Episode Title: From Homeless to Honey Liquor: Pat Johnson’s Veteran Grit and Entrepreneurial Grind

Episode Description (Captivate FM)

In this powerful episode of Battlefield to Business, we sit down with Pat Johnson, Navy veteran and founder of Veterans Farming

Initiative of Alabama and Two Goat Brands Honey-Based Spirits.

Pat’s journey is raw, unfiltered, and deeply inspiring—from struggling with homelessness after leaving the Navy to boot strapping his way into perfecting the best honey liquor in the South. Pat walks us through the mindset shift from survival to significance, why he left traditional employment (and even teaching), and how passion plus pain equals purpose.

We talk:

• Growing up with a legacy of hustle and service
• Lessons from Naval Special Warfare and confidence in failure
• Starting over, battling depression, and rediscovering purpose
• Bootstrapping a liquor brand through beekeeping and backyard liquor distilling
• Navigating legal risks, funding challenges, and launching a niche product
• Tools and programs like Co.Starters, DBAs, and the Main Street Initiative

This episode is for the veteran who feels stuck, for the dreamer with no funding, and for anyone who believes that your next chapter can be your best one.

Find Pat on Facebook: Veterans Farming Initiative of Alabama

Contact: pat@absolutepromo.com

Brand: Two Goat Brands Honey-Based Spirits

Passion for

art and design @ 0:00

Robert discovered his passion for art and design from a young age, constantly drawing

and creating. While he struggled with formal training and skill development

early on, his drive and dedication to improving his craft eventually led him to

excel in graphic design and visual communication.

Navigating

the challenges of being a graphic designer @ 3:53

As a graphic

designer, Robert had to learn to balance his artistic vision with the needs and

demands of clients and businesses. He discussed the importance of developing a

thick skin, being willing to compromise, and not getting too attached to

individual designs. Robert also shared strategies for finding work as a young

designer, such as networking and taking on smaller projects to build

experience.

Lessons from

military service @ 15:47

Robert's time in the military as an infantryman provided him with valuable experiences and

skills that he was able to apply to his design work, such as being volunteered

for painting and design projects. He also discussed the camaraderie and sense

of mission he missed after leaving the military, which motivated him to focus

his design work on supporting the veteran community.

Adapting to

industry changes and trends @ 28:32

Robert shared his perspective on the rise of AI in the design industry, noting both the

opportunities and challenges it presents. He discussed strategies for

leveraging AI tools while still maintaining the human touch and creativity that

clients value. Robert also reflected on the evolution of veteran-focused

apparel companies, cautioning against the risk of losing sight of the original

mission in pursuit of profits.

Advice for

aspiring designers and entrepreneurs @ 37:06

Drawing on his extensive experience, Robert provided advice for aspiring designers and

entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, being willing

to take on new challenges, and maintaining a focus on the needs of the target

market rather than personal artistic preferences. He also stressed the value of

networking and building relationships within...

Episode Summary

Title: Inventing the Journey: Tony Jefferson on Building a Travel Platform from the Ground Up

In this powerful episode of Battlefield to Business, retired Air Force Master Sergeant Tony Jefferson takes us through his entrepreneurial evolution—from military structure to building a personalized travel tech platform, Traveling Session.

With over two decades in service, mostly overseas, Tony always had a passion for discovering new places. But transitioning from cybersecurity to startup founder was anything but linear. He candidly shares how he went from failing out of college to finding purpose through travel, learning to code, building a business with zero blueprint, and growing from each stumble along the way.

We dive into:

• How military life prepared (and didn’t prepare) him for entrepreneurship
• The massive mindset shift from orders to ownership
• The importance of self-awareness and personality testing
• Why following your passion isn’t enough—you also have to solve a real problem
• The challenges of being an inventor with no roadmap, and learning to outsource and pivot
• Building a platform that recommends destinations based on who you are as a traveler
• Redefining success beyond income—toward happiness, freedom, and family

Whether you're in uniform, out of uniform, or dreaming about your next chapter—Tony's journey will light a fire under your feet and remind you that you're not starting over. You're building something new.

Explore Traveling Session: https://travelingsession.com

Meeting Purpose

Kevin K, owner of Bombed Out Barbecue, about his journey from military service to competitive barbecue and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways

•Kevin's passion for cooking, especially barbecue, was cultivated through his military upbringing and international experiences

•Military experience provided Kevin with discipline, attention to detail, and patience that translate well to barbecue

•Kevin is pursuing competitive barbecue as a path to eventual restaurant ownership, balancing passion with pragmatic business growth

•Barbecue competitions offer a mix of skill development, networking, and potential for brand exposure

Topics

Kevin's Background and Culinary Journey

•Grew up in a military family, moving frequently (Turkey, Germany, US)

•Learned to cook out of necessity and curiosity for diverse cuisines

•Joined Air Force after 9/11, transitioned to intelligence work

•Four-year deployment to Afghanistan (2009-2013) solidified interest in cooking as a coping mechanism and passion

Transition to Barbecue Focus

•Mentored by Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue, Austin) around 2014

•Started competing in local barbecue competitions

•Launched Bombed Out Barbecue brand, focusing on competition circuit

•Plans to compete in 12+ events in 2024, including major competitions like Memphis in May and Kansas City Royal

Barbecue Competition Insights

•Competitions typically run Friday-Sunday

•Meat prep takes about an hour per cut (e.g., brisket)

•Cooking process for brisket takes about 12 hours plus resting time

•Judging based on appearance, taste, and tenderness

•Competitions offer networking, skill development, and brand exposure opportunities

Business Development Strategy

•Currently focused on competitions and catering

•Building brand recognition through social media and competitions

•Long-term goal of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant

•Balancing passion for barbecue with pragmatic business growth

Barbecue Techniques and Tips

•Uses 3-2-1 method for ribs (3 hours smoke, 2 hours wrapped, 1 hour unwrapped)

•Achieves glaze on ribs without sauce using butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar during wrap phase

•Emphasizes importance of meat quality and proper temperature control

•Recommends patience and practice to perfect barbecue skills

Next Steps

•Kevin to focus on upcoming barbecue competitions in 2024

•Expand social media presence and brand awareness

•Pursue opportunities for TV appearances on barbecue competition shows

•Continue refining barbecue techniques and recipes

•Evaluate long-term plans for potential brick-and-mortar restaurant

Summary

Childhood and early influences

Paul Volpe grew up in a working-class Italian immigrant

family in Cleveland, Ohio and later Appleton, Wisconsin. His father and foster

father, both military veterans, were influential role models who instilled in

him the values of hard work, discipline, and service. As a shy, introverted

youth, Paul transformed into an extroverted, athletic young man through his

involvement in sports and community activities.

Military journey and leadership development @ 7:09

Paul joined the Army Reserves while in college, initially

serving as an armor crewman. He excelled in the military, becoming a drill

sergeant, master fitness trainer, and recruiter. Paul's military experience

taught him the value of adaptability, teamwork, and servant leadership. He held

leadership roles like Sergeant Major and was selected to attend the prestigious

Sergeant Major's Academy, which further honed his skills.

Transition to entrepreneurship @ 23:36

As Paul neared retirement from the Army, he began

exploring entrepreneurial opportunities that would allow him to continue

serving the military community. He leveraged his experience in the Army's PACE

program, which connected employers with military talent, to start his own

company, Forward March Inc. (FMI), in 2013. FMI's mission is to help employers

build effective military hiring and retention programs.

Building and evolving the business @ 29:09

In the early years, Paul partnered with two others to

launch FMI, navigating challenges like defining roles, ownership, and funding.

The company initially had multiple service lines but later streamlined to focus

on talent solutions, elite leadership training, and custom Humvee sales. FMI

has weathered storms like the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting its offerings and

operations. Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear mission,

empowering his team, and continuously evolving the business.

Advice and reflections @ 1:29:40

Paul shares advice for other veteran entrepreneurs,

including the value of internship/work-study programs, building an advisory

board, and maintaining a positive, servant-leadership mindset even in difficult

times. He reflects on the importance of work-life balance, leveraging his

military experience, and finding fulfillment in making a difference for the

veteran community and FMI's clients.

Meeting Purpose

To interview Frank Manteau, a Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur, about his life experiences and business journey with Mil Treats.

Key Takeaways

Frank overcame a challenging upbringing to join the Marines, which provided structure and purpose. After leaving the military, Frank struggled to find direction but eventually founded Mil Treats, creating edible chocolate crayons and other military-themed products. Frank's entrepreneurial journey has been driven by resilience, adaptability, and a desire to educate others about military culture. Key success factors include embracing failure, maintaining passion, and focusing on creating a positive legacy.

Topics

Early Life and Military Service

Grew up in small-town Flushing, Ohio with limited opportunities. Joined Marines directly after high school despite having a full art school scholarship. Served 7.5 years before medical discharge due to back injury. Military provided structure, purpose, and transferable skills.

Transition to Civilian Life

Initially struggled to find direction after leaving military

Worked various jobs while raising two children as a single father

Moved family to California for a fresh start. Gradually rediscovered passion for creativity through woodworking.

Founding of Mil Treats

Inspired by social media jokes about Marines eating crayons

Created world's first edible, colorable chocolate crayons in 2017

Expanded product line to include military-themed coffee, salt/pepper shakers

Focus on educating civilians about military culture through products

Business Challenges and Growth

Overcame initial regulatory hurdles ($10k in violations)

Secured $20k grant from Warrior Rising for business development

Currently facing supply chain issues due to global chocolate shortage

Exploring new product ideas like "MilitaryLabs" storytelling game

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Emphasizes importance of passion and willingness to work for free

Views setbacks as opportunities for growth and problem-solving

Focuses on creating a positive legacy for his children and grandchildren

Advocates for empathy and understanding different perspectives

Next Steps

Explore new manufacturing options to address chocolate supply issues

Launch planned new products like dog tag chocolates and "Military Labs" game

Increase participation in live events to connect directly with customers

Consider developing speaking/coaching career to share entrepreneurial insights

Meeting Purpose

Podcast interview with veteran entrepreneur Bob Hildreth about his journey and business Two Homeless Vets

• Bob founded Two Homeless Vets to help transition homeless veterans into stable housing and employment through community support, skills training, and entrepreneurship opportunities
• The organization uses a dual non-profit/for-profit model to provide services and generate revenue through house flipping and fencing projects
• Bob emphasizes the importance of identity, community, and healing for veterans transitioning to civilian life
• The business aims to create a large-scale "heroes village" in North Carolina to support 5,000-7,500 homeless veterans

• Served in U.S. Army and Army Reserve from 1986-1994
• Originally trained as an 18D (Special Forces Medic) but became an airborne medic due to injury
• Influenced by early mentor who was one of the original Green Berets
• Experienced homelessness and PTSD after leaving the military

• Lack of structured plan and support when leaving military
• Loss of identity tied to military service
• Need for community and purpose in civilian life
• Difficulty adapting to less regimented civilian environment

• For-profit arm provides job training and employment through fencing and house flipping projects
• Non-profit arm (Healing Crayons) allows for land acquisition and grant funding
• Plans to develop food truck program to provide entrepreneurship opportunities for veterans
• Offers up to 2-year residency in transition centers for veterans to heal and develop skills

Summary

Amanda's background and upbringing @ 0:00

Amanda was born and raised in Houston, Texas, the

only girl in a family of three brothers. She had a challenging upbringing,

with an absent father who was a convicted felon. Her grandparents and a

supportive high school teacher, Miss Foster, were influential in her life and

inspired her to want to help others. Amanda was initially

interested in becoming a doctor, but later pursued firefighting and joined

the Army, though her military service was cut short due to injury.

Transitioning from military to entrepreneurship @ 5:23

After leaving the military, Amanda worked as an

executive assistant at the Houston Boat Show, where she gained valuable

experience in sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship. This experience,

combined with her desire to help veterans, led her to start her own

organization, Veterans Helping Veterans MOCO, in April 2022.

The Veterans Helping Veterans MOCO organization @ 32:14

Veterans Helping Veterans MOCO is a semi-annual event that

provides resources, employment opportunities, and recreational activities for

veterans and their families. The organization aims to help veterans navigate

the transition to civilian life, access benefits and services, and prevent

veteran homelessness. The events feature vendors, live music, food, and

activities for children, all in a secure and comfortable environment for

veterans.

Challenges and lessons learned @ 47:41

Amanda has faced challenges in her entrepreneurial

journey, such as dealing with rejections and learning to accept

"no" responses from potential sponsors or vendors. However, she has

learned to be persistent, network effectively, and adapt her sales pitch to

overcome these obstacles. She emphasizes the importance of learning from

setbacks and maintaining a positive, grateful attitude.

Future plans and event details @ 55:31

Amanda plans

To continue hosting these events twice a year, with the larger fall event

focused on growing the organization and potentially moving to a larger venue

like the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in the future.