DogTags to Ownership
DogTags to Ownership is the podcast designed for military members and veterans ready to transition from service to success in business. Whether you’re considering entrepreneurship for the first time or are already on the path to business ownership, this show provides the tools, insights, and inspiration you need to thrive. Hosted by U.S. Army Officers Julie Austin and Matthew Cain, we explore the unique strengths veterans bring to the entrepreneurial world, share actionable advice from experts, and feature inspiring stories of those who’ve successfully made the leap. Tune in to transform your military experience into a foundation for innovation, resilience, and business leadership. #DogTagsToOwnership #VeteranEntrepreneurs #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranOwnedBusiness
Episodes
In a world where the transition from military service to civilian life can be daunting, the stories of veteran entrepreneurs shine a light on resilience, innovation, and community. Recorded at the 2025 Army Navy Warrior Class Conference, this podcast episode showcases insightful conversations with veterans who have successfully navigated the journey from service to ownership. Join us as we delve into their experiences...
In this engaging conversation, Carmen Fleischmann shares her journey from serving in the Florida National Guard to becoming a successful wedding planner. She discusses her military background, the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, and the joy she finds in her work. Carmen emphasizes the importance of networking, managing client expectations, and balancing family life with her growing business. She offer...
In this episode of DogTags to Ownership, Julie and Matt sit down with Zachary and Jessica Cunningham—both active-duty Army officers and the powerhouse founders behind 5th Haven Cachaça, a new premium, organic Brazilian spirit making waves in the U.S. market.
The Cunninghams share how sense of passion and purpose turned into a bold entrepreneurial mission: introducing Americans to authentic, sustainably crafted Brazilia...
In this engaging conversation, Miguel Echols, a US Marine Corps veteran, shares his journey from military service to becoming a leadership consultant and motivational speaker. He discusses his passion for leadership, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and his current operations in Thailand. Miguel emphasizes the importance of following one's passion, leveraging technology, and the val...
In today’s episode we sit down with Joe Yurick The Founder of This Sober Vet Podcast, a U.S. combat veteran and small business owner, to discuss his incredible journey from military service to sobriety. Joe shares his insights on normalizing sobriety within the veteran community, highlighting the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way.
Main Content:
1. Joe’s Military Background:...
In Episode 46 of DogTags to Ownership, Julie and Matt sit down for a rapid-fire recap of Episodes 43–45—three conversations packed with wisdom, grit, and real-world strategies for turning service into success. We revisit the game-changing insights from Waza Media, the powerful story behind the Trauma Brace App, and the practical lessons, tips, and entrepreneurial takeaways that every veteran business owner can use tod...
In this episode of DogTags to Ownership, Julie and Matt sit down with Air Force navigator turned serial entrepreneur Vivek Shah — a powerhouse behind multiple successful ventures. From owning three Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids franchises to co-founding the Trauma Brace app, serving as a franchise advisor for Franzy, and launching Trajectory Holdings, Vivek’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Vivek share...
In this episode, Army veteran Chas Sampson, founder and CEO of Seven Principles, shares how his own experiences inspired him to create a company dedicated to helping veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned through service.
In this engaging conversation, Chas Sampson, a US Army veteran and NFL agent, shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to civili...
In this episode of DogTags to Ownership, we sit down with Alex Milner and J.R. Arce, founders of Waza Media, to explore their journey from serving as Public Affairs Officers in the military to becoming the driving force behind one of the most data-driven marketing agencies in the game.
Alex and J.R. share how their time in uniform shaped their leadership and communication skills — and how they now use that experience t...
In this episode of Dog Tags to Ownership, hosts Matt Cain and Julie Austin recap episodes 39 to 41, highlighting the journeys of veterans who transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship. They discuss the insights shared by guests Greg Povenski, Eva Fulton, and Jeff McCabe, focusing on themes of leadership, resilience, and the importance of community support in navigating the challenges of starting a busines...
In this episode Matt and Julie sit down with Jeff McCabe - U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Navy Pilot, and owner of BWQOHT, INC. Jeff shares how the precision, pressure, and purpose of military aviation shaped his path into entrepreneurship.
From leadingin the skies to building a business on the ground, Jeff breaks down the mindset, mistakes, and mission focus that fuel his success.
He dives into:
- Transitioning from mil...
In this powerful episode of DogTags to Ownership, Julie and Matt sit down with Eva Fulton - U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran, entrepreneur, author, filmmaker, songwriter, and podcast host. Eva shares how her military experience shaped her resilience and creativity, and how she now uses her voice to uplift and connect others through storytelling. From building businesses to creating films and hosting multiple podcasts, i...
In this conversation, Gregory Povenski, a US Army Special Forces veteran, shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). He discusses his military background, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of education in his career. Gregory emphasizes the value of military experience in business, particularly in leadership roles, and explores the growing ...
In Episode 38 of DogTags to Ownership, Julie and Matt sit down to recap the powerful lessons shared in Episodes 35–37. From Gerry of RedBeard Solutions and his blueprint for building a “Destination Employer,” to Dan Clare of Disabled American Veterans highlighting resources and opportunities for veterans, to Leroy Brown’s inspiring journey from Marine to therapeutic artist—this recap ties it all together.
But that’s no...
In this episode of DogTags to Ownership, we sit down with retired U.S. Marine Leroy Brown, the creative force behind Leroy Brown Art. Leroy shares how he leveraged his military benefits to earn a degree in entrepreneurship and how he transformed his love of painting into both a passion and a business.
From the discipline of the Corps to the freedom of the canvas, Leroy opens up about the therapeutic power of art, the l...
In this conversation, Dan Clare, Chief Communications and Outreach Officer for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), discusses the organization's history, mission, and the various services it provides to veterans. He shares insights into the Patriot Boot Camp, a program designed to support veteran entrepreneurs, and highlights the importance of community and mentorship in helping veterans transition to civilian l...
Join us in Episode 35 for an inspiring and strategic conversation with Gerry Gadoury, a former U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant and Signals Intelligence Operator turned recruitment expert and founder of RedBeard Solutions. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience in recruitment, management consulting, leadership, and entrepreneurship—and informed by success scaling startups like Apisero—Gerry has made it his mission to...
In this special recap episode, Julie and Matt sit down to revisit the last three powerful conversations:
• Ep 31 – Brent Bowers, The Landshark 🦈: breaking down how land investing can create freedom and opportunity.
• Ep 32 – Larry Wilson, Deep Blue Dive Therapy 🌊: exploring innovative therapies and the lessons of resilience from the ocean.
• Ep 33 – Chris Wallingford, Metafora Group ...
In this episode, Chris Wallingford, a U.S. Army veteran and owner of Metafora Group, shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the establishment of his staffing company, and the importance of mentorship and core values in business. Chris also highlights the role of the American Legion in supporting veterans and offers advice for those l...
In this powerful episode, Marine Corps veteran Larry Wilson — founder and CEO of Deep Blue Dive Therapy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD through therapeutic scuba diving — joins us to share the depths of his mission. As a decorated veteran turned mental health advocate, Larry reveals how underwater immersion can transform trauma, rebuild community, and re...
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