DogTags to Ownership
DogTags to Ownership is the podcast designed for military members and veterans ready to transition from service to success in business. Whether you’re considering entrepreneurship for the first time or are already on the path to business ownership, this show provides the tools, insights, and inspiration you need to thrive. Hosted by U.S. Army Officers Julie Austin and Matthew Cain, we explore the unique strengths veterans bring to the entrepreneurial world, share actionable advice from experts, and feature inspiring stories of those who’ve successfully made the leap. Tune in to transform your military experience into a foundation for innovation, resilience, and business leadership. #DogTagsToOwnership #VeteranEntrepreneurs #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranOwnedBusiness
Episodes
Summary:
In this Special Episode of Season 2, Episode 11, Julie sits down with members of the DAV Patriot Bootcamp Winter Cohort to explore the journeys of veteran entrepreneurs and military connect entrepreneurs at different stages of building their businesses.
From entrepreneurs with Brand-New ideas to Seasoned Founders continuing to sharpen their skills, this episode highlights the power of community, mentorship, and ...
Summary
In this episode, U.S. Army veteran and security expert Nick Lawless shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings and military service to founding successful security companies. Discover insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the importance of resilience and networking.
Chapters
- 00:00 From Humble Beginnings to Military Service
- 10:13 Transitioning from Military to Federal Government
- 19:12 En...
Summary:
Veteran Jason Ambrosino shares his inspiring journey from military service to successful entrepreneurship in the cannabis industry. Learn about his military transition, business strategies, resilience, and insights for veterans considering business ownership.
Key Topics:
- Military transition and entrepreneurship
- Building a veteran-focused cannabis brand
- Business scaling and industry cycles
- Resi...
Summary
This episode features inspiring stories from our three February guest who have turned their DogTags into Ownership. This recap episode focuses on momentum, resilience, and community support. Matt and Julie recap Episode 5 with Nicole founder and owner of Wreaths by Nicole P., Episode 6 with Kamar Perkins founder and owner of Protect Consulting Group, and Jeremy Stalnecker co-founder of Mighty Oaks Foun...
Summary
In this conversation, Jeremy Stalnecker, a US Marine Corps veteran and co-founder of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, shares his journey from military service to helping veterans transition to civilian life. He discusses the challenges of identity and purpose after leaving the military, the catalysts that led him to find his calling, and the establishment of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, which provides support ...
Summary
In this episode, Kamar Perkins shares his journey from being a U.S. Army officer to becoming an entrepreneur and founder of ProTech Consulting Group. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, the importance of building a strong team, and his commitment to supporting veterans and youth in his community. Kamar emphasizes the significance of perseverance, defining success throu...
Summary
In this episode, Nicole Zettlemoyer shares her inspiring journey from serving in the military to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her business, Wreaths by Nicole P. She discusses her military background, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and how she accidentally started her wreath-making business during the pandemic. Nicole highlights the importance of community support, her exp...
Summary:
In this episode of Dog Tags to Ownership, hosts Julie Austin and Matt Cain discuss the journeys of veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship. They recap the first three episodes of Season Two, highlighting the stories of Rick Franco, Patrick Murphy, and Ash Stafford, who exemplify leadership, community building, and the importance of veteran voices in business. The conversation emphasizes the mindset needed...
Summary
In this conversation, Ash, a member of the British Armed Forces and founder of Forces Brand, discusses his journey from military service to entrepreneurship. He shares the inspiration behind Forces Brand, which aims to support veteran-owned businesses through a marketplace and community platform. The discussion covers the challenges of building the brand, the importance of community support, and advic...
Summary
In this episode, Patrick Murphy, a veteran and former congressman, shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship and political leadership. He discusses the importance of veterans transitioning into civilian life, the need for financial literacy, and the role of veterans as civic assets. Murphy emphasizes the significance of networking, community building, and the impact of entrepreneurship on vet...
In this episode, Rick Franco shares his remarkable journey from military service to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into the bourbon industry with Four Branches Bourbon. He emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, and the mission behind the brand, which aims to honor veterans and promote a positive message around alcohol consumption. The conversation explores the com...
Episode Summary
In this episode, the Austin and Cain families celebrate the one-year anniversary of 'DogTags to Ownership.' They reflect on the journey of creating the podcast, the lessons learned from various guests, and the importance of building a supportive community for veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship.
The conversation highlights key themes such as persistence, taking action, and finding pur...
In a world where the transition from military service to civilian life can be daunting, the stories of veteran entrepreneurs shine a light on resilience, innovation, and community. Recorded at the 2025 Army Navy Warrior Class Conference, this podcast episode showcases insightful conversations with veterans who have successfully navigated the journey from service to ownership. Join us as we delve into their experiences...
In this engaging conversation, Carmen Fleischmann shares her journey from serving in the Florida National Guard to becoming a successful wedding planner. She discusses her military background, the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, and the joy she finds in her work. Carmen emphasizes the importance of networking, managing client expectations, and balancing family life with her growing business. She offer...
In this episode of DogTags to Ownership, Julie and Matt sit down with Zachary and Jessica Cunningham—both active-duty Army officers and the powerhouse founders behind 5th Haven Cachaça, a new premium, organic Brazilian spirit making waves in the U.S. market.
The Cunninghams share how sense of passion and purpose turned into a bold entrepreneurial mission: introducing Americans to authentic, sustainably crafted Brazilia...
In this engaging conversation, Miguel Echols, a US Marine Corps veteran, shares his journey from military service to becoming a leadership consultant and motivational speaker. He discusses his passion for leadership, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and his current operations in Thailand. Miguel emphasizes the importance of following one's passion, leveraging technology, and the val...
In today’s episode we sit down with Joe Yurick The Founder of This Sober Vet Podcast, a U.S. combat veteran and small business owner, to discuss his incredible journey from military service to sobriety. Joe shares his insights on normalizing sobriety within the veteran community, highlighting the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way.
Main Content:
1. Joe’s Military Background:...
In Episode 46 of DogTags to Ownership, Julie and Matt sit down for a rapid-fire recap of Episodes 43–45—three conversations packed with wisdom, grit, and real-world strategies for turning service into success. We revisit the game-changing insights from Waza Media, the powerful story behind the Trauma Brace App, and the practical lessons, tips, and entrepreneurial takeaways that every veteran business owner can use tod...
In this episode of DogTags to Ownership, Julie and Matt sit down with Air Force navigator turned serial entrepreneur Vivek Shah — a powerhouse behind multiple successful ventures. From owning three Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids franchises to co-founding the Trauma Brace app, serving as a franchise advisor for Franzy, and launching Trajectory Holdings, Vivek’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Vivek share...
In this episode, Army veteran Chas Sampson, founder and CEO of Seven Principles, shares how his own experiences inspired him to create a company dedicated to helping veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned through service.
In this engaging conversation, Chas Sampson, a US Army veteran and NFL agent, shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to civili...
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