Service Academy Business Mastermind

Scott Mackes, USNA '01
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The Service Academy Business Mastermind (SABM) is a transformational program for Service Academy graduates who are building businesses. Our podcast features entrepreneurial success stories from the Service Academy community (West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy). To learn more, please visit: www.sabmgroup.com.

  1. Jul 9

    #361: Building Opportunities Through Franchise Ownership with Bryan Denson, Air Force Veteran

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Bryan Denson is leading the expansion of Port of Subs across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, building both company-owned locations and a network of future franchise owners. His vision extends beyond opening stores. He is creating opportunities for veterans, military families, and aspiring entrepreneurs to participate in business ownership and long-term wealth creation. Before entering the franchise industry, Bryan spent more than three decades serving in the military, government, and corporate sectors. From Army infantry training and Air Force intelligence work to business development and leadership roles in the private sector, each experience reinforced a lesson that continues to guide him today: confidence is built by taking on challenges. He now applies those lessons to entrepreneurship while helping others pursue opportunities of their own. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Bryan about: Lessons Learned Through Challenge: How military service, language training, and leadership experiences helped Bryan build the confidence to take on increasingly difficult opportunities throughout his career. Why Port of Subs: What attracted Bryan to a growing franchise brand and the vision behind its expansion across the East Coast. Building a Veteran-Centered Business Network: Creating opportunities for veteran-owned businesses, service providers, and future franchise owners to grow alongside one another. From Store One to Store Seventy: The strategy behind launching the first location, developing the DMV region, and scaling long-term franchise operation. Creating Opportunities for Others: Why success means helping veterans, military families, and aspiring entrepreneurs build their own path to business ownership.    Timestamps: 00:57 Brian Military Roots 03:09 From Service to Corporate 04:22 Finding Port of Subs 06:01 Dual Role and Territory 07:47 First Store Launch Plan 09:21 Scaling and Veteran Network 11:16 Dave Vision and Culture 16:42 Defining Success and Impact 18:53 Challenges and Help Needed 21:07 Franchise Requirements and Financing   Connect with Bryan: LinkedIn | Bryan Denson bdenson@portofsubs.com  www.portofsubs.com  If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Bryan for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  2. Jul 3

    #360: Creating Greater Impact Through Conscious Leadership with Vince Lindenmeyer, USMA '91

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Vince Lindenmeyer is the founder of Conscious Impact Leader and Beacon 4sight Group. Through his work, he helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs gain strategic clarity, develop conscious leadership skills, and build businesses aligned with their values. He also works with nonprofit organizations to strengthen governance, increase revenue sustainability, and create a foundation for long-term success. After retiring from the U.S. Army as a Colonel following a 26-year career, Vince found himself searching for a deeper sense of purpose beyond military service. His journey through entrepreneurship, Stoic philosophy, spiritual growth, and post-traumatic growth communities ultimately inspired the creation of Conscious Impact Leader, where he helps leaders overcome limiting beliefs, discover their purpose, and build lives of greater purpose and abundance.   In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Vince about:   The Inner Work Behind Leadership: Why personal growth, self-awareness, and healing are often the foundation for lasting impact and organizational success Identifying and Reframing Limiting Beliefs: Recognizing the hidden beliefs around money, self-worth, and scarcity that may be holding leaders back. Where Purpose Meets Prosperity: Exploring how passion, service, and meaningful work can create both fulfillment and sustainable growth. Building the Conscious Impact Leader Community: Creating a space where nonprofit and business leaders can grow, collaborate, and support one another. Creating Legacy Through Service and Stewardship: Using intentional leadership, generosity, and long-term thinking to build lasting impact Timestamps: 01:25  Vince's Military to Civilian Transition 05:06  Why Conscious Impact Leader Exists 09:19 Identifying and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 12:24 The Conscious Impact Leader Framework 16:34 Reframing Money, Abundance, and Prosperity 20:39 Where Higher Consciousness Meets Higher Economics 23:55 Purpose-Driven Wealth Creation 31:47 Building Community and Creating Impact 34:38 Bitcoin, Sovereignty, and Recommended Resources   Connect with Vince: LinkedIn | Vince Lindenmeyer vince@beacon4today.com  www.securepathgov.com  If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Vince for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  3. Jun 26

    #359: Building a Tech-Forward Financial Planning Platform with Pat O'Boyle, USNA '14

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Pat O'Boyle is the Chief Compliance Officer at Glen Eagle Advisors and a member of the leadership team behind Alooola, a technology-driven financial planning and investment platform. In addition to overseeing regulatory compliance, he supports business development and helps drive the growth of Aloooa's advisory and retirement planning services, including its expanding 401(k) platform for business owners. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Pat served as a Marine Corps infantry officer with 7th Marines and completed two deployments to the Middle East. After transitioning from military service, he built experience across investment banking, fintech, and wealth management through roles at Wells Fargo Securities, EquitiesEnd, and CBIZ before joining Glen Eagle Advisors to help scale Alooola's technology-first approach to financial planning.   In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Pat about: From the Marine Corps to Financial Services: How military leadership, investment banking, and startup experience ultimately led to helping build a technology driven planning platform. Creating Alooola's Hybrid Approach: Combining personalized financial advice with a mobile-first experience that keeps advisors accessible to clients. Helping Businesses Reduce 401(k) Costs: Helping business owners uncover hidden retirement plan fees while improving retirement plan offerings. How Technology Enhances the Advisor Relationship: Using technology to simplify investment management and create more meaningful client conversations. Building the Future of Financial Planning: Bringing investing, retirement planning, tax strategy, insurance, and advisor support into one platform. Timestamps: 01:13 Marine Corps to Finance 02:10 Wells Fargo and COVID Markets 04:27 Startup Culture Shift 05:51 Joining Gleneagle and Alooola 09:06 Alooola App Overview 12:40 Why Build the App 14:57 Advisors Using the Platform 18:19 Building with AI and Compliance 21:49 Goals for 2026 and Beyond 25:08 Who They Help Most   Connect with Pat: LinkedIn | Pat O'Boyle poboyle@gleneagleadv.com  www.gleneagleadv.com If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today.   Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review!   A special thank you to Pat for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  4. Jun 14

    #358: Building the Veteran Startup Ecosystem with Ryan Micheletti

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Ryan Micheletti is the co-founder of The Veteran Fund, a venture capital firm focused on investing in veteran-led critical technology companies. As a California National Guard veteran, Ryan has played a leading role in building the veteran startup ecosystem. Before launching The Veteran Fund, he founded VetTech, the first veteran-led startup accelerator, and later served as Head of Global Operations at Founder Institute, helping scale more than 8,000 startups across 200 cities worldwide. Today, Ryan leads The Veteran Fund's strategy and ecosystem building efforts, backing exceptional veteran leadership teams in dual-use and mission-critical technologies. His work connects founders with early capital, strategic partners, and a growing network of investors committed to strengthening American innovation. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Ryan about: Building the Veteran Startup Ecosystem: Launching the first veteran-led accelerator and creating infrastructure to support founders after 9/11 Investing in Leadership at the Seed Stage: Why The Veteran Fund prioritizes exceptional teams with deep domain expertise and long-term resilience. Critical Technology and Dual-Use Strategy: Backing companies that serve both commercial markets and national security priorities. From Fund One to Fund Two: Refining ownership strategy, increasing first-check size, and strengthening capital allocation discipline. Patriotic Capital and Long-Term Vision: Mobilizing family offices and aligned investors to support veteran-led innovation that reinforces American competitiveness. Timestamps: 00:52 Origin of Veteran Fund 02:10 Building VetTech and FI 04:05 Fund Launch and Thesis 06:27 Ideal Deal Criteria 09:37 Havok AI Success Story 12:26 Fund Two Evolution 17:34 Ecosystem and Events 21:30 Goals and Bigger Mission Connect with Ryan: LinkedIn | Ryan Micheletti ryan@veteran.fund  www.veteran.fund  If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Ryan for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  5. May 27

    #357: Building a Modern VA Mortgage Platform with Travis Peace, USNA '03

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on September 29th & 28th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Travis Peace is the Co-Founder and President of Novum Home Loans, a digital mortgage company built specifically for the military community. After serving as a nuclear surface warfare officer and later holding senior mortgage leadership roles at USAA, he launched Novum to modernize VA lending through technology, efficiency, and mission-driven execution. At Novum, Travis is focused on building a scalable, AI-powered mortgage platform designed to deliver better rates, faster closings, and a trusted experience for veterans and active-duty families. His long-term vision is to become a dominant player in the VA lending space while staying rooted in service and community alignment.  In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Travis about: From Nuclear Officer to Mortgage Founder: Travis's transition from Navy leadership to building a veteran-focused digital lending platform. Modernizing VA Lending: The inefficiencies in traditional mortgage processes and how Novum is leveraging technology to streamline approvals and closings. AI in the Mortgage Industry: Using automation and data-driven systems to reduce friction, improve pricing, and enhance borrower experience. Serving the Military Community at Scale: Designing a lending platform built specifically for active-duty service members and veterans. Building a Scalable Digital Platform: Travis's long-term vision to grow Novum into a dominant force in VA home loans while maintaining trust and operational discipline. Timestamps: 00:49 From Navy to USAA 04:40 Why Novum Exists 06:17 Cutting Mortgage Costs 09:15 Loan Types Beyond VA 10:43 Customer Journey Walkthrough 15:27 Finding Focus and Stride 18:29 Scaling Vision and Market Share 21:59 Next Goals Capital Tech Talent 26:08 Lead Sources and Referrals Connect with Travis: LinkedIn | Travis Peace travis@novumhomeloans.com  www.novumhomeloans.com  If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Travis for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  6. May 7

    #356: Strategic Wealth, Disruptive Tech, and Building the Right Financial Team with John Lynch, USMA '86

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Charleston, SC on June 1st & 2nd? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ John Lynch is the Founder of Imprimis Financial, where he advises business owners, professionals, and Service Academy graduates on asset management, estate design, and tax-efficient wealth strategies. After serving as a field artillery officer and company commander during the Gulf War era, he earned his MBA in finance from NYU and began his career at Barclays and First Union before launching his own practice in Charlotte. Over the years, John has been working alongside private banking teams supporting large estates while building a discretionary investment model focused on disruptive technologies. With a foundation in institutional finance and technical trading, he leverages AI tools to help clients refine their goals and implement coordinated wealth strategies. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with John about: A Career Built on Reinvention: John shares his transition from Army leadership to institutional finance and ultimately building his own advisory practice. Managing Disruptive Technology Investments: How he evaluates companies like Nvidia and Tesla using both fundamentals and technical entry points to manage volatility. Using AI to Enhance Decision-Making: Leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze portfolios, compare insurance structures, and accelerate strategic planning. The Team-Based Wealth Model: Why high-net individuals need integrated advisors working together rather than operating in silos. Tax Strategy as Alpha: Creating value through liquidity management, estate design, and tax-efficient structures, not just investment returns.   Timestamps: 01:10 West Point to Army Career 02:56 MBA and Trading Roots 04:14 Building the Advisory Practice 05:36 Disruptive Tech Portfolio Model 07:49 How He Picks Entries 10:35 Ideal Clients and Service Grads 13:23 Ultra Wealth Team Planning 16:59 Using AI in Practice 22:04 Growth Goals and Legacy Shifts Connect with John: LinkedIn | John Lynch  jlynch@imprimis-financial.com  www.imprimis-financial.com  If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to John for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  7. Apr 24

    #355: Rethinking Non-Profit Funding with Evan Parnell, USNA '08, and Martiel Beatty

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Charleston, SC on June 1st & 2nd? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Evan Parnell is the COO of GivMoo, a technology platform that integrates charitable giving into everyday purchasing and business transactions. With experience scaling startups through early growth phases, Evan leads execution and commercial strategy, translating big ideas into structured systems that support sustainable growth and measurable impact. That mission is carried forward alongside Martiel Beatty, Founder and visionary leader behind GivMoo's ecosystem design. Martiel focuses on building strategic partnerships and shaping the platform's long-term impact model, ensuring that merchants, nonprofits, and consumers are connected in ways that create shared value.  Together, they're building a scalable platform that embeds giving into everyday business.  In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Evan & Martiel about: Commerce as a Giving Engine: How GivMoo embeds charitable contributions directly into everyday purchasing behavior. Rethinking Nonprofit Funding: Why traditional donation models struggle with retention and scale, and where opportunity exists. A Shared-Value Marketplace: Aligning merchants, nonprofits, and consumers so that every transaction creates measurable impact. A Simpler Giving Strategy: Encouraging consumers to shift just one purchasing category to drive consistent support for causes they care about. Scaling with Infrastructure: Their roadmap for raising outside investment and building the systems required to grow sustainably.  Timestamps: 00:42 Evan's Career Shift and New Venture 01:40 Martiel's Entrepreneurial Background 03:50 WorldPride Merchandise Lessons 06:59 The Nonprofit Funding Problem 11:12 The Math Behind GivMoo 16:30 Solving the Marketplace Gap 22:19 Turnkey Product Model Explained 25:49 Marketing and Consumer Strategy 37:55 Martiel's Personal Mission Connect with Evan & Martiel: LinkedIn | Evan Parnell  LinkedIn | Martiel Beatty www.GivMoo.com If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Evan and Martiel for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  8. Apr 17

    #354: Advancing Precision Brain Health for Veterans with Bret Petkus, USMA '91 & Russell Toll, USMA '05

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Charleston, SC on June 1st & 2nd? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Bret Petkus and Russell Toll are Army veterans and co-founders of Compassion Neurohealth, a neuroscience-driven brain health practice focused on changing how mental health is measured and treated. As an accomplished healthcare executive, Bret brings significant P&L leadership across medical and life science companies, while Russ, a Stanford-trained neuroscientist and combat veteran, leads the scientific development behind their technology. Their paths into this work were shaped by distinct but deeply personal experiences. Bret's own traumatic brain injury exposed gaps in how neurological damage is identified and addressed, while Russ witnessed the long-term impact of blast exposure during his service in Iraq. Their shared commitment to improving brain health led to a partnership grounded in both mission and medicine. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Bret & Russell about: Battlefield to Brain Science: Russell's experience with blast exposure and Army medicine, and how it shaped his commitment to advancing neurological care. The Injury You Can't See: Bret's unexpected discovery of his own TBI decades later and the mission it sparked. Precision Starts with Data: How EEG data and the Halo platform map dysregulated brain networks before prescribing precision TMS. Engineering Long-Term Recovery: Tracking outcomes through ongoing assessments and follow-up scans to maintain remission and intervene early. Mission Beyond Medicine: Their nonprofit initiative supports Gold Star families and expands access to care for those who cannot afford treatment.    Timestamps: 00:38 Brett's Background and TBI Discovery 02:01 Russ's Combat Experience and Shift into Brain Health 04:26 Connecting on LinkedIn and Building the Clinic Partnership 05:59 Personalized TMS and the Halo Mapping Platform 08:03 Suicide Loss and the Cockpit Metaphor 13:26 How Halo Identifies the Right Brain Networks 17:51 Patient Stories and the "Veterans Aren't Broken" Perspective 19:35 Durability, Follow-Ups, and Long-Term Monitoring 32:56 Scaling Clinics, SaaS Expansion, and Heroes in Mind Connect with Bret & Russell: LinkedIn | Bret Petkus  LinkedIn | Russell Toll Compassion Neuroscience  bpetkus@gmail.com  If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Bret and Russell for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

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The Service Academy Business Mastermind (SABM) is a transformational program for Service Academy graduates who are building businesses. Our podcast features entrepreneurial success stories from the Service Academy community (West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy). To learn more, please visit: www.sabmgroup.com.

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