From Battle to Business

Join Dean Van Dyke, veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of The Pillars Group, as he takes you on an inspiring journey from the battlefield to the boardroom. Each episode dives deep into the strategies, struggles, and successes of veterans and entrepreneurs who’ve transformed their military precision into business innovation. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply seeking operational efficiency and personal growth, this podcast equips you with actionable insights, real-world stories, and the mindset needed to succeed in business and beyond. Subscribe and start turning challenges into stepping stones toward success today!

From Battle to Business is a business podcast hosted by Dean Van Dyke, with 121 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Dean Van Dyke hosts From Battle to Business, a business show with 121 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #6

  🎙️ From Battle to Business — G. Michael Hopf: Hard Times, Strong Men, and the Stories That Shape Us

  Nov 18, 20251h 20mS4

  <p>In this episode, Michael Hopf takes you from the sands of the Gulf War to the trenches of apocalyptic fiction, revealing how a Marine infantryman turned bodyguard, diver, and father found his true battlefield in storytelling. What starts as a conversation about deployments, ship life, and old-school Naval traditions quickly evolves into something deeper: generational cycles, cultural fractures, the psychology of collapse, and why preparedness is not paranoia — it’s responsibility.</p><p>Michael opens up about writing children’s books for his daughters, turning those bedtime stories into a creative spark, and eventually building an entire universe of apocal...

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  Episode #5

  🐾 From Rescue to Redemption: The Story of K9 Heroes 4 Heroes

  Nov 4, 202542 minS4

  <p>From Saving Dogs to Saving Heroes — The Mission Behind K9 Heroes 4 Heroes</p><p>When I first spoke with Joe Gionti, I felt his passion immediately. He’s not a veteran — but he’s one of the most patriotic people I’ve ever met. Joe founded K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, a nonprofit that pairs rescue dogs with veterans and first responders battling PTSD, anxiety, and depression. His story is proof that you don’t need to wear a uniform to serve — you just need the heart to lead with purpose.</p><p>In this episode, Joe shares how one moment of empathy bec...

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  Episode #4

  Wounds to Wisdom: The Real Story of Rebuilding After a Traumatic Brain Injury with John Krotec

  Oct 28, 202557 minS4

  <p>When the uniform comes off, the real battle begins. In this episode of From Battle to Business, John Krotec shares how trauma, transition, and truth shaped his mission-driven life beyond the military. From soldier to entrepreneur, John peels back the layers on emotional suppression, failed business attempts, and the cost of avoiding personal healing. But this isn’t just about struggle—it’s a story of reinvention.</p><p>Through raw honesty and unfiltered insights, John takes us from his days in the Army to hitting rock bottom, and eventually to writing The Sentinel Handbook. You’ll hear how he faced...

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  Episode #3

  🎙️ From Battle to Business: Navigating Depths & Decisions with William Spears

  Oct 14, 20251h 19mS4

  <h3>Episode Show Notes</h3><p>In this no-fluff episode of From Battle to Business, Dean sits down with active duty submariner William Spears for a raw, often hilarious, and powerfully reflective conversation about identity, transition, and the myths veterans (and leaders) tell themselves.</p><p>From poking fun at Nickelback to unpacking the “permission trap” many veterans fall into post-service, William brings clarity and candor that hits different. You’ll hear what it’s like navigating career decisions under pressure, how a simple journaling habit helped him discover deeper purpose, and why leaders often confuse confusion for a strategy problem—...

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  Episode #2

  🎙️ From the Navy to Racquet Sports — How Katherine Lynch Turned Purpose into Passion

  Oct 7, 202539 minS4

  <p>If you’ve ever wondered how military discipline translates into entrepreneurial grit—or how to serve a niche market with precision—this episode is your playbook. In today’s episode of From Battle to Business, Katherine Lynch walks us through her inspiring path from Harvard squash athlete to Navy officer, to corporate executive, and finally to founder of Vamos Racquets—a padel, pickleball, and wellness company that's designed to keep you active and connected, which is quickly making waves in the industry.</p><p>We discuss everything from building confidence during transitions to the mental aspects of entrepreneurship. Katherine shares har...

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