The Veterans Growing America Podcast
Welcome to "The Veterans Growing America Podcast," hosted by the insightful duo, Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons. This engaging podcast is dedicated to showcasing the entrepreneurial journeys of veterans, active service members, and their dependents who have bravely ventured into the world of business.
In collaboration with Veterans Growing America (VGA), an organization committed to fostering the growth of veteran-owned businesses, our hosts bring to life the stories of those who have served their country and are now serving their communities through entrepreneurship. Each episode invites a new guest to share not only the unique proposition of their business but also their personal narrative as a veteran or a family member of a veteran.
Episodes
67 episodes
Jacobo Laya Jr. | Jac and Mac Photography LLC | Veterans Growing America
In this powerful episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Jacobo “Jacob” Laya Jr., Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Jac an...
Alfranda “Al” Durr | ALD & Associates | Veterans Growing America
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Alfranda “Al” Durr, Army veteran, former lieutenant colonel, and CEO of ALD & Associates. Al ...
Hector & Gia Paz | Gia's Bakery | Veterans Growing America
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Hector and Gia Paz, the owners of Gia’s Bakery. Hector is a U.S. Army veteran (30+ years of service, reti...
Avis Savage | ASIC Strategies for Life | Veterans Growing America
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Army veteran and financial educator Avis Savage, Founder & CEO of ASIC Strategies for Life.Avis shares her path...
Joel Griffin | Riphean Group | Veterans Growing America
In this episode, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur Joel Griffin, Founder & CEO of the Riphean Group.Joel takes us through his journey from joining the Marines straight out...
Caleb Green | Legacy Shield Rep | Veterans Growing America Podcast
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Caleb Green.Caleb shares a powerful, wide-ranging story: 30 years of active-duty service, 14 ye...
Jonathan Thompson | Alpha Six Battalion | Veterans Growing America
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Jonathan Thompson, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the founder of Alpha Six ...
Alex Sebby | Words of Veterans | Veterans Growing America
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Alex K. Sebby, a Marine Corps veteran (1999–2003) and the founder of Words of Veterans—an online platform helping veterans preserve thei...
Evie Waite | ELW Initiative | Veterans Growing America
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Evie Waite, Air Force veteran, law enforcement professional, and founder of EL...
TK Pryor | Master Wealth Builders LLC. | Veterans Growing America
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns welcome TK Pryor, U.S. Army Veteran and Founder of Master Wealth Builders LLC. TK brings over two decades of IT...
Ted Adair | Oath and Oaks | Veterans Growing America
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns welcome Ted Adair, U.S. Army Veteran and Founder of The Oath and Oak, a purpose-driven organization helping vet...
Kenya Langford | GeaVance Energi Solutions | Veterans Growing America
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, co-hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Kenya Langford, a trailblazing Army veteran and the Founder & CEO of GeaVance Energi Solutio...
John Y. Ford | Real Estate | Veterans Growing America
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with John Y. Ford, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned logistics, security, and real estate professional
Kim Pollard | Healthy Clarity by Kim Jarena | Veterans Growing America
In this powerful episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Kimberly Pollard, retired Chief Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, and founder o...
Kimberly Vega | Zenith Soul | Veterans Growing America
In this inspiring episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, we sit down with Kimberly Vega, founder of Zenith Soul — a brand where energy, music, and mindful fashion mee...
Episode 36 - QTEE Crochet ft. Tanisha Nicholson | Veterans Growing America
Veterans Growing America Podcast ft. Tanisha Nicholson (QTEE Crochet)In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down wi...
Episode 35 - Mindset Quality ft. Dr. Arielle Jordan | Veterans Growing America Podcast
In this deeply moving episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach RL Simmons sits down with Dr. Ariel Jordan — Army veteran, trauma-informed therapist, author, and founder of Mindset Quality — to discuss post-traumatic growth, racial...
Episode 34 - Patricia and Lily | Veterans America Podcast
In this inspiring episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Jones sit down with Lily and Patricia, twin sisters and co-founders of Likha Kawayan — a unique family-owned brand crafting handmade bamboo bags sou...
Episode 33 - Let's talk about Branding and Marketing w/ Olivia Nunn | Veterans Growing America
In this powerful episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with U.S. Army Veteran, CEO, speaker, mental health advocate, and branding expert Olivia Nunn — the dynamic founder of Olivia ...
Episode 32 - Speaking from the Lens w/ Jasmine Rush | Veterans Growing America
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns welcome Jasmine Rush, Navy Veteran, photographer, storyteller, and founder of Speaking From the Lens, LLC.<...
Episode 31 - Entrepreneurship with Heart: Monteiz Dash on Faith, Service, and Seniors
In this powerful episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Monteiz "Dash" Dash, an Army veteran and franchise owner of Seniors Helping Seniors Manassas. Dash shares his transition ...
Episode 30: Eric McConaughy on Turning Struggles Into Strategy | Veterans Growing America
In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Eric McConaty, U.S. Army Veteran and CEO of Tactical Growth Strategies Coaching. Eric dives into his powerful journey from military servic...
Episode 29: Stephanie Brown, Founder of The Rosie Network | Veterans Growing America
In this inspiring episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Stephanie Brown, the visionary Founder and CEO of The Rosie Network — a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping milita...