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What happens when decades of military leadership come to an end, and a completely different chapter of life begins? From commanding thousands of soldiers to navigating everyday civilian life, the transition out of military service brings challenges that even the most experienced leaders are not always prepared for. In this episode Major General (Ret.) Matt Smith, a retired U.S. Army two star general and leader of Emory University's Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) program shares his perspective on how warfare has changed, why military leadership must continue to evolve, and what it really takes to adjust to life after service. Beyond military service, this discussion is about leadership, adaptability, continued growth, and finding meaningful ways to serve in the next chapter of life. Segment Discussed: 00:00 Welcome to Advancing the Line at the Buckhead Club 02:20 Introduction to ATL Vets and its leadership programs 04:16 Meet Major General (Ret.) Matt Smith 06:13 A lifelong commitment to service 07:31 Why Matt Smith chose the U.S. Army 10:35 Military career, Iraq deployment, and becoming a two star general 12:48 How modern warfare has changed over the decades 13:50 Drone technology and emerging security threats 17:35 Preparing the next generation of military leaders 18:57 The reality of transitioning from military to civilian life 21:08 How trust and relationships differ outside the military 22:03 Life after commanding thousands of soldiers 23:41 Identity, family, and adjusting to a new routine 26:23 Understanding Emory University's Master of Business for Veterans program 29:17 The value of professional networks and business connections 30:05 Learning the language of business after military service 33:36 Connecting military experience with civilian career opportunities 37:11 Real moments of growth and learning among veterans 39:37 The future of Emory's veteran education programs 43:41 Lessons from leadership at the Pentagon 45:54 The reality behind major national decisions 47:10 Final reflections on leadership, service, and responsibility Leaving the military does not mean leaving behind the leadership, discipline, and experience built through years of service. Those strengths can continue to create opportunities in business, education, and the communities we serve. If you're a veteran preparing for civilian life, a business leader working with veterans, or someone interested in leadership and personal growth, this conversation offers valuable perspectives worth hearing. What do you think is the biggest challenge veterans face when transitioning to civilian life? Share your thoughts in the comments. #AdvancingTheLine #ATLVets #VeteranTransition #MilitaryLeadership #MattSmith #VeteranEducation #LifeAfterMilitary #VeteranSuccess

Your experience shaped you. Your next chapter requires you to understand how to use it. What happens when the structure, mission, and identity you relied on suddenly change? In this conversation, we go beyond emotional intelligence and explore emotional dexterity, the ability to better understand your emotions, recognize what drives them, and choose how you respond. The discussion also goes deeper into one of the biggest challenges veterans can face after leaving the military: figuring out who they are outside the uniform. The skills are still there. Leadership, problem solving, decision making, discipline, communication, change management, and the ability to operate under pressure do not disappear. The challenge is learning how to recognize those skills, translate them, and apply them to a new mission. From mindset and emotional control to career transition, AI, leadership, communication, TEDx, and personal growth, this conversation is ultimately about learning how to adapt without losing the strengths that got you here. Segment Discussed: 00:00 Opening Conversation & Introduction 06:20 Emotional Intelligence vs. Emotional Dexterity 09:36 Changing Habits & Emotional Responses 10:37 Understanding Your Emotional Drivers 13:07 Can You Change How You Respond? 18:46 Military Transition, Identity & Purpose 20:15 Recognizing the Skills You Already Have 30:15 Using AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement 39:34 Marketing Yourself & Telling Your Story 46:07 Why Veterans Have Stories Worth Sharing 47:25 Collaboration & Creating New Opportunities 49:30 Why You Need to Ask and Open Doors 51:50 Learning to Communicate Emotions After Service 52:54 Disconnecting Your Past From Your Present 56:50 Bridging Military and Civilian Communication 57:26 Rebuilding Your Personal Leadership Framework 1:00:33 Three Things to Rebuild Purpose After the Military 1:01:59 Continuous Learning & Self Discovery 1:03:27 Building Structure in Your Next Chapter 1:04:18 Rediscovering Who You Are Beyond the Uniform Your next chapter does not require you to erase the person you became through service. It requires you to understand what you built,

What happens when the uniform comes off, but the skills, discipline, and drive to serve stay with you? At Advancing The Line, Elizabeth Stephens shares her journey from the U.S. Marine Corps to corporate leadership, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and international business. The conversation goes beyond career transition. Elizabeth talks about what it means to be a woman in the military, stepping into spaces where you may be the first or only one, and learning how to carry military experience into a civilian world that operates very differently. She also shares how she moved from corporate life into entrepreneurship, why she built DVS Cyber, and how her work expanded into cybersecurity, AI, global supply chains, risk, and projects across Africa. Segment Discussed: 00:00 Opening and Advancing The Line Introduction 05:06 Meet Elizabeth Stephens and Her Journey 07:51 Women in Service and Women’s History Month 11:26 Being the First and Breaking New Ground 13:06 Reframing Challenges and Operating in Chaos 15:28 Understanding the Female Veteran Transition 18:01 Identity, Confidence and Life After the Uniform 23:08 Entering the Corporate World as a Woman 25:34 The Need for Better Support for Female Veterans 26:34 From Corporate Career to Entrepreneurship 26:50 Why Elizabeth Built DVS Cyber 30:23 Bringing Cybersecurity and Technology to More People 31:40 Expanding Business and Technology Into Africa 33:44 Adapting to Change and Finding New Opportunities 35:06 Global Supply Chains, Mining and Responsible Business 37:04 Government Contracting and Creating Global Impact 38:18 Finding Opportunity in Changing Markets 39:32 Culture, Community and Commerce 40:20 Building Stronger Supply Chains and Managing Risk 41:49 What It Really Means to Invest in Security 43:16 Workforce Development and Community Opportunity 44:02 Showing Up as Yourself Without Trying to Fit the Room 47:23 Collaboration, Community and Closing Remarks Watch the full conversation with Elizabeth Stephens and hear how her experience moved from military service into technology, entrepreneurship, global business, and continued service to others. Subscribe for more conversations with veterans, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and people building their next chapter beyond the uniform

What happens when the mission changes, but the mindset stays the same? For Elizabeth Stephens, the lessons that carried her through military aviation also followed her into Microsoft, cybersecurity, AI, entrepreneurship, and her next chapter of public service. In this conversation from Advancing The Line, Zachary Broughton sits down with Marine veteran Elizabeth Stephens to talk about what military experience can really bring into life after service. Elizabeth shares her journey from the Naval Academy and Marine Corps aviation to working in cybersecurity and eventually managing major technology operations at Microsoft. But one idea keeps coming back throughout the conversation: veterans may not need to completely reinvent themselves when they leave the military. The ability to stay calm in chaos, manage risk, make decisions under pressure, adapt when plans change, and keep the mission moving can carry into business, technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Segments Discussed: 03:24 Meet Elizabeth Stephens 13:44 Why She Chose the Marine Corps 15:34 How the Marine Corps Shaped Her Leadership 19:02 Service, Mission, and Taking Care of Your People 21:46 How Modern Warfare Is Changing 22:45 Cybersecurity, Drones, and AI 28:02 Life After the Military 29:16 Finding a New Mission After Service 30:25 Breaking Into Cybersecurity 32:26 The Road to Microsoft 34:39 Learning to Lead in Big Tech 36:55 What Veterans Bring to the Civilian World 37:47 Risk Management and Decision Making 40:23 From Military Aviation to Microsoft 41:39 The Veteran “Translation Gap” 42:25 A Mission in Iraq That Tested Everything 45:17 How Military Decision Making Translates to Corporate Leadership 46:25 Why Veterans Still Need Community 48:35 Finding the Next Mission 49:28 Cybersecurity and the New Front Line 51:40 Why ATL Vets Represents a New Mission 52:26 Elizabeth’s Decision to Enter Public Service 53:24 Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, and Global Work 59:48 Closing Conversation and Veteran Community If you are a veteran building your next chapter, or a leader who wants to better understand what veterans bring to business and technology, watch the full conversation. Subscribe for more conversations from Advancing The Line and share this episode with someone looking for their next mission.

What does it take to build a business that is financially prepared for growth, opportunity, and eventually an exit? At the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, Ray Busler and Thomas Lind of CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) joined the conversation to break down the financial decisions business owners often overlook. From building strong accounting practices and choosing the right business structure to tax planning, QSBS opportunities, advisor alignment, due diligence, and exit preparation, this conversation is packed with practical insights for founders and privately held business owners. Chapter Segment: 00:00 – Welcome and Thomas Lind’s Veteran Story 02:15 – Meet Ray Busler of CLA 03:44 – Why CLA Focuses on Privately Held Businesses 05:40 – Supporting Business Owners Through Growth 11:07 – What Small Businesses Actually Need From a CPA 16:58 – Accounting Discipline and Planning Ahead 18:25 – Choosing the Right Business Entity 19:12 – Qualified Small Business Stock and Exit Planning 21:03 – S Corporation vs. C Corporation 22:55 – Why Your Professional Advisors Need to Be Aligned 26:04 – Tax Credits and Business Incentives 27:45 – Get Your Advisors in the Same Room 30:16 – What Size Businesses Does CLA Work With? 32:04 – Preparing for the Business Exit 34:45 – Due Diligence and Protecting Business Value 36:40 – Estate and Succession Planning 37:22 – Audience Q&A 39:06 – Why Financial Discipline Matters Long Term 40:39 – Tax Strategy vs. Financing Readiness 42:08 – Understanding What Your Business Is Really Worth 42:40 – Turning Financial Data Into Better Decisions 43:37 – Remote Employees and Multi State Tax Exposure 45:52 – Closing Remarks The biggest lesson? The decisions you make early can have a major impact on the value you create later. Watch the full conversation and hear how experienced advisors think about building a stronger financial foundation for your business.

In this episode, ATLVets welcomes Ed You, a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent with more than 20 years of experience in counterterrorism, biodefense, and emerging technologies. With a background in biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer research, and national security, Ed has advised the FBI, HHS, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the White House, and the U.S. delegation to the Biological Weapons Convention. Drawing from decades of experience, Ed explains why biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and data are reshaping national security, economic competitiveness, and the future of innovation. Chapter Segment: 00:00 – Welcome & Speaker Introduction 02:20 – From Biochemist to FBI Special Agent 04:20 – Biological Threats & National Security 09:00 – Operation Warp Speed 10:45 – The Global Biotech Race 12:30 – Modern Biological Threats 15:00 – AI, Data & Biotechnology 18:45 – America's Innovation Challenge 20:15 – The Value of Data 22:30 – China & Strategic Competition 26:30 – The Bioeconomy 29:40 – Opportunities for Entrepreneurs 33:00 – AI Beyond the Hype 37:00 – Audience Q&A 38:25 – Biomanufacturing & Supply Chains 42:15 – Biotechnology & Global Influence 44:30 – Preparing the Next Generation 47:10 – CRISPR & Gene Editing 49:55 – The Future of Biosecurity 51:30 – Closing Remarks If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone interested in leadership, national security, biotechnology, or emerging technologies. Have a question or perspective on the future of AI, biotech, or the bioeconomy? Leave it in the comments—we'd love to continue the discussion.

Guest: Kelly Bonn — Navy veteran, retained executive recruiter, executive coach Location: The Centre Club, Tampa Episode in a sentence From small boats in the Med to C-suite searches in boardrooms, Kelly unpacks modern hiring, executive presence, and why your LinkedIn should teach—not trumpet. What we cover Kelly’s Navy path (Italy, small boats unit, coxswain/engineer) and the through-line to recruiting Retained search vs. contingency—and why “human” beats “process” Branding that works: educational posts, clear profile, and consistent presence Posting cadence/windows that reach senior decision makers Building a talent flywheel with employee advocates (and how to bonus them) Interviewing that actually reveals judgment and fit (ditch lazy behavioral scripts) Diversifying revenue streams so a weird year doesn’t sink you Why the job market feels strange—and the signals it’s warming Playbook & Tactics Intro line: “I’m an executive coach and a headhunter. I help companies hire and leaders land.” Three questions to ask in interviews: “What would your current manager say about you?” “What did you like most/least about your last role?” “What’s the biggest challenge in the first 90 days here?” LinkedIn content rule: educate > advertise. Case-style posts win. Best posting windows (for exec audiences): Sun late AM/early PM; Mon late PM; Tue late AM. Book pick: Captivate — Vanessa Van Edwards. Offers & Resources Kelly’s giveaway: Executive Bio + 1 hr coaching (leadership/job search) or hiring-manager interview training. Services: retained search (Sr. Director → C-suite), executive coaching, resumes/executive bios, LinkedIn optimization. Keep up with us Tampa: monthly third-Tuesday meetups at The Centre Club Clearwater: monthly wellness workouts Message “TAMPA” to get reminders and invites.

Host: Zack Knight Guest: Gary King — Navy veteran, speaker/author, creator of the St. Pete HAPPINESS signs, subject of The Happiness Experiment film Episode vibe A candid, hopeful conversation about trauma, perspective, and building everyday interrupts that keep people here. Practical tools. No fluff. Timestamps 00:00 – 06:00 Cold open + Centre Club welcome, Monday-night football slander, Marine banter. 06:00 – 12:40 ATLVets updates: Elite Rewards monthly travel voucher, Clearwater wellness workouts, Atlanta Center of Excellence coming online. 12:41 – 14:10 Gary takes the mic: why this room matters to him. 14:10 – 18:50 Background in fast-forward: Navy, VIP security (incl. Gen. Schwarzkopf), speaking/author work across the globe. 18:50 – 23:40 The weight: 36 traumas, the loss of his son Jason at the Skyway, and the near-death experience that reset his lens. 23:40 – 27:00 Perception vs. perspective: the “circle and the ant.” 27:00 – 33:30 PTSD reframed as post-traumatic trigger disorder; the “hard drive (subconscious) + RAM (conscious)” analogy; the wallet story. 33:30 – 38:30 Autosuggestion 101 and the twine-and-20-knots practice. 38:30 – 44:30 Birth of the HAPPINESS signs (Nov 2019), first takedown, then liftoff; why simple words in public space matter. 44:30 – 48:10 The Happiness Experiment film; the woman who turned around at the sign. 48:10 – 55:30 The Happiness Formula book: F² H² = H (forgiveness of self/others; honesty with self/truth with others; self-worth). 55:30 – 1:01:30 Quick exercise: your Top 5 partner traits, and why “emotionally available” rarely makes the list (but should). 1:01:30 – 1:06:30 Self-acceptance vs. chasing approval; how we’re taught to outsource worth. 1:06:30 – 1:10:55 Q&A: faith, discipline, and why Gary still climbs the ladder. 1:10:55 – end Wrap, selfies with the signs, Gary’s open offer: “If I can help a vet, I’m in.” Key ideas & takeaways Triggers work like algorithms. If you can spot the pattern in real time, you can choose a different next move. Perspective is a practice. Get above the moment; don’t let the moment run you. Short beats clever. The brain remembers simple, repeated lines—use them on purpose. Public words change private minds. A six-inch sign can be the inch someone needs. Notes & care Gary shares personal methods and beliefs. They’re not medical advice. If you’re struggling, talk to a qualified professional, reach out to a peer, or call/text 988 (in the U.S.) for support.

Host: Zack Knight Guest: Lindsey Streeter, Military Affairs Executive, Bank of America; retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major; Owner, Savannah Hurricanes; Founder, Streeter Esports & Entertainment Recorded at: The Buckhead Club, Atlanta Episode Summary Lindsey Streeter unpacks the difference between veteran-friendly and veteran-ready, shares the “divine timing” behind his transition to Bank of America, and details practical systems that improve retention, mobility, and belonging for veteran talent. He also talks entrepreneurship—the Savannah Hurricanes, community impact that earned national recognition, and why legacy is the point of the work. Timestamps 00:00–01:06 – Welcome, road-warrior points for Lindsey & Lena; ATLVets 12-city expansion 01:06–02:01 – ATLVets update: 30,000-sq-ft Roswell Veterans Center of Excellence (co-working, accelerator, human performance) 02:01–05:35 – Who Lindsey is beyond the bio: purpose, the “dash,” widowhood, second chances, community focus 05:35–06:21 – Entrepreneurship thread: Savannah Hurricanes, community programs, national recognition; thoroughbred ownership as legacy 06:21–11:20 – Why the Army, early years, mentors who shaped a 31-year career, sitting the E-9 board and realizing the path fit 11:20–13:11 – Favorite assignment: Savannah (1989), Desert Shield/Storm 13:52–17:26 – Transition fear, the phone call that changed everything, veteran rotational program at Bank of America 18:08–22:18 – Veteran-ready vs. veteran-friendly: right-fit recruiting, five-year lookback, precision nets 22:18–25:07 – Veteran Onboarding Initiative (90-day buddy), ERG scale, safe-space learning 25:07–26:40 – Veteran Development Program: 5-month cohorts, senior-leader exposure, capstone, retention & mobility outcomes 27:25–29:14 – What keeps vets: visible path to progress & purpose; paid service time (TRWB, Team Rubicon) 29:14–30:27 – The big vision: careers for veterans and military spouses; portability matters 31:06–33:48 – Entrepreneurship as purpose; measurable community impact and recognition 33:48–34:47 – Reality check: ~20% of transitioning vets start businesses; the capital/network gap 36:42–38:11 – How BofA helps vet founders: CDFIs, Bunker Labs/IVMF, dedicated small-business bankers 39:11–44:10 – Hiring advice: dedicated veteran recruiters, translate MOS, hire for coachability, avoid credential inflation theater 47:22–49:09 – Becoming veteran-ready without alienating non-vets; why some vets don’t self-ID 48:28–49:09 – Life Event Services: one number when life hits 53:26–55:16 – Financial literacy gaps; Better Money Habits origin story for military families 59:56–1:04:23 – Purpose and the personal mission statement (Covey influence), living consistently across roles 1:05:21–1:10:26 – Why ATLVets exists: solving the “Now what?” after TAP; VetOPS, accelerator, and sustainable impact model 1:10:26–1:11:04 – Wrap, networking, and selfies (season tickets, anyone?) Key Ideas Veteran-ready = systems: precision hiring, 90-day buddies, ERG-powered belonging, visible mobility, Guard/Reserve support, Life Event Services. Purpose retains: service opportunities on company time satisfy the mission drive. Entrepreneurship needs scaffolding: CDFIs for capital readiness; incubators/accelerators for reps; pitch platforms for proof. Translate, don’t transpose: MOS ≠ job title; hire for potential and humility. Financial literacy is aftercare: VA loan realities, tax exemptions, and post-purchase education matter. Pull Quotes “I’m dealing with the dash right now.” “Friendly is the welcome mat; ready is the furnished living room and a closed back door.” “A designated veteran recruiter must see what’s not on the résumé—and have trust with hiring managers.” “Give vets a path and a purpose; many will stay even if they don’t move—because they could.”

In this special ATLVets Speaker Series episode, retired Ranger Battalion NCO and Special Forces officer Chris Brewer shares his remarkable journey from the reactivation of the 1st Ranger Battalion in 1974 to a career in Special Forces, global security contracting, and authorship. Chris reflects on: Crossing the Line: Why he made the controversial move from the NCO corps to becoming an officer, and how it opened the path to Special Forces.Lessons from Ranger School: Why the course is less about tactics and more about leadership under extreme stress—and how those lessons translate to civilian life.Transition Struggles: His honest admission of “how not to retire” from the military, including the pitfalls many veterans face.Post-Service Impact: How his expertise shaped counterterrorism strategies, red-team operations, and security across the globe—including assessments eerily prescient before 9/11.Storytelling & Legacy: Why he chose to capture the untold stories of Rangers and Green Berets in his books Old School Ranger and In the Shadows Between Wars. Chris also offers powerful insights into leadership, team building, and the importance of cross-cultural communication in both military and civilian contexts. 📚 Books by Chris Brewer: Old School Ranger – A collection of stories and lessons from the reactivation of the 1st Ranger Battalion.In the Shadows Between Wars – Firsthand accounts of Special Forces missions and the realities of unconventional warfare.(Both available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble.) 🔑 Key Takeaway: Whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom, success comes from listening, understanding what motivates people, and pulling teams together toward a common goal. 👉 Stay Connected: Join the ATLVets mission to advance the line for veterans by supporting events, sharing these stories, and helping us build the nation’s premier community for veteran leadership and growth.

In this episode of the ATLVets Speaker Series, we sit down with Zack Miller, CEO of Patriot Growth Capital (PGC), to explore the intersection of veteran empowerment, private equity, and long-term legacy. Zack shares his journey from the advertising and startup world to launching a private equity firm dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through entrepreneurship by acquisition. Together with ATLVets, PGC is reshaping how veterans transition into ownership, leadership, and wealth creation. This episode dives into: The Barriers to Entrepreneurship – Fear, capital, mentorship, and “analysis paralysis” that hold veterans back—and how to overcome them.The Dream Work Exercise – Why defining vision, values, and family goals is the starting point for every veteran entrepreneur.Veteran Families as Operators – Expanding opportunities for spouses, siblings, and children to step into meaningful roles and ownership.Defense Tech Accelerator – The vision for a Veteran Center of Excellence in Atlanta, combining human performance, technology, and dual-use innovation.The Bigger Picture – PGC’s commitment to impacting 1 million veteran families over the next decade. 🔑 Key Takeaway: Veterans bring grit, leadership, and integrity to the table. With the right resources and ecosystem, they can move from “employee” to “owner” and create lasting generational impact. 👉 Learn more about Patriot Growth Capital and ATLVets at: [Insert Link]

Emilee Tucker: Beyond the Corporate GrindEmilee Tucker is more than her corporate credentials—she’s an advocate for authentic leadership who transitioned from an 18-year corporate career to become an executive coach. Driven by her curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement, Emilee pursued a master's in Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership, combining formal education with practical certifications like NLP and Reiki. Her journey underscores the value of leaning into life's uncertainties to discover genuine joy and success. The ROI Formula: Reward, Omit, InviteEmilee introduced her unique ROI framework, breaking down how to find meaningful success through three simple yet profound principles: Reward Yourself: Emilee emphasizes celebrating small daily victories, suggesting practical actions like enjoying a quiet cup of coffee or taking a peaceful walk. Rewarding yourself reinforces positive habits, boosting confidence and momentum by rewiring your brain for success.Omit Negativity: Emilee highlighted how negativity consumes valuable energy and time. She shared that humans have approximately 60,000 thoughts per day, many repetitive and subconscious. By consciously reframing negative thoughts and practicing gratitude, individuals can reclaim significant mental and emotional resources, creating space for positivity and productivity.Invite Your Dreams: Perhaps the most poignant segment for veterans, Emilee encouraged attendees to rediscover and articulate their dreams beyond past identities. She underscored the importance of visualization, emotional connection, and the power of clearly defining what they want to achieve, inviting veterans to create new, meaningful goals after their military service. Follow Emilee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emileetucker https://www.instagram.com/iamemileetucker/

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, host Zack Knight sits down with Kristen Rheinlander, Director of Partnerships at The Headstrong Project. Broadcasting from the Centre Club in Tampa, this live session captures a candid and compelling discussion around trauma-focused mental health care for veterans, the stigmas that prevent service members from seeking treatment, and how organizations like Headstrong are eliminating those barriers. Kristen shares her journey as an Army brat turned nonprofit leader, her career path from USO and HireMilitary to leading corporate partnerships at Headstrong, and the incredible impact her team is making through trauma-informed therapy. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of: How Headstrong partners with major organizations like Wounded Warrior Project to deliver over 250,000 clinical sessions since 2012.Why military cultural competency is critical in mental health care.The importance of confidentiality and patient-directed engagement in building trust.A 98% retention rate after the first therapy session—and why that matters.How corporate partnerships, funding, and community collaboration are vital to expanding Headstrong's impact nationwide. Whether you're a veteran, corporate leader, mental health professional, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of our military community, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics: Mental health stigma in the veteran communityThe problem with PTSD as a limiting diagnosisHeadstrong's care model: trauma-focused, confidential, stigma-freeAccess to care in under 13 days vs. 30+ days at the VAImportance of wraparound services and referralsCorporate partnerships with Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and moreSupporting veterans through transition with peer referrals and community connection Featured Guest: Kristen Rheinlander, Director of Partnerships, The Headstrong Project Host: Zack Knight, Founder & CEO of ATLVets Call to Action: To learn more about Headstrong or connect someone with services, visit theheadstrongproject.org. To get involved with ATLVets, attend future speaker series events, or become a corporate partner, visit atlvets.org. Special Thanks: To the Centre Club Tampa for hosting and to all the incredible veterans, corporate leaders, and nonprofit partners who joined us for this powerful conversation. Subscribe and Share: Be sure to follow the ATLVets Podcast for more inspiring conversations from leaders on the front lines of transition, mental health, and community impact. #ATLVets #HeadstrongProject #VeteranMentalHealth #TampaVeterans #MilitaryCulturalCompetency #MentalHealthAwareness

In the latest episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with Marine veteran, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur T. Shane Johnson to discuss his extraordinary journey from military service to business success. T. Shane's story is one of resilience, survival, and a relentless commitment to helping others, particularly in the veteran community. From surviving an MS-13 gang attack to launching Big Guns Coffee, his path is both inspiring and deeply impactful. The Marine Corps and the Entrepreneurial MindsetT. Shane shared his motivations for joining the Marine Corps, emphasizing the discipline, determination, and brotherhood that shaped his character. The mindset of a Marine—adapt and overcome—proved invaluable in his transition to entrepreneurship. Zack and T. Shane discussed how veterans possess a unique drive and resilience that make them natural leaders in the business world. A Harrowing Near-Death ExperienceOne of the most gripping moments in the episode was T. Shane’s recounting of a brutal attack by MS-13. While riding his motorcycle, he was deliberately hit by a car, leaving him with severe injuries, including broken bones, internal organ damage, and punctured lungs. Despite flatlining multiple times, he fought his way back, determined to use his second chance at life to make a difference. A New Mission: Helping Others Find PurposeAfter recovering, T. Shane faced another challenge—transitioning to civilian life. He initially found success in the mortgage industry, but when the 2008 financial crisis hit, he lost everything and found himself homeless. Rather than giving up, he rebuilt from the ground up, using his story to inspire others through books, public speaking, and initiatives like Hike Across America, where he ran 12,000 miles to raise awareness for homeless veterans and suicide prevention. Redefining Homelessness: The Power of IdentityT. Shane spoke passionately about the need to rebrand homelessness and help those affected regain their sense of self-worth. He proposed an initiative where homeless individuals could write and publish books, sharing their stories as a way to reclaim their identity and generate income. Zack resonated with this idea, emphasizing how purpose and identity are critical for personal and professional growth. Big Guns Coffee: A Business Born from Family and PurposeT. Shane’s journey took another turn when his 10-year-old daughter, Charlie, inspired him to start a business. Together, they launched Big Guns Coffee, a venture that not only supports veterans but also revolutionizes the coffee industry by being the first indoor hydroponic coffee farm in the U.S.. Big Guns Coffee isn’t just a business; it’s a movement—one focused on empowering people through high-quality coffee and a mission-driven brand. T. Shane and Charlie have worked tirelessly to scale their business, and now, they’re preparing for a major national launch. Exciting News: Big Guns Coffee Goes National!🚀 May 2025 – Big Guns Coffee will be available in 427 Sprouts Farmers Market stores 🚀 July 2025 – Expanding to 300 Walmart stores in North & South Carolina This incredible milestone is a testament to hard work, resilience, and family-driven entrepreneurship. Final Thoughts: Leadership, Purpose, and ServiceThroughout the episode, T. Shane and Zack emphasized the importance of leadership, storytelling, and service. Whether in the military, in business, or in life, the ability to repurpose struggles into powerful narratives is what drives true impact. As T. Shane said, “Why not be generous with your scars? Why not repurpose your struggles in the service of others?” His journey from the battlefield to business is a reminder that success isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about using it to fuel a greater mission.

Episode Description: In this special episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, recorded live at the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, host Zack Knight sits down with retired Command Sergeant Major Andy Wilson—former Delta Force operator and the powerhouse founder of Quiet Professionals. Andy shares his incredible journey from dropping out of high school in Maine, to climbing the ranks of the most elite military units in the world, to building a multi-million-dollar defense contracting company from the ground up. This conversation is packed with insights on leadership, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, and the mindset required to transition successfully from the military to business. Andy gets real about the early struggles of starting multiple businesses, why reinvesting in systems and people has been the key to his success, and how he's navigated the world of government contracts, private equity, and rapid growth—all with a relentless focus on discipline and serving others. 🔥 Key Takeaways: How Andy’s military career shaped his entrepreneurial mindsetLessons learned from founding and exiting multiple businessesThe power of reinvesting in people, systems, and scalabilityWhy the term “self-made” doesn’t tell the full storyHow to manage risk, failure, and keep moving forwardTransitioning from Special Operations to Special Operations in businessThe realities of private equity partnerships and scaling toward a billion-dollar valuation Featured Guest: Andy Wilson Retired Command Sergeant Major (Delta Force)Founder & CEO, Quiet ProfessionalsSerial entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist Host: Zack Knight Founder of ATLVets & The Tactical Leader Podcast Join ATLVets Events Nationwide: Don’t miss out on our monthly events spotlighting veteran leaders across the country. Learn more: atlvets.org/events Connect with Us: Follow @TheTacticalLeaderPodcast + @ATLVets for more leadership insights and upcoming speaker events. #TheTacticalLeader #ATLVets #AndyWilson #QuietProfessionals #VeteranLeadership #DeltaForce #Entrepreneurship #GovCon #Leadership #PrivateEquity #TampaBusiness #MilitaryTransition #PurposeDrivenBusiness