VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup

VET S.O.S. – Veteran Entrepreneurial Spotlight highlights the journeys of veteran and veteran spouse entrepreneurs. Through candid conversations, we explore lessons learned, best practices, and resources that have shaped their paths to success. From overcoming challenges to leveraging military-honed skills, each episode delivers actionable insights and inspiration. Our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of veteran entrepreneurs, building a community driven by resilience, innovation, and service.

VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup is a business podcast hosted by Maurice Murphy, Shawn Welsh, with 86 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.

Maurice Murphy, Shawn Welsh hosts VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup, a business show with 86 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 #23

  From Military Leader to Entrepreneur: Build Purpose After Service — Manny Piñeiro

  Aug 13, 202631 minS3

  Military retirement isn't the hardest transition—losing your purpose is. Here's how to build your next mission. Many veterans spend decades following a clear mission, only to discover that the hardest part begins after the uniform comes off. Air Force veteran and executive coach Manny Piñeiro shares why purpose—not employment—is the key to a successful transition, and how one conversation with his son inspired him to build Making Time Count , a leadership company now impacting organizations around the world. From overcoming the fear of failure to redefining success beyond rank and title, this conversation offers practical wisdom for veterans, entrepreneurs, and leaders preparing for what's next. In this episode, you'll discover: • Learn the three biggest lessons Manny says every service member needs before transitioning into civilian life. • Recognize why accepting the first job offer can cost you purpose, fulfillment, and long-term career growth. • Understand how an unexpected cancer diagnosis reshaped Manny's priorities and reinforced the importance of taking care of yourself before chasing the next opportunity. • Discover why organizations lose great employees—and what authentic leadership looks like when people become the mission. About Manny Piñeiro Manny Piñeiro served 32 years in the United States Air Force , culminating as the Air Force's First Sergeant Special Duty Manager, where he helped shape leadership policy, training, and standards affecting more than 600,000 Airmen and their families worldwide . Today he is the founder of Making Time Count , an executive coaching and leadership development company helping leaders, organizations, and veterans maximize their impact through purposeful leadership. As a member of the USO Board of Directors , he continues serving the military community while delivering keynote presentations on leadership, resilience, accountability, and human performance across the globe. ️ If this episode helped you, please follow Operation Startup and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction 00:15 — Manny's Military Journey 03:15 — The Three Biggest Lessons About Military Transition 07:32 — Launching Making Time Count 12:03 — Helping Leaders Rediscover Purpose 14:54 — The Reality of Entrepreneurship 19:05 — Building Better Organizations 25:45 — Advice Every Veteran Should Hear 30:07 — Closing & Resources Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network ▶ VET S.O.S. ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong Connect with VET S.O.S. Website: https://vetsospodcast.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/vetsospodcast LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@vetsospodcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast #VETSOS #VeteranPodcast #GrabTheLifeline #HeroesMediaGRP #MilitaryTransition #VeteranEntrepreneur #Podcast #Veterans #MilitaryLife

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  Episode #22

  From Air Force Leader to AI Entrepreneur: Heather McLean's Startup Journey

  Aug 6, 202621 minS3

  Episode Description Thinking about leaving your job to start a business? The biggest obstacle isn't money—it's deciding to bet on yourself. Building a successful business isn't about having every answer before you start—it's about developing the confidence to take the first step. In this episode of VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup , Air Force veteran and AI strategist Heather McLean shares how military leadership prepared her for entrepreneurship, why corporate success wasn't enough, and what finally convinced her to leave an executive career to build her own company. Heather also pulls back the curtain on today's Artificial Intelligence revolution, explaining why AI isn't replacing leadership—it's making strong leadership more important than ever. Whether you're transitioning from military service, considering entrepreneurship, or trying to understand where AI is headed, this conversation delivers practical insights grounded in real experience. In this episode, you'll discover: • Recognize the leadership advantages veterans bring into Corporate America—and why most companies struggle to develop those same skills. • Build a practical roadmap for leaving a secure career and launching your own business with confidence. • Understand why successful AI adoption depends more on people, trust, and organizational culture than on technology itself. • Overcome the fear of taking your first entrepreneurial leap by learning why planning matters—but action matters even more. About Heather McLean Heather McLean is a retired United States Air Force veteran who spent over two decades serving in logistics, information technology, and leadership roles before transitioning into Corporate America. She later spent eleven years leading enterprise technology organizations supporting Fortune 500 companies before founding McLean Forrester , a woman-owned and veteran-owned technology consulting firm specializing in Artificial Intelligence strategy, data modernization, and digital transformation. Her unique combination of military leadership, executive experience, and AI expertise gives organizations practical strategies for implementing emerging technologies that deliver measurable business results. ️ If this episode helped you, please follow Operation Startup and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Open Apple Podcasts, search Operation Startup , scroll down, and tap "Write a Review." It takes less than a minute and helps another veteran, military spouse, or entrepreneur discover the encouragement and practical guidance they need. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why AI Success Starts With Leadership 00:15 – Introducing Heather McLean 02:32 – Lessons From Military Transition 05:35 – Leaving Corporate America 08:34 – Building a People-First Company 10:18 – The Hardest Part of Entrepreneurship 11:46 – Veteran Resources for Business Owners 13:30 – AI Strategy & Digital Transformation 15:50 – Running a Business as Husband and Wife 16:45 – The Future of Artificial Intelligence 18:59 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 20:05 – Closing & Lifeline Message Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network ▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong Connect with VET S.O.S. Website: https://vetsospodcast.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/vetsospodcast LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@vetsospodcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast #VETSOS #OperationStartup #VeteranPodcast #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #GrabTheLifeline #HeroesMediaGRP #ArtificialIntelligence #Podcast #Veterans #MilitaryLife

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  Episode #21

  Own Your Time, Not Just a Business — Jim Fuhs, Marine Veteran

  Jul 30, 202623 minS3

  Leaving the military doesn't mean your leadership ends—it means you have to decide where to apply it next. In this episode of Operation Startup , retired Marine Corps veteran Jim Fuhs shares how he walked away from the security of government contracting, embraced entrepreneurship, and built a business around purpose, freedom, and continuous learning. Rather than chasing the next paycheck, Jim explains why controlling your time, investing wisely, and staying passionate about your work became the foundation of his success. In this episode, you'll discover: Learn why changing careers multiple times after military service is often part of finding your true calling. Understand why entrepreneurship gave Jim something he never had before—complete ownership of his time and priorities. Avoid one of the biggest financial mistakes new entrepreneurs make when purchasing equipment and growing a business. Apply military planning principles like the five-paragraph order and SMEAC to make smarter business decisions. Discover why embracing your military identity—not hiding it—became one of Jim's greatest professional advantages. About Jim Fuhs Jim Fuhs is a retired United States Marine Corps veteran with more than twenty years of military leadership experience. He is the President and COO of Fusion Marketing, where he helps organizations grow through digital marketing strategy, live streaming, and content creation. Jim is also the award-winning co-host of Dealcasters Live , educating creators and businesses on marketing, technology, and digital media. ️ If this episode helped you, please follow Operation Startup and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and helps another veteran discover the resources and conversations they need during transition. ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:31 Three Lessons Every Veteran Learns During Transition 03:43 Why Jim Chose Entrepreneurship Over Government Contracting 06:16 The Freedom That Comes with Owning Your Time 07:49 Building a Business Without Unnecessary Debt 10:10 Investing in Equipment That Actually Grows Your Business 12:28 Veteran Resources and Entrepreneurship Programs 15:14 Bringing Marine Corps Leadership into Digital Marketing 16:42 Why Your Military Identity Is Still Your Greatest Asset 19:44 Connecting Through LinkedIn, Substack & Dealcasters 21:28 Final Advice for Future Veteran Entrepreneurs 22:30 Closing & Resources Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network ▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong Connect with VET S.O.S. Website: https://vetsospodcast.com Twitter/X: @vetsospodcast LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@vetsospodcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast Support the Mission: https://givebutter.com/vetsos #VETSOS #OperationStartup #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #MarineVeteran #Leadership #SmallBusiness #Podcast #Veterans #MilitaryLife #GrabTheLifeline #HeroesMediaGRP

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  Episode #20

  Leadership Isn't a Title—It's How You Serve | John Verrico

  Jul 23, 202623 minS3

  The biggest obstacle to entrepreneurship isn't money—it's believing you're capable of taking the leap. EPISODE PREMISE What happens when a lifetime of military leadership meets the uncertainty of entrepreneurship? Retired Navy Master Chief John Verrico shares how he navigated the fear of leaving a secure government career, why servant leadership translates directly into business success, and how helping others shine has become the foundation of his company, Share Your Fire LLC. If you're a veteran preparing for transition, an entrepreneur struggling to grow, or a leader looking to build stronger teams, this conversation delivers practical lessons you can put to work immediately. In this episode, you'll discover: • Learn why believing in yourself is the first—and most important—step toward becoming an entrepreneur. • Understand why military leaders often outperform civilian managers, and the leadership training many organizations are missing. • Discover how recognizing the people doing the work creates stronger teams, healthier workplace cultures, and better business results. • Hear the memorable story of a young Naval Academy officer asking a second-class petty officer to teach him leadership—a moment that shaped John's entire career. • See why relationship-building and serving others have been more valuable than traditional sales tactics in growing a successful business. About John Verrico John Verrico is a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief, internationally recognized leadership communication expert, keynote speaker, and founder of Share Your Fire LLC . Following more than four decades of combined military and government service, he now helps organizations improve leadership, communication, employee engagement, and workplace culture through coaching, training, and speaking. He is also the former President of the National Association of Government Communicators and co-author of nine international bestselling books focused on leadership, connection, and personal growth. ️ If this episode helped you, please follow Operation Startup and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes a few seconds, and your review helps another veteran, service member, or military spouse discover the resources and encouragement they need to begin their next mission. ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 01:55 – Transitioning from Military Service to Civilian Life 04:06 – Leaving Government for Entrepreneurship 05:00 – The Leadership Lesson That Changed Everything 07:23 – Why Serving Others Is the Greatest Reward 11:04 – The Hardest Part of Running a Business 13:11 – Veteran Networking and Building Business Connections 15:04 – Helping Leaders Build Better Workplace Cultures 20:23 – Believe in Yourself and Take the Leap 21:40 – Closing Thoughts Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network ▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong Connect with VET S.O.S. Website: https://vetsospodcast.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@vetsospodcast Spotify: https://linktr.ee/vet_s.o.s._podcast LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast Support our mission: https://givebutter.com/vetsos #VETSOS #OperationStartup #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #ServantLeadership #SmallBusiness #Veterans #MilitaryLife #Podcast

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  Episode #19

  Stop Wearing Every Hat: Build a Business That Scales — Antwon Person

  Jul 16, 202619 minS3

  Most entrepreneurs don't fail because of bad ideas—they fail because they build busy work instead of business systems. EPISODE PREMISE Success after military service isn't about working harder—it's about building smarter. Retired U.S. Army officer Antwon Person shares how extending his retirement, maximizing SkillBridge, and embracing entrepreneurship taught him that scalable businesses are built on structure, delegation, and execution—not endless hustle. Whether you're preparing to leave the military or trying to grow an existing business, this episode delivers practical lessons on avoiding the mistakes that keep entrepreneurs stuck. In this episode, you'll discover: • Learn why giving yourself enough transition time can completely change your post-military success. • Understand why being busy inside your business is often the biggest obstacle to actually growing it. • Identify when it's time to stop wearing every hat and begin hiring experts who accelerate your growth. • Discover how to evaluate networking groups and mentorship programs before investing your time and money. • Build a business framework that allows you to scale instead of constantly reacting to daily tasks. About Antwon Person Antwon Person is a retired U.S. Army officer with more than 20 years of leadership experience managing complex organizations across the Department of Defense. Today, he is the founder of Skillful Brands , where he helps entrepreneurs simplify business operations, create scalable systems, and build sustainable companies through coaching, consulting, and technology solutions. His mission is helping business owners replace chaos with clarity and long-term growth. 🎙️If this episode helped you, please follow Operation Startup and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Open the Podcasts app, search Operation Startup , scroll to the bottom, and tap Write a Review . It only takes about 30 seconds and helps another veteran discover the resources they need for their next mission. ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 01:42 – Extending Retirement to Maximize SkillBridge 04:01 – Why Entrepreneurship Won Over Government Contracting 06:29 – Why Busy Doesn't Mean Productive 07:40 – Stop Wearing Every Hat 10:21 – The Fast-Changing World of Business 11:48 – Finding the Right Mentors and Networking Groups 13:41 – How Skillful Brands Helps Entrepreneurs Scale 15:56 – Advice Every Veteran Entrepreneur Needs to Hear 18:05 – Closing & Resources 🎧 Explore the Full VET S.O.S. Network ▶ VET S.O.S. — Flagship Show ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Operation Startup ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Learning Lifeline ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: The Scoop ▶ VET S.O.S. Presents: Testimony Strong 🔗 Connect with Antwon Person Website: https://antwonperson.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antwonperson Website: https://vetsospodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GUdf1TJvCgyy52Xi2TdLZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vet-s-o-s-veteran-entrepreneurial-spotlight/id1775197458 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vetsospodcast 🔗 Connect with VET S.O.S. LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/vetsospodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/vetsospodcast X: https://x.com/vetsospodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast #VETSOS #OperationStartup #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Veterans #MilitaryLife #Podcast

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