TheMilVet Podcast

Brendan Aronson and Tim Hsia

Your hosts, Brendan Aronson and Tim Hsia, interview the highest-performing military veterans & civilian allies on earth. Our guests include CEOs of multibillion-dollar companies, founders of incredible businesses, and legendary investors. Our goal is educate, inspire, and entertain you. 

  1. 6d ago

    Ep. 185 From Special Forces to Harvard to Entrepreneurship: Building a Business Brick by Brick with Logan Leslie

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Logan Leslie, CEO of Main Street Auto and US Army Special Forces Veteran, to discuss his journey from Cavalry Scout and Green Beret to Harvard graduate and business owner. Logan shares how September 11th inspired him to serve, the leadership and entrepreneurial lessons he learned in Special Operations, and his transition from active duty to Harvard, where he earned both an MBA and JD. The conversation explores Logan’s entrepreneurial journey, including his early attempts to build a holding company and the lessons he learned from failure before finding his path in the automotive repair industry. He discusses why focus, execution, resilience, and operating experience matter, and why veterans need to be willing to bet on themselves. Listeners will gain insight into:  • Transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship  • Leadership lessons from Special Operations  • Pursuing elite higher education as a veteran  • The entrepreneurial mindset veterans bring to business  • Learning from failure and adapting along the way  • Building and scaling an operating business  • Finding the right business and career fit  • Taking risks and betting on yourself 🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #ArmyVeteran #SpecialForces #GreenBerets #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #PrivateEquity #BusinessOwnership #Harvard #CareerTransition Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

  2. Sep 9

    Ep. 184 From Marine Corps Cobra Pilot to AI Entrepreneur: Andrew Dimitruk's Journey

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Andrew Dimitruk, CEO and Co-Founder of Ironflow AI and US Marine Corps veteran, to discuss his journey from Marine Corps Cobra pilot to McKinsey consultant, defense technology executive at Shield AI, and AI entrepreneur. Andrew shares how September 11th inspired him to serve, the leadership lessons he learned in the Marine Corps, and how his military experience shaped his approach to building teams, solving problems, and leading through uncertainty. The conversation explores Andrew's transition from the Marine Corps to business school and McKinsey, his decision to join Shield AI during the early days of defense tech, and his progression into the company's COO role. He also explains the operational challenges he encountered while scaling a defense technology company, particularly the limitations of traditional ERP systems and how those experiences led him to co-found Ironflow AI. Andrew discusses Ironflow's mission to build an AI-native ERP for discrete manufacturing, with an initial focus on strengthening the defense industrial base. He also shares advice for veterans considering startups, AI, and entrepreneurship, including why veterans should get comfortable with risk, embrace chaos, build great teams, and look for opportunities that create greater optionality. Listeners will gain insight into: • Andrew's journey from the Marine Corps to AI entrepreneurship  • Leadership lessons from military service  • His experience as a Marine Corps Cobra pilot  • Transitioning from military service to McKinsey and the private sector  • Building and scaling Shield AI  • The evolution of AI and defense technology  • Why traditional ERP systems are a major challenge for manufacturers  • The founding and mission of Ironflow AI  • AI's potential to transform manufacturing and the defense industrial base  • Why veterans can thrive in startup environments  • Taking calculated risks and betting on yourself  • Building world-class teams and leading through uncertainty 🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MarineCorps #MarineVeteran #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #MilitaryLeadership #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #DefenseTech #DefenseIndustry #NationalSecurity #Manufacturing #ERP #IronflowAI #ShieldAI #Startup #Founder #VeteranCareers #CareerTransition #Innovation #Technology Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

  3. Sep 2

    Ep. 183 The Power of Self-Belief: Brian Stann on Leadership, Failure & Career Reinvention

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Brian Stann, President & CEO of Hunt Military Communities, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, UFC fighter, nonprofit leader, and private equity-backed executive, to discuss his unconventional journey from the Naval Academy and combat deployments to the UFC, Hire Heroes USA, private equity, and executive leadership. Brian shares how 9/11 shaped his decision to serve in the Marine Corps, the leadership lessons he learned through combat, and why the Marine Corps became the foundation of his approach to leadership, accountability, and decision-making. The conversation explores Brian's transition from the military into business, professional MMA, and nonprofit leadership. He discusses how mixed martial arts helped him process life after combat, his journey to the UFC, and how he helped build Hire Heroes USA into a leading organization helping veterans find employment. Brian also shares how a chance connection with Cerberus Capital Management opened the door to private equity and eventually led him to an executive role at FirstKey Homes and, ultimately, the CEO position at Hunt Military Communities. Listeners will gain insight into: • Brian's journey from the Naval Academy to the Marine Corps and combat in Iraq  • The leadership lessons he carried from the Marine Corps into business  • His transition from military service to the UFC and nonprofit leadership  • Building Hire Heroes USA around measurable outcomes and accountability  • Why veterans need to communicate the value they can create for an organization  • The importance of understanding your strengths and weaknesses  • How military delegation and ownership translate into corporate leadership  • Brian's transition into private equity and executive leadership  • Learning finance and business by tackling real-world problems  • Why veterans should ask questions instead of being intimidated by unfamiliar business language  • The importance of humility, curiosity, grit, and self-belief  • Why betting on yourself can open doors to an unconventional second career Brian's message to veterans is simple: know yourself, keep learning, surround yourself with people who complement your weaknesses, and have the confidence to bet on yourself. Whether you're a veteran preparing for transition, interested in private equity or entrepreneurship, or looking to grow as a leader, this episode offers practical lessons on resilience, leadership, career transition, and building your next chapter after service. 🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #USMC #MarineVeteran #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #Leadership #UFC #MMA #HireHeroesUSA #ExecutiveLeadership #VeteranCareers #Resilience #SelfBelief #VeteranSuccess Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

  4. Aug 26

    Ep. 182 Making a Job, Not Just Getting One: Kevin Capozzoli's Entrepreneurial Journey

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Kevin Capozzoli, Co-Founder & CEO of Critical Materials Group and US Army veteran, to discuss his 25-year military career, his transition into entrepreneurship, and how the leadership and decision-making skills he developed in the Army continue to shape the way he builds businesses. Kevin shares how his father's Vietnam service influenced his decision to serve and reflects on the lessons he learned from a career in the infantry, including leadership, responsibility, failure, decision-making, and learning from both great and difficult leaders. The conversation explores Kevin's transition from the Army to the business world, including his decision to pursue graduate education at the University of Texas and ultimately build a company rather than simply look for his next job. He explains how military planning principles, including red-teaming and stress-testing ideas, became valuable tools for evaluating business opportunities and navigating uncertainty. Listeners will gain insight into: • Kevin's journey from Florida State University to a 25-year Army career • The leadership lessons learned through military service • Why failure and responsibility accelerate professional growth • The difference between managing, leading, and commanding • Kevin's decision to leave the military and pursue entrepreneurship • Why veterans should consider whether they want to "get a job" or "make a job" • How military decision-making principles translate into business • Why entrepreneurs should never fall in love with their ideas • Using red-teaming to stress-test business opportunities • How Kevin identified critical vulnerabilities in the U.S. munitions industrial base • The founding and mission of Critical Materials Group • Building a company focused on critical energetic materials and national security • Navigating government acquisition and the defense industrial base • The importance of understanding who actually buys your product • How to handle investor rejection and constructive feedback • Why self-awareness and humility are critical to entrepreneurship • The importance of health, family, and financial preparation during transition • Why betting on yourself requires preparation as well as courage Kevin also shares practical advice for veterans preparing for their next chapter, emphasizing the importance of defining what you truly want to accomplish, building financial runway, taking care of your health and family, and being willing to embrace uncertainty. Whether you're a veteran preparing for transition, an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or interested in national security and the defense industrial base, this episode offers practical lessons on leadership, resilience, decision-making, entrepreneurship, and betting on yourself. 🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #USArmy #ArmyVeteran #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #MilitaryLeadership #DefenseIndustry #DefenseIndustrialBase #NationalSecurity #CriticalMaterials #Founder #Resilience #CareerTransition #VeteranCareers #DecisionMaking #RiskManagement #PrivateEquity #VeteranSuccess Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

  5. Aug 19

    Ep. 181 Breaking the Stigma: Kristen Rheinlander on Veteran Mental Health and The Headstrong Project

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Kristen Rheinlander, Director of Corporate Partnerships at The Headstrong Project, to discuss her journey as a military child, her career in professional sports, and how she ultimately found her calling supporting the military community through veteran-focused nonprofit organizations. Kristen shares how growing up as an Army brat shaped her resilience, adaptability, and perspective on military life. She reflects on her early career as a collegiate athlete and her path through sports marketing, corporate partnerships, and Major League Baseball before making a pivotal decision to pursue work with the USO and dedicate her career to serving the military community. The conversation explores the challenges of military transition, the importance of purpose and identity after leaving a career or profession, and why mental health support is such a critical component of the veteran and military family experience. Kristen also provides an inside look at The Headstrong Project and its unique approach to delivering confidential, trauma-focused mental health care to service members, veterans, military spouses, and military children. Listeners will gain insight into: • Growing up as an Army brat and the resilience that comes from military life • The unique challenges and opportunities experienced by military spouses and families • Kristen's journey from collegiate athletics into professional sports • Building a career in sports marketing and corporate partnerships • Her transition from Major League Baseball to serving the military community • Finding purpose through volunteering and giving back • The importance of identity and purpose during career and military transition • Why veterans and athletes can face similar challenges when their careers come to an end • The difficulty many veterans face when asking for help • Breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in the military community • How The Headstrong Project provides trauma-focused mental health care • The importance of military-cultural competency in mental health providers • Headstrong's network of more than 300 vetted clinicians • Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, and Prolonged Exposure therapy • Providing care through both in-person services and telehealth • How Headstrong helps military families navigate PCS moves without disrupting treatment • Headstrong's collaboration with the VA while maintaining direct access to care • The importance of connecting individuals with the right clinician from the beginning • Why trust, comfort, and rapport are critical to successful mental health treatment • How word-of-mouth referrals are helping veterans discover Headstrong • The role corporations and philanthropic partners play in expanding access to care • Kristen's vision for bringing Headstrong's services to more communities across the country Kristen also explains why access to mental health care needs to be immediate when someone is finally ready to raise their hand and ask for help. She shares how Headstrong's clinician-matching process is designed to meet individuals where they are and connect them with providers who understand their military experiences and unique circumstances. The conversation also highlights the broader role that purpose, community, and service play in successful transitions. Whether transitioning from military service, professional athletics, or another career, finding a new sense of identity and belonging can be just as important as finding the next job. Looking ahead, Kristen discusses her vision for The Headstrong Project, including expanding in-person services across the country, growing corporate partnerships, and ensuring that more members of the military community have access to high-quality, confidential mental health care when they need it most. Whether you're a veteran, military spouse, military family member, transitioning service member, employer, or simply interested in supporting the military community, this episode offers an important conversation about resilience, purpose, mental health, and the power of asking for help. 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, business, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MilitaryVeterans #MilitarySpouses #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranMentalHealth #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MilitaryTransition #VeteranTransition #VeteranSupport #MilitaryCommunity #HeadstrongProject #Leadership #Resilience #Purpose #VeteranCareers #VeteranLeadership #ServiceMembers #PrivateEquity #Entrepreneurship  Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

  6. Aug 12

    Ep. 180 From the Army to Mission Roll Call: Jim Whaley on Leadership, Networking & Giving Back

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call to discuss his journey from Army Aviation to corporate America and ultimately back to serving the veteran community. Jim shares lessons from more than two decades in the military, his transition into the private sector, and why giving back and serving a mission larger than yourself have remained central throughout his career. Jim reflects on his unconventional path into the United States Army, beginning with ROTC in college and eventually becoming an Army aviator. He discusses the experiences that shaped him as a leader, including serving overseas, raising a family in the military, and his final assignment leading public affairs at West Point. He also explains how his work during West Point's bicentennial helped him build a civilian network that became instrumental in his transition to corporate America. The conversation explores the realities of military transition, the challenges veterans can face when entering corporate environments, and how military leadership principles can become powerful assets in the private sector. Jim shares practical advice on managing your career, building relationships, becoming indispensable to an organization, and adapting to a corporate culture without losing the values that made you successful in the military. Listeners will gain insight into: • Jim's journey from ROTC to Army Aviation and a 20-year military career • The importance of camaraderie, mission, and serving something bigger than yourself • Transitioning from the military into corporate America • Why networking, not job boards, can open doors after military service • How Jim leveraged his West Point network to launch his civilian career • The differences between military and corporate cultures • Why veterans sometimes struggle with managing their own careers after leaving the military • How to take ownership of your career in the civilian world • Why veterans should learn the culture and ethos of their new organization • How to make yourself indispensable to an organization • The importance of anticipating what your boss and organization need • Why being the easiest person to work with can accelerate your career • The value of listening more than you speak • How military leadership and taking care of people translate into corporate success • Why networking should be viewed as an opportunity to learn rather than simply find a job • The importance of following up and building meaningful professional relationships • Jim's transition from corporate leadership back into the nonprofit and veteran space • The founding mission and purpose of Mission Roll Call • How Mission Roll Call gives veterans a direct voice with policymakers • The importance of unfiltered veteran feedback in shaping legislation and policy • The role of veteran organizations in addressing homelessness, suicide, and other challenges • Why veterans should "sound off" and make their voices heard Jim also discusses his experience leading corporate communications at Siemens and Sealed Air before joining the USO and eventually being recruited to help build Mission Roll Call. He explains why Mission Roll Call was created to amplify the voices of veterans and their families, provide veterans with access to resources and support organizations, and deliver polling and survey data directly to policymakers. The conversation highlights a central theme throughout Jim's career: the importance of listening. Whether leading soldiers, working with colleagues in corporate America, building professional networks, or advocating for veterans in Washington, Jim explains why understanding people and putting their needs ahead of your own can create stronger teams and better outcomes. Jim closes with an ambitious vision for the future of Mission Roll Call: ending veteran homelessness and veteran suicide, while ultimately building an organization that accomplishes its mission and is no longer needed. Whether you're preparing for military transition, navigating a career in corporate America, interested in veteran advocacy, or looking to become a stronger leader, this episode offers practical lessons on networking, leadership, career ownership, listening, and continuing to serve long after leaving the military. 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and business. #TheMilVet #MilVetPodcast #Veterans #VeteranTransition #MilitaryTransition #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranJobs #VeteranAdvocacy #VeteranCommunity #CorporateLeadership #Leadership #Networking #MissionRollCall #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranSuccess Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

  7. Aug 5

    Ep. 179 From Entrepreneur to Private Equity Investor: Stockton Croft on the Leadership Lessons Along the Way

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Stockton Croft, Founding Partner of Eagle Merchant Partners, to discuss his journey into private equity, the lessons learned from entrepreneurship, and why great businesses are ultimately built by great people. Stockton reflects on his unconventional path from the University of Virginia to Wall Street, through consulting and operating roles, before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. He shares the highs and lows of buying and building his own company, the challenges of leading through adversity, and how those experiences ultimately shaped his philosophy as a private equity investor. The conversation explores what separates successful founders from everyone else, why self-awareness matters when choosing your career path, and how veterans bring unique strengths to private equity-backed companies through leadership, discipline, and operational excellence. Listeners will gain insight into: • Building a career in investment banking and private equity • The transition from Wall Street to entrepreneurship • Why taking calculated risks is essential for long-term success • The "Groom, Jockey, or Horse" framework for thinking about your career • Lessons learned from buying, operating, and growing a business • Navigating failure, uncertainty, and business turnarounds • Why resilience and grit separate exceptional leaders • How veterans create value inside private equity portfolio companies • The importance of process, structure, and operational discipline • Why people, not spreadsheets, drive investment success • How to evaluate leadership teams before making investment decisions • The qualities private equity firms look for in CEOs • Why great leaders attract talented people who want to follow them • Mentorship, succession planning, and building organizations that outlast their founders • Practical advice for professionals interested in private equity, entrepreneurship, and investing Stockton also shares valuable lessons from nearly three decades of investing and operating businesses, explaining why his perspective evolved from focusing on financial analysis to recognizing that leadership and talent ultimately determine the success of every investment. His reflections on risk tolerance, self-awareness, and continuous learning offer practical guidance for anyone considering entrepreneurship or a career in private equity. Whether you're preparing for military transition, interested in private equity or entrepreneurship, or simply looking to become a stronger leader, this episode offers timeless lessons on resilience, calculated risk-taking, leadership, and building organizations through great people. 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in private equity, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and business. Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

  8. Jul 29

    Ep. 178 From Marine Corps General to Global Investor with Dave Bellon

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Dave Bellon, Managing Partner at Global Frontier Advisors L.P. and Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired, to discuss his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, private capital, international investing, and building businesses in some of the world's most challenging markets. Dave shares how his Marine Corps experience laid the foundation for a career defined by calculated risk-taking, continuous learning, and service beyond the uniform. After transitioning from the military, he pursued opportunities across private equity, investment banking, and international business before founding Global Frontier Advisors, where he helps connect investors with opportunities in critical minerals, natural resources, and emerging markets throughout Latin America. The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience when ideas don't work as planned, and why the best founders view failure as tuition rather than defeat. Dave also reflects on the challenges of military transition, the importance of finding purpose beyond a job title, and how veterans can leverage their leadership experience to create value in business while continuing to serve their communities. Drawing from decades of experience in finance, entrepreneurship, and international investing, Dave explains why building relationships, framing problems correctly, and maintaining humility are often more important than having the perfect business plan. He also shares how his passion for farming and volunteer work with Toys for Tots has helped him maintain perspective while balancing the demands of business leadership. Listeners will gain insight into: Transitioning from the Marine Corps into entrepreneurship and private capitalLessons learned from building and growing businesses in emerging marketsWhy failure is often the best investment in future successHow entrepreneurs should approach risk and uncertaintyThe importance of framing problems before trying to solve themLeadership lessons from military service that translate directly into businessBuilding trusted relationships in private equity and international investingWhy humility and curiosity are essential leadership traitsThe role of critical minerals and natural resources in the global economyInvesting and operating in Latin American marketsFinding purpose beyond titles, promotions, and financial successBalancing entrepreneurship, family, and personal fulfillmentWhy veterans are uniquely positioned to succeed in business and investingContinuing a life of service through mentorship, philanthropy, and community involvementPractical advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship or career transitionsDave also shares thoughtful perspectives on identity after military service, the realities of betting on yourself as an entrepreneur, and why long-term success is built on resilience, integrity, and meaningful relationships. His insights provide valuable guidance for veterans, founders, investors, and professionals looking to build careers driven by both purpose and impact. Whether you're preparing for military transition, exploring entrepreneurship, interested in private equity or international investing, or simply looking for timeless leadership lessons, this episode offers practical advice on embracing uncertainty, learning from failure, and creating opportunities that extend far beyond your own success. 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, entrepreneurship, private equity, venture capital, executive leadership, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #PrivateCapital #InternationalBusiness #Investing #CriticalMinerals #NaturalResources #MarineCorps #BusinessLeadership #Founder #EmergingMarkets #LeadershipDevelopment #VeteranCareers #Mentorship #LifeAfterService Thanks for listening! Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation: Tweet us at @brendan_aronson Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Your hosts, Brendan Aronson and Tim Hsia, interview the highest-performing military veterans & civilian allies on earth. Our guests include CEOs of multibillion-dollar companies, founders of incredible businesses, and legendary investors. Our goal is educate, inspire, and entertain you. 

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