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Summary:

In this episode, Ramon Preez shares his journey from military service to successful distillery owner, highlighting how military skills translate into entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling a craft business, and strategies for community engagement and growth.

Key Topics:

• Military skills translating to entrepreneurship
• Starting and scaling a distillery
• Product development and flavor innovation
• Community engagement and marketing strategies
• Challenges of competing with larger brands
• Resilience and perseverance in business
• Distribution and retail strategies
• Leveraging word-of-mouth marketing
• Balancing production and customer relationships

Chapters:

1. Introduction to Ramon's Military and Entrepreneurial Journey
2. Transition from Military Service to Starting a Distillery
3. Self-Directed Transition and Passion for Spirits
4. Learning the Craft of Vodka Making
5. Choosing Florida for Business and Community Focus
6. Challenges of Competing with Larger Brands
7. Skills from Military Service That Helped in Business
8. Resilience and Owning Your Life After Service
9. Product Range and Distribution Strategy
10. Development of Unique Flavors like Blueberry Vodka
11. Innovative Product Ideas and Unique Liqueurs
12. Creating a Tasting Room Experience
13. Marketing and Customer Engagement Strategies
14. Expansion Plans and Out-of-State Sales
15. Inspiration and Advice for Entrepreneurs
16. The Importance of Perseverance and Resilience
17. Closing Remarks and Support for Local Business

Resources:

• Support our community and purchase from an amazing businesses on https://forcesbrands-usa.com/ for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
• We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
• Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

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Summary:

Hard Truth Rods, Navy Service, and Building Purpose Through Fishing

Glenn Cook, founder of Hard Truth Rods, shares how a Navy career, a health scare, and a chance connection through a custom fishing rod led him into handmade rod building. Julie Austin and Matt Cain talk with Glenn about military life, small batch craftsmanship, and how fishing became both a creative outlet and the foundation for a new purpose. This episode blends personal story, veteran camaraderie, and entrepreneurship. Glenn also explains how custom rods have supported nonprofit fundraisers, including a Three Rangers Foundation event, and why he believes business should be driven by purpose first.

Key Topics:

• Glenn Cook explains how he went from Iowa to the Navy at age 20, first training as a sonar technician before cross-rating into the Seabees.
• Glenn shares the unusual path that took him from military service to plumbing, pipefitting, and eventually running a transportation program at the Omaha VA.
• The conversation covers a brain health scare that led to medical testing, anxiety medication, and a period of reflection that changed his routine and priorities.
• Glenn describes how a Tenkara fly rod, originally sitting unused in his truck, pulled him back into fishing and gave him a better headspace.
• He explains how he went from fishing with that rod to researching rod building, buying materials, and accidentally launching Hard Truth Rods.
• Glenn recounts building a custom rod for Jeff McCabe of Hard Truth distilling, matching the rod’s epoxy and thread work to the bottle label and branding.
• Julie asks about Glenn’s first customers and nonprofit work, and Glenn explains that his early rods went to himself, his son, friends, and local supporters.
• Glenn shares the story of a Three Rangers Foundation fundraiser where his rod sold for $10,000 and connected him with Medal of Honor recipients and major donors.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Introduction to Glenn Cook and Hard Truth Rods
2. 01:34 - Joining the Navy at 20 and choosing sonar technician
3. 03:44 - Discovering the Seabees and cross-rating
4. 05:57 - Family Navy history and why he enlisted
5. 10:26 - Returning to Iowa and starting civilian trades work
6. 11:18 - Apprenticeship, VA work, and leading a veteran team
7. 13:27 - The health scare that changed everything
8. 17:01 - Tenkara fishing becomes the turning point
9. 22:19 - First rods, first users, and early confidence
10. 24:06 - The Three Rangers Foundation auction story
11. 30:20 - The meaning behind hidden messages in the epoxy
12. 37:13 - Business advice: follow purpose, ask questions, stay authentic
13. 40:03 - Forces Brands USA Business of the week

Resources:

• Support our community and purchase from an amazing businesses on https://forcesbrands-usa.com/ for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
• We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
• Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

Follow us on Social Media

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Summary:

This episode recaps the month of September and features a series of insightful interviews with military veterans and entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys, challenges, and successes in business and mental health advocacy. Discover practical lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest overview
2. 03:04 Recap of Tampa craft spirit event and key takeaways
3. 07:01 Interview with Michael Starr of Blazing Star Barbecue
4. 14:55 Lessons on passion, failure, and pivoting in business
5. 20:11 Discussion with Jeff Bones Bonner on military transition and aviation
6. 25:11 The importance of daily debriefs and habit formation
7. 29:56 Dr. Ariel Jordan on mental health support and her nonprofit work
8. 34:01 Justin and Misty Williams of Bombshell Suds and product collabs

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

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Summary:

Justin and Misty Williams share their journey from military service to founding Bombshell Suds, a handcrafted soap business. They discuss their transition from military to civilian life, building a brand rooted in authenticity, and future growth plans.

Key Topics:

• Military transition and entrepreneurship
• Building an authentic brand
• Product development and expansion
• Grassroots marketing strategies
• Veteran community collaborations
• Future growth and business goals

Chapters:

1. 00:00 Introduction to Justin and Misty Williams
2. 4:45 Military backgrounds and transition stories
3. 5:42 Creating Bombshell Suds and initial product ideas
4. 9:24 Product scents and formulation process
5. 10:11 Collaborations with other veteran and community businesses
6. 17:17 Goals for business expansion and future products
7. 28:24 Advice for veterans considering entrepreneurship
8. 30:14 The importance of small victories and daily routines
9. 33:13 Closing thoughts and future plans

Resources:

• Bombshell Suds Co - https://bombshellsudsco.com/
• Support our community and purchase from an amazing businesses on https://forcesbrands-usa.com/ for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
• We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
• Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

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Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Arielle Jordan shares her inspiring journey from military service to mental health advocate and entrepreneur. She discusses her work with veterans, trauma therapy, and founding The Jordyn Effect nonprofit, offering valuable insights into mental wellness and healing.

Key Topics:

• Military transition and mental health challenges
• Trauma therapy and EMDR techniques
• Founding and mission of The Jordan Effect nonprofit
• Resources and programs for veteran mental wellness
• The importance of community and connection in healing

Takeaways:

• Treat people well and focus on genuine connection.
• Find passion in your work and let it fuel your impact.
• Normalize conversations about mental health and seeking help.
• Use resources like vocational rehab to support education and career goals.
• Healing from trauma involves understanding and addressing systemic issues.

Chapters:

1. Introduction to Dr. Arielle Jordan and her background
2. Military service and transition out of the Army
3. Educational journey and shift to psychology
4. Starting her business and nonprofit ventures
5. Mental health resources for veterans and systemic challenges
6. The role of EMDR in trauma healing
7. Building the Jordan Effect nonprofit and community impact
8. The importance of therapist-client fit and communication
9. Advice for veterans and entrepreneurs
10. Final thoughts and resources for mental wellness

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Arielle Jordan - https://www.ariellenjordan.com/
• Support our community and purchase from an amazing businesses on https://forcesbrands-usa.com/ for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
• We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
• Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.
• Attend the C.R.A.F.T. event in Tampa.

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

Follow us on Social Media

Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

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Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

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Summary:

Aaron King discusses turning a pickle hobby into Barracks Brine Pickle Company

Air Force Veteran Aaron King shares how a boredom-fueled kitchen experiment, and a strong support network led him to launch Barracks Brine. This episode is about betting on yourself, building a consumer packaged goods brand from scratch, and turning unusual flavor ideas into a real business. We cover Aaron’s military transition, the origin of his fruit-infused pickle concepts, and how SkillBridge, friends, and community connections are helping him move from hobby to scalable company.

This Week's Forces Brands USA Business of the Week is Call Sign a watch company that has partnered with the American Legion for a watch collaboration and the proceeds go to back to the American Legion.

Key topics:

• In this episode, Aaron King introduces himself as an Air Force veteran, pickle maker, and founder of Barracks Brine, a brand built around crunchy, flavor-packed pickles with unconventional twists.
• The business started as a side hobby, with Aaron giving samples to his unit, local community members, restaurants, and eventually testing demand on Facebook Marketplace in 2024.
• Aaron talks through the role of SkillBridge through Unturning Steel, which gave him time and support to develop the business while still having income stability.
• The conversation highlights the importance of community, with Aaron crediting military and civilian friends for helping with the website, kitchen access, business advice, and problem-solving.
• Aaron discusses Kickstarter as a way to raise capital for R&D, packaging, labels, and new flavor development without relying only on his own pocket.
• He shares ambitions for Barracks Brine to become a standout pickle brand with collaborations, limited releases, and eventually national distribution.
• Beau Garrett the founder of Call Sign also joins the podcast for this weeks Forces Brands USA Business of the week to discuss his partnership with the American Legion and making the perfect watch for their collaboration.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to S2:E37: DogTags to Ownership
01:14 - Introduction to Aaron King Owner of Barracks Brine Pickles
06:25 - The Start of Barracks Brine Pickle Company
10:06 - Building the Business
16:11 - Kickstarter Campaign
22:08 - Owning your life after service
25:50 - Final Two Questions
28:30 - Forces Brands USA Business of the Week: Call Sign
33:30 - Call Sign collaboration with the American Legion
36:12 - Challenges of American-Made Watches
39:18 - Closing thoughts

Resources:

• Barracks Brine Pickle Company - https://barracksbrine.com/
• Support our community and purchase from an amazing businesses on https://forcesbrands-usa.com/ for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
• We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
• Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.
• Attend the C.R.A.F.T. event in Tampa.

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

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Summary:

In this episode, Jeff 'Bones' Bonner shares his journey from combat fighter pilot to performance strategist, introducing his daily debrief model for continuous improvement applicable across personal and professional life.

Julie also sits down with the event coordinators and Cory Brown of the Eat Your Feelings Show to discuss VetFest happening this weekend Saturday September 12th in Malvern, Pa.

Key Topics:

• The fighter pilot mindset and leadership
• The development and application of the daily debrief model
• The importance of habits for continuous improvement
• Transitioning from military to civilian life and career
• The impact of reflection and visualization on performance

Takeaways:

• Experience alone doesn't make us better; adjustment does.
• A five-minute daily debrief can significantly improve performance.
• The debrief model is applicable to business, sports, healthcare, and personal growth.
• Practicing the habit of debriefing fosters continuous improvement.
• The importance of starting small and practicing consistently.

Chapters:

1. (00:00) Opening the episode and introducing Jeff Bonner and Forces Brands USA Business of the Week: VetFest
2. (01:02) Jeff Bonner’s background as a fighter pilot and Marine officer
3. (03:19) Growing up with Top Gun, air shows, and the fighter pilot dream
4. (06:44) How naval aviation training and service needs shape career paths
5. (09:35) Transitioning from military service to airline captain
6. (10:29) Harvard, the Kennedy School, and postgraduate research
7. (13:27) Why experience alone does not improve performance
8. (15:22) The five minute daily debrief concept
9. (16:24) The original audience for the book: business leaders
10. (17:51) How the model expanded to athletes, healthcare, and personal leadership
11. (19:55) The GREAT model and common debrief mistakes
12. (22:49) The five steps: gratitude, goals, evaluation, anticipation, lessons learned
13. (25:17) Why Jeff wrote the book and why a book was necessary
14. (27:21) Why the debrief works best at the end of the day
15. (28:44) Gratitude and starting with “I’m glad to be here”
16. (29:11) Reviewing goals and asking what you are trying to do
17. (29:40) Evaluating what worked and what did not work
18. (30:10) Using visualization and mental preparation to anticipate tomorrow
19. (30:39) Taking time for one lesson learned
20. (32:10) Why the habit works because it is consistent and nonjudgmental
21. (34:22) The new edition of The Daily Debrief and what changed
22. (35:15) Recording keynotes to keep improving the message
23. (36:12) The model stays the same, but the applications keep expanding
24. (38:18) Why knowing the model is not enough without practice
25. (39:15) Introduction to VetFest

Resources:

• Jeff Bonner's Website - https://debriefadvantage.com/
• Support our community and purchase from an amazing businesses on Forces Brands USA for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
• We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
• Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.
• Register for the Veteran Social Summit 2026.
• Check out Vetfest if you’re in the Philadelphia area.
• Attend the C.R.A.F.T. event in Tampa.

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

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Summary:

In this episode, Mike Starr shares his inspiring journey from military service to successful entrepreneur in the food industry, highlighting the importance of passion, resilience, and storytelling in building a brand.

Key Topics:

• Mike's military background and travels influencing his cooking style
• The evolution from hobbyist to business owner during COVID
• Using social media and TikTok to grow the brand
• Challenges of scaling production and entering retail stores
• The importance of belief and passion in business success
• Strategies for growth and maintaining product relevance
• Potential exit strategies including acquisition by larger companies

Chapters:

1. Introduction and Mike’s military background
2. Travel and cultural influences on Mike’s cooking
3. Transition from military to food business
4. Starting Blazing Star Barbecue and COVID impact
5. Using TikTok for brand growth
6. Scaling from local to national distribution
7. Passion and resilience in entrepreneurship
8. North Carolina roots and barbecue style
9. Experimenting with recipes and flavors
10. Growth into 4000 stores and fulfillment challenges
11. Building relationships with brokers and Amazon
12. Lessons learned from product development and mistakes
13. The importance of storytelling and branding
14. Defining success and future goals
15. Sustaining growth and potential exit strategies
16. The entrepreneurial mindset and military influence
17. Branding and product versatility
18. Books, podcasts, and continuous learning
19. Final thoughts and closing remarks

Resources:

• Support our community and purchase a rub or sauce from Blazing Star at Forces Brands USA and check out Crewdogs for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
• We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
• Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.
• Register for the Veteran Social Summit 2026.
• Check out Vetfest if you’re in the Philadelphia area.
• Attend the C.R.A.F.T. event in Tampa.

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

Follow us on Social Media

Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

X: @DTO_Podcast

TikTok: @dogtags_to_ownership