Service Academy Business Mastermind

The Service Academy Business Mastermind (SABM) is a transformational program for Service Academy graduates who are building businesses.Our podcast features entrepreneurial success stories from the Service Academy community (West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy).To learn more, please visit: www.sabmgroup.com.

Service Academy Business Mastermind is a business podcast hosted by Scott Mackes, USNA '01, with 361 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.

Scott Mackes, USNA '01 hosts Service Academy Business Mastermind, a business show with 361 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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  Service Academy Business Mastermind

  #362: Turning the Family Dry Cleaning Business into a Multi-Unit + Software Solution Success with Justin Koh, USAFA '14

  Aug 13, 202636 min

  Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Justin Koh is the owner of Al Phillips Dry Cleaners and co-founder of Magnoli.ai, a software platform built specifically for the dry cleaning industry. After serving as an acquisitions officer in the U.S. Air Force, Justin returned home to acquire his family's business, allowing his parents to step away after years of ownership. He approached the business with the same analytical mindset he developed in the military, growing the company from two locations into one of the largest dry cleaning operations in Las Vegas. As the business grew, Justin found himself solving many of the same operational challenges facing independent dry cleaners across the country. Rather than work around outdated systems, he built the tools he wished had existed when he took over the business. Those lessons became Magnoli.ai, helping independent operators simplify day-to-day operations with software built around the realities of the industry. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Justin about: Finding Opportunity in Unexpected Places: Why taking over the family business became the start of an entrepreneurial journey Justin never expected. Growing Through Strategic Acquisitions: How a series of thoughtful acquisitions transformed a two-location business into one of the largest dry cleaning operations in Las Vegas. Building Magnoli.ai: The operational challenges Justin encountered inspired software built specifically for the unique needs of independent dry cleaners. Building a Better Business: Why stronger systems, better visibility into operations, and consistent execution became essential to long-term growth. Looking Ahead: Justin shares the challenges he's focused on today, where he sees the greatest opportunities for growth, and what's next for both Al Phillips and Magnoli.ai. Timestamps: 00:44 From Academy to Family Shop 01:48 Early Struggles and Mindset Shift 04:15 COVID Deals and First Acquisitions 05:59 Vegas Expansion and Scaling Up 08:12 Turning Losses Around 09:19 Building Magnolia Software 14:10 Diversifying Dry Cleaning Services 16:04 Magnolia Today and Coaching Others 20:14 Vision for Stores and Software 28:01 Current Challenges and Funding Needs Connect with Justin LinkedIn | Justin Koh magnoli.ai justin@magnoli.ai If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Justin for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

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  Service Academy Business Mastermind

  #361: Building Opportunities Through Franchise Ownership with Bryan Denson, Air Force Veteran

  Jul 9, 202629 min

  Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Bryan Denson is leading the expansion of Port of Subs across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, building both company-owned locations and a network of future franchise owners. His vision extends beyond opening stores. He is creating opportunities for veterans, military families, and aspiring entrepreneurs to participate in business ownership and long-term wealth creation. Before entering the franchise industry, Bryan spent more than three decades serving in the military, government, and corporate sectors. From Army infantry training and Air Force intelligence work to business development and leadership roles in the private sector, each experience reinforced a lesson that continues to guide him today: confidence is built by taking on challenges. He now applies those lessons to entrepreneurship while helping others pursue opportunities of their own. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Bryan about: Lessons Learned Through Challenge: How military service, language training, and leadership experiences helped Bryan build the confidence to take on increasingly difficult opportunities throughout his career. Why Port of Subs: What attracted Bryan to a growing franchise brand and the vision behind its expansion across the East Coast. Building a Veteran-Centered Business Network: Creating opportunities for veteran-owned businesses, service providers, and future franchise owners to grow alongside one another. From Store One to Store Seventy: The strategy behind launching the first location, developing the DMV region, and scaling long-term franchise operation. Creating Opportunities for Others: Why success means helping veterans, military families, and aspiring entrepreneurs build their own path to business ownership. Timestamps: 00:57 Brian Military Roots 03:09 From Service to Corporate 04:22 Finding Port of Subs 06:01 Dual Role and Territory 07:47 First Store Launch Plan 09:21 Scaling and Veteran Network 11:16 Dave Vision and Culture 16:42 Defining Success and Impact 18:53 Challenges and Help Needed 21:07 Franchise Requirements and Financing Connect with Bryan: LinkedIn | Bryan Denson bdenson@portofsubs.com www.portofsubs.com If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Bryan for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

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  Service Academy Business Mastermind

  #360: Creating Greater Impact Through Conscious Leadership with Vince Lindenmeyer, USMA '91

  Jul 2, 202645 min

  Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Vince Lindenmeyer is the founder of Conscious Impact Leader and Beacon 4sight Group. Through his work, he helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs gain strategic clarity, develop conscious leadership skills, and build businesses aligned with their values. He also works with nonprofit organizations to strengthen governance, increase revenue sustainability, and create a foundation for long-term success. After retiring from the U.S. Army as a Colonel following a 26-year career, Vince found himself searching for a deeper sense of purpose beyond military service. His journey through entrepreneurship, Stoic philosophy, spiritual growth, and post-traumatic growth communities ultimately inspired the creation of Conscious Impact Leader, where he helps leaders overcome limiting beliefs, discover their purpose, and build lives of greater purpose and abundance. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Vince about: The Inner Work Behind Leadership: Why personal growth, self-awareness, and healing are often the foundation for lasting impact and organizational success Identifying and Reframing Limiting Beliefs: Recognizing the hidden beliefs around money, self-worth, and scarcity that may be holding leaders back. Where Purpose Meets Prosperity: Exploring how passion, service, and meaningful work can create both fulfillment and sustainable growth. Building the Conscious Impact Leader Community: Creating a space where nonprofit and business leaders can grow, collaborate, and support one another. Creating Legacy Through Service and Stewardship: Using intentional leadership, generosity, and long-term thinking to build lasting impact Timestamps: 01:25 Vince's Military to Civilian Transition 05:06 Why Conscious Impact Leader Exists 09:19 Identifying and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 12:24 The Conscious Impact Leader Framework 16:34 Reframing Money, Abundance, and Prosperity 20:39 Where Higher Consciousness Meets Higher Economics 23:55 Purpose-Driven Wealth Creation 31:47 Building Community and Creating Impact 34:38 Bitcoin, Sovereignty, and Recommended Resources Connect with Vince: LinkedIn | Vince Lindenmeyer vince@beacon4today.com www.securepathgov.com If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Vince for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

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  Service Academy Business Mastermind

  #359: Building a Tech-Forward Financial Planning Platform with Pat O'Boyle, USNA '14

  Jun 26, 202631 min

  Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Pat O'Boyle is the Chief Compliance Officer at Glen Eagle Advisors and a member of the leadership team behind Alooola, a technology-driven financial planning and investment platform. In addition to overseeing regulatory compliance, he supports business development and helps drive the growth of Aloooa's advisory and retirement planning services, including its expanding 401(k) platform for business owners. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Pat served as a Marine Corps infantry officer with 7th Marines and completed two deployments to the Middle East. After transitioning from military service, he built experience across investment banking, fintech, and wealth management through roles at Wells Fargo Securities, EquitiesEnd, and CBIZ before joining Glen Eagle Advisors to help scale Alooola's technology-first approach to financial planning. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Pat about: From the Marine Corps to Financial Services: How military leadership, investment banking, and startup experience ultimately led to helping build a technology driven planning platform. Creating Alooola's Hybrid Approach: Combining personalized financial advice with a mobile-first experience that keeps advisors accessible to clients. Helping Businesses Reduce 401(k) Costs: Helping business owners uncover hidden retirement plan fees while improving retirement plan offerings. How Technology Enhances the Advisor Relationship: Using technology to simplify investment management and create more meaningful client conversations. Building the Future of Financial Planning: Bringing investing, retirement planning, tax strategy, insurance, and advisor support into one platform. Timestamps: 01:13 Marine Corps to Finance 02:10 Wells Fargo and COVID Markets 04:27 Startup Culture Shift 05:51 Joining Gleneagle and Alooola 09:06 Alooola App Overview 12:40 Why Build the App 14:57 Advisors Using the Platform 18:19 Building with AI and Compliance 21:49 Goals for 2026 and Beyond 25:08 Who They Help Most Connect with Pat: LinkedIn | Pat O'Boyle poboyle@gleneagleadv.com www.gleneagleadv.com If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Pat for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

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  Service Academy Business Mastermind

  #358: Building the Veteran Startup Ecosystem with Ryan Micheletti

  Jun 14, 202631 min

  Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Washington, D.C. on Sept 28th & 29th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ Ryan Micheletti is the co-founder of The Veteran Fund, a venture capital firm focused on investing in veteran-led critical technology companies. As a California National Guard veteran, Ryan has played a leading role in building the veteran startup ecosystem. Before launching The Veteran Fund, he founded VetTech, the first veteran-led startup accelerator, and later served as Head of Global Operations at Founder Institute, helping scale more than 8,000 startups across 200 cities worldwide. Today, Ryan leads The Veteran Fund's strategy and ecosystem building efforts, backing exceptional veteran leadership teams in dual-use and mission-critical technologies. His work connects founders with early capital, strategic partners, and a growing network of investors committed to strengthening American innovation. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Ryan about: Building the Veteran Startup Ecosystem: Launching the first veteran-led accelerator and creating infrastructure to support founders after 9/11 Investing in Leadership at the Seed Stage: Why The Veteran Fund prioritizes exceptional teams with deep domain expertise and long-term resilience. Critical Technology and Dual-Use Strategy: Backing companies that serve both commercial markets and national security priorities. From Fund One to Fund Two: Refining ownership strategy, increasing first-check size, and strengthening capital allocation discipline. Patriotic Capital and Long-Term Vision: Mobilizing family offices and aligned investors to support veteran-led innovation that reinforces American competitiveness. Timestamps: 00:52 Origin of Veteran Fund 02:10 Building VetTech and FI 04:05 Fund Launch and Thesis 06:27 Ideal Deal Criteria 09:37 Havok AI Success Story 12:26 Fund Two Evolution 17:34 Ecosystem and Events 21:30 Goals and Bigger Mission Connect with Ryan: LinkedIn | Ryan Micheletti ryan@veteran.fund www.veteran.fund If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Ryan for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01

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