In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Army veteran and financial educator Avis Savage, Founder & CEO of ASIC Strategies for Life.

Avis shares her path from serving eight years on active duty to building a mission around helping individuals understand money, eliminate confusion, and prepare for retirement with clarity. She breaks down why so many “successful” and high-income professionals still don’t truly know where their money is going—and why financial confidence starts with awareness, not intimidation.

This conversation is practical and straight to the point: tracking cash flow, understanding compounding, leveraging assets, and building a strategy that protects wealth while positioning you to grow it. Avis also explains why insurance can be more than a legacy tool and how certain strategies can create tax-advantaged opportunities when structured correctly.

If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure about the next financial move, this episode gives you a starting point—and a direction.

Topics covered:

• How military discipline and organization translate into business success
• Why most people don’t actually know their cash flow (even high earners)
• Compounding, leveraging, and dual-purpose strategies explained simply
• Why “not all debt is bad” and how to think in assets vs. liabilities
• The power of free consultations and asking the right questions early
• Building retirement readiness and protecting wealth the smart way
• How Veterans Growing America supports veteran entrepreneurs through community and opportunity

Connect with Avis Savage (ASIC Strategies for Life):

• Instagram: @asicstrategiesforlife
• Facebook: ASIC Strategies for Life
• Website: www.asicstrategies4life.com

Connect with the hosts:
Coach R.L. Simmons (YourMoneyGOAT)

• Simplifying finances from A to Z: budgeting, protection, strategy, and leverage
• Website: yourmoneygoat.com (sign up for a free financial audit)

Veterans Growing America (VGA)

• Website: veteransgrowingamerica.com
• Find veteran-owned businesses in the directory
• Visit the VGA Marketplace: 14901 Potomac Town Place, Suite 110, Woodbridge, VA (Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center)

Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs financial clarity and a real plan

In this episode, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur Joel Griffin, Founder & CEO of the Riphean Group.

Joel takes us through his journey from joining the Marines straight out of high school (including serving with the Silent Drill Platoon at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.) to intelligence work in Quantico, to becoming a government contractor—and eventually taking the all-or-nothing leap into entrepreneurship.

This conversation goes beyond “business motivation.” Joel breaks down the real grind behind entrepreneurship, why freedom comes with a cost, and how relationships—more than capital—open doors. He also shares how Riphean Group invests in early-stage, mission-driven companies that support the warfighter, and how he became an “accidental restaurateur” with multiple hospitality ventures across Virginia.

Most importantly, Joel speaks candidly about purpose and impact: honoring his daughter’s legacy through Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation (free CPR training, AED deployments, and scholarships), and his work supporting the Virginia Department of Veterans Services—funding that directly strengthens veteran programs across the Commonwealth.

If you’re a veteran, founder, or future entrepreneur trying to figure out timing, risk, discipline, and legacy—this episode is for you.

Key topics in this episode:

• Marine Corps foundation: Silent Drill Platoon, intel work, and leadership lessons
• “All or nothing” entrepreneurship: the real risk/reward conversation
• The baby analogy: why there’s never a “perfect time” to start
• Riphean Group: investing seed capital + intellectual capital into warfighter-focused companies
• Hospitality growth: Rebellion (Fredericksburg/Leesburg), Castilla’s, Skybar, The Port, and more
• Giving back at scale: CPR training, AEDs, scholarships, and veteran support across Virginia
• Why entrepreneurship can restore purpose for veterans

Connect with Joel Griffin:

• LinkedIn: Joel Griffin
• Email: jgriffin@ripheangroup.com

Connect with the hosts:
Coach R.L. Simmons (YourMoneyGOAT)

• yourmoneygoat.com
• “Change your mind. Change your money. Change your life.”

Veterans Growing America (VGA)

• veteransgrowingamerica.com
• Follow on social: @VeteransGrowingAmerica
• Visit the marketplace in Woodbridge, VA—and… shop, baby.

If you got value from this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with a veteran or entrepreneur who needs to hear this message.

In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Caleb Green.

Caleb shares a powerful, wide-ranging story: 30 years of active-duty service, 14 years as a Signal Soldier, and then a rare pivot into elite ceremonial performance with the United States Army Band (Pershing’s Own), where his voice carried him from field life to some of America’s most historic stages.

You’ll hear how discipline, humility, consistency, and faith shaped his journey—along with what meaningful impact looks like after retirement when your gift becomes your lane. Caleb also speaks on leadership, service, raising a family with strong values, and what it really means to build “the ark” before the rain shows up.

This episode is part masterclass, part motivation, and all heart—built for veterans, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to stay the course when the work isn’t “paying off” yet.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Caleb’s 30-year Army journey: Signal to Ceremonial + National stages
• How military communication skills translate into entertainment and leadership
• Real lessons on discipline, foundation, humility, and consistency
• Faith, fruit, and building for the future (before the storm hits)
• Caleb’s work in the DC market and beyond, including major events and audiences
• Veteran community, mentorship, and why VGA matters

Connect with Caleb Green:

• Instagram: @NoahsArk151
• Voices of Service: @VoicesofService
• Linktree: Voices of Service + Caleb Green (links shared in episode)

Connect with the hosts:

• Coach R.L. Simmons: yourmoneygoat.com
• Veterans Growing America: veteransgrowingamerica.com
• Follow VGA on social: @VeteransGrowingAmerica

If this episode encouraged you, do three things:

1. Like the video
2. Subscribe for more veteran entrepreneur stories
3. Share it with someone who needs discipline and direction right now

And if you’re in the DMV—stop by the store in Woodbridge, VA and… shop, baby.

In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Jonathan Thompson, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the founder of Alpha Six Battalion.

Jonathan shares his journey from serving overseas to navigating life after the military—and why so many veterans struggle not because of a lack of effort, but because they lose the systems, structure, and accountability they once had. Alpha Six Battalion was created as “apparel with purpose,” using clothing as a gateway to something deeper: information, resources, and community for the 6% who serve.

This conversation dives into:

• Life after the Marine Corps and the reality of transition
• Why entrepreneurship can feel isolating for veterans
• How Alpha Six Battalion connects vets to real-world resources
• Missed VA benefits and opportunities most veterans don’t hear about
• Leadership lessons from the military that apply directly to business
• Building accountability through structure, systems, and mindset
• Why “coming back to the pack” matters after service

Jonathan also explains the meaning behind the Alpha Wolf character—designed to tell real veteran stories through humor, culture, and lived experience.

If you’re a veteran, entrepreneur, or someone thinking about betting on yourself, this episode delivers insight, honesty, and perspective you don’t want to miss.

Connect with Jonathan & Alpha Six Battalion

• Website (Resources): https://alphaVIBattalion.com
• Store: https://alpha6battalion.store
• Instagram & TikTok: @alphaVIBattalion

Connect with the Hosts

• Coach R.L. Simmons: https://yourmoneygoat.com
• Veterans Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com

Visit the Veterans Growing America Marketplace in Woodbridge, VA Support veteran-owned businesses | Build community | Shop with purpose Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a veteran who needs to hear it.

Veterans Growing America Podcast
Service. Ownership. Community.

In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Alex K. Sebby, a Marine Corps veteran (1999–2003) and the founder of Words of Veterans—an online platform helping veterans preserve their military story in a tangible, family-ready legacy format.

Alex shares a rare side of service you don’t hear often: his MOS as a combat illustrator, his post-service path through digital media and journalism, and the long, honest grind of entrepreneurship—multiple attempts, hard lessons, and learning how to “fail forward” without quitting on the mission.

Most importantly, Alex breaks down how Words of Veterans works and why it matters: veterans can answer guided questions, add photos, and create a hardcover book that documents their service—something their children and loved ones can hold onto for generations. He also shares a major milestone: Words of Veterans received a grant from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, allowing eligible veterans in Virginia to create their book at no cost.

Topics covered:

• Marine Corps service, stop-loss, and what it means to carry your story forward
• The difference between running a business vs. starting a business
• “Failing forward,” acceptable loss, and entrepreneurship as a long game
• Why feedback is everything: how VGA helped Alex improve his platform
• Turning service history into a hardcover legacy book
• Veteran community, consistency, and building something that outlives you

How to create your Words of Veterans book:

1. Go to wordsofveterans.com
2. Sign up + verify your email
3. Answer guided questions (short responses) + upload photos
4. Build your book without the intimidation of “writing a book”

Connect with Alex / Words of Veterans:

• Website: wordsofveterans.com
• Contact + socials are available directly on the site
• You can also connect through the Veterans Growing America directory

Connect with the hosts:

• Coach R.L. Simmons: yourmoneygoat.com
• Veterans Growing America: veteransgrowingamerica.com (Directory + events + marketplace)

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to preserve your service, build legacy for your family, or learn what veteran entrepreneurship really looks like behind the scenes—this episode is for you.

Like, Subscribe, and Share And as always… Shop, baby.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Evie Waite, Air Force veteran, law enforcement professional, and founder of ELW Initiative (Empower. Love. Win.).

Evie shares her raw journey from military service and civilian law enforcement into entrepreneurship — revealing how stress, mindset, and lived experience led her to create a mission-driven brand rooted in self-empowerment, love of self and community, and winning from the inside out.

This episode dives deep into:

• Transitioning from military & law enforcement into entrepreneurship
• Mental health, mindset shifts, and identity after service
• Betting on yourself when entrepreneurship “wasn’t the plan”
• Why how you treat people is the real business strategy
• Scarcity vs. growth mindset in work, life, and leadership
• Building community-centered businesses that feel like family

Evie also shares her experience as a member of Veterans Growing America, explaining why culture, energy, and community matter just as much as capital.

Whether you’re a veteran, entrepreneur, creative, or someone searching for purpose beyond the paycheck — this conversation will resonate.

Connect with Evie & ELW Initiative

• Instagram: @elwinitiative
• Facebook: ELW Initiative
• Founder: Evie Wait
• Programs: 30-Day Reset + Empowerment Initiatives

Connect with the Hosts & VGA

• Coach RL Simmons: https://yourmoneygoat.com
• Veterans Growing America: https://veteransgrowingamerica.com
• VGA Directory & Veteran Marketplace:
  Shop veteran-owned businesses nationwide or visit the physical marketplace in Woodbridge, VA (Open 7 days a week, 12–6 PM)

Quote Worth Remembering

Subscribe, listen, and share this episode with someone who needs permission to bet on themselves.

Veterans Growing America Podcast — where service meets ownership, and community fuels growth.

In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns welcome TK Pryor, U.S. Army Veteran and Founder of Master Wealth Builders LLC. TK brings over two decades of IT and military communications experience to his mission of teaching financial literacy to working families, veterans, and entrepreneurs.

From honor guard drills to annuities and asset protection, TK shares his powerful journey from active duty to building a business focused on financial education, generational wealth, and trust-based legacy planning. You’ll hear how his late mother’s financial foresight became the blueprint for his company—and how he's now helping others master their money mindset.

In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns welcome Ted Adair, U.S. Army Veteran and Founder of The Oath and Oak, a purpose-driven organization helping veterans transition through community, storytelling, and upskilling for the AI economy.

Ted shares how four generations of military service shaped his values, how networking changed his post-military career trajectory, and why he launched The Oath and Oak to help veterans “stay rooted and find their outpost.” With a mission to empower veterans through mentorship, local connection, and emerging tech, Ted outlines how The Oath and Oak is bridging the gap between service and civilian life.

Key Takeaways:

• Ted is a 4th-generation Army veteran who served as a field artillery officer after commissioning from Villanova ROTC.
• The Oath and Oak is a Leesburg-based veteran-owned business helping veterans transition through storytelling, entrepreneurship, and AI upskilling.
• The program offers three tracks: entrepreneurship support, operational leadership training, and AI skill-building for workforce reintegration.
• Community, mentorship, and networking are crucial for a successful military-to-civilian transition.
• The future of veteran work involves adapting to and integrating AI tools—without losing the human connection.
• Veterans need to shed rigid military norms and embrace curiosity, flexibility, and relationship-building in the business world.

“The military gave me everything I have—but transitioning was tough. The Oath and Oak is my way of giving back.”
— Ted Adair Learn more about Ted and The Oath and Oak: https://www.theoathandoak.com Instagram: @theoathandoak Join the waitlist for 2026 workshops and AI cohorts. Want to grow with VGA? veteransgrowingamerica.com → Click Directory to hire and support a veteran-owned business. Register for Coach RL’s Kwanzaa Financial Reset: yourmoneygoat.com/events

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