Service Academy Business Mastermind

Scott Mackes, USNA '01
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Service Academy Business Mastermind

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. HÁ 1 DIA

    #305: Making the Cash Register Ring: Hiring Smart People and Scaling Businesses with Mike Bristol, USMA ‘81

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Tampa on January 28th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Mike Bristol is a seasoned innovator with a legacy of excellence in defense, technology, and communications. A West Point graduate, he has held executive roles at organizations like Comtech Command & Control Technologies and Oracle Corporation. As Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Fairwinds Technologies, he built a thriving systems integrator, delivering secure communication solutions for the DoD and emergency management communities. Known for his entrepreneurial vision and expertise in government sales and program management, Mike now invests in and mentors entrepreneurs while enjoying golf, poker, and time with his eight children. His career reflects a relentless drive for growth and meaningful impact. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Mike about: Mike’s Career Journey: From West Point to Executive Leadership Strategic Growth: Scaling a $24M government business unit into a $300M operation in 12 years. Entrepreneurial Leap: Founding Fairwinds Technologies and growing it to $144M before a successful exit. Leadership Philosophy: Belief in “nothing happens until the cash register rings,” highlighting the importance of sales. Team Building: Creating high-performing teams through performance reviews and metrics-driven meetings. Smart Hiring: Emphasizing hiring experts smarter than himself and fostering ego-free leadership. New Chapter: Transitioning from executive roles to investing and mentoring entrepreneurs. Commitment to Growth: Pursuing personal development through golf, poker, and continuous learning. Timestamps: 00:17 Mike's Journey to Retirement 01:20 Career Highlights and Achievements 04:11 Building a Saleable Company 09:24 Transition to Full-Time Investor 14:13 Philosophy and Key Insights 22:09 Personal Interests and Hobbies Connect with Michael LinkedIn mbristol1981@yahoo.com 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 Mike Bristol for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

    35min

  2. 18/12/2024

    #304: Helping Dogs Live Healthier Lives at Operation Good Boy with Tom Aiello, USMA ‘93

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Tampa on Janary 28th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Tom Aiello is a seasoned marketing executive with over 25 years of experience in corporate and entrepreneurial ventures. A West Point graduate with an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, he has led marketing initiatives for major brands like McDonald’s, Kenmore, and Craftsman. He held leadership roles at Monster Worldwide and Sears Holdings before founding MARCH Marketing, specializing in products for military and veteran families. In 2022, Tom launched Operation Good Boy, a military-inspired dog products company. He also serves as Chairperson of the Board for OnComms, a veteran-owned mobile telecommunications company.   In this episode, we discuss: How Tom incorporates military principles and leadership strategies to marketing, advertising, and running a business. How his experience at a major advertising agency taught him valuable lessons about consumer psychology, integrated marketing, and turning client criticism into opportunities. How his personal experience caring for his sick dog showed him the parallels between the loyalty and selflessness of dogs and military service members, inspiring him to start a military-inspired pets products company, Operation Good Boy. Operation Good Boy's rapid growth from zero retail presence in 2023 to commitments for 3,000 stores by 2025, including major retailers like Walmart and Tractor Supply, driven by their premium supplement formulations and military-themed product line. Their strategic pivot from a subscription box model to allowing customers more control over their orders, which dramatically increased average order value and demonstrated the importance of "failing fast" and learning from customer feedback. The critical importance for consumer brands to have a presence on Amazon along with customer reviews for securing retail distribution deals, and how proper Amazon optimization requires specialized expertise and strategic investment. Operation Good Boy's mission to transform pet health in America through education and premium products, while giving back to military working dog organizations and veteran support initiatives. How Operation Good Boy leverages military precision in product development, partnering with an airborne ranger veterinarian to ensure their supplements, treats, and toys exceed market standards for quality and effectiveness. Connect with Tom LinkedIn Email: info@marchcorp.com March Marketing Operation Good Boy If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today. Subscribe and help out the show: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! Special thanks to Tom Aiello for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

    36min

  3. 15/12/2024

    #303:Creating a Next Generation Urban Athletic Club with Nick Perkins, USMA ‘12

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Tampa on Janary 28th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ "Fitness has always been an important part of my life as a former Green Beret and college athlete.. I didn’t want to give that up." - Nick Perkins, USMA '12 Nick Perkins is a dynamic leader with a unique blend of military, entrepreneurial, and investment expertise. A former Green Beret, he spent nearly a decade leading high-stakes missions and diplomatic roles, earning multiple commendations. He co-founded The Operation Baby Foundation, a nonprofit that has awarded over $140K in grants to help military couples overcome infertility. Nick also founded Club Green, a first-of-its-kind holistic social club focused on wellness and connection. A Wharton MBA and two-time Penn Wharton Innovation Fund winner, he honed his private equity skills by developing strategic insights in the fertility sector. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, staying active, and exploring the outdoors with his wife, Emma. Today, Nick is focused on helping startups grow, especially in Chief of Staff roles, where his leadership and strategic vision leave a lasting impact. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Nick about: The Inspiration Behind Club Green: Turning a vision into a modern sport and social club. A Unique Offering: Blending gym, spa, lounge amenities, and indoor golf technology. Nick’s Journey: From Green Beret to entrepreneur and founder of Club Green. Challenges and Wins: The realities of launching a first-of-its-kind concept. Looking Ahead: Upcoming milestones and future goals for Club Green. How to Get Involved: Ways to support, join, or connect with the community. Timestamps: 01:14 What is Club Green? 02:25 Target Audience and Market Positioning 06:12 Fitness and Golf Integration 08:05 Partnerships and Fitness Programs 12:39 Current Progress and Challenges 20:03 Future Vision and Expansion Plans Connect with Nick: LinkedIn Club Green Email: Nperk23@wharton.upenn.edu 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 Nick Perkins for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

    26min

  4. 06/12/2024

    #302: How (Literally) Falling and Getting Back Up Can Help to Realize Your True Purpose with Don Grier, USMA ‘85

    Are you a real estate investor in need of financing for your next investment property? If so, the Academy Fund has you covered! Whether you need short term financing for “fix-and-flip” projects, land development, or new construction or you need long term financing for single family or multi family rentals, we are your reliable financial partner. Our mission is to bridge the gaps often left by conventional banking institutions, making sure your real estate dreams become reality. And for accredited investors looking to earn purpose driven passive income while supporting military veteran real estate investors, the Academy Fund is the perfect opportunity. Our short term loans are powered by capital from investors like you, who receive monthly distributions.  To learn more, visit AcademyFund.com. Are you ready to connect, grow, and have some serious fun? Reserve your spot now for our upcoming event at The Tampa Club in Tampa, Florida, on January 28th. Space is limited to just 30 participants, so act fast to secure your place. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and personal growth alongside like-minded individuals who share your values and ambitions. To learn more and reserve your spot, visit 10xvets.com/events. ____________ Don Grier is a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years of experience delivering innovative and impactful solutions for diverse clients and industries. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Wellness Leadership LLC, Don helps organizations achieve excellence while caring for their people.  In this episode, we discuss: How Don's career evolved from West Point graduate and Army Captain to Managing Director at Accenture to eventually creating his company Wellness Leadership LLC His dramatic personal transformation story of losing 170 pounds in one year while maintaining a demanding executive travel schedule, sparked by a 3 AM fall outside his office. How he grew a new Accenture venture from zero to 1,000 people, building a delivery center and implementing critical eligibility determination software. His innovative approach to global project management, incorporating cultural awareness and wellness principles into traditional methodologies, including the development of his "Well-Led Project Framework." The importance of his "relationship map" methodology for project success, matching team members' strengths with stakeholder relationships to optimize communication and outcomes. His systematic approach to personal wellness transformation, built on five key pillars: tracking metrics, progressive fitness goals, maintaining a strong "why," prioritizing sleep, and having a consistent prayer and meditation practice. His commitment to building and nurturing community and accountability, demonstrated through his ongoing participation in his Weight Watchers community, doing volunteer work, and developing corporate wellness programs. Connect with Don: LinkedIn Wellness Leadership LLC Podcast: Change Well by Wellness Leadership LLC Book and App Recommendations: The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg Streaks - habit tracking app Halo - mindfulness and meditation app Special thanks to Don Grier for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

    38min

  5. 29/11/2024

    #301: Creating the World's First Digital Shooting Range with Jared Ogden, USNA ‘04

    Are you a real estate investor in need of financing for your next investment property? If so, the Academy Fund has you covered! Whether you need short term financing for “fix-and-flip” projects, land development, or new construction or you need long term financing for single family or multi family rentals, we are your reliable financial partner. Our mission is to bridge the gaps often left by conventional banking institutions, making sure your real estate dreams become reality. And for accredited investors looking to earn purpose driven passive income while supporting military veteran real estate investors, the Academy Fund is the perfect opportunity. Our short term loans are powered by capital from investors like you, who receive monthly distributions.  To learn more, visit AcademyFund.com. Are you ready to connect, grow, and have some serious fun? Reserve your spot now for our upcoming event at The Tampa Club in Tampa, Florida, on January 28th. Space is limited to just 30 participants, so act fast to secure your place. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and personal growth alongside like-minded individuals who share your values and ambitions. To learn more and reserve your spot, visit 10xvets.com/events. ______________ Jared Ogden is a distinguished military veteran and successful entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to national security, tactical training, and veteran support. As CEO and Co-founder of Triumph Systems, he leads a company that designs and manufactures innovative firearm training tools and technology systems for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel.  In this episode, we discuss: How Jared's childhood dream of becoming a Navy SEAL led him to the Naval Academy and his service as both a Surface Warfare Officer and Naval Special Warfare Officer. Jared’s transition from military service to entrepreneurship, including how he co-founded Triumph Systems and grew it to nearly $6 million in lifetime sales over eight years. How he and his team made a strategic pivot during the COVID pandemic from physical targeting systems to technology-based solutions, resulting in the development of BRASS App, a revolutionary shooting performance tracking platform. How Triumph Systems created the "world's first digital range" by integrating software that measures shooting metrics and enables users to compete virtually with others. Triumph Systems’ innovative approach to democratizing shooting sports training by offering free technology that replaces traditional $150 shot timers, making performance tracking accessible to the 56 million target shooters in the United States. His commitment to finding synergies between special operations and law enforcement training methodologies through technology and innovative product design. The company's growth strategy, including current fundraising efforts focused on sales, marketing, and R&D, to expand their user base and transition to a subscription model. Jared's vision for the future of Triumph Systems, including plans for integrating their turning target system with decision-making tracking software for law enforcement training. Connect with Jared LinkedIn Triumph Systems  Brass App Email: jared@triumph-systems.com Special thanks to Jared Ogden for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

    25min

  6. 22/11/2024

    #300: Milestones, Miracles, and Lessons from the Journey of 300 Podcasts

    Today we’re celebrating episode 300 of the SABM Podcast! To mark this incredible milestone, I sat down again with my good friend Ginni Guiton, who interviewed me in February 2020 for episode 100 and in February 2022 for episode 200. At the time of this recording, the SABM Podcast has received almost 200,000 downloads! So many great things have happened since Ginni and I spoke in 2020 and 2022. I’m grateful for this opportunity to thank our listeners as I reflect on the progress we’ve made and share our goals for the future. In this episode, we discuss: The idea of "letting go" and being open to opportunities, as opposed to using brute force to achieve goals. Advice for anyone starting a business and the importance of loving your customers and getting that first sale. The evolution of different kinds of businesses: Strengths Mugs, 10X Vets, and the Academy Fund, and the unique scaling challenges that each business model presents. The concept of "collective victory" and how it aligns with Scott’s top Clifton Strengths. The impact of in-person events for 10X Vets and fostering authentic connections. How the Academy Fund has grown through organic connections and introductions rather than traditional hiring processes. The importance of tapping into intuition and being open to unexpected opportunities in business and life. Ginni's perspective on creating space for miracles and allowing things to happen naturally rather than through constant effort. It’s been another fantastic couple of years on the SABM Podcast. We’re thankful for your support and excited for the next 100 episodes! Connect with Ginni and Scott:  Ginni Guiton GG Hypnosis Scott Mackes 10X Vets Academy Fund Book Recommendations Letting Go: The Pathway to Surrender by David R. Hawkins M.D. Ph.D and Peter Lownds PhD Atomic Habits by James Clear Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today. Subscribe and help out the show: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify & Stitcher Leave us a 5-star review! Special thanks to Ginni for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

    51min

  7. 08/11/2024

    #299: Building Leaders from the Inside Out with Tom Connally, USNA ‘83

    Are you a real estate investor in need of financing for your next investment property? If so, the Academy Fund has you covered! Whether you need short term financing for “fix-and-flip” projects, land development, or new construction or you need long term financing for single family or multi family rentals, we are your reliable financial partner. Our mission is to bridge the gaps often left by conventional banking institutions, making sure your real estate dreams become reality. And for accredited investors looking to earn purpose driven passive income while supporting military veteran real estate investors, the Academy Fund is the perfect opportunity. Our short term loans are powered by capital from investors like you, who receive monthly distributions.  To learn more, visit AcademyFund.com. Are you ready to connect, grow, and have some serious fun? Reserve your spot now for our upcoming event at The Tampa Club in Tampa, Florida, on January 28th. Space is limited to just 30 participants, so act fast to secure your place. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and personal growth alongside like-minded individuals who share your values and ambitions. To learn more and reserve your spot, visit 10xvets.com/events. ____________ Tom Connally is the Founder and President of Connally Consulting, LLC, a leadership development firm that transforms managers into leaders through strategic assessment and coaching. Drawing on his extensive military leadership experience, he helps organizations build cultures of performance by aligning their mission, strategy, and organizational dynamics. In this episode, we discuss: How Tom evolved from 30 years of Marine Corps leadership through defense contracting to founding his company, Connally Consulting. How a heartfelt letter to his daughter about leadership was the catalyst to finding his true calling and writing a book. The profound realization that his corporate roles weren't aligned with his core mission of developing leaders, leading him to launch a consulting practice centered around helping managers become stronger leaders. Tom's systematic approach to leadership development, starting with helping clients identify their core values and creating alignment between their inner beliefs and outer actions. The critical connection between personal values and organizational performance. Tom's unique perspective on leadership coaching was shaped by commanding 22 organizations during his Marine Corps career, including insights learned from recruiting duty that became foundational to his coaching methodology. The evolution of Connally Consulting's service offerings into five distinct coaching programs. Tom's integration of business disciplines with his service-oriented mission, balancing pro bono work for nonprofits while building a sustainable coaching practice. His emphasis on written reflection and goal-setting as powerful tools for personal and professional development, demonstrated by his own practice of keeping written goals since 1989. Connect with Tom LinkedIn Connally Consulting tom@connallyconsulting.com Facebook Instagram Special thanks to Tom for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

    57min

  8. 01/11/2024

    #298: From Tobacco Fields to Real Estate Deals with Gabriella (Gaby) Riffle-Gonzalez, USNA ‘17

    Are you a real estate investor in need of financing for your next investment property? If so, the Academy Fund has you covered! Whether you need short term financing for “fix-and-flip” projects, land development, or new construction or you need long term financing for single family or multi family rentals, we are your reliable financial partner. Our mission is to bridge the gaps often left by conventional banking institutions, making sure your real estate dreams become reality. And for accredited investors looking to earn purpose driven passive income while supporting military veteran real estate investors, the Academy Fund is the perfect opportunity. Our short term loans are powered by capital from investors like you, who receive monthly distributions.  To learn more, visit AcademyFund.com. Are you ready to connect, grow, and have some serious fun? Reserve your spot now for our upcoming event at The Tampa Club in Tampa, Florida, on January 28th. Space is limited to just 30 participants, so act fast to secure your place. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and personal growth alongside like-minded individuals who share your values and ambitions. To learn more and reserve your spot, visit 10xvets.com/events. _______ Gabriella (Gaby) Riffle-Gonzalez is the Founder and CEO of Antipolíticas Cigars, a premium cigar company that draws on her Cuban heritage and four generations of family expertise in the tobacco industry. Inspired by her family's resilience after leaving Cuba, she's reinventing the traditional cigar experience with a modern, celebratory focus. Gaby is currently working on expanding the Antipolíticas brand with a line of alcoholic beverages. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Gaby is a Real Estate Consultant with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services as she’s pursuing a master's degree in commercial real estate at Georgetown with plans to get her MBA at UNC Chapel Hill. For a 10% discount at Antipolíticas Cigars, enter code: SABM10. In this episode, we discuss: How Gaby transformed her Cuban family's tobacco heritage into Antipolíticas Cigars, a modern brand that celebrates nonconformity, success, avoiding political talk, and having a good time The story behind her uncle's preservation of their family's Cuban tobacco legacy by bringing seeds and expertise from Cuba to Nicaragua Her strategic approach to building a lifestyle brand, including partnerships with professional athletes and plans for future product lines How she balances multiple ventures, including real estate sales in three states, commercial investments, and pursuing dual masters degrees The transition from guaranteed military purpose to entrepreneurship, and her advice about trying multiple ventures to find your true passion Her commitment to investing 50% of Antipolíticas' proceeds into women's professional sports, inspired by her own journey as a former basketball player Her involvement with Unrivaled Basketball, a new women's professional league launching in January 2024 with TNT media rights The importance of having a supportive spouse and making strategic lifestyle choices to fund entrepreneurial dreams Her vision for the future: creating celebratory moments and advancing equity in women's athletics How she's learning to balance multiple pursuits and prioritize time management while building a lifestyle company with a strong brand Connect with Gaby LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Contact Links Antipoliticas Special thanks to Gaby Riffle-Gonzalez for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

    32min
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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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