What does it take for Veterans to transition from service into building a successful business?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry is joined by co-host Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent to speak with Nick Ripplinger about Veteran entrepreneurship, leadership, and building a business after service.

Nick shares his journey from military service into the business world and breaks down the mindset required to succeed as an entrepreneur. He discusses the realities of building a company from the ground up, navigating uncertainty, and developing the discipline needed to move forward even when outcomes are unclear.

The conversation explores leadership, decision-making, and why taking action — even imperfect action — is critical to growth. Nick also highlights how Veterans can leverage their experience to create value, build strong teams, and pursue opportunities that align with their long-term goals.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-ripplinger-14160823
Website: https://nickripplinger.com
Email: nripplinger@gmail.com

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How do organizations unlock the full potential of Veteran talent — and why do so many still get it wrong?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry is joined by co-host Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent to speak with Ryan Kuo about Veteran talent, workforce development, and building high-performing teams.

Ryan shares his perspective on the gap between military leadership experience and corporate hiring practices, and why many organizations struggle to properly identify and utilize Veteran talent. He explains how Veterans bring discipline, adaptability, and mission focus — but often face challenges translating those strengths into corporate environments.

The conversation explores leadership, hiring, and talent pipelines, along with practical ways organizations can build stronger teams by recognizing the value Veterans already bring. Ryan also discusses how Veterans can better communicate their experience, position their skills, and navigate career transitions more effectively.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankuo

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What does it take to build a business while raising a family, navigating military life, and refusing to lose yourself in the process?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry speaks with Andrea Singsaas, founder and CEO of The Tyne Group, about leadership, boundaries, and building a business that can move with military life. A longtime military spouse and mother of three, Andrea shares how she built her executive coaching company from a master bedroom closet, one client at a time, while moving around the world and back again.

The conversation explores burnout, accountability, decision-making, and why so many leaders struggle to protect their time. Andrea explains how leaders can clarify what matters most, set non-negotiables, and stop saying yes to everything. She also breaks down the difference between chaotic leadership and effective leadership, and why candid communication, strong boundaries, and the right support system matter in both business and family life.

This episode is a practical guide for Veterans, military spouses, and leaders who want to build something meaningful without losing themselves along the way.

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasingsaas/
Website: https://www.thetynegroup.com
Instagram: @andreasingsaas

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What does it take to go from a family idea to Shark Tank — and keep growing after the cameras stop rolling?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry is joined by co-host Freddie Kim of Milspec to speak with Barbara Kent and Joanna Serra, the sister founders of Fundraiser Blankets. Barbara, a West Point graduate, Army Veteran, and military spouse, and Joanna, a former teacher, share how their immigrant upbringing, commitment to education, and willingness to say yes to opportunity helped them build a fast-growing company serving schools and sports teams nationwide.

The conversation explores entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, fundraising innovation, and the mindset required to keep moving forward. Barbara and Joanna explain how Fundraiser Blankets disrupted a stale fundraising model by giving schools more flexibility, more value, and more profit potential. They also share the long road to Shark Tank, the power of manifestation, and why action matters more than waiting for the perfect plan.

This episode is a practical reminder for Veterans and entrepreneurs alike: try everything, make the decision, and keep going.

Learn more about Fundraiser Blankets:
https://fundraiserblankets.com

Watch Shark Tank Season 17, Episode 3 on Hulu or ABC.

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How can technology help families care for aging parents, disabled Veterans, or loved ones living far away?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry speaks with Chad Lacek, Marine Corps Veteran and CEO of Aging In Place Monitoring. Chad shares how his company uses modern monitoring technology to help families ensure the safety and well-being of loved ones who want to remain in their homes as they age.

The conversation explores the concept of “aging in place,” the emotional and logistical challenges families face when caring for elderly parents, and how new tools can provide real-time insight into health, safety, and daily habits without being intrusive. Chad explains how these systems can help families monitor sleep patterns, medication adherence, movement, and health indicators while maintaining dignity and independence for those being cared for.

Chad also reflects on leadership lessons from the Marine Corps, why respect and admiration define real leadership, and how Veterans can apply those lessons when building businesses and serving their communities.

Learn more about Aging In Place Monitoring: https://aipmonitoring.com

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What does 30 years of service in uniform teach you about leadership — and how does that shape the decision to run for Congress?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry speaks with Kishla Askins, a Navy Veteran who served 30 years as a Physician Associate, including extensive service with the Marine Corps. A Mustang who began her career enlisted and rose to senior leadership roles at the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs, Kishla shares how her journey from corpsman to senior executive shaped her perspective on service and governance.

The conversation explores combat medicine, the burden of command, leadership in large bureaucracies, and the importance of listening before leading. Kishla discusses her time writing legislation in the U.S. Senate, serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the VA, and why she believes Veterans bring a critical lens to public service.

From battlefield triage to policy reform, this episode highlights how purpose, humility, and constitutional stewardship continue long after the uniform comes off.

Guest Links:
Kishla Askins for Congress

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What happens when the uniform comes off — and the team disappears?

In this episode, John S. Berry speaks with Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Army Special Forces Veteran and Executive Director of Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), about building community and purpose after military service.

Sully shares the origin story of Team RWB, how it grew from a small grassroots effort into a nationwide health and wellness movement, and why physical fitness remains one of the most powerful tools for resilience. He explains how Team RWB creates micro-communities inside local neighborhoods that restore identity, connection, and service for Veterans transitioning into civilian life.

The conversation explores leadership lessons from Special Forces, the importance of humility, and why “freedom” is not isolation — it’s choosing to do hard things with people who push you forward. If you are looking for purpose, connection, or simply a reason to get moving again, this episode will resonate.

Join Team RWB:
Website: https://teamrwb.org

Download the Team RWB app in the App Store or Google Play

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What happens when a young Veteran is diagnosed with cancer after being misdiagnosed by the system meant to protect him?

In this episode, John S. Berry speaks with Ashton and Casey Kroner, Marine Corps Veterans and founders of the Veteran Cancer Network, about the urgent need for earlier cancer detection in the Veteran community. After Casey was misdiagnosed at the VA and later diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 34, they began asking hard questions about age-based screening protocols and toxic exposure risks for post-9/11 Veterans.

They discuss increased cancer risk among Veterans, gaps between active-duty and VA medical systems, and the importance of persistent self-advocacy in healthcare. Ashton and Casey also share the mission behind Pedal for Impact, a cycling initiative from Florida to Washington, DC to raise awareness and push for policy change.

Support their initiative:
https://www.change.org/EarlyDetectionForVeterans

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