What does it take to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem? Being in the NYC Metro Area, I’m fortunate enough to have access to meetups, co-working spaces, and other perks. But for those in Not in major metropolitan areas, you may have to build your ecosystem from the ground up, which is why for Today’s show, I sat down with Jim Roberts, an ecosystem builder and Founder of the Network For Entrepreneurs in Wilmington, NC. Jim is no stranger to the Bunker, where he worked hand in hand with the Bunker...
Sep 15, 2022•50 min•Ep. 86
On this episode of the Transition, I’m joined by Navy Veteran, Thereasa Black, Founder of Bonappe Sweet , which crafts delicious, decadent chocolate bars that aren’t filled with processed ingredients, that way you can enjoy something sweet, tasty, and satisfying without an ounce of guilt. After our interview, I wrote on Linkedin that I am so blown away by the caliber of founders of colors in our ecosystem. Find out more about Theresa's business, Bon AppeSweet: https://bonappesweet.com/ If you wa...
Sep 08, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 85
I’m joined by Frank Pollock, a third generation entrepreneur and acting CMO of two veteran-led startups, including Home Lending Pal, a two-sided marketplace that matches borrowers with lenders, and Blue Recruit, a direct-hire marketplace for skilled-trade workers. When he’s not acting as a CMO, he’s a volunteer for Bunker Labs, where for the last year, he ran the Consumer Packaged Goods,CEO Circle Facilitator. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37B...
Sep 01, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 84
In the following episode of the Transition, I talk about what it takes to achieve Flawless Acceleration in your business, rising above the day to day chaos and uncertainty that comes with being an entrepreneur, and focusing on the aspects of business building that actually drives results. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne
Aug 25, 2022•43 min•Ep. 83
On this Episode of the Transition, I continue doing some Ecosystem building, by sitting down with Alexa Modero, Director of the Veteran Future Lab at the NYU, a no-cost incubator that houses early-stage ventures led by veterans and military spouses. VFL has a world class digital makerspace at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering in Brooklyn, NY. Similar to Bunker Labs, they have programs for early stage small businesses, and venture backable startups, seeking investment. One of the reasons I wan...
Aug 18, 2022•53 min•Ep. 82
On today’s episode of the Transition, I’m joined by Army Veteran and VIR Alumn, Donnell Johns, Founder of Veterans Growing America, a company that provides a platform for Veteran and Military Spouses to showcase and grow their businesses. By partnering with local, state, and federal organizations, VGA is able conduct local events and marketing programs, to increase engagement with Veteran Business Community. We have programs that will take you from idea to invoice, incubate you, and position to ...
Aug 11, 2022•46 min•Ep. 81
On this episode of the Transition, I stress the importance of making sure you’re taking care of yourself by getting back in the gym. I know the hustle porn out there that tries to sell you all these different life hacks, that's not what I’m talking about.
Aug 04, 2022•24 min•Ep. 80
Today on the Transition, I’m joined by my friend, colleague, and Navy Veteran, Keith Kappel, Our Head Content Writer at Bunker Labs. If you’re like, you have great ideas for books and blogs that you want to write, but can never seem to find enough time and energy in the day to write them. Keith’s no exception, but his vast experience over the years has taught him some tips and tricks, to stop overthinking, and get thoughts on the page, which he shares on today’s show. Be sure to subscribe to the...
Jul 28, 2022•48 min•Ep. 79
On this episode of the Transition, I’m joined by Rachel Hobert, A Partner at Hivers and Strivers, an early stage investment fund that invests exclusively in Military Veterans. H&S has been around since 2011, originally starting as an Angel investment group, and has since established its own venture fund. Getting capital in the hands of the veteran entrepreneurial community is always at the forefront of my mind, so I invited Rachel on the show to discuss what Hivers and Strivers looks for and...
Jul 21, 2022•53 min•Ep. 78
On today’s show, I talk about the importance of building your own business playbook. As entrepreneurs, so many of us look for external validation and feedback from others, in order to tell us what we should be doing, instead of looking internally and committing to figuring it out ourselves. Nobody knows the ins and outs of your venture, your target market, and how you will succeed. The future of your business doesn’t exist yet, you have to create it, and if your tired of guessing, instead of spe...
Jul 14, 2022•24 min•Ep. 77
Today on the show, I talk about the dangers of focusing on scale, when what you really should be focusing on is acquiring ten customers. Understanding how to consistently get and keep ten customers is the foundation of building a successful venture, especially for those of you that are early-stage founders, still fighting to achieve lift off, or if you find yourself in a revenue lull. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne Read Seth Godin’s blo...
Jul 07, 2022•22 min•Ep. 76
On this episode of The Transition, I conduct a Branding Q&A with Army Veteran Sheila Buswell, founder of Buswell Biomedical, a company that's using artificial intelligence and machine learning, to build a state of the upward mobility device, to prevent patients in rehabilitation and healthcare facilities from falling. Like so many entrepreneurs in the Bunker, Sheila doesn’t have a background in marketing and branding, and due to her scientific background, she often struggles articulating her...
Jun 30, 2022•48 min•Ep. 75
On this episode of the Transition, I’m joined by Fellow Podcasts Host and Army Veteran, Marty “The Moak” Martinez, Co-Founder of Joint Tasks Force 214, a consultancy that specializes in helping veterans market themselves and their businesses. On the show, we talk about sales and marketing, the importance of effective communication, and how veterans can translate their skills from the battlefield into business. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37B...
Jun 23, 2022•56 min•Ep. 74
Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne Learn more about IVMF here: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/
Jun 16, 2022•57 min•Ep. 73
Today on the Transition, I’m joined by Seda Goff, The Director of Veteran Entrepreneurship at the PenFed Foundation, a nonprofit that provides American military and veterans with resources for a secure financial future. On the show, Seda and I talk about what it takes to position yourself as a venture backable startup, the educational programs offered by the PenFed Foundation, and what emerging industries she’s most excited about. If you’re interested in raising capital for your startup, this is...
Jun 09, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 72
Today on the Transition, I’m joined by Army Veteran Anthony Garcia, Founder & CEO of Purepost, Inc, a cloud based software company that fully-translates military service members experience into transferable civilian skills, job titles and descriptions. Anthony and the Purpose team are on a mission to advance Veterans careers, and help companies quickly and easily bring America’s best talent into their workforce. Anthony is the real deal and has been hooking and jabbing in Silicon Valley, for...
Jun 02, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 71
On this episode of the Transition, I’m joined by Yusuf Henriques, A former Army Combat Medic and Founder of IndeygeneUS AI, is a Black-Owned & Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) genomics company that’s building a block-chain encrypted bio-repository of Indigenous and African genetic data for early disease prevention, detection, and drug discovery. After his twin daughters, Kayla and Keyara, were diagnosed at 14- years old with a rare, incurable, eye disease, Yusuf set out...
May 19, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 70
Today on the show, I’m joined by Air Force Veteran Kevin Mead, from 1700 Brewing , A Veteran-Owned Nano Brewery based in Newport News, Virginia, that offers a high turnover on fresh brews with a relaxing atmosphere. Kevin is one of four co-founders, all military veterans, that came together to bootstrap the business, instead of taking out a loan. All the owners share a passion for brewing and drinking beer, and decided to launch the company while still maintaining their full-time jobs. On the Tr...
May 12, 2022•59 min•Ep. 69
Today, I’m joined by author, Stanford professor, and speaker Christina Wodtke. Christina’s book, “Radical Focus: Achieving Your Most Important Goals with Objectives and Key Results” breaks down the OKR Process when beginning your entrepreneurial journey. Radical Focus spoke to me and the challenge that comes with bringing a venture to life, and I hope this episode educates and inspires you. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne Connect with Ch...
May 05, 2022•55 min•Ep. 68
Today on the Transition, you’re in for a treat, as I am joined by Justin Jackson, a Serial Entrepreneur, Indie Maker, and Co-Founder of Transistor.Fm, a podcast hosting and analytics platform, where I host the Transition podcasts along with all our other shows at IRONBOUND Media. During this course of his journey, Justin’s learned the importance of developing a market-first mindset and identifying business opportunities that serve existing demand, instead of trying to generate it. On the show, J...
Apr 28, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 67
I’m joined by Air Force Veteran Nate Carden, Founder of Jesus Academy, and Former Director of Programs and Partnerships at Bunker Labs. In January of 2020, just before the pandemic, he stepped away from the Bunker to pursue his own entrepreneurial ambitions, first with a faith-based Startup and eventually his own, Jesus Academy, which makes products to help others live a more happy and fulfilling spiritual life. Regardless of your religious affiliation, there’s tons of value in Today’s episode. ...
Apr 21, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 66
I sat down with Patrick Fitzgerald, an Angel Investor, Startup Advisor, and Lecturer at The Wharton Business School, where he’s taught entrepreneurship to MBAs and undergraduates for the last eleven years. In the following episode, Patrick takes us through his business planning framework for first-time entrepreneurs and how you can leverage apply to achieve entrepreneurial success. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne Pre-order a copy of my b...
Apr 14, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 65
Today on the Transition, I have an amazing guest for you all, Asia Oraganio, Founder & CEO of Demand Maven, A growth consultant that helps founders of early-stage startups either get their first 100 customers or help them get to the next growth stage - but lean. Asia is a Master building and implementing effective Go-To-Market Strategies. On the show, Asia breaks down how to craft an effective Go-To-Market Strategy and what to expect at the age stage of growth, from the first 10, until you g...
Apr 07, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 64
Today on the Transition, I’m joined by Andrew Brockenbush, Founder and CEO of Beefy Marketing, A Full-Service Marketing Agency based in Tomball, TX. Andrew and The Beefy Team have a passion for supporting small business owners and veterans, including Marcus Lutrell and David Goggins, overseeing their personal brands. Want to know how newly launched brands can leverage social media, tune in to find out. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne App...
Mar 31, 2022•58 min•Ep. 63
Today on the Transition, I interview two phenomenal female entrepreneurs, Nisla Love and Monica Alexander. Nisla is the Founder of Choose Love, where she helps small business owners create wealth by being compliant with the IRS, through her worry-free tax services. Monica is the founder of Balance Body Network, where she and her team provide a holistic approach to self-care, including meditation, essential oils, and other products to help clients rest, relax, and recover. The ladies and I discus...
Mar 24, 2022•32 min•Ep. 62
In the following episode of The Transition, I sit down with Army Veteran Dr. Paris Love, an Organizational and Productivity Coach, helps overwhelmed professionals break through the barriers keeping them disorganized, disoriented and dissatisfied with their life,business, and career. on the show, she opens about her entrepreneurial journey and why she enjoys helping others declutter their life. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne Apply For Th...
Mar 17, 2022•25 min•Ep. 61
In today's first ever in-person interview on the Transition, I’m joined by Reda Hicks, a military spouse, attorney, and entrepreneur. Reda’s the Founder of Got Spot, a company that helps small businesses generate extra revenue by leveraging space in their office or building, for short term rentals. Reda opens up what led her to start Got Spot, Her passion for helping small businesses, and how she’s been able to navigate the challenges the pandemic has caused to got spots business model. Applicat...
Mar 10, 2022•35 min•Ep. 60
In this episode of the Transition, I interview A.J. Yawn, a former Division1 basketball Player from Florida State University, Army Captain, and Co-Founder of ByteChek, an early stage B2B Saas Company that builds, manages, and assesses a company’s cybersecurity program to build trust with customers and unlock sales. On the show, AJ opens up his journey to raise capital for ByteChek, the importance of family and mental health, and the lessons he’s learned building his first startup. Be sure to sub...
Mar 03, 2022•56 min•Ep. 59
On this episode of the Transition, I interview Army Veteran and Shark Tank participant Manuel Godoy, Co-Founder and CEO of Black Sands Entertainment, the number one black-owned publishing house and comic book company in the nation. Manuel and his team recently secured a 500k investment from Mark Cuban and Kevin Hart on Shark Tank. On the show, he opens about the challenges of raising venture capital for Black Sands, why more black founders need to leverage crowdfunding, and his plan for turning ...
Feb 24, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 58
I interview Army Veteran Dan Lee, Owner of Farina Pasta and Noodle, a Philadelphia-based restaurant that serves homemade pasta dishes. Dan opens up about his passion for food, the journey to get Farina off the ground, and the current challenges he’s facing running a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Be sure to subscribe to the Transition Newsletter on Substack here: https://bit.ly/37Bb8Ne Apply For The Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship Workshop Series here: https://bunkerlabs.org/breaking-barrier...
Feb 17, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 57
