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Success Strategies for the Academy and Beyond with Ryan Marion

In this episode of the Harden Up Podcast, Matt sits down with longtime friend and former colleague Ryan Marion — a law enforcement veteran with over 17 years of experience. From patrol and school resource officer to SWAT team leader, FTO, and academy recruit training officer, Ryan has worn many hats in the profession.

Together, they break down what it really takes to succeed in the police academy and sustain a high-performing career on the job. Whether you're preparing to enter the academy or already working the streets, this episode is loaded with practical advice, mindset shifts, and lessons from the field.

Key Topics Covered:

• How to mentally and physically prepare for the academy
• The most common reasons recruits fail — and how to avoid them
• What separates average officers from exceptional ones
• Lessons from years in SWAT and training roles
• Advice for new officers navigating their first years on the job

Don’t miss this one if you’re serious about leveling up your career in law enforcement.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show—especially if you love stories of resilience, exploration, and living boldly.

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/

Use code "hardenup" for 10% off online courses

@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Vollbrecht, a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter crew chief and door gunner who has transformed her experience in the military into a thriving career in project leadership and consulting. As the President and CEO of J. Vollbrecht Consulting, she leads teams delivering high-impact projects for the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, with a strong presence at national laboratory facilities.

Jennifer shares insights from her 15+ years managing complex capital asset projects, her approach to leadership, and how her military mindset shaped her success in the civilian world. We also talk about her passion for giving back—especially through her work with Women Veterans Giving, where she supports fellow veteran entrepreneurs.

Whether you're interested in leadership, project management, or veteran advocacy, this episode is packed with value from someone who's lived it at every level.

Topics Covered:

• Transitioning from military service to civilian leadership
• Project management in high-stakes environments
• Supporting women veteran entrepreneurs
• Lessons in resilience, respect, and team execution

Book- My Mom is a Veteran: https://a.co/d/13KQbC6

Book- Girls Guide To Military Service: https://a.co/d/fG3wLrK

Vet100: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/2025-vet100/

CEO Circle: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/bunker-labs/ceocircle/

Vibe Network: https://www.vibnetwork.org/

Insitute for Veterans and Military Families: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show—especially if you love stories of resilience, exploration, and living boldly.

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/

@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

Send us a text

In this episode, we sit down with industrial design expert Cory Nykoluk, the innovative force behind some of the tactical gear industry's most revolutionary products. Cory shares his journey from being the first employee at First Tactical to his influential tenure as Design Director at 5.11 Tactical, where he created the iconic Rush 24 backpack that redefined tactical gear standards.

The conversation explores Cory's design philosophy of "Neat Clean Professional" and how it shaped entire product lines and brand identities. Listeners will gain insights into the creative process behind tactical equipment development, from concept to market.

With experience spanning prestigious brands like Swiss Army, Columbia Sportswear, and Briggs & Riley Travelware, Cory offers valuable perspectives on innovation across diverse product categories. Whether you're interested in industrial design, tactical gear, or entrepreneurial brand-building, this episode delivers fascinating stories and practical wisdom from one of the industry's most inventive minds.

Cory Nykoluk: Instagram @mad_innovator

www.madinnovators.com

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show!

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/

@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/