Service Academy Business Mastermind

Scott Mackes, USNA '01
  • 4.9 (35)
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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.

  1. 16h ago

    #366: From West Point to Chick-fil-A Owner + Leveraging AI with Jon Harmeling, USMA '08

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Tampa, FL on January 18th & 19th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Jon Harmeling is a Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator, retired Army officer, and creator of Frontline AI Leadership, an upcoming book on using AI to strengthen leadership instead of replace it. After serving in the Army and teaching project management at West Point, a fellow Army officer introduced Jon to Chick-fil-A. Following an unexpected medical retirement, he eventually returned home to South Florida to lead a restaurant in the community where he grew up.     Running the restaurant gave Jon a new place to put his leadership philosophy into practice, from developing his team to helping employees pursue goals outside of work. His search for greater efficiency eventually led him to a bigger question: Could AI help him become a better leader? That idea became Frontline AI Leadership, where Jon explores practical ways to use AI while keeping people at the center.   In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Jon about: An Unexpected Path to Chick-fil-A: How mentorship, years of preparation, and an unexpected medical retirement changed Jon's plans and ultimately brought him back home to South Florida.  Putting People Over Profits: Why Jon measures his impact beyond restaurant performance and sees leadership as an opportunity to invest in the people and community around him.  Leading by Letting Go: How Jon moved from working 80-hour weeks toward empowering his senior leaders with the authority and resources to make decisions without him.  Using AI to Become a Better Leader: How an experiment with automating administrative work grew into using AI to prepare for tough conversations, coach employees, and support their personal goals. Pasted text Pasted text Keeping Leadership Human: The thinking behind Jon's upcoming book, Frontline AI Leadership, and why he believes AI should prepare leaders for human moments rather than replace them. Timestamps: 1:19 West Point to the Army 2:10 A Mentor and Chick-fil-A 3:33 The Selection Process 4:31 Earning the Opportunity 7:06 Cancer and a Crossroads 10:01 People Over Profits 13:21 Life as an Owner-Operator 15:30 Leadership in the Unexpected 18:12 Introducing Frontline AI Leadership 18:44 From Admin Work to AI 19:30 Discovering AI Agents 20:36 Using AI to Lead People 21:50 The Frontline AI Leadership Book 24:24 Rehearsing Difficult Conversations 27:49 Leadership Beyond the Workplace 31:34 Building Better Relationships 34:40 Building the Bench 37:18 Keeping Humans in Charge Connect with Jon: LinkedIn | Jon Harmeling www.jonharmeling.com  jon@jonharmeling.com  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 Jon for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  2. Oct 8

    #365: Helping High-Growth Companies Hire Veterans into Leadership Positions with Jim Lose, USMC Veteran

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Tampa, FL on January 18th & 19th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Jim Lose is the CEO of The Military Veteran, where he helps experienced veterans transition into executive leadership roles while partnering with growing businesses to build high-performing leadership teams. After more than 25 years in veteran recruiting and executive search, Jim has watched veteran careers evolve far beyond the first civilian job, opening doors to executive opportunities that simply didn't exist a decade ago.    Over the years, many of the veterans Jim placed early in their careers returned looking for someone who understood both executive search and the military community. That need led him to The Military Veteran, where he now connects experienced leaders with companies looking to build exceptional teams. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Jim about: How Veteran Careers Have Evolved: Jim reflects on how the transition from military service has changed over the past 25 years and why today's veteran leaders have opportunities that simply didn't exist a decade ago. The Rise of Veteran Executive Search: Why more companies are looking beyond traditional recruiting to find experienced veteran leaders who can help scale growing businesses and private equity-backed firms. What Makes Veteran Leaders Stand Out: Jim shares the qualities private equity firms, defense technology companies, and founders value most when hiring veterans for senior leadership roles. Supporting Leaders Beyond the Hire: How coaching, leadership development, and long-term advisory support are helping both veteran executives and the companies they join succeed after day one. Building What's Next: Jim discussed expanding The Military Veteran's services, creating more opportunities for the veteran community, and his vision for becoming the leading executive search partner for veteran talent.   Timestamps: 00:58 What The MilVet Does 02:14 Then Vs Now Transitioning 05:23 Executive Roles And Clients 10:07 Why This Niche Exists 13:33 Joining The Military Veteran 17:30 Q4 Priorities And Expansion 19:24 Coaching Practice Explained 22:36 Moonshot Vision And Growth 24:14 Getting Unstuck And Sales Motion Connect with Jim: Linkedin | Jim Lose www.themilvet.org  jim.lose@themilvet.org  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 Jim for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  3. Sep 30

    #364: The Moneyball Approach to Real Estate: Rethinking Tenant Potential with David Johnston, USMA '16

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Tampa, FL on January 18th & 19th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ David Johnston is the founder of Keystone Holdings of Texas, where he's rethinking how multifamily investors evaluate opportunity. After serving in the U.S. Army and graduating from West Point, David built a growing apartment portfolio while earning his MBA at Columbia Business School before joining Nuveen's affordable housing investment team.  As David grew his portfolio, he began questioning the way landlords traditionally evaluate tenants. Rather than relying solely on credit scores and rental history, he developed an approach centered on understanding a person's circumstances, character, and future potential. That philosophy has shaped both his investment strategy and his vision for using data to identify overlooked opportunities within the rental housing market.   In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with David about: Investing in Future Potential: Why David believes traditional tenant screening overlooks people who simply need an opportunity, and how that philosophy has reshaped his investment strategy. Scaling with an Unconventional Strategy: How David grew from a single fourplex to a 90-unit portfolio by taking a different approach to serving tenants and creating long-term value. Lessons from Institutional Real Estate: David compares building his own portfolio with managing thousands of affordable housing units, and the lessons he's applying from both worlds. The Moneyball Approach to Real Estate: How David is using analytics and AI to measure future potential and rethink the way investors evaluate opportunity. Navigating What's Next: David shares the challenges shaping today's real estate market, along with his vision for scaling Keystone Holdings and his unique investment model. Timestamps: 00:51 David's Army to Real Estate Journey 02:51 Keystone Strategy Explained 05:15 Scaling with Data and Four Levers 08:05 Tenant Interviews and Screening 10:50 Coaching Tenants to Win 15:32 Future Potential vs Past Metrics 16:13 Scaling Plans and Moneyball Model 18:12 Day Job at Nuveen Affordable Housing 20:29 Rates Outlook and Buying All Cash 22:27 Columbia MBA and AI at Work 25:22 Current Challenges and Ask for Help Connect with David: LinkedIn | David Johnston david.johnston8@outlook.com  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 David for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  4. Aug 27

    #363: From Software Engineer to Bathhouse Founder with Matthew Filbert, USMA '17

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Matthew Filbert is the founder of Reunion Baths, a modern bathhouse concept reimagining how people connect through wellness, community, and shared experience. After serving in the U.S. Army and later working as a software engineer, Matthew set out to build something entirely different: a place where people could disconnect from technology, slow down, and reconnect with one another. Inspired by years of visiting bathhouses throughout New York City and around the world, Matthew saw an opportunity to bring a centuries-old tradition into a modern setting. Reunion Baths blends communal bathing, thoughtful design, and hospitality to create spaces where meaningful conversations, genuine relationships, and everyday wellness naturally come together.     In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Matthew about: An Unconventional Entrepreneurial Journey: How an unexpected passion for bathhouses led Matthew from software engineering to launching Reunion Baths. More Than a Wellness Trend: Why Matthew believes communal bathing fills a growing need for deeper human connection in an increasingly digital world. Designing an Experience People Remember: The vision behind Reunion Baths and how every detail is intended to encourage conversation, relaxation, and community. Bringing a Big Idea to Life: Matthew shares what it takes to raise capital, navigate development, and turn an ambitious concept into a reality. Building for the Long Term: From expanding into major cities to helping shape America's culture around communal bathing, Matthew shares the vision guiding Reunion Baths beyond its first location.  Timestamps: 00:41 Spa Love Story Begins 02:26 Russian Turkish Baths Spark 05:40 Why Bathhouses Are Back 09:37 Funding and Brooklyn Location 11:13 Inside the Bathhouse Design 13:54 Timeline and Build Plan 15:49 Big Vision and Expansion 19:03 How to Help and Invest Connect with Matthew LinkedIn | Matthew Filbert reunionbaths.com matthew@reunionbaths.com  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 Matthew for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  5. Aug 13

    #362: Turning the Family Dry Cleaning Business into a Multi-Unit + Software Solution Success with Justin Koh, USAFA '14

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Justin Koh is the owner of Al Phillips Dry Cleaners and co-founder of Magnoli.ai, a software platform built specifically for the dry cleaning industry. After serving as an acquisitions officer in the U.S. Air Force, Justin returned home to acquire his family's business, allowing his parents to step away after years of ownership. He approached the business with the same analytical mindset he developed in the military, growing the company from two locations into one of the largest dry cleaning operations in Las Vegas. As the business grew, Justin found himself solving many of the same operational challenges facing independent dry cleaners across the country. Rather than work around outdated systems, he built the tools he wished had existed when he took over the business. Those lessons became Magnoli.ai, helping independent operators simplify day-to-day operations with software built around the realities of the industry.     In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Justin about: Finding Opportunity in Unexpected Places: Why taking over the family business became the start of an entrepreneurial journey Justin never expected. Growing Through Strategic Acquisitions: How a series of thoughtful acquisitions transformed a two-location business into one of the largest dry cleaning operations in Las Vegas. Building Magnoli.ai: The operational challenges Justin encountered inspired software built specifically for the unique needs of independent dry cleaners. Building a Better Business: Why stronger systems, better visibility into operations, and consistent execution became essential to long-term growth. Looking Ahead: Justin shares the challenges he's focused on today, where he sees the greatest opportunities for growth, and what's next for both Al Phillips and Magnoli.ai.  Timestamps: 00:44 From Academy to Family Shop 01:48 Early Struggles and Mindset Shift 04:15 COVID Deals and First Acquisitions 05:59 Vegas Expansion and Scaling Up 08:12 Turning Losses Around 09:19 Building Magnolia Software 14:10 Diversifying Dry Cleaning Services 16:04 Magnolia Today and Coaching Others 20:14 Vision for Stores and Software 28:01 Current Challenges and Funding Needs Connect with Justin LinkedIn | Justin Koh magnoli.ai justin@magnoli.ai  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 Justin for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  6. Jul 9

    #361: Building Opportunities Through Franchise Ownership with Bryan Denson, Air Force Veteran

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Bryan Denson is leading the expansion of Port of Subs across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, building both company-owned locations and a network of future franchise owners. His vision extends beyond opening stores. He is creating opportunities for veterans, military families, and aspiring entrepreneurs to participate in business ownership and long-term wealth creation. Before entering the franchise industry, Bryan spent more than three decades serving in the military, government, and corporate sectors. From Army infantry training and Air Force intelligence work to business development and leadership roles in the private sector, each experience reinforced a lesson that continues to guide him today: confidence is built by taking on challenges. He now applies those lessons to entrepreneurship while helping others pursue opportunities of their own. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Bryan about: Lessons Learned Through Challenge: How military service, language training, and leadership experiences helped Bryan build the confidence to take on increasingly difficult opportunities throughout his career. Why Port of Subs: What attracted Bryan to a growing franchise brand and the vision behind its expansion across the East Coast. Building a Veteran-Centered Business Network: Creating opportunities for veteran-owned businesses, service providers, and future franchise owners to grow alongside one another. From Store One to Store Seventy: The strategy behind launching the first location, developing the DMV region, and scaling long-term franchise operation. Creating Opportunities for Others: Why success means helping veterans, military families, and aspiring entrepreneurs build their own path to business ownership.    Timestamps: 00:57 Brian Military Roots 03:09 From Service to Corporate 04:22 Finding Port of Subs 06:01 Dual Role and Territory 07:47 First Store Launch Plan 09:21 Scaling and Veteran Network 11:16 Dave Vision and Culture 16:42 Defining Success and Impact 18:53 Challenges and Help Needed 21:07 Franchise Requirements and Financing   Connect with Bryan: LinkedIn | Bryan Denson bdenson@portofsubs.com  www.portofsubs.com  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 Bryan for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  7. Jul 3

    #360: Creating Greater Impact Through Conscious Leadership with Vince Lindenmeyer, USMA '91

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Vince Lindenmeyer is the founder of Conscious Impact Leader and Beacon 4sight Group. Through his work, he helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs gain strategic clarity, develop conscious leadership skills, and build businesses aligned with their values. He also works with nonprofit organizations to strengthen governance, increase revenue sustainability, and create a foundation for long-term success. After retiring from the U.S. Army as a Colonel following a 26-year career, Vince found himself searching for a deeper sense of purpose beyond military service. His journey through entrepreneurship, Stoic philosophy, spiritual growth, and post-traumatic growth communities ultimately inspired the creation of Conscious Impact Leader, where he helps leaders overcome limiting beliefs, discover their purpose, and build lives of greater purpose and abundance.   In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Vince about:   The Inner Work Behind Leadership: Why personal growth, self-awareness, and healing are often the foundation for lasting impact and organizational success Identifying and Reframing Limiting Beliefs: Recognizing the hidden beliefs around money, self-worth, and scarcity that may be holding leaders back. Where Purpose Meets Prosperity: Exploring how passion, service, and meaningful work can create both fulfillment and sustainable growth. Building the Conscious Impact Leader Community: Creating a space where nonprofit and business leaders can grow, collaborate, and support one another. Creating Legacy Through Service and Stewardship: Using intentional leadership, generosity, and long-term thinking to build lasting impact Timestamps: 01:25  Vince's Military to Civilian Transition 05:06  Why Conscious Impact Leader Exists 09:19 Identifying and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 12:24 The Conscious Impact Leader Framework 16:34 Reframing Money, Abundance, and Prosperity 20:39 Where Higher Consciousness Meets Higher Economics 23:55 Purpose-Driven Wealth Creation 31:47 Building Community and Creating Impact 34:38 Bitcoin, Sovereignty, and Recommended Resources   Connect with Vince: LinkedIn | Vince Lindenmeyer vince@beacon4today.com  www.securepathgov.com  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 Vince for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

  8. Jun 26

    #359: Building a Tech-Forward Financial Planning Platform with Pat O'Boyle, USNA '14

    Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Pat O'Boyle is the Chief Compliance Officer at Glen Eagle Advisors and a member of the leadership team behind Alooola, a technology-driven financial planning and investment platform. In addition to overseeing regulatory compliance, he supports business development and helps drive the growth of Aloooa's advisory and retirement planning services, including its expanding 401(k) platform for business owners. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Pat served as a Marine Corps infantry officer with 7th Marines and completed two deployments to the Middle East. After transitioning from military service, he built experience across investment banking, fintech, and wealth management through roles at Wells Fargo Securities, EquitiesEnd, and CBIZ before joining Glen Eagle Advisors to help scale Alooola's technology-first approach to financial planning.   In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Pat about: From the Marine Corps to Financial Services: How military leadership, investment banking, and startup experience ultimately led to helping build a technology driven planning platform. Creating Alooola's Hybrid Approach: Combining personalized financial advice with a mobile-first experience that keeps advisors accessible to clients. Helping Businesses Reduce 401(k) Costs: Helping business owners uncover hidden retirement plan fees while improving retirement plan offerings. How Technology Enhances the Advisor Relationship: Using technology to simplify investment management and create more meaningful client conversations. Building the Future of Financial Planning: Bringing investing, retirement planning, tax strategy, insurance, and advisor support into one platform. Timestamps: 01:13 Marine Corps to Finance 02:10 Wells Fargo and COVID Markets 04:27 Startup Culture Shift 05:51 Joining Gleneagle and Alooola 09:06 Alooola App Overview 12:40 Why Build the App 14:57 Advisors Using the Platform 18:19 Building with AI and Compliance 21:49 Goals for 2026 and Beyond 25:08 Who They Help Most   Connect with Pat: LinkedIn | Pat O'Boyle poboyle@gleneagleadv.com  www.gleneagleadv.com 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 Pat for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

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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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