Veteran On the Move

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Joe sits down with U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Andy Macon, to discuss his strategic planning platform, EndState.life. Drawing from his extensive experience as a military planner, Andy explains how high performers often excel at their daily duties while failing to work toward their long-term vision. He breaks down how EndState translates the military’s operational design framework into a personal roadmap that connects day-to-day actions directly to ultimate life goals, and shares how he leveraged AI prompt engineering and continuous user feedback to build a tool that helps veterans navigate their biggest life milestones. Episode Resources:  EndState.life     About Our Guest    Andy Macon is a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Marine Corps and Founder of EndState.life, a strategic life planning platform built on the militarys operational design planning framework. He joined the Marine Corps in 2009 and has spent most of the last decade in the Marine Corps on high-level command elements, bridging the gap between the tactical and operational levels of war, across the Middle East, Pacific, and Europe. Andy is currently executing an assignment to NATO in Portugal.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   If you’re looking for a positive sign toward homeownership, this is it. That’s because Navy Federal Credit Union’s Homebuyers Choice loan has downpayment options as low as zero percent with no required private mortgage insurance. These benefits make homeownership more achievable for their members. Learn more here.  Terms and conditions apply. Loans subject to approval and eligibility requirements.  At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected].  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

In this episode, Air Force veteran Jason LeDuc shares how he launched his company a year before retiring from active duty and scaled it from individual coaching to corporate manager training. He dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, the power of listening to the market, and the core question behind his work: why military and corporate institutions wait so long to teach strategic thinking. Episode Resources:  Jason LeDuc Leadership Consulting   About Our Guest    Jason LeDuc spent 20 years leading high-performance teams in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel, and now runs LeDuc Leadership & Media Group in Las Vegas. He hosts The Leader's Mindset and Vegas Startup Scene podcasts, mentors founders through StartupNV, and leads the Las Vegas chapter of VetsinTech. His work starts from one question: why did the institution everyone calls the model for developing leaders wait until year 15 of his 20-year career to teach him to think strategically? About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   If you’re looking for a positive sign toward homeownership, this is it. That’s because Navy Federal Credit Union’s Homebuyers Choice loan has downpayment options as low as zero percent with no required private mortgage insurance. These benefits make homeownership more achievable for their members. Learn more here.  Terms and conditions apply. Loans subject to approval and eligibility requirements.  At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected].  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Air Force veteran Daniel Kopp shares how personal tragedy and caregiving responsibilities redirected his military career and unexpectedly led him to entrepreneurship. After navigating his own transition while coping with grief and loss, Daniel launched Wise Stewardship Financial Planning—a fee-only fiduciary practice dedicated to helping young widows, widowers, military members, and Gold Star Spouses organize their financial lives around their values. He discusses the process of building his technical foundation, hiring his own planner during his transition, and the importance of choosing a fee-only fiduciary who puts client interests first. Blending tax expertise with financial therapy, Daniel offers actionable advice for finding the right financial advisor and using money as a tool to overcome anxiety and build an intentional life. Episode Resources:  Wise Stewardship Financial Planning   About Our Guest    Daniel Kopp, MA, MSFP, CFP®, MQFP®, is an Air Force veteran, widower, partner at PIM Tax Services, and founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning, a fee-only fiduciary practice. His firm specializes in serving young widows, widowers, military members, and Gold Star Spouses, helping them organize their financial lives around their values. By blending holistic financial planning and tax advisory with financial therapy, he helps clients overcome financial anxiety while addressing the emotional, psychological, and relational hurdles connected to their money. Daniel earned a BS in Economics with highest distinction from Purdue University, an MA from American Military University, a Graduate Certificate in Financial Therapy, and an MS in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University. Beyond leading his practice, he serves as an adjunct CFP® professor at Regent University, a founding board member of the Military Financial Advisors Association, and hosts two podcasts, Widow Life and Money as well as Military to Financial Planner.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   If you’re looking for a positive sign toward homeownership, this is it. That’s because Navy Federal Credit Union’s Homebuyers Choice loan has downpayment options as low as zero percent with no required private mortgage insurance. These benefits make homeownership more achievable for their members. Learn more here.  Terms and conditions apply. Loans subject to approval and eligibility requirements.  At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected].  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Navy veteran Paul Dorsey reflects on his time aboard the USS Clark (FFG-11), deep appreciation for the bonds formed in service, and missing the strong camaraderie and shared mindset after leaving the military. Following a trial-and-error 10-year transition period, he advises veterans to "test drive" potential second careers rather than rushing into the next chapter. Now a wealth advisor, and author of Ditch the Pitch: Stop Selling, Start Serving, Grow Referrals, Paul shares how serving current clients—rather than cold-pitching prospects—naturally drives word-of-mouth growth and trust. He details his TEA framework (Time, Empathy, and Authenticity) as the ultimate formula for service-driven business success. Episode Resources:  L. Paul Dorsey About Our Guest    L. Paul Dorsey is a U.S. Navy veteran who served as Supply Officer aboard the USS Clark (FFG-11). Today he is a CFA charterholder, a senior wealth advisor, and the Board Chair of the American Gift Fund, a national donor-advised fund he helped establish in 1997. His latest book, Ditch the Pitch: Stop Selling, Start Serving, Grow Referrals, teaches what they don't teach you in school. Using real-life stories, Dorsey shows how to grow your business through referrals without ever asking for one. His secret sauce starts with investing your time in current customers instead of pitching prospects who probably don't need your services anyway About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   If you’re looking for a positive sign toward homeownership, this is it. That’s because Navy Federal Credit Union’s Homebuyers Choice loan has downpayment options as low as zero percent with no required private mortgage insurance. These benefits make homeownership more achievable for their members. Learn more here.  At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected].  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

In this special crossover episode, Joe Crane turns the tables to interview Air Force veteran, financial coach, and MILMO® founder Lacey Langford for her annual birthday show. Tune in as Joe dives into Lacey's experiences to explore how her money mindset has evolved over 15+ years from fear to complete confidence, her personal spending philosophies, and the invaluable entrepreneurial lessons she has learned. Episode Resources:  MilMoneyCon MILMO About Our Guest    Lacey Langford is an Air Force veteran, military spouse, speaker, and financial coach who changes people's lives from being fearful of money to having control and confidence with it. She’s an Accredited Financial Counselor® with over 15 years of financial planning, counseling, and coaching experience. Lacey’s the founder of MILMO®, a community dedicated to helping the U.S. military with personal finance. She’s the host of the MILMO® Show, a podcast that helps the military community make, save, and invest money wisely. Lacey is also the founder and CEO of MilMoneyCon™️, a national conference for financial professionals united by military service. About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   If you’re looking for a positive sign toward homeownership, this is it. That’s because Navy Federal Credit Union’s Homebuyers Choice loan has downpayment options as low as zero percent with no required private mortgage insurance. These benefits make homeownership more achievable for their members. Learn more here.    Terms and conditions apply. Loans subject to approval and eligibility requirements.  At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected].  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

In this episode of Veteran on the Move, 8th-generation Texan and construction executive Victor L. Bretting shares hard-earned wisdom from nearly 50 years of leadership, resilience, and servant leadership. He opens up about navigating professional setbacks, tackling the vital topic of mental health—the inspiration behind his book The Man That I Would Become—and transitioning his grit into running B-Tex Ranch and co-hosting outdoor series on MyOutdoorTV. Episode Resources: Bretting Texan Ranch   About Our Guest  Victor L. Bretting is an author, speaker, construction executive, ranch owner, and 8th-generation Texan. With nearly 50 years of leadership experience in the construction industry, he has built a career centered on responsibility, perseverance, and service. He is the founder of B-Tex Ranch in North Texas. He is the author of The Man That I Would Become and co-hosts the new series Trekin Outdoors and The B-Tex Ranch on and MyOutdoorTV. About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   If you’re looking for a positive sign toward homeownership, this is it. That’s because Navy Federal Credit Union’s Homebuyers Choice loan has downpayment options as low as zero percent with no required private mortgage insurance. These benefits make homeownership more achievable for their members. Learn more here.  Terms and conditions apply. Loans subject to approval and eligibility requirements.  At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.    Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected].  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

In this episode of Veteran on the Move, Joe sits down with Army veteran Mark Hurd to discuss the challenges of transitioning away from a military career and a mission he deeply loved. Mark shares practical advice on how veterans can navigate the difficulties of leaving active duty, find a fresh sense of purpose on the outside, and proactively set themselves up for success before stepping into civilian life. The conversation also touches on his post-military path into local public service, including his run for county commissioner in Wilson County, Texas, and how he is applying his decades of military problem-solving to local community leadership. Episode Resources: Mark Hurd About Our Guest  Colonel (Ret.) Mark Hurd is a senior executive and military leader with three decades of experience directing large-scale operations, strategic planning, organizational transformation, and healthcare systems within the U.S. Army and the Defense Health Agency. A graduate of the U.S. Army War College with a Master of Strategic Studies and holder of a Master of Arts in Business Management from Webster University, Colonel Hurd is recognized for his expertise in operational planning, organizational leadership, Lean Six Sigma process improvement, and strategic health system management. His accomplishments include leading transformational initiatives for Army Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F), supporting the Defense Health Agency transition, managing multinational medical operations during combat deployments, and delivering significant operational efficiencies and cost savings. A Bronze Star recipient and member of the Order of Military Medical Merit, Colonel Hurd continues to apply his leadership experience to public service, organizational excellence, and community engagement.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   If you’re looking for a positive sign toward homeownership, this is it. That’s because Navy Federal Credit Union’s Homebuyers Choice loan has downpayment options as low as zero percent with no required private mortgage insurance. These benefits make homeownership more achievable for their members. Learn more here.  Terms and conditions apply. Loans subject to approval and eligibility requirements.  At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.    Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected].  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, host Joe Crane interviews Rudy Swigart—a U.S. Navy veteran, exit planning advisor, and founder of Wrenterprise Solution LLC. Rudy shares his multi-stage career evolution from an active-duty single parent to reservist, defense contractor, franchisee, and business owner. Drawing from his experience and upcoming book, Stewarding The Tension, he breaks down the emotional toll of transitioning out of uniform, emphasizing the need to process the loss of military identity and mission. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Rudy highlights the critical need for leaders to design a purposeful life and network beyond their career, offering strategies to manage the competing tensions of success, identity, faith, and relationships. Episode Resources: Wrenterprise Solutions   About Our Guest  Rudy Swigart is a business coach, executive advisor, and CEPA-certified business advisor who helps Christian business owners and high-capacity leaders navigate the tension between success, identity, purpose, and relationships. Drawing from more than 30 years of leadership experience in the U.S. Navy, corporate America, business ownership, and ministry, Rudy helps leaders build meaningful legacies while answering the question, "What's next?" As the founder of the  and creator of the Under Tension coaching framework, he guides leaders through growth, succession, transition, and identity challenges with clarity and purpose. Rudy is also the author of the upcoming book Stewarding The Tension and is passionate about helping leaders create lasting impact in both their businesses and relationships.    About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   If you’re looking for a positive sign toward homeownership, this is it. That’s because Navy Federal Credit Union’s Homebuyers Choice loan has downpayment options as low as zero percent with no required private mortgage insurance. These benefits make homeownership more achievable for their members. Learn more here.  Terms and conditions apply. Loans subject to approval and eligibility requirements.  At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected].  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

In this episode of Veteran on the Move, guest Nate Amidon joins host Joe Crane to discuss his transition from serving as an Air Force C-17 pilot with over 20 years of military experience to founding Form100 Consulting. Choosing corporate tech consulting over the traditional airline route, Nate highlights veterans as an untapped talent pool capable of filling the severe lack of leadership training in the corporate software world. Through consulting and staffing, his team embeds veteran leaders into companies to translate mission-driven focus into software development, teaching teams how to lead through influence rather than rank and prepare for unexpected transition challenges. Episode Resources: Form100 Consulting   About Our Guest   Nate Amidon is the founder and CEO of Form100 Consulting, a veteran-owned tech consulting firm that applies military leadership principles to modern software organizations. His team has improved technology practices for Fortune 500 companies across manufacturing, aviation, CPG, and defense sectors. Nate served over 20 years in the Air Force as a C-17 pilot, accumulating 4,000 flight hours, 800 combat hours, and earning 5 Air Medals. His experience leading aircrews and planning large-scale missions shapes Form100s approach to alignment, clarity, and execution in technology programs.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   If you’re looking for a positive sign toward homeownership, this is it. That’s because Navy Federal Credit Union’s Homebuyers Choice loan has downpayment options as low as zero percent with no required private mortgage insurance. These benefits make homeownership more achievable for their members. Learn more here.  Terms and conditions apply. Loans subject to approval and eligibility requirements.  At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.    Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected].  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today. Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zer

Host Joe Crane speaks with leadership coach, TEDx speaker, and Navy spouse Kelly Meerbott. Kelly shares her pivot from media sales to executive coaching following a job loss, the power of relationship-first selling, military spouse life, and why veterans possess the resilience to succeed as entrepreneurs. Episode Resources: Kelly On Linkedin   About Our Guest  Kelly Meerbott is an award-winning leadership coach, TEDx speaker, facilitator, team builder, author, and proud spouse of a U.S. Navy veteran. She has coached more than 500 high-ranking military officers, helping leaders navigate growth, transition, and change with clarity, confidence, and purpose. With a human-centered approach rooted in belonging, connection, and trust, Kelly supports entrepreneurs, executives, and teams across industries and communities. Her work is grounded in the belief that strong leadership begins with authentic connection, and that when people feel seen, valued, and empowered, they are better equipped to lead, serve, and thrive.   About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   If you’re looking for a positive sign toward homeownership, this is it. That’s because Navy Federal Credit Union’s Homebuyers Choice loan has downpayment options as low as zero percent with no required private mortgage insurance. These benefits make homeownership more achievable for their members. Learn more here.  Terms and conditions apply. Loans subject to approval and eligibility requirements.  At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at [email protected].  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 600 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.