TheMilVet Podcast

Brendan Aronson and Tim Hsia
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Careers
  • Weekly

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. 4d ago

    Ep. 191 Beyond the Uniform: Mark Cavaliero on Business, Family, and Giving Back

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Mark Cavaliero, President of Morris Family Farm LLC and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, to discuss his journey from Marine officer to civilian leadership and his transition into a life focused on family, mentorship, and giving back. Mark shares how his early experiences as an Eagle Scout shaped his decision to join the Marine Corps, where he developed the resilience, sense of urgency, and mission-focused mindset that would serve him throughout his career. After transitioning from active duty to the Marine Corps Reserve, Mark leveraged his military experience and technical expertise to build a civilian career before pursuing entrepreneurship and new opportunities beyond the military. Mark discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, from navigating financial uncertainty to learning sales, building a team, and overcoming economic downturns. He explains how applying Marine Corps principles to business planning, developing repeatable processes, and surrounding himself with the right partners helped him build and lead a successful technology business before selling it to a private equity-backed organization. Today, Mark is focused on his work as President of Morris Family Farm LLC, volunteering, mentoring young people through Boy Scouts and substitute teaching, and helping protect waterways and lakes in central North Carolina. Listeners will gain insight into: Translating military leadership and technical skills into civilian opportunitiesLeveraging the Marine Corps network to build career connectionsApplying military planning principles to business and leadershipOvercoming the challenges of entrepreneurship and financial uncertaintyLearning sales and developing repeatable business processesFinding the right partners with complementary skill setsKnowing when it's time to exit a businessBalancing professional responsibilities, family, and personal fulfillmentFinding purpose through mentorship, volunteering, and community serviceBuilding lasting relationships that create opportunities throughout your career🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #MarineVeteran #MarineCorps #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneurs #BusinessLeadership #Networking #CareerTransition #GivingBack 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. Oct 21

    Ep 190 From Marine Corps General to Defense Tech: Jerry Glavy on AI, Leadership, and Life After Service

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Lieutenant General Matthew “Jerry” Glavy, USMC (Ret.), a 39-year US Marine Corps Veteran, former Deputy Commandant for Information, and defense technology leader. Jerry shares his journey from a middle-class upbringing in Buffalo, New York, to flying CH-46 helicopters, supporting presidential missions, and helping shape the early development of US Cyber Command and military cyber capabilities. Today, he continues serving the warfighter through defense technology, AI, and veteran-focused initiatives. Jerry reflects on the mentors who shaped his career, the importance of readiness and putting Marines first, and how faith helped him navigate high-pressure moments throughout his military service. He also discusses his transition into civilian life, the challenges of finding purpose after retirement, and how patience, networking, and a commitment to service helped him discover his next mission. Listeners will gain insight into: • Building a career through mentorship, leadership, and embracing unexpected opportunities • Transitioning from military service to defense technology and the private sector • Developing cyber, AI, and software capabilities to better equip the warfighter • Finding purpose and identity after a long military career • Using tactical patience and networking to navigate the military-to-civilian transition • Translating military experience into skills civilian employers understand • How AI Ready Veteran helps veterans prepare for civilian careers with AI-powered tools • Leveraging veteran talent to solve critical defense technology challenges • Giving back through nonprofit organizations and veteran-focused initiatives • Staying grounded in faith, family, and service throughout life's transitions Jerry also shares his vision for bringing talented veterans into the private sector to help deliver capabilities the military needs, explains the mission of AI Ready Veteran, and tells the story behind The General's Hot Sauce. 🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service. Learn more about TheMilVet: https://themilvet.org #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #MarineVeteran #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #DefenseTech #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #VeteranTransition #Leadership #Networking #VeteranEmployment #AIReadyVeteran 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. Oct 14

    Ep. 189 From Navy Officer to Serial Entrepreneur: Scott Mackes’ Journey

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Scott Mackes, US Naval Academy graduate, US Navy veteran, entrepreneur, investor, founding member of 10X Vets, and founder of the Service Academy Business Mastermind Group (SABM). Scott shares his journey from playing baseball at the Naval Academy and serving as a Surface Warfare Officer to navigating a challenging military transition and ultimately building multiple businesses. Scott discusses how the CliftonStrengths assessment helped him better understand how he was wired, launch his first business, and discover his passion for bringing entrepreneurs together to succeed. He also shares the stories behind SABM, 10X Vets, and Academy Fund, and explains why surrounding yourself with the right people has been one of the most important lessons of his career. Listeners will gain insight into: Navigating the transition from military service to entrepreneurshipDiscovering your strengths and finding the right career fitTurning side hustles into full-time businessesLeveraging networking and LinkedIn to create opportunitiesKnowing when to bet on yourselfBuilding communities around shared goals and valuesSurrounding yourself with the right people🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #NavyVeteran #NavalAcademy #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneurs #Leadership #CareerTransition #Networking 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. Oct 7

    Ep. 188 From Military Service to Startup Founder: Nick Miller’s Transition

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Nick Miller, Founder & CEO of Pellucid Network and US Army Veteran, to discuss his journey from growing up in a military family and commissioning through ROTC at Lehigh University to leading technology and marketplace initiatives at In-Q-Tel and AWS. Nick shares how his experience in the Army shaped his approach to leadership, technology, and problem-solving, including his time at Arlington National Cemetery, where he helped lead a digital transformation effort and launched one of the Department of War’s first iPhone apps. The conversation explores Nick’s transition from military service into the private sector, his six-plus years at AWS, and how he helped grow the public sector AWS Marketplace business from less than $15 million annually to nearly $4 billion. Nick also discusses why he left AWS to launch Pellucid Network, his vision for the future of enterprise marketplaces, and his mission to make it easier for innovative technology companies to sell into government and other highly regulated industries. Listeners will gain insight into: Transitioning from the military into technology and businessTranslating military leadership principles into the private sectorThe importance of “showing up,” delivering on commitments, and communicatingStarting necessary movement and continuously “improving the foxhole”Building a career through networking, mentorship, and explorationFinding the right culture and career fit after military serviceNavigating a high-performance culture at AWSBuilding and scaling technology businessesMaking the leap from corporate leadership to entrepreneurshipHelping veterans and paying mentorship forward 🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #ArmyVeteran #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Technology #AWS #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #CareerTransition #Startups #VeteranEntrepreneurs 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. Sep 30

    Ep. 187 From Special Operations to Entrepreneurship: Michael Padilla-Pagan Payano’s Journey

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Michael J. Padilla-Pagan Payano, Managing Partner and CEO of Al Thuraya Investments and a United States military veteran, to discuss his unconventional journey from military service to entrepreneurship and investment across the Middle East and Africa. Michael shares his journey from growing up as a military brat and serving as an Air Force Combat Controller to transitioning into the Army and Special Forces, and ultimately leaving the military to build businesses and relationships across some of the world's most complex markets. The conversation explores Michael's transition out of the military, including the challenges of leaving behind rank, responsibility, and a clearly defined mission. He discusses how failure, adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to keep moving forward became foundational skills as he built businesses from the ground up. Michael also shares lessons from operating across the Middle East and Africa, where relationships, reputation, cultural awareness, and simply showing up can be critical to getting things done. He explains why he believes “relationships are my net worth” and how his military background continues to influence the way he approaches entrepreneurship, leadership, investing, and building teams. Listeners will gain insight into:  • Transitioning from the military into entrepreneurship and investment  • Translating military leadership and problem-solving skills into business  • Learning from failure and continuing to push forward  • Building relationships and reputation in international markets  • Understanding cultural differences when doing business overseas  • The importance of being present and showing up  • Hiring for critical thinking, character, and adaptability  • Building businesses in complex and uncertain environments  • Identifying opportunities through relationships and networks  • Applying military lessons to entrepreneurship and investing 🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #SpecialOperations #InternationalBusiness #MiddleEast #Africa 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. Sep 23

    Ep. 186 From Marine Recon to Private Equity: Ethan Taranta’s Journey

    In this episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with Ethan Taranta, a former U.S. Marine Corps Infantry and Reconnaissance Officer and Managing Director of Portfolio Operations at Nexus Capital Management, to discuss his journey from the Naval Academy and multiple combat deployments in Iraq to senior roles in finance, operations, and private equity. Ethan shares the leadership lessons he learned in the Marine Corps, including being “brilliant in the basics,” taking ownership, adapting quickly, and understanding the mission, and how those principles translated into the business world. The conversation explores his transition from military service, building finance and business skills (including an MBA from Columbia Business School), and how he drives value creation and operational improvements across portfolio companies. Listeners will gain insight into:  • Transitioning from the military into business  • Translating military leadership into the private sector  • Building finance, sales, and business skills  • Breaking into private equity  • The power of networking and mentorship  • Finding the right career fit  • Taking ownership and betting on yourself 🎧 Subscribe to TheMilVet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations helping veterans succeed in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life after service. #TheMilVet #TheMilVetPodcast #MarineVeteran #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #PrivateEquity #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CareerTransition #Recon 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. Sep 16

    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

  8. 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

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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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Brendan Aronson and Tim Hsia
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    192
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TheMilVet Podcast
  • Show Website
    TheMilVet Podcast

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