The After Action Review

Every Veteran business owner has a unique story to tell about their journey through entrepreneurship. Those stories can help inspire, educate, and motivate other Veterans who are either in the middle of their own journey or considering starting one. The After Action Review Podcast (The AAR Podcast) serves as a vehicle to create, promote, and support a network of Veteran entrepreneurs by capturing and sharing their stories with the Veteran community.

The AAR Podcast, is an audio and video podcast for Military and Veteran entrepreneurs, business owners, artists, and non profit organizations. We promote entrepreneurship and Veteran products, business, and service.

Episode 29 - Jimmy Burgess of Forward March Inc.

JB.jpg

Forward March, Inc. (FMI) is a Service Disabled Veteran-owned small business based in San Antonio, Texas. FMI was formed in 2013 by highly successful retired US Military Members and business professionals. Together they are committed to providing companies with outstanding military talent solutions and military styled leadership training unique in the industry.

Jimmy Burgess and I talk about how the tornado that ravaged Joplin Missouri and doing some heavy soul searching landed him working with FMI, helping bridge the gap between Veterans and industries.

Learn more about Forward March Inc by visiting their website at: www.forwardmarchinc.com
or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/forwardmarchinc

Don't forget to leave your comments below or visit The AAR Podcast at www.facebook.com/theaarpodcast

Want to REALLY help out? Leave us a rating and review on iTunes and Google Play!


Episode 28 - Alex Miller of Gen-Kit Exchange

British Soldier and Veteran Entrepreneur Alex Miller joins me on the show to talk about Gen-Kit Exchange. We talk about his business of online kit buying and selling, the common thread of entrepreneurship that runs through Veterans, and his unique perspective on starting your own business.

 

Gen Kit Exchange is for soldiers and kit enthusiasts who spend too much time browsing kit online, who want a quick, reliable and hassle-free way to buy and sell personally owned military kit. 

 Gen Kit Exchange is an easy-to-use online marketplace for listing and browsing kit that provides listing and purchasing capabilities in a trustworthy, military orientated environment.

Visit Gen-Kit Exchange at: https://www.genkit.co.uk

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to The AAR Podcast!
Go to http://bit.ly/2wXEdz6 and subscribe to our YouTube page!

LISTEN-LIKE-SUBSCRIBE-SHARE


Episode 27 - Grant Rogers, "The Fire Within: Shedding Light on Trauma"

Grant Rogers is a former US Army Intelligence professional who's idea for the book "The Fire Within: Shedding Light on Trauma" is bringing the voice of PTSD right from the people who have lived through it.

In this full interview we explore the process of making an idea into a book, PTSD, and what it takes to overcome hardship.

Order your copy of "The Fire Within: Shedding Light on Trauma"

https://theaarpodcast.com/readinglist/
https://firewithin.online/
https://www.facebook.com/TheFireWithin22/

Also available on Amazon!


Episode 26 - Patrick Rifino of Bastion Defense Solutions LLC

Patrick is a Marine Corps Veterans and one of the founders of Bastion Defense Solutions LLC. In this interview we talk about the challenges of starting a security company, overseas contracting, and how you can prepare yourself for a career in contracting if that's something your interested in.

If you want to learn more about overseas contracting or interested in the business building aspect of contracting, you get in touch with Bastion Defense Solutions and Patrick at:
Bastion Defense Solutions LLC

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BastionDefenseSolutions/

Patrick Rifino: prifino@bastiondefensesolutions.com

"Bastion Defense is an Evansville, Indiana based company, with zero foreign interest or ownership Bastion Defense is also a Veteran Owned Business (VOB)."


Episode 25 - Brad Clark, Founder of Via Artisans

Brad Clark is a US Army Veteran and founder of Via Artisans, a craftsmanship company dedicated to bringing back bringing back the tradition and values of real American craftsmanship. 

 

In this episode we talk about making your passion or hobby into a sustainable business. We also talk about the importance of legacy and how his business is fighting the IKEA trend of disposable furniture.

"Their products are designed foremost for function and longevity – to make life easier, more beautiful, and to help you accomplish a task. On top of lasting forever every piece is beautifully designed and hand crafted. Every piece is made by hard working American hands that care deeply about the quality of their work."

Visit Via Artisans at http://www.viaartisans.com/
Use Offer Code: "AAR" for 15%off your next purchase!


Episode 24 - Combat Flip Flops, CEO Matthew Griffin

Combat Flip Flops has been featured on Shark Tank and their CEO's Matthew Griffin delivered one of the most memorable TED Talks in recent history.

One of the most remarkable things about Combat Flip Flops is the way they created a successful business around helping people. 

Check out 3 Take Aways in less than 5 minutes to get an idea of what's waiting for you in the full interview.

Griff will take you through the challenges of starting a business in a war zone and how they made it all work.

 

*Every product Combat Flip Flops sells puts an Afghan girl into secondary school for a day.*Each

*Peacemaker Bangle or coinwrap sold clears 3 square meters of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) from a region rocked by long-term war - saving lives and providing economic opportunity. 

Visit Combat Flip Flops and pick up some really cool flip flops, awesome stuff, and learn how you can help their cause!

https://www.combatflipflops.com

https://www.facebook.com/combatflipflops/


Episode 23 - Eric Hadley, CEO of Got Your Six Coffee Co.

Got Your Six Coffee Co. (GY6CC) is passionate about helping veterans and others who put their lives on the line everyday to serve and protect us. Because of that a portion of all the profits from Got Your Six Coffee go to their non-profit, GY6 Foundation which has a primary mission to ‘serve those who serve’.

In this interview we talk about the struggle of starting a business when it feels like back is up against a corner, the value of finding a purpose bigger than yourself, cutting negativity, and how inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places.

Be sure to visit and Follow Got Your Six Coffee Co

https://www.gotyoursixcoffee.com
https://www.facebook.com/gotyoursixcoffee


Episode 22 - Yves Domingo, CEO of MYKE Media

Yves Domingo is a US Marine Corps Veteran and CEO of MYKE Media, a company specializing Internet marketing for the food and beverage industry.

In this hour we talk about the power of social media, emotional intelligence, and what takes to go from Military mindset to Sales mindset!

Wanna skip my intro and get to Yves, just go 0:07:24

You can also check out "3 Take Aways" from this episode BUT believe me there's so much more here than I could condense into three takeaways! "3 Take Aways" is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYZRtrJ4ZxA&t=21s

 

You can find Yves Domingo and MYKE Media on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mykemedia
Be sure to visit MYKE Media at www.mykemedia.com to find some awesome opportunities to sign up for free webinars and learn more about MYKE Media.


Episode 21 - Jon Santana, CEO of Iron Age Productions

Jon Santana DELIVERS for you Veteran entrepreneurs who want to get into the comic book industry BUT I have to emphasize here there are GOLDEN NUGGETS of info in this episode for ANYONE interested in starting a business. Do NOT miss this interview because you're not into comics! Trust me on this, you will NOT be disappointed. 

Iron Age Comics is an independent comics publisher producing dynamic titles featuring various genres to include super heroes, science fiction, and supernatural thrillers. 

Reach out to Jon and Iron Age Comics!
Website: https://www.ironagecomics.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/IronAgeProductions
Instagram: Iron_Age_CMX
Twitter:  @Ironageprod


Episode 20 - Veterans Outreach of Texas NORML, Director David Bass

David Bass is the Director of the Veterans Outreach for Texas chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), a trans-partisan, educational 501c4 nonprofit that focuses on cannabis law reform. 

Texas NORML’s mission is to change marijuana laws so that it reflects the majority opinion of Texans which is that the responsible use of cannabis by adults and patients should no longer be subject to penalty.  Our focus is to increase public awareness of current laws regarding cannabis, as well as the legislative system and legislation regarding cannabis consumers in Texas.

You can reach David at dave@texasnorml.org

Website: https://www.texasnorml.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TXNORML

Twitter: @TexasNORML

Episode 19 - Menehune Soaps LLC, CEO Leinani Davis

Navy Veteran Leinani Davis of Menehune Soaps LLC joins me to talk about Soap, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and the challenges of that come with starting and running a soap business! It's a slippery slope as we talk soap on Episode 19 of The AAR Podcast!

Menehune Soaps will leave you clean and feeling as fresh as the island breeze!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/menehunesoaps/

Squareup: https://squareup.com/store/menehunesoaps

Instagram: Menehune_Soaps


Episode 18 - Regroup 4 Vets, Founders Antonio Ruiz and Stephanie Solton

Antonio Ruiz and Stephanie Solton, founders of Regroup 4 Vets join me to talk about some of the amazing changes that their non-profit organization has undergone since last year when I last spoke to them.  Visit their links below and stay tuned for their crowdfunding campaign coming soon where you can help support this amazing organization.

ROI for watching this video is learning more about the non-profit process and how Regroup 4 Vets dealt with some of the challenges that arose as not only the organization grew but so did the scope of the mission. We also talk about the value of project management and how that applies to non-profits.

You can learn more about Regroup 4 Vets at:

Website
https://www.regroup4vets.com

ReGroup LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/regroup-foundation

ReGroup Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ReGroupFoundation/?fref=ts
 
Instagram  
https://www.instagram.com/regroup4vets/
 
ReGroup Twitter
https://twitter.com/ReGroup4Vets


Episode 17 - Daisson Hickel, CEO of The Java Can

Daisson Hickel is an Active Duty US Army Special Forces Soldier and CEO of Java Can. The Java Can is the first all in one espresso kit which fits in a military ammunition can. The idea for The Java Can was conceived of on the dangerous and rugged mountain tops of Afghanistan and now The Java Can can go wherever your adventures take you. In this interview Daisson talks about what The Java Can means to him, his challenges and successes as a small business owner while also being an Active Duty Servicemember, and what lies ahead for his company.

If you want to learn more about The Java Can visit:

www.thejavacan.com

www.facebook.com/thejavacan

and follow the Instagram account at @thejavacan (http://instagram.com/thejavacan)


Episode 16 - Eazy Mac aka Miguel McCullen joins me to talk comedy, branding, and trolls!

Facebook comedian Eazy Mac joined me on The After Action Review Podcast to discuss comedy, branding, why he does what he does. All that and more with this very talented and very funny guy!

Be sure to follow Eazy Mac on Instagram: @ilovemccullen and follow him on  www.facebook.com/EazyMac12

While you're at it be sure to follow The AAR Podcast on Facebook and YouTube!
Drop us a 4-Star rating on iTunes, and share this video! It's all about supporting Veteran entrepreneurs!

Audio Podcast


Episode 13 - Navy Veteran and Aspiring Writer Bia Brown

Click here for video...

Navy Veteran and aspiring writer Bia Brown joins me on The AAR Podcast. We talk about her experience writing her first short book and the lessons she's applying to her burgeoning writer career.

You can find her book
"How To Be Charlie One" on Amazon 

Be sure to follow Bia on:
facebook.com/HowToBeCharlieOne
Instagram: @HowToBeCharlieOne
Blog: HowToBeCharlieOne.com
Email: biabrown951@gmail.com

Audio Podcast


Episode 12 - Veteran Athletes Mitchell Bruner and Erick Rodriguez

These amazing Veteran Athletes talk about Sponsorships, Veteran Athletes, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and MMA! Show your support for these Vet Athletes by visiting their Facebook Athlete pages and dropping them a Like! Also be sure to visit their sponsors and let them know you heard about them through their athletes on The After Action Action Review on Facebook!

Mitch Bruner @TheBodyMitchellBruner
Erick Rodriguez @www.facebook.com/EricktheRedMMA

Athlete Sponsors
Mitch & Erick - Twinwolves Martial Arts Academy
Mitch & Erick - Illuminate 24 Hour Gym
Mitch - RogueAmerican Apparel
Mitch - Complete Nutrition
Erick - @GWBOOCH (on Instagram)

Audio Podcast


Episode 11 - Rosie Babin, CEO and Founder of Help Our Wounded

Help Our Wounded (HOW) was founded by Rosie Babin in 2009 to help severely wounded service members, and those who care for them by providing direct aid, resources and support. While there are many resources for veterans, the needs of severely wounded veterans and their caregivers are more complex.

HOW acts as a resource for the emotional and medical challenges facing caregivers. In addition, they coach and educate caregivers and soldiers as they navigate the complex rules and paperwork required to obtain help from the DoD and other agencies.

Learn more by visiting www.helpourwounded.org

Episode 10 - Ryan Hunt, CEO of Mountain Up Cap Company

This episode I talked to Army Veteran Ryan Hunt, CEO of Mountain Up Apparel. Mountain Up is a Veteran apparel company that's redesigning how we view Veteran head gear. Taking it's inspiration from the spirit of the Army's 10th Mountain Division, Ryan's company continues to ascent to new heights from a sticker designed on a cell phone to a warehouse of merchandise and business partnerships. If you're thinking about starting your own line of Veteran apparel, Ryan might have some words of wisdom just for you.

www.10thmountainapparel.com

www.facebook.com/10thmountainapparel

Use promo code: PANDO20 to recieve 20% off your purchase