The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast

Brett Henderson
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Welcome to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass with Brett Henderson founder of Strategic Wealth Endeavor. We’ve created a community of veteran entrepreneurs just like you who are ready to help you succeed. Our podcast provides expert advice and resources so you can overcome any obstacle in your way. Brett, alongside veteran guest experts, offers advice on finding and keeping talent, maximizing enterprise value, and reducing risk. With a battle-ready business mindset, you can achieve anything. We want to help you reach your full potential and make your business thrive.

  1. 08/10/2023

    The Father of Fiduciary; Don Trone

    A fiduciary assumes a role of utmost confidence and obligation to act in the best interests of those they serve. Though rooted in ancient ideals of trustworthiness, this principle has found renewed significance in investment advisory practice. At its core, the fiduciary duty encapsulates a profound commitment to act in the best interests of those who entrust their financial well-being to expert guidance. In this episode, Brett talks with Don Trone, CEO and Co-founders of 3ethos. Also known as the Father of Fiduciary, Don talks about what fiduciary is and why it matters. He also speaks about how he integrated a fiduciary standard into an investment advisory practice. Don shares his insights on the difference between leadership, stewardship, and governance. Don was the founding CEO of fi360, which he left in 2007. He was also the Founder and President of the Foundation for Fiduciary Studies and the first person to direct the Institute for Leadership at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. In 2015, Don was named by Investment Advisor magazine as the "Father of Fiduciary" and one of the 35 most influential people in the financial services industry. In 2003, he was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Labor to represent the investment counseling industry on the ERISA Advisory Council. Don is the author or co-author of ten books on the subject of fiduciary responsibility, portfolio management, and leadership. Enjoy! In This Episode 03:35 - Backstory of Don Trone 13:01 - How the military attracts people to stay in their careers 14:21 - How Don started his civilian career 16:37 - What fiduciary means and why it matters 23:16 - How Don integrated a fiduciary standard into an investment advisory practice 28:46 - The challenges Don faced when establishing fi360 38:04 - The best place to study leadership and effective decision-making 43:58 - The difference between leadership, stewardship, and governance Favorite Quotes 17:52 - "The conduct of fiduciaries has a direct impact on the fiscal health of our nation. If they don't know what they're doing and screw up their investment decisions, they can cause a lot of harm to society." - Don Trone 19:21 - "When you think about the importance of managing retirement assets and money in general, it is almost as important as saving a person's actual life." - Don Trone 34:13 - "The fiduciary was deteriorating. It was being overcome by politics, power, ego, and greed. Any worthwhile endeavor in society eventually will decay from politics, power, ego, and greed." - Don Trone 38:13 - "If you ever get a chance to go through a training program through Thayer Leadership, do so. It's an incredible experience. And if you're going to study leadership and effective decision-making, there is no better place on the planet than to do so at West Point." - Don Trone 41:03 - "The quality of your leadership and stewardship is going to have a direct impact on the quality of your decision-making outcomes." - Don Trone 41:32 - "The real key that will determine the quality of the investment advice is the leadership and stewardship behaviors of the advisor." - Don Trone 44:00 - "Leadership is your capacity to inspire and engage others. Stewardship is your passion and discipline to protect the long-term interests of others." - Don Trone Engage with Don Trone LinkedIn3ethosConnect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975Swe90.comLinkedIn: Brett HendersonStrategic Wealth EndeavorListen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple PodcastSpotifyGoogle Podcast

    48 min

  2. 08/03/2023

    Empowering Veterans to Build The Business of Their Dreams with Joe Siecinski (Ep. 44)

    In pursuing entrepreneurial ambitions, veterans, like many others, may fall into the trap of thinking that starting a business is a guaranteed path to financial prosperity. Yet, the cold reality paints a different picture. Surprisingly, a staggering 87% of new businesses never survive beyond their second year. How can veterans embark on a new journey - one that allows them to create a successful business and pursue their dreams beyond the battlefield? In this episode, Brett talks with Joe Siecinski. Having coached over 1000 clients throughout the US, Joe talks about the challenges and rewards of starting and running a business. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision, mission, and purpose for your business and the need for strong time management skills. Joe also highlights the key areas entrepreneurs should focus on, including goal setting, time blocking, accountability, and business processes. Joe Siecinski is the Owner and Co-Founder at brainSHARE Business Mentors. It is his passion to mentor CEOs and Executive Teams who want to be in control of the growth and expansion of their business. Joe brings clarity to how business owners and their executive teams lead and manage the organization. With his vast experience, proven systems, powerful tools, time-tested processes, and comprehensive resources, Joe guides his clients to a great business — one that is achieving optimal success, as defined by them. In This Episode 00:53 - Backstory of Joe Siecinski 04:53 - How Joe serves his clients 09:07 - The importance of physical and mental well-being in running a business 13:38 - What money has to do with a business's mission and purpose 15:43 - The common issues and challenges faced by business owners 18:00 - The difference between customers and clients 24:47 - Why Joe implemented an online learning system 28:33 - Joe's time management formula 32:12 - The importance of being present with family and loved ones 38:02 - The amount of time Joe spends reviewing his marketing strategy 39:56 - The difference between marketing and sales 48:03 - The importance of having a process in business 52:33 - The tools Joe recommends for creating business SOPs Favorite Quotes 05:00 - "So many people start their own businesses to make money, and they think it's easy. But 87% of businesses never make it past year two." - Joe Siecinski 22:53 - "Where you will be in five years depends on three things. The knowledge you gain, the people you associate with, and the actions you take." - Joe Siecinski 48:03 - "Everything that happens in the company is your responsibility. There are no people problems. There are only process problems." - Joe Siecinski Engage with Joe Siecinski LinkedInbrainSHARE OnlineConnect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975Swe90.comLinkedIn: Brett HendersonStrategic Wealth EndeavorListen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple PodcastSpotifyGoogle Podcast

    56 min

  3. 07/27/2023

    From Bullets to Business: How a Marine Gunnery Sergeant Became a Serial Entrepreneur with Marc Rodriguez (Ep. 43)

    For veterans and active-duty members, the transition to civilian life represents a pivotal moment where one world converges with another, and the uncharted territory of civilian society replaces the familiar rigors of military life. While this crossroads can be both exhilarating and challenging, how do service members embrace this newfound world and transform the challenges into opportunities for growth, success, and purpose? In this episode, Brett is joined by Marc Rodriguez, Franchise Owner of Self Made Training Facility Dallas and CEO of Manifest Fitness Institute and Justrod Fitness Corporate Wellness Team. From institutional Marine gunnery to purpose-driven serial entrepreneur, Marc talks about how he overcame his victim mentality after leaving the military, why personal trainers are as important as first responders, and what advice he gives veterans and active-duty members when transitioning to civilian life. Enjoy! In This Episode 01:16 - Backstory of Marc Rodriguez 06:01 - How Marc transitioned into civilian life 10:15 - What Marc did to overcome his victim mentality 15:22 - How Marc got past the transitional phase 17:44 - Marc's advice to veterans and active-duty members 25:13 - The current business ventures of Marc 26:22 - How Marc addressed the lack of business education 30:59 - Why personal trainers are as important as first responders 35:37 - The most important transitional characteristics for service members 39:29 - A summary of Marc's entrepreneurial journey Favorite Quotes 18:53 - "To any veteran or active-duty member, get your education because it means something on this side of the world. If you don't have a college degree, you're behind the power curve on this side of the world." - Marc Rodriguez 31:18 - "Personal trainers are just as important as first responders because they provide longevity and teach health practices. They're teaching you to be healthier and more fit so you can live longer." - Marc Rodriguez 38:22 - "I always wanted to give my Marines all the knowledge and experience I had so they could take my spot and become better." - Marc Rodriguez 41:03 - "Seek out the people that you want to emulate. Seek out those you want to be and those at a level you want to get to." - Marc Rodriguez 45:53 - "If you're having a hard time transitioning, it's understandable. Everybody goes through it. The difference between those that can transition into successful careers and those that don't is you only have that much time to whine, and then you need to come up with a solution." - Marc Rodriguez Engage with Marc Rodriguez EmailLinkedInInstagramSMTF DallasConnect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975Swe90.comLinkedIn: Brett HendersonStrategic Wealth EndeavorListen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple PodcastSpotifyGoogle Podcast

    49 min

  4. 07/20/2023

    How Military Veterans Thrive in C-Suite Roles with Chris Palmisano (Ep. 42)

    Behind every successful organization, there is often an exceptional individual with the skills, vision, and determination to navigate complex challenges and drive transformative growth. These individuals wield their expertise and experience to steer their organizations toward greatness. In essence, senior leadership roles represent the epitome of professional growth and responsibility, as they bear the weight of strategic decision-making, organizational direction, and the cultivation of a high-performance culture. How can military veterans thrive in C-Suite roles? In this episode, Brett talks with Chris Palmisano. A C-Suite executive for top Fortune 500 companies, Chris talks about how military veterans thrive in C-Suite roles, the rise of the solopreneur, and what advice he gives to veterans aspiring to be CEOs. Chris Palmisano is a C-Suite/Senior leader and growth strategist with 18+ years of success spanning operations leadership, sales, revenue operations, business development, partnership management, and cross-functional team leadership in the SaaS space. Throughout his career, he has earned recognition for scaling and leading start-up companies and held leadership positions for top Fortune 500 companies, such as Google. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:56 - The importance of physical health to veteran entrepreneurs 07:13 - The impact of sleep on overall health 10:12 - Backstory of Chris Palmisano 17:08 - Why Chris decided to leave the military 20:58 - Chris' thoughts on the difference between a business owner and a CEO 29:32 - How Chris was selected for a senior leadership position 33:48 - Chris' biggest challenge as a CEO 35:58 - One of the most important lessons Chris learned from his mistakes as a CEO 38:02 - How Chris maintains good communication dynamics with the board 42:26 - Chris' advice for veterans aspiring to be CEOs Favorite Quotes 25:01 - "With the tools available today, you can be a massive one-person business." - Chris Palmisano 25:09 - "One of the most interesting trends in the economy is the rise of the solopreneur. A one-person digital business doesn't have to hire employees. You can outsource virtually any aspect of the business that you want." - Chris Palmisano 46:12 - "The framework I like to use in solving a problem is, who do you help, how do you help them, and what's the benefit for them? If you can answer those questions and get a good answer, there will be a benefit for you." - Chris Palmisano Engage with Chris Palmisano LinkedInConnect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975Swe90.comLinkedIn: Brett HendersonStrategic Wealth EndeavorListen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple PodcastSpotifyGoogle Podcast

    48 min

  5. 07/13/2023

    How to Maximize Business Value and Plan for a Successful Exit by Allen Gregory (Ep. 41)

    Entrepreneurs strive not only to build successful enterprises but also to ensure their lasting legacy. They recognize the importance of forward-thinking strategies that go beyond immediate gains and dream of a rewarding exit that not only maximizes the value of their business but also ensures a smooth transition into the next phase of life. How can business owners maximize the value of their business and plan for a successful exit? In this episode, Brett is joined by Allen Gregory. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Allen talks about how business owners can sell their business for maximum value. He emphasizes the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs), succession planning, and proper financial management. Alan also highlights the different types of buyers in the market for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions and the need for business owners to consider their plans for the future after selling their businesses. Allen Gregory is a digital marketer and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). With a background in digital marketing, Alan helps business owners maximize the value of their businesses and plan for a successful exit so they can preserve their legacy, retire from their business and start a brand-new life. He specializes in working with e-commerce, e-learning, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies. Enjoy! In This Episode 01:42 - Backstory of Allen Gregory 03:42 - How Allen went from being a digital marketer to becoming a CEPA 05:37 - Allen's mindset and approach to entrepreneurship. 09:03 -The most common problems and concerns of business owners have 10:11 - A four-step process for helping business owners maximize their business value 13:46 - How Allen helps business owners overcome management challenges 16:18 - The emotional and financial aspects of selling a business 19:22 - What Allen can do for business owners as a CEPA 24:44 - What Allen has in mind when working with business owners 29:06 - Allen's exit planning process 29:47 - What Allen's ideal clients look like 30:49 - Ways to connect with Allen Favorite Quotes 06:35 - "I designed how I wanted my life to be. And when Covid hit, everybody saw it as chaos. I saw it as an opportunity. So when bad things happen, there's always an opportunity for me to express my creativity." - Allen Gregory 09:29 - "If the business depends on you, you don't have a business. Technically, you're self-employed and have that dreaded word, a job." - Allen Gregory 12:26 - "As a business owner, don't just start pulling money out of the business and treat it like an ATM. Leave money in the business so you have a viable business that has working capital." - Allen Gregory Connect with Allen Gregory LinkedInWebsiteConnect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975Swe90.comLinkedIn: Brett HendersonStrategic Wealth EndeavorListen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple PodcastSpotifyGoogle Podcast

    32 min

  6. 07/06/2023

    Rediscovering Self-Worth: Empowering Veterans to Embrace Their Present Opportunities with Kevin Bemel (Ep. 40)

    During their military careers, veterans undergo a remarkable transformation in the noble pursuit of protecting and serving their country. The structured environment, camaraderie, and shared purpose instill a profound sense of identity and purpose. Yet, when the time comes to transition into civilian life, many veterans find themselves grappling with the challenge of letting go of the past and fully embracing who they are in the present. It is a transition often marked by uncertainty and doubt. This intricate process is, however, an opportunity for them to discover themselves and recognize the genuine desire of those around them to extend a helping hand. In this episode, Brett Henderson talks with Kevin Bemel about how veterans can let go of the past and fully embrace who they are in the present. Having worked with thousands of civilians and service members to start and fund a business, reach and exceed their career goals, and create flourishing family lives, Kevin also speaks about how he helps military people transition into the civilian world. After being an entrepreneur, Kevin Bemel was a rabbi in the United States Navy. His call sign at the air wing, Rabs, has become his nickname. Kevin is also the President at The Bemel Company, where he helps startup and early-stage companies identify challenges and create solutions, including engaging in critical personnel, arranging strategic relationships, and raising angel and seed capital. Kevin has spent over 30 years in business and 16 years in the United States Navy, including ten years coaching and mentoring job hunters and entrepreneurs.  Enjoy! In This Episode 01:06 - The podcasts that Kevin hosts 03:20 - An overview of Kevin's military career 07:41 - What Kevin has to say about veteran entrepreneurs 14:51 - What Kevin's fiduciary career is about 25:20 - What motivated Kevin to become a professional fiduciary 32:55 - A moment when Kevin relearns empathy 42:45 - Kevin's key takeaways from the conversation Favorite Quotes 08:18 - "The military gives a sense of identity. We don't realize how big the loss is when we leave it." - Kevin Bemel 44:49 - "A lot of veterans think that when civilians say they want to help us, they're not being sincere. But our fellow citizens desperately want to help us. And we are absolutely blessed to live in a time when our service is so honored more than it should be in some ways." - Kevin Bemel 47:45 - "Having the self-awareness and the desire to empathize with people and connect with them will make the difference in getting where you want to go, whatever your definition of success is." - Kevin Bemel Engage with Kevin Bemel: LinkedInWebsiteFacebookTwitterVeteratiThe Way to Wow Show on YouTubeTrusts & Estates Weekly on YouTubeBusiness Lessons from the MilitaryPeople Making MoneyConnect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975Swe90.comLinkedIn: Brett HendersonStrategic Wealth EndeavorListen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple PodcastSpotifyGoogle Podcast

    52 min

  7. 06/22/2023

    From Fighter Pilot to Business Maverick with Waldo Waldman (Ep. 39)

    The parallels between the skies and the business arena are striking. Both demand a tenacious spirit, unwavering commitment, and a relentless pursuit of victory. Just as fighter pilots can never predict how they will respond in the heat of battle, entrepreneurs face similar uncertainty in their quest for success. However, the key lies in approaching every challenge with the same level of seriousness, dedication to rigorous training, and meticulous preparation.  In this episode, Brett talks with Waldo Waldman, hall of fame keynote speaker, executive leadership coach, and New York Times bestselling author. Helping leaders & teams adapt to massive change and grow collaborative cultures of courage, resilience, and mutual support, Waldo speaks about how he places a high value on preparedness and authenticity, how joy brings purpose in life, and why you should never fly solo. Known as "The Wingman," Waldo is an Air Force Academy graduate, MBA, combat decorated Air Force F-16 fighter pilot turned sales manager, performance consultant, executive coach, and motivational keynote speaker. An expert on change management, peak performance & resilience, Waldo works with entrepreneurs, sales teams, managers & executives to help them break performance barriers, overcome obstacles & build cultures of collaboration, courage, and trust. His philosophy — No fighter pilot flies solo, and neither should you. Whether achieving victory as a fighter pilot or in business, the same qualities that ensure success apply: relentless commitment, disciplined training, dedicated teamwork, and servant leadership. But most of all, trust. Enjoy! In This Episode 01:52 - Backstory of Waldo Waldman 09:08 - Waldo's take on veterans having head trash 16:01 - How Waldo places a high value on preparedness 18:47 - Steve's thoughts on the power of authenticity in sales 21:38 - What Waldo has to say about success 28:36 - What Waldo means when he says the pain that keeps you awake at night must be aligned with joy 37:40 - How joy brings purpose in life 40:29 - Reasons why you may not want to fly solo 45:47 - What the Check Six in the military is and how it applies to businesses 53:47 - Waldo's final thoughts Favorite Quotes 10:13 - "You never know how you will respond in battle, but if you take it just as seriously in your training and preparation, the stakes may not be as high. Your life may not be on the line, but your lifestyle is. Especially as an entrepreneur, it's the life and death of your business, future, and dreams." - Waldo Waldman 11:58 - "Those soft skills we learn in the military will allow us to fly combat missions against those veterans or the celebrity brands who are out there trying to squash your business, commoditize you, and impact your lifestyle." - Waldo Waldman 25:57 -"You can't just have a positive attitude. Know your tools. Know your technologies. Find out how to make it more authentic in your business. Humanize it, and then leverage your technologies, the digitization, and all those things that we have to make it easy for the prospect to say yes to you or your client to continue to say yes to you." - Waldo Waldman 31:03 - "It's not what keeps us up at night that matters. It's what gets us out of bed. What keeps us up at night is fear-based. It's debilitating. It distracts us. It holds us back. What gets us out of bed is joy. It builds courage." - Waldo Waldman 47:23 - "As an entrepreneur, especially as a veteran where it was about teamwork and trusting your wingman to do their job, get your ego out of the way, and then continuously get coached." - Waldo Waldman Engage with Waldo Waldman LinkedInWebsiteNever Fly SoloConnect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975Swe90.comLinkedIn: Brett HendersonStrategic Wealth EndeavorListen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple PodcastSpotifyGoogle Podcast

    55 min

  8. 06/15/2023

    Turning Retired Military Leaders into In-Demand Consultants with Misty Cook (Ep. 38)

    Retired military leaders possess a wealth of valuable experience and knowledge, ready to be channeled into making a lasting impact in the corporate world. However, to unlock their full potential, they must first navigate the unfamiliar terrain and craft a compelling personal brand in a world they have yet to fully comprehend. How can retired generals and flag officers launch successful consulting practices? In this episode, Brett talks with Misty Cook, Founder and CEO of Concierge on Call (COC). Misty has extensive experience providing administrative and protocol services at the senior executive level for the Marine Corps. She supported three and four-star general officers for two decades during her military service. She learned not only how to anticipate the needs of these leaders but also how to lean in and make decisions. Misty possesses a veteran's perspective and understands the people, environment, and steps to take to build a business.  In her 20 years serving in the Marines, Misty developed an eye for detailed planning, strategy, and networking techniques to support General Officers in their roles. Today, she talks about how she helps veterans find their identity in the corporate world. She also speaks about how veterans can overcome negative mindsets and her thought process for helping retired generals. Concierge on Call (COC) positions retiring military leaders as sought-after consultants, leveraging the value of their years of service to obtain more lucrative opportunities that showcase their expertise. It was created to provide senior executive leaders departing the military a place to accelerate their post-retirement goals and get the support they need to make the most impact. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:42 - Backstory of Misty Cook 05:48 - The turning point at which Misty decided to start her own business 11:01 - What ERG is all about 15:51 - How Misty helps veterans find their identity in the corporate world 25:16 - How Misty helps service members transition out of the military  28:23 - Why Brett took 20 years to find clarity 31:35 - Misty's thoughts on Brett's 20-year journey toward clarity 37:45 - What veterans can do to overcome negative mindsets 44:46 - The thought process Misty uses to help retired generals 47:40 - Misty's final thoughts Favorite Quotes 10:06 - "The vernacular that corporate America and veterans use doesn't compute sometimes. And so it takes people like you and me to help those people understand." - Misty Cook 16:58 - "There's value at all ranks, and there is a struggle at all ranks for transition because everybody is in different places in their lives." - Misty Cook 17:49 - "Veterans have a lot to give, and they can give back. But they have to figure out where to go and how to brand themselves in a world they don't know. And if we don't find a place to take all that goodness and all that experience and knowledge, they start to feel like their identity was tied up in the stars, in the ribbons, or in the billets or offices." - Misty Cook Engage with Misty Cook LinkedInNext COCConnect with Brett Henderson: 310-491-7975Swe90.comLinkedIn: Brett HendersonStrategic Wealth EndeavorListen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass Podcast Apple PodcastSpotifyGoogle Podcast

    50 min
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About

Welcome to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass with Brett Henderson founder of Strategic Wealth Endeavor. We’ve created a community of veteran entrepreneurs just like you who are ready to help you succeed. Our podcast provides expert advice and resources so you can overcome any obstacle in your way. Brett, alongside veteran guest experts, offers advice on finding and keeping talent, maximizing enterprise value, and reducing risk. With a battle-ready business mindset, you can achieve anything. We want to help you reach your full potential and make your business thrive.

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