Advertise on podcast: The Veteran (Semi) Professional

Erik is the first stock trader I've had on the podcast and he talks about how he got started in investing and why he loves this path for building wealth. CORE Leadership Program | Deloitte US The Intelligent Investor Rev Ed.: The Definitive Book on Value Investing: Benjamin Graham, Jason Zweig, Warren E. Buffett: Amazon.com: Books esInvests | Investing without the BS  esInvests - YouTube Erik @esInvests (@esInvests) / X (twitter.com)

Jon is a prominent voice in the business acquisition community and got his start in buying businesses after leaving the Air Force.  Resources Mentioned:  Ep. 150: Enlisted Marine to Working at the VA, Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs, and Founding a Veteran-Focused Marketing Firm with Barrett Bogue (buzzsprout.com) Ep. 154: Working in Finance, Taking the Leap, and Connecting Veterans with Capital: Bill Militello from Localvest (buzzsprout.com) Ep. 120: Army NCO to Business Owner by Acquiring a Small Business with John Hubbard (buzzsprout.com) Buy and Sell Online Businesses & Websites - Empire Flippers Jon Stoddard | LinkedIn

Kathy has QUITE a story.  She's bounced around from industry and industry and mastered the art of changing careers.  Listen how this Navy EOD veteran went from the military to being a stunt performer to names like Facebook and Crossfit. 

I've had a lot of people on the show talk about buying businesses and have tangentially mentioned the traditional search fund model before, but Jack Ogden is the first guest on the show who is currently running a search fund.  Resources mentioned: The COMMIT Foundation | Veteran Transition Assistance With Your Shield: A McMorrow Veterans Initiative | USC Military & Veterans Initiative Home - The Honor Foundation FourBlock – Veteran Career Readiness

Jordan is using his love for our country to work with high-profile investors to invest in the American economy and defense.  Union: A Democrat, a Republican, and a Search for Common Ground: Blashek, Jordan, Haugh,  Christopher: 9780316423793: Amazon.com: Books Jordan Blashek — America’s Frontier Fund (americasfrontier.org) Jordan Blashek (@JordanBlashek) / X (twitter.com)

Caleb writes on equity crowdfunding.  See how his side hustle turned into a dream job for him.   Caleb Naysmith (@ccnaysmith) / X (twitter.com) Articles written by Caleb Naysmith - Benzinga Democratizing.finance | Equity Crowdfunding News & Education

Charles left the army and immediately launched himself into entrepreneurship.  It wasn't all smooth sailing, but he found a way to his current niche and is finding a way to make it happen. MK3 Industries | Your Automotive Equipment Supplier | MK3 Industries

Luke's story of how he created Clusiv literally brought me to tears. You will want to hear it.  You will also laugh at his story of nervously pounding some red bulls before an investor pitch...and winning the competition.   Home-2023 - Clusiv Home - Bunker Labs Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark... by Napoleon Hill (amazon.com) Amazon.com: The Compound Effect: 9781593157241: Hardy, Darren: Books Homepage » Code Platoon | Code Camp for Veterans & Spouses Warrior Rising | Charitable Organization Empowering Veterans in Business Accelerate Your Success | Techstars Global Startup Network

A veteran with a t-shirt or coffee company?! How original.  In all seriousness, what Mike is building at ARC is different.  He wants to be the antithesis to Black Rifle Coffee Company and isn't afraid to say it.  We get into very practical and tactical details about getting started of a new company and how he thinks about brand positioning (it's smart).  Aerial Resupply Coffee – Veteran Owned Coffee | Military Coffee AerialResupplyCoffee (@aerialresupplycoffee) • Instagram photos and videos The COMMIT Foundation | Veteran Transition Assistance DOD SkillBridge Program (osd.mil)

Minnesota-native Matt Butler is the inventor of Rollors. The concept was first visualized on downtime between deployments overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan supporting combat operations. Upon return, Matt developed a prototype in his garage that was a hit at BBQs, parties, and other outdoor get-togethers. Around the time of the recession; Matt saw many local veterans out of work that had the resident wood working skills that helped spark the light bulb onto a means to help them. He then decided he wanted to employ local veterans to help construct the wooden disks and wooden, cone-shaped targets used in the game in their home workshops. After countless number of games were handcrafted, packaged and sold through the website, church, craft fairs, and other types of venues it was then distributed in brick and mortar retailers across American and has even started distribution outside of the United States. After helping numerous veterans get themselves back on their feet from the recession he has it developed outside of the United States to be able to get it to a price point so many more people and families can enjoy the fun. Rollors has turned into an award-winning and unique game which is revolutionizing beach and backyard fun. Rollors | The Next Great Outdoor Game – Rollors Outdoor Yard Game Tally Tumbler – Tally Tumbler DOD SkillBridge Program (osd.mil)

https://www.nickdevlincoaching.com/about Nick's bio: "I am a transformational life coach, entrepreneur, father and former US Army Ranger.  My mission is to empower you to live your life as an adventure - with peace, passion and intention.  I do this by helping you embrace uncertainty and envision the life you want to live (your adventure).  I guide you through first steps and hold you accountable for taking action.  In addition to coaching sessions by phone and in person, I take you out in the wilderness for "adventure coaching sessions" to get you out of your head and into your heart.  I listen, reflect, and support you to grow.  I celebrate your successes and push you to be brave, go farther, and we do it together. ​ Throughout this bold and adventurous life, I have won and lost.  I have played with the fear of the deep unknown. I have tasted the sweet victory resulting from dedicated effort and hard work.  I have felt the pain of trying to control things beyond my control.  As a recovering “control addict” and former corporate employee (asleep at the wheel of my life), I have felt the struggle of living disconnectedly – void of true purpose – a vassal to the grind and societal expectations.  I’ve been stuck in the preservation zone, playing safe and playing small.     I got unstuck when a life coach, and friend, asked me one pivotal question. It was the question that cut deep and shook me to the core. It shook me awake - wide awake.  I grabbed the wheel, and redirected my course towards passion and purpose.   I chose to live with intention and explore the possibilities of my most adventurous life.  With critical guidance from my coach – I now live my adventure.   It's my turn to help you live yours! "

John weighed the decision: is it worth it to stay until retirement?  For many, the pension and benefits seem too good to pass up, but John decided it was worth the risk and left when he everyone said he was crazy.  He then leveraged his grit (and Twitter) to build Gray Line Investments, a real estate private equity firm.