In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Eric McConaty, U.S. Army Veteran and CEO of Tactical Growth Strategies Coaching. Eric dives into his powerful journey from military service to becoming a successful business coach and author of Business Boot Camp.

Eric breaks down how his military background shaped his grit, leadership style, and ability to push through entrepreneurial challenges. He discusses the emotional toll of transitioning into civilian life, the isolation many veterans feel, and how purpose, community, and coaching can anchor success.

📘 Inside the Episode:

Why your ‘why’ is the backbone of your business
How to turn military skills into business leadership
The value of mentorship and structured coachin
How Business Boot Camp helps small business owners thrive
The role of communication, networking, and resilience in building your brand

🎯 Whether you’re starting your first business, scaling your services, or stuck in a mindset rut, this episode delivers tactical steps and real inspiration to keep you moving forward.

🛠️ Learn more: [Insert Tactical Growth Strategies link]
📗 Get the book: Business Boot Camp [Insert book link]

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay in the loop with more veteran-led success stories.

#VeteransGrowingAmerica #VeteranEntrepreneur #EricMcConaty #BusinessBootCamp #TacticalGrowthStrategies #MilitaryToBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #VeteranSupport #CoachRLSimmons #DonnellJohns #BusinessCoach #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryTransition

In this inspiring episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Stephanie Brown, the visionary Founder and CEO of The Rosie Network — a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military spouses and veterans launch and grow successful businesses.

Stephanie shares her powerful motivation for creating The Rosie Network and the real challenges military families face — including the highest unemployment rate in the country among military spouses and the financial hardships many veterans silently endure. She breaks down the mission behind her nationally recognized, free accredited entrepreneurship program, and provides actionable advice for service-connected entrepreneurs looking to launch and scale.

💡 Key Takeaways:

- The Rosie Network was born to close the opportunity gap for military families in business.
- Military spouses experience the highest unemployment rate in the U.S.
- Community, mentorship, and marketing are essential tools for startup success.
- Stephanie highlights BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) as a key habit of successful entrepreneurs.
- Building a support network can make or break a business.
- The Rosie Network offers resources, coaching, and certifications to empower entrepreneurs.

💬 This is more than a conversation — it’s a call to action for the veteran and military spouse community to lean into collaboration, innovation, and ownership.

📌 Learn more about The Rosie Network: https://therosienetwork.org
📲 Follow Veterans Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com
🎙️ Follow Coach RL: @coachrlsimmons
🔗 Connect with Donnell Johns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more veteran-powered business insights and interviews.

#VeteransGrowingAmerica #TheRosieNetwork #StephanieBrown #MilitarySpouseEntrepreneur #VeteranBusiness #EntrepreneurshipSupport #MilitarySpouseEmployment #BHAG #MentorshipMatters #RosieCertified #MilitaryFamilies #WomenVeterans #VGApodcast

🎙️ In a special and deeply personal episode of the Veteran’s Growing America Podcast, co-host Coach R.L. Simmons steps into the guest seat to share his own remarkable journey. A man of many hats — active duty military leader, author, podcast host, father of 8, husband, homeschool parent, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) student, and seasoned financial & business consultant — Coach RL brings powerful insight into what it truly means to serve, lead, and build legacy from every angle.

💼 With over 15 years of experience in military finance, entrepreneurship, and coaching, Coach RL has helped hundreds of families and small businesses find clarity, structure, and financial peace. In this episode, he opens up about the motivations behind his work, how he balances service and family, and what drives his passion for helping veterans and minority-owned businesses grow.

🎯 Episode Highlights:

• Coach RL’s journey in the military and how it shaped his approach to leadership and finance
• What inspired him to become a financial and business consultant
• How he balances being a husband, homeschool dad of 8, and an active duty soldier
• The story behind launching the Veteran’s Growing America Podcast and why this platform matters
• His experience as a CFP student and the future of financial education for underserved communities

📚 Whether you're a veteran, an entrepreneur, a parent, or someone trying to juggle it all — Coach RL’s story will leave you inspired and equipped with practical wisdom to lead with purpose and grow with intention.

🔗 Learn more at: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
📲 Follow Coach R.L. Simmons: @coachrlsimmons
💬 Connect with Donnell Johns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more empowering stories and veteran-led conversations that spark legacy-building and wealth creation.

#VeteransGrowingAmerica #CoachRLSimmons #MilitaryEntrepreneur #FinancialConsultant #BlackFatherhood #HomeschoolDad #MilitaryFinance #VeteranLeadership #CFPStudent #FamilyAndFinance #LegacyBuilding

🎙️ In this heartfelt and powerful episode of the Veteran’s Growing America Podcast, hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons sit down with Ken Moorman, U.S. Army Veteran, author, speaker, and the visionary founder of Jirani Coffeehouse — the first business to give Veterans Growing America space to vend and thrive.

☕ Known for building more than just a coffee shop, Ken created Jirani Coffeehouse in Old Town Manassas as a vibrant community hub for culture, conversation, and creativity. With a second location opening in Manassas Park in Summer 2025, Ken’s impact continues to grow — just like the dreams he helps others believe in and achieve.

📘 As the author of On The Other Side Of My Dream, Ken shares a deeply personal and inspirational story of how grief and personal loss fueled his entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, he opens up about transforming pain into purpose and using his experiences to mentor entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to chase their visions while navigating life's toughest challenges.

🎯 Episode Highlights:

• Ken’s journey from military service to entrepreneurial leadership
• The founding story of Jirani Coffeehouse and its role in supporting veterans and community
• Why giving space to Veterans Growing America mattered to him
• The connection between grief, healing, and the pursuit of purpose-driven business
• Lessons from On The Other Side Of My Dream and how to turn loss into legacy

💡 Whether you're a veteran, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone overcoming hardship — this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to dream again.

🔗 Learn more about Jirani Coffeehouse: https://jirani.coffee
📚 Grab Ken’s book On The Other Side Of My Dream: [Insert link here]
🌐 Learn more at: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
📲 Follow Coach R.L. Simmons: @coachrlsimmons
💬 Connect with Donnell Johns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more veteran-led stories of resilience, vision, and impact.

#VeteransGrowingAmerica #KenMoorman #JiraniCoffeehouse #VeteranEntrepreneur #OnTheOtherSideOfMyDream #GriefAndGrowth #CommunityBuilder #PurposeDrivenBusiness #MilitaryVeterans #BlackBusinessOwner #CreativeSpaces #EntrepreneurshipWithHeart

🎙️ In this episode of the Veteran's Growing America Podcast, hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons sit down with Gabriela Bell, founder of Organized Q and a proud military spouse who turned challenge into opportunity. What began as a personal solution to manage the demands of military life has now become a thriving business helping high-end clients stay organized and efficient — all while empowering other military spouses to reclaim their professional lives.

💼 Gabriela shares how Organized Q was born out of necessity and grew into a powerful platform offering flexible, remote, and meaningful work for military spouses across the globe. With a focus on quality, training, and trust, Organized Q has become a go-to source for elite virtual executive assistants — and a champion for military spouse employment.

🎯 Episode Highlights:

• Gabriela’s journey from military spouse to entrepreneur
• The inspiration behind starting Organized Q
• How she built a talent pool of highly-skilled military spouse virtual assistants
• The importance of flexibility, purpose, and community for military families
• How Organized Q is redefining remote work and empowering spouses through career independence

🌍 Whether you're a military spouse, entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration to turn life's limitations into launchpads — this episode is a must-watch!

🔗 Learn more about Organized Q: https://www.organizedq.com
🌟 Learn more at: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
📲 Follow Coach R.L. Simmons: @coachrlsimmons
💬 Connect with Donnell Johns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of innovation, impact, and entrepreneurship from veterans and military-connected leaders.

#VeteransGrowingAmerica #OrganizedQ #GabrielaBell #MilitarySpouseEntrepreneur #RemoteWork #VirtualAssistant #MilitarySpouseEmployment #FlexibleCareers #PortableCareers #EmpoweredSpouses #MilitaryLifeSuccess

🎙️ In this heartwarming and flavorful episode of the Veteran's Growing America Podcast, hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons sit down with Michelle, the founder of IngenuiTea™ Gourmet Tea & Spice Company and an active duty service member. Michelle’s lifelong love of tea is steeped in rich family heritage, tracing back to her great-grandmother Anna, born in 1880 on the spice-rich Caribbean island of Grenada. Inspired by tradition and driven by a passion for health and wellness, Michelle created a premium, organic tea company that honors her roots while promoting the powerful health benefits of the tea plant, camellia sinensis.

🫖 Michelle shares her journey from growing up sipping English tea to traveling the world and ultimately launching a brand committed to offering mouth-watering, nutrient-rich teas in their truest form. IngenuiTea™ is more than a business — it's a tribute to legacy, health, and the simple joy of sharing a great cup of tea.

🌿 Episode Highlights:

• The story of Great-Grandmother Anna and the origins of Michelle’s love for tea
• How her world travels and military service inspired the creation of IngenuiTea™
• The health benefits and healing power of tea
• Balancing entrepreneurship and active duty military service
• Creating meaningful moments and memories — one cup at a time

🍵 Whether you’re a tea enthusiast, a wellness seeker, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with inspiration, heritage, and a deep love for tradition and health.

🔗 Learn more about IngenuiTea™: https://ingenuiteaandspice.com/
🌍 Veteran's Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
💬 Connect with Donnell Johns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns
📲 Follow Coach R.L. Simmons: @coachrlsimmons on all platforms

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to hear more stories of veterans who are preserving culture, building businesses, and creating impact across industries.

#VeteransGrowingAmerica #IngenuiTea #MichelleTeaStory #TeaEntrepreneur #VeteranOwnedBusiness #OrganicTea #GrenadaRoots #LegacyAndWellness #MilitaryEntrepreneur #TeaLovers #HealthInACup

🔥 In this powerful episode of the Veteran's Growing America Podcast, we sit down with Rochelle "SLAY Queen" Hemingway — CEO and Founder of SLAY To Success, LLC, personal branding expert, retired U.S. Air Force Command Chief, author, speaker, and leadership powerhouse.

✈️ Rochelle shares her incredible journey of serving over 30 years in the Air Force, rising to the highest enlisted rank and leading over 8,000 people on a major military base. Now, as the visionary behind SLAY To Success, she's helping professionals and veterans build magnetic personal brands that reflect their value, voice, and vision.

📘 From writing her book SLAY To Success, to launching a leadership and branding-focused company, and completing a Master’s in Strategic Leadership, Rochelle continues to blaze trails in branding, leadership, wellness, and service.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

• Her life as a military kid and the journey to 30 years of service
• What it means to “SLAY” in leadership and in life
• The power of personal branding and how it transforms careers
• Founding SLAY To Success, LLC and creating impact beyond the uniform
• Her dedication to leadership, health, fitness, and legacy-building

💡 Whether you're a veteran, a professional pivoting careers, or an entrepreneur seeking clarity in your message — this episode delivers insights on how to lead, brand, and SLAY with purpose.

🔗 Learn more at: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
💬 Connect with Rochelle: https://www.slaytosuccess.com/

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more empowering veteran stories, branding tips, and leadership gems!

#VeteransGrowingAmerica #SLAYQueen #RochelleHemingway #SLAYToSuccess #PersonalBranding #VeteranEntrepreneur #WomenVeterans #MilitaryLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #AirForceVeteran #StrategicLeadership #ConfidenceAndClarity

🎙️ Soar into the realms of mental wellness and personal development on the Veteran's Growing America Podcast, as hosts Donnell Johns and R.L. Simmons are joined by Keith Duke Davis, an Army Officer, aviator, and the innovative Founder and CEO of Inner Journey, Mental Clarity. In this episode, Duke shares his transition from the cockpit to the forefront of mental health advocacy, detailing his creation of the Inner Journey app, designed to enhance mental clarity and personal growth. Tune in to discover how Duke's experiences as an aviator have shaped his approach to mental wellness and leadership.

🌟 Episode Highlights:

• From Aviator to Advocate: Explore Duke’s journey from being an Army aviator to spearheading a mental wellness initiative, highlighting how his military background informs his current mission.
• The Genesis of Inner Journey: Learn about the inspiration behind the Inner Journey app, its features, and how it aims to provide users with tools for achieving greater mental clarity and well-being.
• Impact on Veterans and Beyond: Delve into how Inner Journey is tailored not just for veterans but for anyone seeking to improve their mental health, featuring stories of transformation and resilience.
• Leadership and Mental Wellness: Hear Duke’s insights on the critical connection between effective leadership and mental health, drawing parallels between piloting aircraft and navigating life’s challenges.
• Future Aspirations for Inner Journey: Discover what’s on the horizon for Duke and his app, including new features and partnerships aimed at expanding its reach and efficacy.

🔊 Whether you’re a veteran, a current service member, or anyone interested in mental health innovation, this episode offers a unique perspective on the power of mindfulness and technology in fostering overall well-being.

🔗 Links:

• Veteran's Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com/
• Dive deeper into Inner Journey and its mission: https://www.innerjourneyapp.com
• Connect with Donnell Johns on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns
• Follow Coach R.L. Simmons on all platforms: @coachrlsimmons

👉 Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes that spotlight veterans leading the charge in health, innovation, and community support. Join the conversation below and share how mental wellness tools have impacted your life!

#VeteransGrowingAmerica #KeithDukeDavis #InnerJourney #MentalWellness #VeteranEntrepreneur #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth