Build Your A-Team

Freddie Kim

Welcome to “Build Your A-Team” a podcast powered by MilSpec Talent, where we educate Small Business owners on how to attract, recruit, and retain high-impact, low-ego talent. I’m your host Freddie Kim, founder of Milspec Talent, I’m am a West Point grad, former Green Beret, Kellogg MBA, and more importantly, I’m passionate about championing the value and leadership of Veteran 2.0s in our workforce.

  1. Aug 24

    Veteran Led Collab: Why Veterans Dominate in Business with Rudy Cazares and Chris Larkin

    Military service may end, but the drive to serve others does not. In this episode of Veteran Led, guest host Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent ‪@FreddieJKim‬ sits down with two accomplished Veteran entrepreneurs: Chris Larkin, retired Air Force Veteran and CEO of LMR Technical Group, and Rudy Cazares, Marine Corps Veteran, founder of Cazar Logistics, and professional Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Implementer. Chris discusses his 28-year military career and how staying connected to the mission helped him transition into government contracting, business development, and entrepreneurship. Rudy shares how he left the Marine Corps, entered corporate America, and eventually built a rapidly growing logistics company in New York City. Starting with eight drivers and five vehicles, his operation has grown to more than 200 drivers and bikers supporting Amazon, FedEx, HelloFresh, and local communities. The conversation explores scaling, leadership, mentorship, work-life integration, artificial intelligence, and the role Veteran networks play in helping entrepreneurs succeed. In this episode:• Transitioning from military service into entrepreneurship • Scaling companies without losing the mission • Building and developing high-performing teams • Using EOS to create structure and accountability • Continuing to serve after leaving the military • Mentoring other Veterans and entrepreneurs • Balancing business growth with family priorities • Using AI to improve business efficiency • Why Veteran networks help shorten the transition process

    Veteran Led Collab: Why Veterans Dominate in Business with Rudy Cazares and Chris Larkin
  2. Aug 19

    Veteran Led Collab: Navy Veteran Leading the Special Forces of Real Estate with Travis Winfield

    How do you build a real estate company that puts mission before commission? In this episode of Veteran Led, Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent ‪@FreddieJKim‬ talks with Senior Chief Petty Officer Travis Winfield, U.S. Navy (Ret.), founder and CEO of Military Operated Real Estate (MORE), about building a nationwide network of military-affiliated real estate professionals dedicated to serving Veterans and military families. Drawing on 24 years of Navy leadership, Travis explains how MORE is raising the standard for real estate through specialized training, peer accountability, and a commitment to educating Veterans about the benefits they've earned. He also discusses leadership, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and why helping Veterans build wealth through homeownership is central to his mission. Whether you're transitioning from military service, interested in entrepreneurship, or preparing to buy or sell a home, this episode offers practical leadership lessons and a fresh perspective on serving those who served. In this episode:• Building Military Operated Real Estate (MORE) • Why Travis calls MORE the "Special Forces of Real Estate" • Leadership lessons from 24 years in the U.S. Navy • Mission before commission in business • Financial literacy and Veteran homeownership • Educating Veterans on VA home loan benefits • Creating a nationwide network of trusted military-affiliated agents

    Veteran Led Collab: Navy Veteran Leading the Special Forces of Real Estate with Travis Winfield
  3. Jun 25

    No Honor in the Grind with Bill Watkins

    Freddie Kim sits down with friend and mentor Bill Watkins (USMA '77) — Army Veteran, former corporate executive, and entrepreneur who built and sold his own company after 20 years. Today, Bill leads The Lions Pride and Alpha Forge, helping Veteran Founder-CEOs reach their highest potential.  Bill has spent years coaching Veteran Founder-CEOs from the top 1% to the elite 0.01%, and he shares the battle-tested tools he uses to do it: the one-page business plan, the Alpha Forge progression, and why business excellence means nothing if you don't master your life alongside it.  If you're a Veteran entrepreneur, a Founder-CEO grinding solo, or a leader who refuses to sacrifice family for the business – this one is packed with real tools. #VeteranLeadership #FounderCEO #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessExcellence #OperatorMindset 🎙️ The Build Your A-Team (BYAT) Podcast spotlights Veteran leaders building teams with resilience, clarity, and impact. Hosted by Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent. 🔔 If this episode helped you level up your team: like, subscribe, and share with a Veteran leader who needs it. Connect with our guest:🎖 West Point Graduate (USMA '77) & Army Veteran.🦁 Founder of The Lions Pride – coaching Veteran Founder-CEOs from the 1% to the 0.01%.🏆 Built and sold his own company after 20 years.🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/theoldgradcoach🏢 The Lions Pride: https://www.thelionspride.com/about 📘 Resources:One-Page Personal Plan — "you're not leaving something, you're running to something""I have / I am" vs. "I will" — Bill's language test for spotting drift

    No Honor in the Grind with Bill Watkins

About

Welcome to “Build Your A-Team” a podcast powered by MilSpec Talent, where we educate Small Business owners on how to attract, recruit, and retain high-impact, low-ego talent. I’m your host Freddie Kim, founder of Milspec Talent, I’m am a West Point grad, former Green Beret, Kellogg MBA, and more importantly, I’m passionate about championing the value and leadership of Veteran 2.0s in our workforce.