Meeting Purpose

Conduct a podcast interview with Anthony Griffith about his journey from military service to entrepreneurship in the life insurance industry, showcasing valuable insights for veteran entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

• Anthony transitioned from military intelligence to life insurance, driven by a desire for purpose and helping others, making it an inspiring path for veterans exploring entrepreneurship.
• The life insurance industry offers significant opportunities, with only half of Americans currently insured, presenting a lucrative and impactful business sector.
• Success in life insurance requires passion, continuous learning, and a focus on educating clients rather than just selling, making it an ideal field for veterans leveraging their leadership and communication skills.
• Building a team and brokerage allows for greater impact, but requires aligning others with your vision—a challenge and opportunity for veteran entrepreneurs.

Topics

Anthony's Background and Military Career

• Originally from Pomona, California, Anthony moved to Georgia in high school.
• He graduated with a chemistry degree, then enlisted in the military as an intelligence analyst, developing analytical and leadership skills transferable to entrepreneurship.
• Anthony served in various roles, including special operations, reaching the rank of sergeant, before commissioning as an officer in field artillery. After nearly a decade of service, he transitioned into civilian life.

Transition to Entrepreneurship

• Anthony's wife started a life insurance business in 2014, which he joined full-time after leaving the military in 2022.
• He initially considered pursuing a master's degree but instead focused on scaling the existing business, showcasing the entrepreneurial mindset veterans can adopt.
• His military background in analysis and strategy proved invaluable in navigating the financial services industry.

Life Insurance Industry Overview

• The life insurance industry, with approximately 400,000 agents in the U.S., has vast potential as half of Americans remain uninsured.
• Becoming a life insurance agent involves completing an online course, passing a state exam, and obtaining a license, making it an accessible entry point for veterans.
• Average commission rates are 65-70%, with significant growth opportunities for agents willing to invest in team building and client education.

Keys to Success in Life Insurance

• Passion for helping and educating people about financial protection is a cornerstone of success in the life insurance industry.
• Building a strong community and team expands reach and impact, a principle rooted in military teamwork.
• Continuous personal growth and learning ensure long-term success.
• Prioritizing education and value over sales tactics aligns well with veterans' integrity and mission-driven mindset.
• Balancing work and family life, while emphasizing personal fulfillment, resonates with many transitioning service members.

Challenges and Advice for New Agents

• Entrepreneurship requires self-motivation and discipline, traits instilled in military training.
• Building a team with a shared vision can be challenging but is essential for scaling a successful business.
• Overcoming the perception that life insurance is something that must be "sold" is crucial.
• Emphasizing client education and delivering value helps establish trust and long-term relationships.
• Finding personal passion and purpose within the industry is key to thriving as an entrepreneur.

Next...

Guest: David Jones

Background & Military Transition

David, a Marine Corps veteran and drone entrepreneur, shares his journey from military service to running a successful drone business. His transition began with an interest in aviation and drone technology, leading him to obtain his Part 107 commercial drone license. Despite initial uncertainty, he leveraged his military background and networking skills to break into the industry.

Breaking Into the Drone Industry

David’s early days in drones involved content creation—posting aerial footage on YouTube to sharpen his skills and attract potential clients. His breakthrough came when a former military connection offered him an opportunity with a commercial drone services company. This led to consistent contract work and industry exposure.

Finding a Profitable Niche

David experimented with different drone applications, including real estate photography, power line inspections, and insurance claims assessments, before specializing in:

• Roof Inspections
• Construction Progress Documentation
• Drone Mapping & Surveying

He stresses the importance of specializing to avoid being stretched too thin in an industry with numerous opportunities.

Challenges & Growth Strategies

Like many veteran entrepreneurs, David’s biggest challenge was client acquisition. While he secures work through Fly Guys, an independent drone contractor network, he is actively building his own direct client base through social media marketing, LinkedIn networking, and outreach. He also strategizes by targeting services with repeat business potential, such as ongoing construction site documentation and solar panel inspections.

Advice for Veterans Entering the Drone Business

David shares practical tips for veterans looking to enter the drone industry:

• Start with a reliable drone (DJI Mini series for beginners, DJI Mavic or Matrice for professional work).
• Buy used equipment if needed to keep costs down.
• Understand airspace regulations and flight restrictions before taking on commercial clients.
• Leverage military discipline and networking skills to stand out in the market.

Future Goals & Scaling the Business

David is now exploring government contracting opportunities, aiming to leverage veteran-owned business certifications to secure long-term contracts. He encourages fellow veterans to pursue continuous learning and stay ahead of industry trends.

Key Takeaways for Veteran Entrepreneurs

1. Use social media and content marketing to build your brand.
2. Specialize in a profitable niche to maximize efficiency and revenue.
3. Leverage your military network to uncover unexpected opportunities.
4. Think long-term—anticipate recurring client needs for sustained business.
5. Invest smartly in equipment—quality drones make a difference

Podcast Summary for Veteran Entrepreneurs

🎙️ From Colonel to Creator: Chuck Wiegand’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Join us as retired Army Colonel Charles "Chuck" Wiegand shares how his analytical mindset, developed through military service and early life, led to founding The Lottery Lab and creating The Bureaucrat YouTube channel. Chuck dives into his transition from military to entrepreneurship, tackling challenges like identifying the right customer base, managing operational costs, and standing out in a competitive market.

🔑 Key Insights for Veteran Entrepreneurs:

• The power of applying military problem-solving skills to civilian ventures.
• Finding customers who truly value your expertise.
• Navigating challenges like marketing, product development, and value propositions.
• Building systems that simplify the transition process for others.

📲 Take Action: Chuck now uses his platform to help transitioning veterans understand retirement, benefits, and separation processes—bridging the gaps left by traditional resources.

🎧 Listen and Learn: Tap into Chuck’s wisdom and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. Available now at www.ldrpsy.com.

#VeteranEntrepreneurs #MilitaryTransition #LeadershipToBusiness #TheLotteryLab #TheBureaucrat

Podcast Episode Summary: The Passion Behind the Paint – From Military to Entrepreneurship

🎙️ In this episode of Battlefield to Business, we sit down with Brian, a veteran turned entrepreneur, who shares his journey from the military to starting his own painting business.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

The Transition Challenge: Brian Parker reflects on the stark difference between military structure and civilian life, where "no one cares" about your rank or experience—you have to build from the ground up.

Finding Passion in People: While painting isn’t Brian’s passion, teaching and guiding others is. He discusses how the painting business serves as a vehicle to fulfill his passion for helping people and educating them on processes.

Entrepreneurial Foundations: Brian shares the practical steps to launch a business, including filing an LLC, securing licenses, and managing finances. He also highlights the importance of trial-and-error, persistence, and leveraging personal connections for growth.

Marketing by Connection: From knocking on neighbors’ doors to offering transparency and trust, Brian emphasizes the value of building relationships over flashy marketing tactics.

🚀 Message for Listeners: Don’t wait for the perfect moment—just start. Brian’s journey shows that success stems from taking the leap, learning along the way, and staying adaptable.

🔗 Tune in now at www.ldrpsy.com or your favorite podcast platform!

📲 Follow us for more inspiring stories of veteran entrepreneurs:

Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter: @leadershipsych

#VeteranEntrepreneurship #FromMilitaryToBusiness #PassionInProcess #LeadershipJourney

Johnny Salinas is originally from a small town in Texas and joined the Army in 1997, serving for 23 years. He was a bridge crew member and instructor, and did multiple deployments overseas. Johnny's father was a strong role model and he had a good relationship with his family, including his brother who is an anesthesiologist.

After retiring from the military, Johnny went to college and got a bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus on finance. He worked for a private firm and then as an auditor for the Texas State Securities Board, which gave him valuable insights into the financial services industry. This experience helped him develop a plan to start his own financial advisory business.

Johnny discussed the key certifications required to become a financial advisor, including the SIE, Series 7, and Series 65 exams. He emphasized the difficulty of these exams and the importance of using study materials and resources to prepare. He also highlighted the benefits for veterans in Texas of not having to pay the franchise tax when setting up an LLC.

As a smaller, local financial advisor, Johnny highlighted the importance of building trust and personal relationships with clients. He noted that his background as a minority veteran with tattoos can sometimes be a challenge, but he focuses on demonstrating his expertise and passion for helping people, especially veterans, first responders, and teachers, manage their finances.

For Johnny, success is not just measured by financial metrics, but by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, strong relationships with God and family, and having the flexibility to spend quality time with his loved ones. He emphasized the importance of work-life balance and not getting too caught up in the pursuit of money at the expense of personal fulfillment.

Johnny provided his contact information, including his cell phone number and email address, for anyone interested in reaching out to him. Jarvis thanked Johnny for his insights and expressed excitement to see his business grow.

• Haley transitioned from Army cook to successful business owner, overcoming challenges through discipline and adaptability
• She built and sold a thriving indoor playground business (Nido) focused on supporting mothers and children
• Now working with Southern Comfort Tiny Homes to create veteran support communities and healing spaces
• Emphasizes importance of self-care, mentorship, and community for veteran entrepreneurs

• Grew up in upstate New York, joined Army in 2012 as a cook (92G)
• Deployed to Afghanistan shortly after marrying fellow soldier
• Medically discharged in 2015 due to fish allergy and deployment impacts
• Used GI Bill for health/wellness and nutrition science education

• Started Nido, an indoor playground business, to fill need for baby/toddler spaces
• Implemented Montessori-style approach and created supportive community for mothers
• Grew quickly, considered franchising before health issues prompted sale
• Leveraged SBA resources, Pathway Lending support, and industry-specific Facebook groups

• Relationship coordinator role, focusing on veteran support initiatives
• Partnering with Warrior Homestead to create transitional living communities for veterans
• Aims to provide 6-12 month stays with comprehensive support services (financial, mental health, career guidance)

• Location is crucial for brick-and-mortar businesses
• Double expected startup costs to account for unexpected expenses

Joe was born in Memphis, Tennessee and grew up in Chicago. His grandfather, a WWII veteran, was a major influence and role model for him. Joe was a quiet, introverted youth who got involved in journalism and the military cadet program, which helped him become more extroverted and develop leadership skills.

Joe joined the Navy as a journalist, serving on ships, in Iceland, and in San Francisco. He covered major events like the San Francisco earthquake and the Iran Air Flight 655 incident. Joe's military experience taught him resilience, adaptability, and the importance of service to others.

After leaving the Navy, Joe struggled to find his footing, going bankrupt and becoming briefly homeless. He eventually started a resume writing business for veterans, but it was not sustainable. This led him to take on various training and facilitation roles, including with the military's base realignment and closure process.

Joe founded Camp Liberty, a 75-acre patriotic training venue and military summer camp. He discusses the challenges of running a facility like this without government funding, the importance of passionate staff, and the impact the camp has on young people, with 68% of repeat campers going on to serve.

Joe's passion is serving those who have worn the uniform, whether through the camp programs or other outreach. He is driven by the positive impact he can have on young people and veterans, and his belief in service to country and community.

1. Guest Background:

Yamil is the founder of Leaders Make Leaders, a business centered around leadership development and financial services. He helps individuals and families create financial plans, focusing on investments, insurance, and mortgages. Yamil's business goes beyond typical financial advising by offering free financial planning and charging for products and services only when needed, fostering trust and long-term relationships. His vision is to grow an organization of leaders, providing opportunities for others to build their own teams and agencies. Through his business model, Yamil emphasizes leadership, not just salesmanship, and seeks to create a strong culture of mentorship and growth.

2. Key Points Discussed:

• Transition Planning: Yamil stresses the importance of planning at least a year ahead of time for a smooth transition from military to civilian life.
• Building an Agency vs. Salesperson Role: In his industry, Yamil highlights the value of building an agency with a team rather than being just a salesperson. By developing a group of agents, it's possible to create a sustainable, scalable business model that generates consistent income.
• Steps to Start in Financial Services: Yamil walks through the process of becoming licensed in the financial industry—either by self-funding the licensing or finding an organization that will sponsor it. He encourages aspiring financial professionals to take action, even if unsure at first, as the experience will be valuable regardless of the outcome.
• Leadership in Business: At the core of his business is the principle of leadership development. Yamil's goal is to help his team members grow into leadership roles and build their own teams, leading to financial success for everyone involved.

3. Takeaways for the Audience:

• Preparation is Key: Starting early and preparing for the transition from military to civilian life is essential for success.
• Mentorship Matters: Finding a mentor who has been successful in the field can significantly accelerate personal growth and understanding.
• Go All In: Committing to your passion and taking the necessary steps—whether through formal education or hands-on experience—is the best way to discover if it’s the right path for you.
• Dream Big: Set ambitious goals that not only drive personal success but also impact others positively.

4. Way Ahead for Leaders Make Leaders:

Yamil’s vision is to build an organization where 43 people are earning at least $1 million per year. This goal is driven by his desire to not only generate wealth but also to use it to support charitable causes, such as foster care, and create a lasting impact in the world. He sees financial success as a tool to make a difference, with the ultimate goal being to have his business transform lives both professionally and personally.

Find Yamil:

Social Media: @LeadersMakeLeaders

Website: LeadersMakeLeaders.org

This episode is a powerful example of how passions can evolve and how with the right mindset and preparation, anyone—especially veterans—can transition into a thriving business, no matter when they start. Yamil's leadership-driven approach offers valuable insights for anyone looking to create meaningful change in their own lives and businesses.