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
93 episodes
S2:E40: The Brain Scan That Changed Glen Cooks Life and Business
Summary:Hard Truth Rods, Navy Service, and Building Purpose Through FishingGlenn Cook, founder of Hard Truth Rods, shares how a Navy career, a health scare, and a chance connection through a custom fishing rod led him into ...
The Mistakes, Pivots, and Wins Behind September’s Episodes
Summary:This episode recaps the month of September and features a series of insightful interviews with military veterans and entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys, challenges, and successes in business and mental health advocacy....
S2:E39: Bombshell Suds Co is Turning Blue-Collar Grit Into Handmade Soap
Summary:Justin and Misty Williams share their journey from military service to founding Bombshell Suds, a handcrafted soap business. They discuss their transition from military to civilian life, building a brand rooted in authent...
S2:E38: How One Veteran Turned Grief Into a Mission to Heal Others
Summary:In this episode, Dr. Arielle Jordan shares her inspiring journey from military service to mental health advocate and entrepreneur. She discusses her work with veterans, trauma therapy, and founding The Jordyn Effect nonpr...
S2:E37: Why Aaron King bet on Pickles instead of a Safer Job
Summary:Aaron King discusses turning a pickle hobby into Barracks Brine Pickle CompanyAir Force Veteran Aaron King shares how a boredom-fueled kitchen experiment, and a strong support network led him to launch Barracks Brin...
S2:E36: From Fighter Pilot to Performance Strategist: Jeff Bonner shares the Daily Debrief Model
Summary:In this episode, Jeff 'Bones' Bonner shares his journey from combat fighter pilot to performance strategist, introducing his daily debrief model for continuous improvement applicable across personal and professiona...
S2:E35: From DogTags to 4,000 Stores. How Blazing Star became a Nationwide Brand.
Summary:In this episode, Mike Starr shares his inspiring journey from military service to successful entrepreneur in the food industry, highlighting the importance of passion, resilience, and storytelling in building a brand.<...
S2:E34: Recapping August - One conversation, One Connection, One Opportunity at a Time
Summary:August on DogTags to Ownership centered on a bigger idea: the mission keeps going after service, and ownership can take many forms. Julie and Matt recap three very different conversations, share what t...
S2:E33: Why Wearing Your Service Is a Competitive Advantage in Business with Team JDog
Summary:In this episode, Jerry "JDog" and Tracy "Mrs. JDog" Flanagan share their inspiring journey from military service to successful veteran franchise owners. They discuss the creation of the JDog brand, its impact on the...
S2:E32: How Podcast Interviews Can Transform Your Business with Tom Schwab
Summary:In this episode, Tom Schwab shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, highlighting the power of podcast interview marketing for building trust and growing a brand. Discover how his insights can help mi...
S2:E31: Building a Brand through Authenticity with Malyri Ryan
Summary:In this episode, Malyri Ryan shares her inspiring journey from Marine veteran to successful social media influencer and entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of authenticity, balancing family and passion, and how her...
S2:E30: July Recap: Building Impactful Businesses
Summary:In this episode, Julie and Matt explore inspiring stories of military veterans turned entrepreneurs, highlighting their journeys of resilience, innovation, and purpose. We recap our month of July guests Tony Medrano, Trav...
S2:E29: From Darkness to Legacy: The Unbreakable Journey of Lee Stuckey
Summary:This episode hits hard. Lee Stuckey’s story isn’t just about military service—it’s about resilience, overcoming darkness, and transforming pain into purpose that saves lives. Get ready for raw honesty, powerful leadership...
S2:E28: Building Community Through Veteran Stories with Travis Partington
Summary:In this episode, we chat with Travis Partington, founder of Oscar Mike Radio, about his journey of over nine years of podcasting, amplifying veteran voices, and building community. We also highlight Michael Starr, an Air ...
S2:E27: From Navy to AI: Tony Medrano’s Journey of Innovation and Leadership
Summary:In this episode, Tony Medrano shares his remarkable journey from Navy veteran to successful entrepreneur in AI and healthcare. Discover how military leadership, problem-solving, and resilience can translate into civilian ...
S2:E26: Healing, Building, Scaling: June Recap
Summary:This episode recaps June's key themes of healing, building, and scaling through inspiring stories of veterans and entrepreneurs. We highlight lessons from guests like Keith Cole, Javier Guitron, Scott Lackey, and Jamie J,...
S2:E25: Mastering Delegation and Category Design with Jaime and Sara
Summary:In this inspiring interview, Jaime and Sara share their remarkable journey from military service and homelessness to building a successful business focused on delegation and virtual assistance. Discover their insights on ...
S2:E24: Turning Collapse into Comeback: Lessons from Scott Lackey
Summary:Join us as Scott Lackey shares his remarkable journey from military service to entrepreneurship, including the lessons learned from failed inventions, the power of stewardship, and the importance of resilience. Discover h...
S2:E23: Strategic Transition: How Javier Guitron Built Wealth After Military Service
Summary:In this episode, Javier Guitron shares his unique journey from military service to successful real estate investing and risk management. He discusses the importance of strategic planning, continuous learning, and leveragi...
S2:E22: Overcoming Trauma: A Vietnam Veteran's Path to Peace
Summary:In this inspiring interview, Vietnam Marine Corps Veteran Keith Cole shares his journey from military service and trauma to healing through faith and self-discovery. Discover how Keith's story offers hope and practical st...
S2:E21: Recapping the Month of May and Military Appreciation Month
Summary:The MAY Recap episode explores the journeys of veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship, highlighting resources, success stories, and the ongoing mission to serve beyond military service. With insights from veteran en...
S2:E20: How Veterans Are Building Businesses with J.P. Morgan-backed CEOcircle
Summary:In this episode, Army veterans and West Point graduates Daniel Gade and Terry Hill share their inspiring journeys from military service to entrepreneurship. They discuss resources like IVMF and JP Morgan's CEO Circle, the...
S2:E19: Scaling with Purpose: The Bravory Bakehouse story
Summary:Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Nic and Erin Vandre, military veteran and spouse turned entrepreneurs, who founded Bravory BakeHouse. Discover their insights on purpose-driven business, overcoming challenge...
S2:E18: Building Legacy: How Rosella and Kenitra Scott Are Transforming Leadership and Business
Summary:In this episode, US Army retired Rosella and 1SG Kenitra Scott share their journey from military service to founding Legacy Vanguard Scott Group. They discuss transitioning out of the military, building a business, leaders...
S2:E17: From Setbacks to Success: Veteran Entrepreneurs Who Built Momentum
Summary:This episode highlights the power of momentum in veteran entrepreneurship. Matt and Julie recap the month of April and highlighting three incredible guest with inspiring stories from veterans like