• Emilio's diverse military background (Air Force HVAC mechanic to Army Black Hawk pilot) provided valuable skills and networking opportunities
• Transitioning to entrepreneurship requires leveraging military experience, continuous learning, and adapting to new technologies
• Networking and mentorship are crucial for entrepreneurial success, especially within the veteran community
• Effective use of social media, SEO, and content creation strategies are essential for growing an online business

• Joined Air Force in 1998 as HVAC mechanic, transitioned to Army as warrant officer and Black Hawk pilot in 2003
• Multiple deployments and assignments provided diverse experiences and skills
• Retirement planning included obtaining certifications and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities
• Emphasized importance of starting business planning before leaving the military

• Founded Training 101 Academy, offering online training in Lean Six Sigma, leadership, and safety
• Leveraged military experience and passion for process improvement and safety
• Faced challenges in learning new business skills like marketing, SEO, and content creation
• Stressed the importance of networking with other entrepreneurs and continuously improving processes

• Utilizes AI tools like ChatGPT for content creation and SEO optimization
• Emphasizes consistency in social media posting and engagement across platforms
• Leverages networking events and veteran entrepreneur groups for mutual support and growth
• Explores innovative ways to feature and promote other businesses within the community

Conduct an interview for the "Battlefield to Business" podcast with guest Brian McMillian, discussing his background, military experience, and entrepreneurial journey.

• Brian McMillian is a health coach and owner of "Shut Up Eat Clean LLC", in business since 2010
• His program focuses on holistic wellness, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual health
• Brian emphasizes the importance of behavior change and mindset shifts before physical training
• He advocates for clean eating, stress management, and finding purpose to combat metabolic syndrome

• Originally from Paris, Alabama
• Joined the military at 19, initially planning to be a Navy medic
• Served as an Army medic, gaining valuable medical knowledge and leadership skills
• Military career ended due to medical issues, leading to a transition into fitness and health coaching

• Started CrossFit coaching after leaving the military
• Developed a holistic health program addressing physical, mental, and spiritual wellness
• Focused on helping people manage their lives outside the gym for better overall health
• Transitioned to online coaching, especially after COVID-19 pandemic

• Emphasizes behavior change and mindset shifts before physical training
• Advocates for clean eating (80% single-ingredient foods) to combat inflammation and disease
• Stresses the importance of sleep, hydration, and daily physical activity
• Incorporates mental health practices like gratitude and positive thinking

• Discusses the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (combination of obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol)
• Criticizes the medical industry's focus on medication rather than lifestyle changes
• Promotes education and lifestyle modifications to prevent and reverse chronic health issues

• Shares personal experience of losing his daughter and overcoming grief
• Emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life's challenges
• Advocates for seeking professional help and maintaining a growth mindset during difficult times

• Transitioned from physical gym ownership to online coaching
• Discusses challenges with customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing
• Emphasizes the importance of authenticity and building trust with clients
• Considering development of a scalable online education platform

• Brian to continue developing his online coaching platform and potentially launch a scalable education program
• Explore potential collaboration opportunities with the podcast host for future projects
• Follow up on marketing and CRM solutions to improve business operations
• Continue to spread awareness about holistic health approaches and combating metabolic syndrome

Conduct an interview with Nathan Wheeler for the "Battlefield to Business" podcast about his journey from military service to entrepreneurship in financial services.

• Nathan transitioned from a decorated military career to founding a successful financial services business, Strategic Ascent LLC
• His passion for helping others and leadership skills transferred well to financial advising and building a team
• Key to success was finding intrinsic motivation and leveraging military experience in a new field
• Emphasizes importance of financial literacy and building generational wealth for veterans

• Moved frequently as a youth, born at Fort Bragg
• Joined Army after sister's arrest, initially planning short-term service
• Served as 13M (artillery) and 29E (electronic warfare)
• Decorated career including Airborne, Ranger School, 10th Special Forces Group
• Divorced during military service, struggled with alcohol after separation

• Worked as contractor, then for Army Strategic Command and Space Force
• Joined Deloitte consulting but found passion in financial services
• Got licensed initially to help friends/family, then saw bigger opportunity
• Left Deloitte to pursue financial services full-time in March 2023

• Independent financial services firm, not captive to any one company
• Has direct contracts with top 192 companies in securities/insurance
• Focuses on holistic financial planning and wealth-building strategies
• Aims to educate clients on financial literacy and asset protection
• Built team of 123 associates across the country in 18-19 months

• Leveraging leadership skills and drive from military experience
• Finding intrinsic motivation in helping others succeed financially
• Being willing to take risks and bet on yourself as an entrepreneur
• Continuous learning and exploring new opportunities

• Identify what brings you joy and explore ways to monetize it
• Do due diligence on business opportunities, especially in financial services
• Leverage unique skills/experiences from military in civilian world
• Be prepared for self-motivation required as an entrepreneur

• Nathan to potentially serve as financial services expert resource for podcast
• Jarvis to release this episode as one of the first on Veterans Day
• Explore possibilities for future collaboration between Nathan and Jarvis

Interview Dawn Naum, founder of Koda's Place, for the Battlefield to Business podcast to discuss her entrepreneurial journey as a veteran.

• Dawn overcame significant personal challenges (poverty, military medical discharge, car accident, incarceration) to launch Koda's Place, a pet accessory business with a mission to give back
• The business, inspired by Dawn's service dog Koda, donates 2% of sales to animal shelters and aims to sponsor service dogs for veterans
• Key challenges include limited capital and marketing, but community support has been strong
• Dawn emphasizes the importance of taking action on business ideas rather than waiting for perfect conditions

• Grew up in poverty, moving frequently between states
• Joined Marine Corps but medically discharged after 2 years
• Experienced severe car accident, incarceration, and personal struggles
• Used these experiences to fuel personal growth and eventually start Koda's Place

• Pet accessory business selling leashes, collars, treats, and merchandise
• Founded July 2023 in Andrews, North Carolina
• Mission to donate 2% of sales to local animal shelters
• Goal to sponsor service dogs for veterans by 2025 (est. $8,000/dog)
• Currently operates through local gift shop booth, events, and developing e-commerce

• Limited capital: Bootstrapping with bartending tips, careful budgeting
• Marketing: Primarily word-of-mouth and business cards; working to improve social media
• Product development: Experimenting with treat shelf-life, no preservatives used
• Logistics: Manually fulfilling orders, researching food safety requirements
• Time management: Balancing day jobs with business development

• Strong local support from friends and strangers
• Developing website (Kodas.place) for e-commerce
• Long-term plans include own retail space, grooming services, and training classes

• Emphasizes importance of human connection during dark times
• Recommends Veterans Crisis Line as a resource
• Advocates for taking small steps (e.g. shower, make a call) to move forward
• Stresses the impermanence of difficult emotions/situations

• Launch website (Kodas.place) to enable e-commerce
• Research and comply with food safety requirements for pet treats
• Improve social media marketing consistency
• Prepare for upcoming Oktoberfest and Welcome Home Veterans events
• Continue developing product line and exploring future expansion opportunities (e.g. grooming services)

"Welcome to Battlefield to Business: The Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey! I’m your host, Jarvis Buchanan, and today we’re diving into the "Why" we Battlefield to Business exists and the intent behind show.

We’ll talk about how veteran entrepreneurs shaped their entrepreneurial mindset, the challenges they faced when transitioning to civilian life, and what it took to start and grow a successful business in a competitive industry. Guests will also share some golden nuggets of advice for veterans thinking about starting their own business – from how to find your passion to leveraging the unique strengths you gained in the service.

So, if you’re a veteran looking to make that leap into entrepreneurship, or maybe you’re just curious about how military experience can fuel business success, this podcast is for you.