dudes, a company revolutionizing how businesses leverage AI.. Through AI-powered employees, he helps businesses qualify leads, engage customers, automate workflows, handle customer support, and optimize operations allowing them to scale faster and work smarter.

His journey into AI and automation began early at just 12 years old, he launched his first online business, sparking a lifelong passion for technology, sales, and automation. Over the years, he has built multiple companies focused on streamlining business processes and maximizing efficiency through AI-driven solutions.

In 2024 alone, Kirolos launched over five AI platforms, each designed to help businesses operate more efficiently without increasing overhead. Over the past three years, he has successfully exited three businesses, proving that automation isn't just about technology, it's about real-world impact.

 

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union  

Navy Federal Credit Union has made it their mission to help people in the military community. Navy Federal Credit Union is open to all branches of the military, Veterans and their families. They have lots of flexible savings and investing options to help their members reach their financial goals. Don’t miss out. The sooner you start building your finances with savings and investing options, the better off they could be in the long run. 

At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   

 

Join the conversation on 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.

 

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 500 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 7,000,000 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.

This week on Veteran On the Move, Joe's son, Mason, joins the show, sharing his journey into entrepreneurship. Mason got his entrepreneurial start in used car sales but found it different to scale. Shifting his focus, Mason found success in land wholesaling, using a combination of experience and lessons learned through The Land Sharks program. He details his shift to full-time land deals and how confidence fueled his growth. Tune in for insights into Mason's recent deals and his inspiring entrepreneurial path.

Episode Resources: 

Land Owner Central

The Land Sharks

 

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union  

Navy Federal Credit Union has made it their mission to help people in the military community. Navy Federal Credit Union is open to all branches of the military, Veterans and their families. They have lots of flexible savings and investing options to help their members reach their financial goals. Don’t miss out. The sooner you start building your finances with savings and investing options, the better off they could be in the long run. 

At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   

 

 

Join the conversation on 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.

 

 

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 500 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 7,000,000 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.

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Joe sits down with Rob Server, a former Navy SEAL with 9 years of service, and Alex Gendzier, a veteran advocate and business leader, to discuss their book, "Warrior to Civilian: The Field Manual for the Hero's Journey." They delve into the often-hidden challenges of military transition, from losing a sense of purpose and community to navigating new career paths. Rob's journey from Surface Warfare Officer to SEAL, followed by a successful transition to Goldman Sachs, provides a powerful example. Alex, drawing from his experience mentoring veterans, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive resource that addresses the emotional and practical aspects of this life-changing period. They explore how ancient wisdom and practical advice can guide veterans and their families through this new chapter, stressing the importance of communication and embracing the transition.

Episode Resources: 

Warrior to Civilian: The Field Manual for the Hero’s Journey 

 

About Our Guest   

Lieutenant (SEAL) Rob Sarver graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2004. He initially served as a surface warfare officer and ultimately as a Navy SEAL assigned to SEAL Team 3, completing seven deployments during his service. He completed three tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and two tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Rob's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with a combat "V" device and oak leaf cluster, the Combat Action Ribbon with a gold star device, and various additional personal and unit accolades. Since his departure from the military in 2013, Rob has held various leadership and executive roles and earned an Executive MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. Currently, Rob is the Co-Founder of Servius Group and serves as the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of The Heroes Journey, LLC.

Alex Gendzier is a partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, where he is involved in veterans affairs. Although Alex has no personal military experience, he feels a connection to them through his own journey of overcoming the odds, experiencing painful losses and making life-changing transitions and the five years of research and interviews that went into this Field Manual. His sense of his own successes and failures, as well as his desire to make a contribution to our service members and their families, led him to collaborate with Rob Sarver

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union  

Navy Federal Credit Union has made it their mission to help people in the military community. Navy Federal Credit Union is open to all branches of the military, Veterans and their families. They have lots of flexible savings and investing options to help their members reach their financial goals. Don’t miss out. The sooner you start building your finances with savings and investing options, the better off they could be in the long run. 

At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   

 

Join the conversation on 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.

 

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 500 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 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of...

This week on Veteran On the Move, Joe talks with Damon Darnall, founder of Sky Eye Network. With 30 years in commercial drones, Damon now coaches others to launch their own drone businesses. He shares his journey into the industry and the vast opportunities available. Tune in to learn how Damon has helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs take flight!

Episode Resources: 

Drone Command Live

About Our Guest   

Damon Darnall, aka the Drone Boss, is the founder of the Sky Eye Network. The Drone Boss has over 25 years of experience flying Drones and has logged over 10,000 Drone flight hours. He has set 2 world records and competed in numerous National and World competitions. He is currently hosting Drone Command Live seminars all over America, helping new Drone Operators start successful and profitable businesses using their drones.

 

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union  

Navy Federal Credit Union has made it their mission to help people in the military community.  Navy Federal Credit Union is open to all branches of the military, Veterans and their families. They have lots of flexible savings and investing options to help their members reach their financial goals. Don’t miss out. The sooner you start building your finances with savings and investing options, the better off they could be in the long run. 

At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   

 

 

Join the conversation on 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.

 

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 500 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 7,000,000 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.

This week on Veteran On the Move, host Joe talks with Michael Drew, entrepreneur and book marketing expert. Michael shares his journey from working in the publishing industry and to starting his own marketing agency. He reveals how he cracked the code to bestseller lists and now helps authors leverage their books as powerful business tools. Michael emphasizes the importance of working with authors before they even start writing, and discusses key elements of successful book creation, identifying your target audience, and, most importantly, defining your desired outcome and how to measure it.

Episode Resources: 

Book Retreats

Promote A Book

About Our Guest   

Getting books noticed is in Michael Drew's blood. Making books the essential reads that everyone needs to buy and talk about is also in his genes. With a string of national bestsellers (many of them number-one titles) that reads like an all-star team of today's most popular business writers, Michael loves books.He's launched 131 consecutive books onto national bestseller lists and has over 1,000 number-one Amazon titles. Michael has been marketing books for his entire career, perfecting his skills at such respected publishers as Bard Press, Entrepreneur Magazine, Longstreet Press, and Thomas Nelson Publishers, among others.

 

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union  

Navy Federal Credit Union has made it their mission to help people in the military community.  Navy Federal Credit Union is open to all branches of the military, Veterans and their families. They have lots of flexible savings and investing options to help their members reach their financial goals. Don’t miss out. The sooner you start building your finances with savings and investing options, the better off they could be in the long run. 

At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   

 

 

Join the conversation on 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.

 

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 500 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 7,000,000 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.

This week on Veteran On the Move, host Joe sits down with Idan Shpizear, an Israeli Army veteran and successful entrepreneur. Idan's story is one of hard work and opportunity. From growing up on a farm in Israel to immigrating to the United States, he embodies the drive to build something from the ground up. He shares his experiences as an immigrant and how a simple carpet cleaning job sparked his vision for a better restoration company. Recognizing a gap in the industry, Idan founded 911 Restoration, a company that not only cleans and repairs but also supports homeowners as they rebuild after a disaster. Today, 911 Restoration boasts 120 franchisees across more than 300 territories. Idan discusses the importance of discipline for entrepreneurs and emphasizes the power of remaining open to new opportunities. 

Episode Resources: 

911 Restoration

 

About Our Guest   

Idan Shpizear is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of 911 Restoration, a top-ranked disaster restoration franchise in the United States. His journey from humble beginnings as an immigrant with an $800 Volvo and a carpet cleaning machine to building a nationally recognized franchise epitomizes resilience and determination. Under his leadership, 911 Restoration has become a trusted name across America, helping homeowners and businesses recover from disasters while delivering a unique "Fresh Start" philosophy to every project.

Idan’s mission goes beyond business; he is deeply committed to personal and professional growth. His "Get Out of the Truck" initiative is aimed at helping small business owners break free from day-to-day operations to focus on scaling and success. This project emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering guidance to entrepreneurs stuck in the grind of running their businesses, enabling them to transition into strategic leadership roles.

 

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union  

Navy Federal Credit Union has made it their mission to help people in the military community.  Navy Federal Credit Union is open to all branches of the military, Veterans and their families. They have lots of flexible savings and investing options to help their members reach their financial goals. Don’t miss out. The sooner you start building your finances with savings and investing options, the better off they could be in the long run. 

At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   

 

Join the conversation on 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.

 

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 500 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 7,000,000 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.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you purchase via the link provided.

This episode on Veteran On the Move, Joe sits down with Air Force Veteran Tiffany Morice, a leadership coach and motivational speaker. Tiffany reveals how she pursued her entrepreneurial dreams while juggling a demanding career at the IRS. Learn about the valuable lessons she learned along the way, including the importance of self-care for leaders and the reality that success rarely comes easy.

Episode Resources: 

Tiffany Morice

About Our Guest   

Tiffany Morice is a dynamic leadership and mindset coach, motivational speaker, and combat veteran with over two decades of experience transforming individuals and organizations. As a professional leadership coach with the Armed Forces Success Center (AFSC), she combines her military expertise, including three overseas tours, with executive leadership experience at the IRS to help leaders turn challenges into opportunities. Her signature keynote, The Empowerment Equation: Mastering the Leadership Mindset to Drive Lasting Impact, equips audiences with actionable strategies to cultivate resilience, accountability, and collaboration. Tiffanys passion for empowering leaders inspires them to achieve lasting success in both their personal and professional lives.

 

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union  

I know from personal experience that being in debt can take a toll on your finances and can stress you out. That’s why Navy Federal Credit Union is here to help you. They have all the financial tools and resources you need to dominate debt. Right now, they offer a zero percent intro APR on credit card balance transfers for 12 months. You can also get $250 dollars when you spend $2500 dollars in your first ninety days on a cashRewards or cashRewards Plus credit card. Visit  here to start dominating debt.

 

At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   

 

Join the conversation on 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.

 

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.

This week on Veteran On the Move, Joe is joined by Dr. Lena Payton Webb, an Army veteran and founder of Blu Impressions Publishing. After a distinguished 21-year career, Dr. Lena unexpectedly retired and faced the daunting task of finding her new purpose. Discover how Blu Impressions Publishing empowers authors, including fellow veterans, to share their stories and build successful brands. Dr. Webb shares insights on book wiring, profit maximization, and the transformative power of self-publishing.

Episode Resources: 

Blu Impressions Publishing

pagestoprofits.com

 

About Our Guest   

Dr. Lena Payton Webb is a powerhouse of resilience, leadership, and creativity, blending her 21 years of dedicated Army service with her expertise as a multi-award-winning publisher and entrepreneur. A proud veteran and native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Lena has transformed her discipline and attention to detail into a thriving six-figure business, Blu Impressions Publishing LLC, where she helps authors, coaches, and consultants turn their expertise into captivating, revenue-generating works. As a two-time recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Lena is a trailblazer in the publishing industry, celebrated for her innovative custom coloring books, journals, and self-help guides that empower others to expand their brands and create new streams of income. Beyond her business acumen, Lenas inspiring journey as a retired Army veteran, mother, grandmother, and advocate for creativity and healing makes her a compelling voice for transformation and triumph in the face of adversity.

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union  

I know from personal experience that being in debt can take a toll on your finances and can stress you out. That’s why Navy Federal Credit Union is here to help you. They have all the financial tools and resources you need to dominate debt. Right now, they offer a zero percent intro APR on credit card balance transfers for 12 months. You can also get $250 dollars when you spend $2500 dollars in your first ninety days on a cashRewards or cashRewards Plus credit card. Visit  here to start dominating debt.

At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   

 

Join the conversation on 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.

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 500 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 7,000,000 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.