In this episode of the Refit Podcast, Kyle Killian interviews Robert Fabian, COO of Vaya Space, who discusses the development of next-generation hybrid rocket engines for defense and space launch. Robert shares insights from his military background and how it informs his leadership style in a startup environment. He emphasizes the importance of safety culture, the challenges of transitioning from individual contributor to leader, and the critical nature of evaluating leadership fit within the organization as it scales. In this conversation, Robert Fabian discusses the evolution of his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of safety management, documentation, and fostering a collaborative work environment. He shares insights on ethical fundraising strategies for his company, Vaya Space, and reflects on the challenges of leadership in high-stakes environments. Additionally, he offers valuable advice for senior military officers transitioning to civilian life, highlighting the significance of knowing one's goals and leveraging professional networks.

Takeaways

Vaya Space is developing new hybrid rocket engines for commercial and defense applications.
The transition to defense was driven by increasing demand signals from global conflicts.
Robert's military experience shapes his leadership approach in a startup environment.
Safety culture is paramount in the development of rocket engines.
Mentoring in leadership requires effort from both mentor and mentee.
Making tough decisions about team dynamics is essential for long-term success.
Cultural fit is a critical component of the hiring process.
Scaling leadership requires letting go of technical details.
Every new hire impacts the organization's culture and performance.
Robert emphasizes the importance of flexibility in work hours for team collaboration.
Robert emphasizes the need for accountability without punishment in safety management.
Documentation and discipline are crucial for young engineers to understand.
Cultural reinforcement is essential for safety and risk elimination.
Collaboration and spontaneous discussions enhance creativity and problem-solving.
Ethical fundraising allows for gradual growth and proof of concept.
Leadership in startups involves managing multiple responsibilities and risks.
Support from family is vital during challenging entrepreneurial times.
Transitioning military leaders should know their goals and leverage their networks.
Asking for help is important in navigating career transitions.
Creating a culture where all ideas are valued fosters innovation.

To connect with Robert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robfabian/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

Listen to The Refit Podcast on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7rLQ7Qaj1lvLq5kjjkDgmF
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-refit-podcast/id1870231828
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f884c7b1-1ea6-4b18-ab2c-0e880dd08c02/the-refit-podcast

#TheRefitPodcast #KyleKillian #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #VeteranLeadership #HardThingAboutHardThings #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #CEOInsights #FounderStories #OperationalLeadership The Refit Podcast is where real leadership happens—no platitudes, no polished corporate speak, just honest conversations about the hard decisions that keep leaders up at night. Hosted by Kyle Killian, former U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer with nearly 30 years of military, corporate, and entrepreneurial leadership experience, this podcast dives into the moments when the playbook stopped working and leaders had to figure it out anyway.

In this conversation, Kyle Killian interviews Joshua Knight, co-founder and COO of Integer, a company focused on innovation in maritime defense technology. They discuss Knight's background, the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of family support, and the dynamics of scaling a business in a traditional industry. The conversation highlights the need for innovation in maritime defense, the risks associated with starting a business, and the critical role of communication and financial management in navigating challenges. In this conversation, Joshua Knight discusses the importance of breaking down long-term visions into actionable goals, especially as organizations grow. He emphasizes the challenges of communication and leadership in larger teams, the complexities of product development in the defense sector, and the significance of private equity partnerships. Knight also reflects on the necessity of maintaining personal relationships while pursuing business goals, highlighting the balance between professional ambitions and personal commitments.

Takeaways

Joshua Knight's passion for STEM and maritime technology drives his work.
The journey to launching Integer began years before its official start.
Understanding the Navy's contracting process was crucial for Integer's success.
Family support played a significant role in Knight's entrepreneurial journey.
Bootstrapping required careful cash management and prioritization of expenses.
External market changes can introduce significant uncertainty for startups.
Effective communication is essential as a business scales.
Knight emphasizes the importance of understanding risks and having backup plans.
The entrepreneurial operating system helped Integer navigate challenges.
Maintaining a focus on people is vital for business sustainability. Vision is long-term but needs to be broken down into actionable goals.
Communication becomes more complex as organizations grow.
The Valley of Death represents the challenges in defense innovation.
Private equity can provide necessary resources but requires cultural alignment.
Building relationships is crucial for effective leadership.
Intentionality in communication is key to avoid misunderstandings.
Product development requires rigorous testing and validation.
Investing in relationships should be a disciplined practice.
Leadership is more about relationships than just skills.
Balancing business goals with personal relationships is essential.

To connect with Joshua - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-knight-69aa0b38/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

Listen to The Refit Podcast on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7rLQ7Qaj1lvLq5kjjkDgmF
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-refit-podcast/id1870231828
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f884c7b1-1ea6-4b18-ab2c-0e880dd08c02/the-refit-podcast

#TheRefitPodcast #KyleKillian #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #VeteranLeadership #HardThingAboutHardThings #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #CEOInsights #FounderStories #OperationalLeadership The Refit Podcast is where real leadership happens—no platitudes, no polished corporate speak, just honest conversations about the hard decisions that keep leaders up at night. Hosted by Kyle Killian, former U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer with nearly 30 years of military, corporate, and entrepreneurial leadership experience, this podcast dives into the moments when the playbook stopped working and leaders had to figure it out anyway.

In this conversation, Kyle Killian speaks with Brendan O'Donnell, CEO of Safe Food Alliance, about the challenges of leading change in a legacy organization. Brendan shares his background in agriculture and technology, the importance of trust and credibility in food safety, and the complexities of modernizing processes while managing a long-standing workforce. The discussion highlights the significance of effective communication, the role of leadership in fostering a shared vision, and the hurdles of technology adoption and employee engagement in a traditional setting.

Takeaways:

Brendan O'Donnell emphasizes the importance of trust and credibility in legacy organizations.
Modernization efforts require a deep understanding of existing processes and personnel.
Technology adoption can be met with resistance, especially in long-standing organizations.
Effective communication of the vision is crucial for buy-in from employees.
Data-driven decisions can significantly impact the future of the organization.
The transition to new technology often requires more time than initially anticipated.
People management is a significant challenge for new leaders in legacy organizations.
Training and standardization are key to successful implementation of new systems.
Leadership must address employee concerns about job security during transitions.
Creating a culture of openness and transparency is essential for successful change management.

To connect with Brendan O'Donnell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanmodonnell/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

Listen to The Refit Podcast on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7rLQ7Qaj1lvLq5kjjkDgmF
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-refit-podcast/id1870231828
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f884c7b1-1ea6-4b18-ab2c-0e880dd08c02/the-refit-podcast

#TheRefitPodcast #KyleKillian #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #VeteranLeadership #HardThingAboutHardThings #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #CEOInsights #FounderStories #OperationalLeadership The Refit Podcast is where real leadership happens—no platitudes, no polished corporate speak, just honest conversations about the hard decisions that keep leaders up at night. Hosted by Kyle Killian, former U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer with nearly 30 years of military, corporate, and entrepreneurial leadership experience, this podcast dives into the moments when the playbook stopped working and leaders had to figure it out anyway.

In this conversation, Kyle Killian and Sean Patton explore the complexities of leadership, identity, and the transition from military to civilian life. Sean shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a West Point graduate and Green Beret commander. They discuss the impact of 9/11 on military aspirations, the struggles of maintaining identity in high-pressure environments, and the lessons learned from Ranger School and Special Forces. Sean emphasizes the importance of simplicity in leadership, the need for a noble purpose, and the significance of community in overcoming personal crises. He offers valuable advice for veterans facing challenges in their transition to civilian life.

Takeaways

Leadership is about identity and transformation.
Simplicity in leadership leads to better outcomes.
The military environment provides a safety net for growth.
Self-discipline is about valuing your time on earth.
Community is essential for personal growth and recovery.
Finding a noble purpose can drive motivation.
Transitioning from military to business involves learning from failures.
It's important to redefine your identity after leaving the military.
Embrace the discomfort of change for personal growth.
You have the power to choose how you respond to challenges.

To connect with Sean Patton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanpattonpresents/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

Listen to The Refit Podcast on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7rLQ7Qaj1lvLq5kjjkDgmF
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-refit-podcast/id1870231828
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f884c7b1-1ea6-4b18-ab2c-0e880dd08c02/the-refit-podcast

#TheRefitPodcast #KyleKillian #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #VeteranLeadership #HardThingAboutHardThings #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #CEOInsights #FounderStories #OperationalLeadership The Refit Podcast is where real leadership happens—no platitudes, no polished corporate speak, just honest conversations about the hard decisions that keep leaders up at night. Hosted by Kyle Killian, former U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer with nearly 30 years of military, corporate, and entrepreneurial leadership experience, this podcast dives into the moments when the playbook stopped working and leaders had to figure it out anyway.

In this conversation, Lance Roberts shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by dyslexia to becoming a successful leader in the transportation logistics industry. He discusses his early entrepreneurial spirit, the humbling experience of competing with Tiger Woods, and his transition from golf to rodeo. A pivotal moment in his life was quitting alcohol, which led to newfound confidence and resilience. Lance emphasizes the importance of learning every role in business and investing in people, while also highlighting how faith has played a crucial role in his personal and professional growth. In this conversation, Lance D. Roberts shares his journey through the challenges of internal theft, transitioning from operations to sales, and the impact of company culture on leadership. He discusses the personal toll of embezzlement and the importance of faith in navigating difficult times. Lance emphasizes the need for character in leadership and the balance between technology and human touch in business. He reflects on the lessons learned from adversity and the significance of maintaining integrity and relationships in the industry.

Takeaways

Lance Roberts has over 35 years in transportation logistics.
His entrepreneurial spirit began in childhood, selling flowers and M&Ms.
Dyslexia shaped his problem-solving skills and mental fortitude.
A humbling experience with Tiger Woods taught him about the gap between good and great.
Transitioning from golf to rodeo ignited a new passion.
Quitting alcohol in 1996 marked a significant turning point in his life.
Building confidence came from learning to adapt and overcome challenges.
Rodeo taught him resilience and the importance of perseverance.
Faith became a source of strength in overcoming life's challenges.
Investing in people is crucial for business success. Internal theft can have severe consequences for a company.
Transitioning from operations to sales requires a different mindset.
Leaders must recognize the cost of staying in a toxic culture.
Embezzlement can lead to difficult decisions and personal challenges.
Finding peace in faith can help during tough times.
Consulting can be a way to give back after personal setbacks.
Maintaining human connection is crucial in a technology-driven world.
Non-negotiables in leadership include integrity and faith.
Adversity prepares individuals for greater challenges ahead.
Building relationships is key to long-term success.

Connect with Lance Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancedrobertsmba/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

Listen to The Refit Podcast on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7rLQ7Qaj1lvLq5kjjkDgmF
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-refit-podcast/id1870231828
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f884c7b1-1ea6-4b18-ab2c-0e880dd08c02/the-refit-podcast

#TheRefitPodcast #KyleKillian #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #VeteranLeadership #HardThingAboutHardThings #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #CEOInsights #FounderStories #OperationalLeadership The Refit Podcast is where real leadership happens—no platitudes, no polished corporate speak, just honest conversations about the hard decisions that keep leaders up at night. Hosted by Kyle Killian, former U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer with nearly 30 years of military, corporate, and entrepreneurial leadership experience, this podcast dives into the moments when the playbook stopped working and leaders had to figure it out anyway.

In this episode of the Refit podcast, host Kyle Killian engages in a deep conversation with Craig J Zezima, CEO of Resolux America, about the realities of leadership in high-pressure environments. Craig shares his journey from a professional baseball player to a seasoned leader in the packaging industry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, ethical decision-making, and the cost of leadership during periods of growth. He reflects on the challenges of making tough decisions that prioritize integrity over short-term gains, illustrating how these experiences shape his leadership philosophy today.

Craig discusses the significance of building trust within teams and the necessity of developing relationships to foster a culture of accountability and excellence. He highlights the importance of loving and trusting people, as well as the need for a clear strategy that aligns with the organization's goals. As they explore the complexities of leadership, Craig emphasizes that true leadership is about serving others and maintaining a consistent standard of integrity, regardless of the circumstances. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the challenges of leadership in today's fast-paced business landscape.

Takeaways

"You have to make decisions that you feel like, you know what? I'm not sure here, but..."
"Stop stopping yourself from being successful because it looks hard."
"You're only as good as the people that are around you."
"If you can develop your people and love your customer, you're more than a quarter of the way there."
"The standard is the standard, and there's no deviation from that."
"It's really about the team; it's not about you."
"Great leadership looks like humility and consistency, even when nobody's watching."
"You have to have the ability to master and stack things of success."
"Normal is good, but normal is average."
"Love unconditionally; you're going to get hurt, but it's okay."

Connect with Craig J Zezima on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-j-zezima-a4a4b2134/

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

Listen to The Refit Podcast on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7rLQ7Qaj1lvLq5kjjkDgmF
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-refit-podcast/id1870231828
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f884c7b1-1ea6-4b18-ab2c-0e880dd08c02/the-refit-podcast

#TheRefitPodcast #KyleKillian #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #VeteranLeadership #HardThingAboutHardThings #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #CEOInsights #FounderStories #OperationalLeadership The Refit Podcast is where real leadership happens—no platitudes, no polished corporate speak, just honest conversations about the hard decisions that keep leaders up at night. Hosted by Kyle Killian, former U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer with nearly 30 years of military, corporate, and entrepreneurial leadership experience, this podcast dives into the moments when the playbook stopped working and leaders had to figure it out anyway.

In this episode of the Refit podcast, Kyle Killian speaks with Chris Brewer, the founder of River City Logistics, about the real challenges of leadership and entrepreneurship. Chris shares his journey from starting a logistics company to making tough decisions, including firing a close friend for the greater good of the organization. He discusses the importance of listening to team dynamics, the emotional costs of leadership, and the lessons learned from risky decisions. The conversation also touches on the significance of company culture, the impact of key hires, and the challenges of navigating personal and professional growth in a fast-paced business environment.

Chris founded River City Logistics in 2018, bringing a diverse background in transportation to the company. A graduate from Clarke University in 2013. Chris has held key roles in the industry including Fleet Manager, West Coast Operations Manager, and Sales Executive before starting RCL. Under his leadership, River City Logistics has grown into one of the most trusted transportation partners in the country, offering dedicated transportation solutions, warehousing and distribution and domestic truckload brokerage capacity. His leadership is shaped by hands-on experience across multiple facets of logistics.

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-brewer-88710a52/

Chris Brewer | President/CEO
River City Logistics | rclogistics.com
O: 563-227-8987 | C: 563-663-5645
Dubuque, IA

I hope you enjoyed this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team

Listen to The Refit Podcast on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7rLQ7Qaj1lvLq5kjjkDgmF
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-refit-podcast/id1870231828
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f884c7b1-1ea6-4b18-ab2c-0e880dd08c02/the-refit-podcast

#TheRefitPodcast #KyleKillian #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #VeteranLeadership #HardThingAboutHardThings #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #CEOInsights #FounderStories #OperationalLeadership The Refit Podcast is where real leadership happens—no platitudes, no polished corporate speak, just honest conversations about the hard decisions that keep leaders up at night. Hosted by Kyle Killian, former U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer with nearly 30 years of military, corporate, and entrepreneurial leadership experience, this podcast dives into the moments when the playbook stopped working and leaders had to figure it out anyway.

Dean Wegner didn't set out to revolutionize American manufacturing. He set out to solve a problem most people don't even know exists: only 3% of apparel sold in America is actually made here. As a West Point graduate, Army Ranger, helicopter pilot, and former Fortune 500 executive at Procter & Gamble and Mars, Dean launched Authentically American in 2017 with a mission that seemed impossible - build a profitable apparel brand using only American manufacturing while staying price competitive with overseas production.

This conversation digs into the real cost of betting on principles over profit margins. Dean shares the brutal lesson of losing 60% of revenue overnight during a government contract freeze, the cashflow crisis that taught him what Fortune 500 life never could, and why the hardest part wasn't building the business - it was accepting that most people simply don't care where their clothes are made.

You'll hear how Dean navigated the transition from institutional comfort to entrepreneurial chaos, why Ranger School turned out to be better preparation than his MBA, and the strategic pivot that changed everything: narrowing focus to serve veteran-owned businesses and veteran-focused charities instead of trying to convert the mass market. Dean also reveals why national TV appearances don't automatically translate to B2B sales, the decision to build a sales team after years of earned media, and how implementing EOS helped him stay true to his strengths as a visionary while building execution capability around him.
This is about what it takes to stay aligned when growth pressures test your values, why passion alone isn't enough without the right business model, and how manufacturing 100% in America across 11 states isn't just possible - it's profitable when you stop trying to be everything to everyone.
Key insights on leading through cashflow crunches, the power of investing in relationships before you need them, why your ranger buddy matters just as much in business as it does in combat, and what most people get wrong about building a brand from scratch.

Dean Wegner
Founder & CEO, Authentically American
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanwegner93/
Website: https://www.authenticallyamerican.us/