'NWA Founders' is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer. To recommend a guest or ask questions, reach out at [email protected] and follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn for video content.
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Nick Beyer Podcasts
Enjoy hilarious and offbeat sketch comedy that celebrates the quirks of daily life. Our podcast team finds humor in everything from Lost Sock Memorial Day to Sneak Some Zucchini into Your Neighbor's Porch Day. Hosted by Sean Michael Beyer and featuring the talented voices of Nick Pasqual, Adam Carbone, Angela Hicks, and Michael Richard Thrasher. Listen wherever you get your podcast fix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Supporting veterans to achieve career success as they navigate the challenges of transitioning out of the military. Each week we will bring you a new mentor who will teach you the lessons they have learned as they traveled the military transition path before you.
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This podcast will be humorous with spiritual tones of awakening adventures. There will be insightful views on the world from the author of Finding 42: Cut the Rope, Benny Mailman. Benny will discuss Book 1 in the series, as well as tell stories from his time in the Marines as a Recon Marine, being a comedian in NYC and LA, and being a bike taxi driver for 16 years in Denver, NYC, Orlando, Long Beach, CA and Las Vegas, NV. He will also offer insight into his travels as well as his current res ...
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The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Separation Vs. Retirement with Michael Pett
36:09
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36:09Send us a text Michael Pett defied conventional military career wisdom when he chose to leave active duty at the 15-year mark. His calculated decision, backed by a thorough cost-benefit analysis comparing potential civilian earnings against military retirement, launched him into remarkable opportunities at Accenture and Uber before his current lead…
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#15 - Brock Gearhart (Greenwood Gearhart)
1:35:39
1:35:39
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1:35:39What does it look like to run a financial firm built on trust, resilience, and generational vision? In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Brock Gearhart, CEO of Greenwood Gearhart, to explore how he transformed a respected Fayetteville-based firm into a 1.7 billion dollar wealth management leader with deep ties to the community and a cl…
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Walking 500 Miles to Find a New Purpose with Randall Surles
52:21
52:21
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52:21Send us a text What happens when a highly-decorated Green Beret with an MFA in Creative Writing decides to forge a completely different path after retirement? Randy Surles takes us on his remarkable journey from 32 years in Army Special Forces to becoming a sought-after editor and ghostwriter for military authors. Randy's story begins with unexpect…
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What do you get when a college student blends together a family recipe and a vision for something bigger than herself? In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with KK Goodwin, founder and CEO of Mamaka Bowls, a cali-inspired smoothie bowl restaurant with a cult following across 9 US locations. What began as a side hustle out of a Fayetteville …
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When Randy doesn't come home for dinner, Sandy eventually gets worried. Since the police won't help for forty-eight hours, she reluctantly contacts Private Dick, Dick, from Dick's Private Dicks. When they receive a recorded and monitored call from Randy, they quickly realize he sorta eff'd up. Dick calls his twin brother Rick, a criminal defense at…
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Dropping Military Transition Truth Bombs with Keith Cassant
44:19
44:19
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44:19Send us a text What happens when your dream job becomes uncertain during a government reduction in force? Keith Cassant, a retired Army veteran and sought-after transition expert, returns to the podcast with powerful insights about navigating unexpected career changes. Keith opens up about his journey since military retirement in 2019, sharing how …
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#13 - Jon & Max Harrell (Generations Bank)
1:28:47
1:28:47
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1:28:47What does it take to sustain a family-owned bank for over 100 years—and still be positioned for explosive growth? In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Jon and Max Harrell, the fifth and sixth generation leaders of Generations Bank, to hear the story of how a small-town bank in South Arkansas transformed into a billion-dollar institutio…
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Embracing Life's Post-Military Adventures with Gennaro Mazzeo
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44:05Send us a text Gennaro "Pirate" Mazzeo turned his military transition into an adventure – and it changed everything. After retiring from the Marine Corps during COVID after 22 years of service, he embarked on an unexpected journey that led him from ROTC instructor to bartender to federal employee with Naval Criminal Investigative Services. What mak…
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Adapting through Career Changes from Government to Tech with Melinda Beyer
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43:26Send us a text Former Marine Corps officer Mindy Beyer takes us on a remarkable journey through her diverse career path that has spanned military service, government work, tech startups, and now leadership at gaming giant Roblox as Director of Cybercrime and Strategic Intelligence. With refreshing candor and practical wisdom, Mindy reveals the stra…
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#12 - Marlon & Ati Blackwell (Marlon Blackwell Architects)
2:02:27
2:02:27
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2:02:27What happens when design, grit, and place come together to form a global architectural voice rooted in Northwest Arkansas? In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Marlon and Ati Blackwell, founders of the award-winning firm Marlon Blackwell Architects, to explore how they grew a boutique firm into a nationally recognized name—all while st…
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Revamping the Military Transition Framework with Jason Anderson
54:34
54:34
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54:34Send us a text When Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jason Anderson retired after 20 years of service, his transition looked perfect on paper. He landed a defense industry job with just one resume and two interviews, quickly rising to an executive position managing operations across Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. But behind this apparent success lurked a tr…
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Exceeding Your Own Expectations with Christopher Coffey
38:19
38:19
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38:19Send us a text What happens when your therapist asks you to practice rejection by applying for jobs you think are out of reach? For Air Force Tech Sergeant Christopher Coffey, it led to three six-figure job offers and a complete rethinking of his value in the civilian workforce. This eye-opening conversation challenges the most persistent myths abo…
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#11 - Matt, Mitchell, & Matthew Mawby (Professional Business Systems)
2:10:14
2:10:14
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2:10:14What does it take to run a family-owned company that’s thrived for over 35 years? In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Matt, Mitchell, and Matthew Mawby of Professional Business Systems, to explore how a local family business built its success on systems, service, and integrity. From humble beginnings to becoming a go-to partner for hu…
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Keeping Good Records for Career Succes with Lori Norris
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26:23Send us a text Maintaining meticulous records might not seem like the most exciting aspect of career management, but as veterans know, proper documentation can make all the difference between mission success and failure. In this tactical solo episode, Lori Norris shares a comprehensive system for organizing your job search and ongoing career docume…
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Demystifying the ATS: How to Get Your Resume Past the "Robot" with Marisol Maloney
40:54
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40:54Send us a text Ever felt like your carefully crafted resume disappeared into the void of an applicant tracking system? You're not alone. In this myth-busting conversation, Navy veteran, defense industry recruiter and resume writer Marisol Maloney pulls back the curtain on what really happens when you hit "submit" on that job application. "The ATS b…
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What if you could run a warehouse remotely with AI-powered insights and real-time data? In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Tanner Green, CEO and co-founder of Ox (Operator Experience), to explore how his company is transforming warehouse logistics through human-centered AI and automation. From a startup idea backed by research to an …
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Adapting to Corporate Culture with Nick Perez
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39:58Send us a text For many veterans, like Nick Perez, transitioning from the military can feel like stepping into a new world filled with unfamiliar rules and social cues. In the latest episode of our podcast, Nick shares his experiences since retiring from the United States Air Force. Having spent decades in military service, the shift to corporate c…
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#9 - Kym Hannah & Cindy Watson (Children's T.E.A.M.)
1:49:59
1:49:59
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1:49:59What happens when two passionate therapists come together to create a one-of-a-kind resource for children with developmental needs? In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Kym Hannah and Cindy Watson, co-founders of Children’s T.E.A.M., to hear how they built one of Northwest Arkansas's most comprehensive pediatric therapy organizations. …
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Military Transition Insights from Human Resources with Gary Steensgard
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53:15Send us a text This episode features insights from Gary Steensgaard, a veteran who transitioned from military service to a civilian HR role. We explore strategies for translating military skills for civilian job markets and how to navigate the realities of the hiring process. A few key highlights covered in this episode: • Honest reflections on the…
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Highlighting Mentorship and Entrepreneur Education with Leslie Coffey
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43:40Send us a text Leslie Coffey, Vice President of Military Engagement for American Corporate Partners (ACP), joins us to shed light on the importance of a mentor in the military transition process, whether you intend to join the corporate world or open your business. As a military spouse herself, Leslie brings firsthand knowledge and empathy to the d…
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How can farmland investment become more accessible, transparent, and scalable? In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Carter Malloy, founder and CEO of AcreTrader and Acres.com, to discuss how his company has modernized farmland investing and land data management. Carter shares his journey from hedge fund analyst to startup founder, the …
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From Aviation Leadership to Franchising Success with Michael Athanasakis
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47:14Send us a text Michael Athanasakis, a veteran with an impressive military career, shares his story of transitioning from active duty Army service to owning a Chick-fil-A franchise. Discover how leading helicopter attack platoons and teaching military science equipped him for the entrepreneurial world. Michael also discusses his initial steps into f…
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Empowering Veterans with New Career Opportunities with Mark Adams
38:21
38:21
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38:21Send us a text Mark Adams, a former active duty and reserve Air Force service member, shares his journey from military service to finding his place and an operational excellence leader in the private sector. Mark thought about retiring in 2012, but after recognizing gaps in his experience and education, he reenlisted and focused on closing those ga…
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#7 - Sam Russell (The Buttered Biscuit)
1:30:14
1:30:14
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1:30:14What does it take to build a beloved breakfast brand from the ground up? In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Sam Russell, co-founder of The Buttered Biscuit, to discuss how he and his wife transformed a dream into a thriving restaurant brand in Northwest Arkansas. From corporate America to scratch-made biscuits, Sam shares the journey…
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#6 - Andrea Allen (Onyx Coffee Lab)
1:26:53
1:26:53
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1:26:53We headed to downtown Rogers to visit with Andrea Allen, co-founder of Onyx Coffee Lab and 2020 Barista World Champion to hear how her and her husband built an industry-altering, local coffee company. We also dissect each of Onyx's locations around Northwest Arkansas, dive into Andrea's early mistakes as a business owner, and ask her how she's been…
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#5 - Stuart Collier (Collier & Associates)
1:22:58
1:22:58
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1:22:58We sat down with the visionary founder of Collier & Associates Stuart Collier, to hear how he built the largest independently owned brokerage in the state of Arkansas by investing in his 'most important asset'. We also discuss why Stuart puts a heightened focus on 'actions over outcomes' and where he believes the Northwest Arkansas RE landscape is …
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We headed over to Wright's BBQ in Johnson to sit down with owner and local legend, Jordan Wright, to discuss the origins of the restaurant, how they've grown so rapidly since 2016, and why people keep coming back. We also dive into Jordan's definition of success and why the everyday customer is his most important trophy. NWA Founders is a voice for…
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We welcome onto the show a born and raised Northwest Arkansan, Blake Hanby, to discuss City Title, the area's leading title and closing company. We dive into the early days of the business, Blake's decision to add a Benton County office, and finally what motivates him and his team to provide such great service to the people of Northwest Arkansas. N…
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#2 - Lewis Chase (Feed and Folly, City Park, The Guisinger)
1:25:23
1:25:23
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1:25:23We're joined by 1 / 3 of the brain behind some of Fayetteville's best restaurants, Lewis Chase. Him and his friends (aka the Dudes of Folly) have revolutionized the food scene in Northwest Arkansas by opening concepts like Feed and Folly, City Park, and The Guisinger. On this episode, we discuss the origin of each of those concepts, the economics b…
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We're kicking off the first episode of our podcast with the Founder & CEO of Harvest Group, Ross Cully. Harvest Group is an integrated commerce agency that provides full-service commerce solutions for CPG brands of all life stages and is located in Rogers, Arkansas. On this episode we dive into Ross's career before starting Harvest Group, the mista…
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Season 4 Episode 167: Military Transition Q&A with Marc Lopez
45:38
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45:38Send us a text Marc Lopez joined the Army 20 years ago and started his career in the intelligence field as a linguist. He transitioned over to become a warrant officer and is now a cyber warfare operator who is preparing to begin a SkillBridge program before he retires. When two of Marc’s closest friends retired three years ago, he was inspired to …
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Season 4 Episode 166: Seeking Alternative Methods of Healing with Eric Infanti
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38:01Send us a text We are excited to host Marine Corps veteran, Eric Infanti. By all accounts, Eric had a smooth transition into the corporate world, where he worked for 5 years. When his health began declining, Eric began a healing journey that included 2000 hours of yoga teacher and meditation training. He earned a dual master’s degree in Buddhist ps…
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Season 4 Episode 165: Five Things Your Resume Should Contain with Lori Norris
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31:47Send us a text On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we get back to the basics with best practices for crafting a resume. Certified resume writer and career coach, Lori Norris, shares 5 elements that a resume must contain as well as the role that AI can play during the job search process. 1. Focus. Every resume, from the very fir…
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Season 4 Episode 164: Changing Perspective over Time with Ray Jokie
45:22
45:22
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45:22Send us a text If you are a transitioning service member, it’s always helpful to hear the role that time has in the transition process. The transition process doesn’t end when you land your first job as a civilian. There is so much wisdom to gain from listening to other veterans’ journeys as they progress through various jobs and companies. On this…
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Season 4 Episode 163: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Military Transition with Chris Dreisbach
39:24
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39:24Send us a text We are excited to welcome back Chris Dreisbach for his fifth appearance on the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast. Chris retired in 2020 as a Senior Master Sergeant for the United States Air Force. Now in his sixth role since his retirement, Chris continues to share the lessons he’s learned along his path. Chris reflects on his previou…
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Season 4 Episode 162: Rate My SkillBridge with Ethan Shipp
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36:02Send us a text We welcome Ethan Shipp. Ethan began his career in the United States Air Force as an EMT but has since retrained as an information systems technician. Although he is still serving, he used his tech skills to create a resource designed to empower and inform service members about the many different SkillBridge programs. Ethan started Ra…
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Season 4 Episode 161: Knowing When to Take a Break with Lori Norris
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16:54Send us a text On this solo episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, Lori shares the challenges that she and her family have been going through over the past few months. During this time, Lori has struggled with burnout, a feeling that most everyone has experienced at one time or another. Feelings of burnout are especially prevalent among j…
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Season 4 Episode 160: Military Spouse and Family Transition with Sarah Bumgardner
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32:01Send us a text In celebration of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we are pleased to host Sarah Bumgardner. Sarah is a military spouse and a certified financial education instructor who has worked with AAFMAA since 2010. She is currently the Director of Partnerships and Member Engagement and supports both AAFMAA members and the entire military comm…
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Season 4 Episode 159: Job Interview Success with Brenda Mariah - Part 2
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33:30Send us a text On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we continue our discussion on interview best practices with career strategist, Brenda Mariah. We encourage you to listen to Part 1, episode 158 before continuing with this episode. During Part 1, Brenda explained the purpose of an interview, what every employer is looking for d…
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Season 4 Episode 158: Job Interview Success with Brenda Mariah - Part 1
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46:24Send us a text On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome Brenda Mariah. If you are having trouble getting others to see your value or recognizing your own value, this is where Brenda shines. Brenda Mariah, of Push Career Management, is a career-focused speaker, wordsmith, storyteller, encourager, author and strategist. She…
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Season 4 Episode 157: The Emotions of the Military Transition with Mary Polanco - Part 2
33:11
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33:11Send us a text We continue our discussion with Mary Polanco on Part 2 of this 2-part series. On the previous episode, Mary discusses the importance of taking time for yourself during the military transition process and the reality that separating from the military may cause grief. During this episode, we dissect content from her newly published boo…
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Season 4 Episode 156: Dealing with the Grief of Leaving the Military with Mary Polanco - Part 1
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43:10Send us a text After serving 23 years in the US Air Force, Mary Polanco retired from the Air Force. She is the founder and CEO of Live and Lead Well and the author of Your Final Debrief, which she describes as a must-read guide to learning how to break free from the military mindset and craft the post service life you truly desire. During Season 3,…
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Season 4 Episode 155: Learning How to Market Yourself with Clarissa Merced
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38:10Send us a text On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome retired US Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, Clarissa Merced. Clarissa used the SkillBridge program to upskill and land a role with the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). During her 2.5 years at the VBA, Clarissa realized she needed a job that was more stimulati…
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Season 4 Episode 154: Exploring SkillBridge with Dave Schantz - Part 2
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31:24Send us a text On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we continue our conversation with Dave Schantz, SkillBridge expert. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, we encourage you to download Episode 153 and learn more about what the SkillBridge program is and what it isn’t. This episode focuses on the employment part of the SkillBridge…
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Season 4 Episode 153: Exploring SkillBridge with Dave Schantz - Part 1
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31:24Send us a text We are excited to welcome Dave Schantz to the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast. After retiring from the US Navy in 2019, Dave built a SkillBridge opportunity at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT). Once he learned how to navigate the SkillBridge approval process for GDIT, he took over the program to attract more transition…
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Season 4 Episode 152: Bouncing Back from Underemployment with Dr. Derek Moore
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32:53Send us a text On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome back Dr. Derek Moore. Derek was originally a guest in Season 1 for a Q&A episode. Since retiring in 2021 from the US Marine Corps, Derek’s journey has had highs and lows, including a period of unemployment and underemployment. Today, Derek is the Director of the Join…
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Season 4 Episode 151: Navigating the Financial Decisions of Transition with Todd Nelson
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39:58Send us a text On this episode of the Lesson Learned for Vets podcast, we welcome Todd Nelson. Although not a veteran himself, he has dedicated his career to helping service members navigate their finances as a financial advisor for Edward Jones. There are often unique financial challenges that accompany transitioning service members into their nex…
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Season 4 Episode 150: Taking the Focus off You for Job Search Success with Lori Norris
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21:15Send us a text On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, host Lori Norris shares the best ways to help candidates stand out from the crowd during the job search process. It may seem counterintuitive at first, but a candidate who can shift their focus from themself to the needs of an employer will rise above the applicant pool. Whethe…
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Season 4 Episode 149: Military Transition Q&A with Taylor Lau
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52:25Send us a text On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we bring you the first Q&A session of Season 4. Taylor Lau currently serves in the US Army and is scheduled to separate in October of 2024 with terminal leave beginning in July. She is currently pursuing Salesforce certifications but is also open to working for a defense contra…
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Season 4 Episode 148: Removing the Mental Health Treatment Stigma with Major General Gregg Martin
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34:33Send us a text On this episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast, we host Major General Gregg Martin. During his 36-year career, MG Martin commanded the Corps of Engineers Northwest Division and served as Commandant of the Army Engineer School, President of the National Defense University and Special Assistant to the Chief of Engineers. He is…
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