Veteran On the Move

Joe Crane
  • 4.9 (32)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Empowering Veterans Through Entrepreneurship

  1. 4D AGO

    The Business Transition Sherpa

    In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Joe Crane sits down with Laurie Barkman, the "Business Transition Sherpa," to discuss the critical intersection of business growth and exit strategy. Drawing from her experience as a $100M CEO who led a Fortune 50 acquisition and her time as an outside hire for a third-generation firm, Laurie shares invaluable lessons on Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition and the "Founder’s Paradox." She highlights why veterans should consider buying existing businesses and offers a perspective on the emotional toll of losing one's identity after a major transition—a challenge many veterans face twice. Whether you’re just starting small with a passion-led idea or scaling a massive firm, Laurie’s insights provide the map to ensure your business can eventually thrive without you, allowing you to exit on your own terms with confidence. Episode Resources: Business Transition Sherpa   About Our Guest Laurie Barkman is a nationally recognized growth strategist, speaker, and CEO who helps engineering, architecture, and design services firm owners scale their companies with clarity and confidence. She is the founder of The Business Transition Sherpa®, author of The Business Transition Handbook, and host of the award-winning Succession Stories podcast. A Certified Exit Planner, M&A Advisor, and former $100M CEO who led a company through a successful acquisition by a Fortune 50, Laurie brings real-world leadership and transition expertise to every engagement. Today, she empowers AEC industry owners in the built environment to build scalable, self-sustaining businesses that grow without depending on them, creating more time, freedom, and lasting value.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union is here to help you dominate your debt with the Platinum Card. Transfer your credit card balance to the Platinum card within your first 60 days and get a zero percent intro APR for 12 months. Visit here to start dominating debt. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470.

    22 min

  2. MAR 23

    Unity In Service

    In this episode, Joe Crane sits down with Chip Webster, a seasoned entrepreneur and former President of Vistage Florida, to discuss how his business experience shaped his new mission: rebuilding American civic trust. Chip shares how leadership principles like accountability and gaining a "different set of eyes" on a problem can be applied to healing our national divide through his nonprofit, Unity in Service Inc. By advocating for a year of universal national service as a rite of passage, Chip explores how veterans and citizens alike can break down political barriers, foster relationships through hands-on community projects, and redefine what it means to be an invested, service-oriented leader in today’s world. Episode Resources: Unity In Service   About Our Guest Chip Webster is a seasoned leader, entrepreneur, and civic advocate who has spent decades working alongside veterans, CEOs, and community leaders and is deeply committed to the idea that service doesn't end with the uniform. As the former President of Vistage Florida, Chip spent over 25 years mentoring CEOs, many of whom were veterans navigating identity, leadership, and purpose beyond structured systems. Today, he is the Chairman of Tampa Bay Watch and the founder of Unity in Service Inc., a nonprofit focused on rebuilding trust, civic responsibility, and unity through hands-on service.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union is here to help you dominate your debt with the Platinum Card. Transfer your credit card balance to the Platinum card within your first 60 days and get a zero percent intro APR for 12 months. Visit here to start dominating debt. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

    28 min

  3. MAR 16

    International Leadership of Texas Charter School

    In this episode of Veteran On the Move, retired Marine Corps infantry officer Eddie Conger shares how he turned a 20-year military career into a new mission in education. After starting out as a math teacher and moving into school leadership, Eddie founded International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas) in 2012 to prepare students for a global world. He explains how his schools use Marine Corps leadership principles and trilingual instruction to serve over 25,000 students, including hosting the largest Marine Corps JROTC program in the country. It’s a great look at how veterans can find a second career they are passionate about by applying their leadership skills to help the next generation. Episode Resources: International Leadership of Texas   About Our Guest Eddie Conger is the founder and superintendent of International Leadership of Texas (ILTexas). After retiring from a 20-year career as a Marine Corps Major, Eddie created the charter school network with the vision to bolster national security through language instruction (Mandarin, Spanish, and English) and teaching students Marine leadership principles. Conger and the ILTexas team have been recognized for their efforts as the inaugural recipients of the George H. W. Bush Award for K-12 Educational Excellence in U.S.-China Relations, as well as over $7.25M in DoDEA funding to support Chinese language expansion and global competency initiatives.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union is here to help you dominate your debt with the Platinum Card. Transfer your credit card balance to the Platinum card within your first 60 days and get a zero percent intro APR for 12 months. Visit here to start dominating debt. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.    Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship. Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

    34 min

  4. MAR 9

    The Nonprofit Plug with Dr. Sharon R. Elefant

    In this episode, Joe Crane sits down with Dr. Sharon R. Elefant, Founder and CEO of The Nonprofit Plug, to discuss the critical intersection of military service and nonprofit entrepreneurship. Drawing from her deep roots in the veteran community—including her work with the VA health system and AMVETS—Dr. Sharon addresses the common "red tape" and business gaps that often hinder mission-driven leaders. She highlights the necessity of viewing a nonprofit as a "business with a cause," emphasizing that sustainability requires a clear revenue model and a narrowly defined problem to solve. From exploring the benefits of fiscal sponsorship to implementing efficient infrastructure, Dr. Sharon provides a professional roadmap for veterans looking to transition from a passion for service to a high-impact, scalable organization. Episode Resources: https://thenonprofitplug.com/   About Our Guest Dr. Sharon R. Elefant is a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist, educator, and community advocate, serving as the Founder and CEO of The Nonprofit Plug LLC and The NonprofitPlug Foundation Inc. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, compliance, financial management, grant writing, and capacity building, she has supported the formation and sustainability of hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the country. Dr. Sharon has helped nonprofits collectively secure over $15 million in funding, manage millions in assets, and transition founders into paid executive leadership roles. Her work centers on demystifying the nonprofit ecosystem, grant readiness, fiscal sponsorship, donor cultivation, and compliance, so mission-driven leaders can focus on impact without burnout. In addition to consulting, Dr. Sharon is a professor of business administration, a frequent speaker, and a trusted advisor to grassroots and scaling organizations alike. Her approach blends strategy, transparency, and real-world application, making her a sought-after guest for podcasts focused on social impact, leadership, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit growth.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union is here to help you dominate your debt with the Platinum Card. Transfer your credit card balance to the Platinum card within your first 60 days and get a zero percent intro APR for 12 months. Visit here to start dominating debt. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.    Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

    29 min

  5. MAR 2

    Deliver Service Now with Vance Morris

    In this episode, Joe Crane sits down with Vance Morris, an entrepreneur who has navigated a diverse career from a childhood paper route to a decade-long leadership role at Walt Disney World. Vance shares his journey of transitioning from a high-level corporate executive to building three successful home service businesses from the ground up. Vance discusses the "money leaks" that most entrepreneurs ignore and explains why chasing new leads is often the most expensive way to grow. By blending direct-response marketing with engineered customer loyalty, Vance shows veterans and entrepreneurs how to stop "silent churn" and build a business based on emotional connection and world-class service standards. Episode Resources: Deliver Service Now institute     About Our Guest Vance Morris  is a former Birth Control Factory Security Guard and turned that into a wild journey from Disney leader to bankrupt out-of-work executive to carpet cleaner to successful entrepreneur. Today, he's the guy businesses call when they're bleeding profit and can't figure out why. He delivers real-world systems that stop customers from quietly disappearing and stop money from leaking out the back door. Hes the only expert on the planet, who blends direct-response marketing with engineered customer loyalty and retention.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union is here to help you dominate your debt with the Platinum Card. Transfer your credit card balance to the Platinum card within your first 60 days and get a zero percent intro APR for 12 months. Visit here to start dominating debt. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.    Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

    31 min

  6. FEB 23

    The Wealth Elevator

    Building a $2.1 billion real estate portfolio doesn't happen by accident—it happens by design. In this episode, Joe Crane sits down with Lane Kawaoka, founder of The Wealth Elevator, to discuss how he transitioned from a corporate engineering career to managing over 10,000 rental units. We explore the shift from the "linear path" of traditional employment to the high-leverage world of workforce housing and private placements. Lane shares his systematic approach to using professional property management to scale and his best advice for vetting investment opportunities. Episode Resources: The Wealth Elevator The Wealth Elevator on Amazon   About Our Guest Lane Kawaoka is the founder of The Wealth Elevator and a seasoned real estate investor who has amassed a portfolio of over 10,000 rental units valued at more than $2.1 billion. With a background in engineering and over $250 million in project management experience, Lane transitioned from a successful corporate career to become a leading voice in passive real estate investing. Through his Top-50 investing podcast and educational platform, he empowers high-income professionals to create passive income streams, optimize their taxes, and build generational wealth without relying on traditional retirement strategies.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union is here to help you dominate your debt with the Platinum Card. Transfer your credit card balance to the Platinum card within your first 60 days and get a zero percent intro APR for 12 months. Visit here to start dominating debt. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.    Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

    37 min

  7. FEB 16

    The Power of Being All In with Major General Robert Mixon

    Transitioning from 33 years of military service is never simple, regardless of the rank on your shoulders. In this episode, Joe welcomes Major General Robert W. Mixon, Jr. (USA, Ret.), who candidly shares his journey from commanding the 7th Infantry Division to navigating the civilian workforce during the 2008 economic crisis. Robert discusses the "shock and awe" of entering a family-owned manufacturing business, the shift into mission-driven nonprofit work with Warrior Salute, and his eventual leap into entrepreneurship. Today, as the co-founder of Level Five Associates, Robert teaches the six enduring principles of value-based leadership. This conversation explores staying adaptive, finding your next mission, and the importance of having a "trusted advisor" in the civilian world. Episode Resources: Adaptive Leadership Insights - Robert’s Substack     About Our Guest Major General Robert W. Mixon, Jr. (U.S. Army, Ret.) served 33 years in the Army, commanding the 7th Infantry Division and Division West of First Army. After transitioning into corporate and nonprofit leadership, including helping create the Warrior Salute program for veterans with TBI and PTSD-he now advises organizations on leadership, culture, and veteran workforce success. Robert is co-founder of Level Five Associates and author of the bestselling The Power of Being All In.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union is here to help you dominate your debt with the Platinum Card. Transfer your credit card balance to the Platinum card within your first 60 days and get a zero percent intro APR for 12 months. Visit here to start dominating debt. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

    32 min

  8. FEB 9

    Rebel Leaders GSD with Nathan Tierney

    Nathan Tierney joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a retired Army Warrant Officer and former Navy rescue swimmer. After transitioning from a career as a helicopter pilot to the civilian sector, Nathan ascended to senior executive roles at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, serving as Deputy CIO and Chief People Officer. Throughout his career, he has relied on the discipline and drive learned in the military, paired with the guidance of key mentors, to navigate large-scale organizational transformations. The conversation also covers Nathan’s book, Rebel Leaders GSD, which he wrote to provide leaders with the practical education needed to handle high-pressure environments. He outlines the three core sections of the book and emphasizes the fundamental importance of mastering the basics to ensure success. Today, Nathan focuses on helping leaders make clear, decisive calls in the face of uncertainty and high-stakes consequences. Episode Resources: Nathan Tierney - Gartner | LinkedIn Rebel Leaders GSD on Amazon   About Our Guest Nathan Tierney is a special operations veteran, former senior federal executive, and author of Rebel Leaders GSD. Over a 25-year career, he has led teams in combat, crisis response, and large-scale federal transformation, including serving as Deputy CIO and Chief People Officer at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Today, he helps leaders make clear, decisive calls when pressure, uncertainty, and consequences are real.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union offers exclusive benefits to all of their members. All Veterans, Active Duty and their families can become members. Have you been saving up for the season of cheer and joy that is just around the corner? With Navy Federal Credit Union’s cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards, you could earn a $250 cash bonus when you spend $2,500 in the first 90 days. Offer ends 1/1/26. You could earn up to 2% unlimited cash back with the cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards. With Navy Federal, members have access to financial advice and money management and 24/7 access to award-winning service. Whether you’re a Veteran of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard, you and your family can become members. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today. Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you purchase via the link provided.

    27 min
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4.9
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Empowering Veterans Through Entrepreneurship

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Crane
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Military Media Network LLC
  • Show Website
    Veteran On the Move

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