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Summary

In this episode, Nicole Zettlemoyer shares her inspiring journey from serving in the military to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her business, Wreaths by Nicole P. She discusses her military background, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and how she accidentally started her wreath-making business during the pandemic. Nicole highlights the importance of community support, her experiences with Gold Star families, and the operational challenges she faces as a small business owner. She also shares insights on marketing strategies, product expansion, and the emotional connections her wreaths create for customers.

Takeaways

• Nicole's journey from military service to entrepreneurship is inspiring.
• She started her wreath business during the pandemic by accident.
• Community support played a crucial role in her business growth.
• Nicole emphasizes the importance of being present for her children.
• Going viral led to a significant increase in demand for her wreaths.
• She faced challenges in setting up her business and managing operations.
• Shipping costs are a significant factor in her business model.
• Nicole is exploring ways to expand her product offerings.
• She connects deeply with Gold Star families through her work.
• Content creation and marketing are ongoing challenges for her.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Nicole Zettlemoyer
2. 04:24 Military Journey and Transition
3. 06:05 Starting the Business: Wreaths by Nicole
4. 09:22 Going Viral and Business Growth
5. 12:02 Operational Challenges and Business Setup
6. 14:29 Current Business Operations and Volume
7. 17:30 Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement
8. 20:49 Expanding Product Offerings
9. 23:49 Connecting with Gold Star Families
10. 28:39 Challenges and Lessons Learned
11. 31:31 Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Check out Wreaths by Nicole P. at https://www.wreathsbynicolep.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqjOD3aRe4JZkfV_7fQf0xs1JOh155rg3DfYcTDl8FuGRTIShGU

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Summary:

In this episode of Dog Tags to Ownership, hosts Julie Austin and Matt Cain discuss the journeys of veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship. They recap the first three episodes of Season Two, highlighting the stories of Rick Franco, Patrick Murphy, and Ash Stafford, who exemplify leadership, community building, and the importance of veteran voices in business. The conversation emphasizes the mindset needed for success and the significance of creating a supportive ecosystem for veteran entrepreneurs.

Bonus Content:

Brian Thompson, a tax attorney and certified financial planner, discusses his journey from tax law to helping LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with financial planning. He emphasizes the importance of mission-driven business practices and the need for financial literacy among military members transitioning to entrepreneurship. Brian shares insights on the holistic approach to financial planning, the significance of understanding one's mission, vision, and values, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs to take action and start their journey.

Takeaways

• Veterans are not starting over; they are starting from experience.
• Leadership and discipline learned in the military are valuable in business.
• Community support is crucial for transitioning veterans.
• Ownership is a mindset, not just a path.
• Veterans can create purpose-driven brands that resonate with their experiences.
• Daily habits and rituals can set the tone for success.
• Networking is essential for business growth and support.
• Veterans have unique problem-solving skills that benefit society.
• The journey from service to entrepreneurship is ongoing and impactful.
• Collaboration among veteran-owned businesses can amplify their reach and success.
• Brian Thompson specializes in financial planning for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
• He transitioned from being a tax attorney to a financial planner in 2016.
• Brian's passion lies in helping others navigate financial complexities.
• He emphasizes the importance of mission, vision, and values in business.
• Financial literacy is crucial for military members transitioning to entrepreneurship.
• Brian advocates for closing the racial wealth gap through business ownership.
• He believes in a holistic approach to financial planning.
• Entrepreneurship can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing.
• Brian encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take action and start their journey.
• Community support is vital for success in entrepreneurship.

Want to learn more about Brian Thompson check out his website https://btfinancial.com/

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

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Summary

In this conversation, Ash, a member of the British Armed Forces and founder of Forces Brand, discusses his journey from military service to entrepreneurship. He shares the inspiration behind Forces Brand, which aims to support veteran-owned businesses through a marketplace and community platform. The discussion covers the challenges of building the brand, the importance of community support, and advice for transitioning veterans looking to start their own businesses. Ash emphasizes the significance of personal development, customer service, and surrounding oneself with positive influences.

Takeaways

• Forces Brand started as a podcast focused on creativity among veterans.
• The app aims to engage users directly with veteran businesses.
• Building an app is challenging, especially for those without a tech background.
• Ash emphasizes the importance of personal development in entrepreneurship.
• Community support is crucial for veteran businesses to thrive.
• Customer service can significantly impact business success.
• Not all support will come from expected sources; strangers can be allies.
• Surrounding oneself with positive people is essential for growth.
• The journey of entrepreneurship requires self-motivation and discipline.
• Ash recommends books that focus on understanding different perspectives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Forces Brand and Ash's Background
02:39 The Birth of Forces Brand: A Mission to Support Veterans
05:23 Transitioning from Military to Entrepreneur: Challenges and Learning
08:19 Building the Forces Brand App: A New Avenue for Engagement
11:08 The Importance of Community and Networking in Business
13:36 Expanding Forces Brand: Global Aspirations and Collaborations
16:17 The Directory and Verification Process for Veteran Businesses
18:51 Challenges in the Veteran Business Landscape
21:27 Advice for Transitioning Veterans: Building a Supportive Network
23:59 Financial Sustainability and Growth Strategies for Forces Brand
26:52 Personal Challenges and Overcoming Self-Doubt
29:30 Final Thoughts and Recommendations for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Check Forces Brand Website: https://www.forcesbrands.com/

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

Follow us on Social Media

Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

X: @DTO_Podcast

TikTok: @dogtags_to_ownership