In this episode, we talk with Ryan Walsh, Army Ranger Veteran and founder of Valqari, about the lessons he’s learned building and leading multiple multimillion-dollar companies from the ground up. Ryan shares how his military background shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, how he’s navigated challenges with limited resources, and what it truly takes to turn bold ideas into successful ventures. Tune in for practical insights on leadership, resilience, and growing businesses with purpose and clarity.

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In this episode, we sit down with Courtney Zaugg, serial entrepreneur, economic developer, and cofounder of VentureVets, an initiative helping Veterans and Military Spouses launch and scale their businesses. Based in Indianapolis, Courtney has built her career around increasing innovation at the intersection of capital, talent, and community.

She shares her journey founding multiple companies, building entrepreneurial ecosystems, and advocating for Veteran and community-driven growth. Tune in as Courtney discusses how collaboration, purpose, and perseverance can turn bold ideas into lasting impact.

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This week, Kasie Valenti welcomes Julia Ruddock, an Army Veteran, West Point graduate, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Hayati Coaching. Julia discusses her career thus far, from financial services to higher education, and how her experiences drove her to pursue entrepreneurship. Hayati Coaching is a career coaching firm that helps clients navigate career transitions and live wholesome lives. 

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In this week’s episode, ACP’s Kasie Valenti welcomes Brandon Marquez, a Marine Corps Veteran, ACP Alumnus, and the Founder of Southern Cross Service Dogs. Southern Cross Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives by providing exceptionally trained service dogs at no cost to qualified individuals with disabilities.

After serving as a Multi-Purpose Canine Trainer with U.S Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Brandon decided to continue his passion for canine training in the civilian world. Brandon will take us through his career thus far, his experiences running a nonprofit, and some of the challenges he's overcome along the way. 

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This week, ACP’s Kasie Valenti welcomes Bridget B. Sullivan, an ACP Mentor, Award-Winning Event Producer, and Founder of Creative Canvas Productions. Creative Canvas Productions is a woman-owned event management, video production, and motion graphics company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.  

Bridget discusses her career thus far, the challenges she overcame, and some tips and tricks for creative-minded entrepreneurs looking to embark on their small business journeys.

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This week, ACP’s Kasie Valenti welcomes Ken Davenport, a serial entrepreneur, Coach for The Honor Foundation, FourBlock and trainer at IVMF’s Boots to Business, and the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mission Edge. Ken takes us through his early days during the dot-com boom, what drove him to pursue entrepreneurship, and his numerous successes in the technology space. He’ll also discuss the importance of resiliency and humility to overcome adversity and lead effectively. 

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In this week’s episode of Ventures & Victories, ACP’s Kasie Valenti welcomes Christian Hanebeck, the Founder and CEO of Truckl and a professional with over 25 years of experience in consulting, startups, and private equity. From a teenager reselling fashion in Germany to founding a multinational logistics technology company, Christian takes us through his career thus far and provides valuable insight into the mindset of successful entrepreneurs. 

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In this week’s episode of Ventures & Victories, Kasie Valenti welcomes Moni Jefferson, a Forbes #Next1000 honoree, founder of four companies, and builder of global impact communities. She is also the CEO and Founder of the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE), whose mission is to provide a worldwide network of organizational support, resources, education, and mentorship for military spouse entrepreneurs.

Moni will take us through her career and how she utilized her expertise in marketing, communications, and networking to expedite the growth of her businesses. She will also provide advice to early-stage entrepreneurs and some tips and tricks to set yourself up for entrepreneurial success. Do not miss this opportunity to hear directly from a successful business owner and a pillar of the Military Spouse community! 

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This week, ACP’s Kasie Valenti welcomes the Founder & CEO of WithMe, Jonathan Treble. WithMe aims to revolutionize apartment living through tech-powered amenities and has been ranked by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States for the past four years.

Jonathan will dive into his journey as a business owner and how aspiring entrepreneurs can best support the Military community. Tune in today to hear Jonathan’s story and pick up some valuable insight into business ownership.

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This week’s guest is an ACP Mentor and the Founder and CEO of Quantious, Lisa Larson-Kelly. Lisa takes us through her career and how she pivoted into the tech sector in the early internet age. After successful freelance gigs for Adobe and Google, Lisa scaled her one-woman operation into a thriving small business. Eventually, Lisa founded Quantious, a marketing agency specializing in technology and developer audiences. 

Lisa shares some lessons learned after a decade-plus of working within the tech ecosystem and the challenges she overcame along the way. She’ll also speak on the evolution of the tech sector and how entrepreneurs can leverage emerging technologies to expedite their company’s growth. 

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This week, we were joined by James Nellis, the Chief Executive Officer at The Nellis Group. As a third-generation realtor, James started his career at eighteen and scaled his family business to become one of the leading real estate brokerage firms in the Washington DC metro area. He’ll take you through his story, the challenges he overcame, and his best practices for success in the real estate world. Whether you’re interested in real estate brokerage or investing, do not miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s best!

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In this episode, we are joined by a leading management consultant and entrepreneur, Brittany Galli. Brittany is a C-Suite Advisor & Strategist at BFG Ventures, a management consulting team specializing in DE&I, cyber security, AI, physical security, and software for C-Suites in the security and technology industries. Brittany spent time in the finance and startup spaces before leveraging her network and expertise into a boutique consulting business.

Brittany will explore various topics, including startup culture, work-life balance, and her method for turning challenges into opportunities. She will also dive into efficient team building and how streamlined workplaces can expedite your company’s growth. Take advantage of this opportunity to hear Brittany’s story and best practices for a successful entrepreneurial adventure!

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In this episode, we sit down with Marla Sofer, founder and CEO of Knomee, a platform designed to help people build stronger, more authentic personal and professional relationships. Marla shares her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, reflecting on the risks, rewards, and lessons learned while turning her vision into a purpose-driven company. She discusses how technology, empathy, and perseverance have guided her path and how authentic connection can power both business growth and personal fulfillment.

Tune in to hear Marla’s inspiring story of innovation, resilience, and impact!

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In this episode, we are excited to welcome Andy Nelson; an Army Veteran, Intellectual Property Lawyer, Founding and Managing Attorney of Salient Counsel, a boutique intellectual property law firm based in Southern California. After transitioning from the Military, Andy graduated from law school and began practicing intellectual property law in Southern California. After 15 years in the industry, Andy decided to take the leap and go into business for himself.

Andy will dive into the science of relationship building and some best practices for attracting and retaining clients. He’ll also cover intellectual property and how you can protect your small business from potential liabilities down the road. Whether you are an aspiring lawyer or entrepreneur, seize this opportunity to learn from an expert in small business ownership and relationship building!

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In this episode, we are excited to welcome Matt Butler; an ACP Mentor, retired Air Force officer, and a successful entrepreneur with over 11 years of experience in the sporting goods industry. While serving in Italy, Matt conceived the idea for Rollors, an outdoor game that combines bocce ball and horseshoes. With the help of his spouse, Matt created a prototype, networked at trade shows, and successfully launched the product nationwide. He also owns and operates Tally Tumbler, an innovative score-keeping tumbler for golfers to keep their score and stay hydrated while on the course. 

Matt dives into the challenges he faced building his business while actively serving and his streamlined approach to overcoming obstacles. He provides actionable advice for Veteran entrepreneurs and some best practices for those interested in launching a product-based small business. Listen today to hear Matt’s story and how he turned his love for sports into a fulfilling career! 

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In this episode, we are excited to welcome Shani Magosky; an ACP Mentor, Executive Leadership Consultant and Coach, and Founder of The Leadership Shift Project. Before owning her own business, Shani had a unique career that spanned everything from investment banking, marketing, and television production. Leveraging these skills, she founded The Leadership Shift Project, a culture transformation consulting company that helps organizations create vibrant and effective work environments. 

Shani will discuss her experiences as a corporate employee and small business owner, and how they shaped her approach to entrepreneurship. She will also dive into the Japanese concept of “Ikigai” and how it helped her decide on her entrepreneurial niche. Do not miss this opportunity to pick up valuable wisdom from Shani and set your business up for future success! 

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you’ll find on-demand resources, support, and community.

Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we are excited to welcome Cole Samaroo, Marine Corps Veteran, ACP Protege, and Co-Founder and CEO of Senior Tech Connect. Senior Tech Connect’s mission is to empower senior citizens through tech education through building digital health literacy, independence, and inter-generational relationships. 

Cole discusses the challenges he overcame transitioning his organization from a volunteer-based organization to an LLC and the support systems he leaned on while working towards creating a viable business plan. After, he discusses what he’s learned after almost a year of small business ownership and his goals for the future. Tune in today to gain valuable insight from the founder of a mission-driven organization!

Connect with Cole:

• Cole's Linkedin Page
• Senior Tech Connect Website

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you’ll find on-demand resources, support, and community.

Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we are excited to welcome an ACP Protege, Marine Corps Veteran, Entrepreneur, and President of Custom Marketing Solutions, Rich Vaill. After transitioning out of the military, Rich spent 15 years as a retail banker before starting his journey as an entrepreneur. In 2023, Rich purchased Custom Marketing Solutions, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and vertically integrated print marketing agency that caters to a diverse range of businesses and nonprofit organizations. 

Rich discusses what motivated him to leave the banking industry and the specific steps he took to acquire a small business. After a year as a small business owner, Rich reflects on the challenges, successes, and lessons learned during his entrepreneurial journey. Tune in today to hear what he picked up along the way! 

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you’ll find on-demand resources, support, and community.

Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Brendan Aronson; a Veteran, Entrepreneur, VC Investor, and the Co-Founder & CEO of The Military Veteran, a startup that helps high-growth companies hire veterans into leadership positions. Brendan will discuss his story as a veteran entrepreneur, from creating his initial business plan to scaling and attracting investors. 

Brendan will also dive into what makes a successful entrepreneur and best practices for those looking to enter the startup space. This is an amazing opportunity for those interested in learning more about startups, venture capital, and fundraising. Tune in today!

Connect with Brendan Aronson

• Brendan Aronson
• The Military Veteran Website

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you’ll find on-demand resources, support, and community.

Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Lacey Langford; a military wife, veteran, and the founder and CEO of MILMO, the home of military money and entrepreneurship. As an Accredited Financial Counselor with over 15 years of experience, Lacey founded MILMO to better educate the military community on financial readiness, planning, and small business ownership. 

Lacey dives into her story as a business owner and provides insight into how veterans can successfully launch their businesses. She also focuses on the science of goal setting and how your mindset can positively impact the success of your small business. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to hear from an expert in financial planning and veteran entrepreneurship!

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you’ll find on-demand resources, support, and community.

Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Monica Fullerton, an ACP Alumna and the founder and CEO of Spouse-ly, an online marketplace that exclusively features products and services from military and first responder-owned businesses. Monica shares her story as a military spouse and how it inspired her to pursue a brand of entrepreneurship that would uplift others in the process. Monica dives into the hurdles she encountered along the way, the power of marketing and branding, and how collaboration allowed her to expedite her platform’s growth. 

Tune in for Monica’s insight into the small business world and how you can get started on your entrepreneurial journey today!

Connect with Monica Fullerton:

• Monica’s Linkedin Profile
• Spouse-ly’s Website

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you’ll find on-demand resources, support, and community.

Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome John Rapp, a seasoned entrepreneur and mentor with a wealth of experience in business acquisition. John shares his expertise in successfully buying and operating businesses, offering invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Tune in as John discusses key strategies for identifying lucrative opportunities, assessing potential investments, and navigating the complexities of business ownership. Whether you’re considering your first purchase or looking to expand your portfolio, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and business growth.

Connect with John Rapp:

[LinkedIn Profile]
[Auto-Jett Muffler Corporation Website]

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you’ll find on-demand resources, support, and community.
Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Andrew Arbogast, the visionary behind Arbos Cheese Dip. Andrew shares his journey of transforming a beloved recipe into a successful packaged product. He candidly discusses the challenges he faced along the way, from navigating product development to getting his dip onto store shelves.

Tune in as Andrew reveals the essential steps in his entrepreneurial process, including how to overcome obstacles and maintain momentum in a competitive market. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to turn their culinary passion into a thriving business.

Connect with Andrew Arbogast:

• Andrews’s LinkedIn Profile
• Abros Cheese Dip Website

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you’ll find on-demand resources, support, and community.
Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jack McGourty, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and professor at Columbia University. With decades of experience in entrepreneurship education and business innovation, Dr. McGourty shares insights on what it takes to build, sustain, and scale a successful venture in today’s fast-changing world. He discusses the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and lifelong learning—values that deeply resonate with both business leaders and veteran entrepreneurs alike.

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In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Paden Sickles, a ACP Mentor, Veteran entrepreneur, and the innovative founder of SickFit. Paden shares her inspiring journey, detailing the pivotal challenges she faced when transitioning from Active Duty to launching her own business. She discusses the support systems that helped her to navigate the transition and running a successful small business. 

Join us for this candid conversation, packed with valuable lessons and practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don’t miss the chance to learn from Paden’s experiences and discover what it truly takes to succeed in the competitive business landscape.

Connect with Paden Sickles:

• Paden’s LinkedIn Profile
• SickFit Website

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you’ll find on-demand resources, support, and community.

Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Becca Brown, a three-time ACP Mentor, entrepreneur, business advisor, and the innovative founder of SoleMates. Becca shares her inspiring journey, detailing the pivotal challenges she faced when transitioning from her role at Goldman Sachs to launching her own business. She discusses the crucial timing involved in making that leap to entrepreneurship and offers insights on maintaining discipline and organization throughout the process.

Join us for this candid conversation, packed with valuable lessons and practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don’t miss the chance to learn from Becca’s experiences and discover what it truly takes to succeed in the competitive business landscape.

Connect with Becca Brown:

• Becca’s LinkedIn Profile

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you’ll find on-demand resources, support, and community.

Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Brown, a dynamic leader and founder of both The Rosie Network and the U.S. Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie opens up about the top three challenges she encountered on her entrepreneurial journey and shares invaluable insights on finding the perfect service market fit. She also discusses how to determine a unique value proposition and how to be taken seriously in the competitive business landscape. Stephanie’s experiences offer practical advice and inspiration for those navigating their own entrepreneurial paths.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation filled with actionable tips and real-world advice. Tune in now!

Connect with Stephanie Brown:

• The Rosie Network Website
• U.S. Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce Website
• Stephanie’s LinkedIn Profile

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you’ll find on-demand resources, support, and community.

Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we dive into a compelling conversation with Jodi Glickman, a distinguished Harvard Business writer, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Great on the Job. Jodi shares her expertise on understanding the value of your service or product and setting the right price point, while also revealing the strategies she used to build and grow her customer base. She candidly discusses the early challenges she faced in her entrepreneurial journey and how she successfully overcame them. 

Don’t miss this enlightening conversation with Jodi Glickman, filled with entrepreneurial wisdom and practical advice. Tune in now!

Ready to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?

If you’re a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don’t miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village where you will find on-demand resources, support, and community. 

Sign up today at ACP Ventures , your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!

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In this episode, we sit down with Nemanja Golubovic, founder and CEO of Kale My Name and host of the television show Kale Krew. Nemanja shares his journey of bringing a bold idea to life, growing a thriving restaurant brand, and expanding his vision through media. From the challenges of launching and scaling a business to the lessons learned in leadership and resilience, his story offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs at every stage.

Tune in to hear how Nemanja turned passion into purpose and how his entrepreneurial path can inspire your own.

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In this episode, we welcome Kasey Kelly—ACP Ambassador, military spouse, and owner of Lily Rock Farms. Kasey shares her journey of building a business rooted in passion, resilience, and community, while balancing the unique challenges of military family life. She opens up about the lessons learned through trial and error, the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship, and how embracing both successes and setbacks has shaped her path forward.

Tune in to hear Kasey’s inspiring story of growth, grit, and purpose, and discover how her experience can encourage and guide others on their own entrepreneurial journeys.

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In this episode, we sit down with Lloyd Knight, a 20-year Air Force Veteran, cofounder of VETLANTA, and President of Knight Work, a career consulting company dedicated to helping others find purpose and direction after military service.

Lloyd shares how his military experience shaped his leadership style and entrepreneurial mindset, and how he built VETLANTA into a thriving Veteran-focused community in Atlanta. He also discusses the launch of Knight Work, offering insight into how he turned a passion for mentorship into a successful business. Along the way, Lloyd opens up about the lessons learned through failure, the importance of personal branding, and why building meaningful connections is key to long-term success.

Tune in to hear how service, strategy, and community come together in Lloyd’s journey and how his story can inspire your own next move in business or leadership.

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Ever wonder what it takes to transform a bold idea into a thriving enterprise, all while making a significant social impact?

In Season 2, Episode 2, we sit down with Jason Van Camp, Chairman of Mission Six Zero and Executive Director of Warrior Rising, to explore how mission-driven leadership sparks entrepreneurial success.

Jason takes us behind the scenes of Mission Six Zero’s evolution from a bold idea to a data-driven consulting firm making waves in the federal marketplace and reveals the strategic choices that fueled its growth.

He also reflects on his journey building Warrior Rising into a powerhouse nonprofit that has awarded millions in grants and provided critical mentorship to Veteran founders, candidly sharing the setbacks that became springboards for innovation.

Along the way, Jason unpacks how he forges high-impact partnerships, secures the capital needed to scale, and designs programs that deliver real results for the Veteran community.

Whether you are launching a new venture or leading a social-impact organization, Jason’s story offers a masterclass in turning purpose into momentum and setbacks into victories.

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We're kicking off Season 2 of Ventures & Victories with high energy and horsepower as we sit down with Navy veteran, NASCAR driver, and team owner Jesse Iwuji. From serving his country to competing on the track and building a racing team from the ground up, Jesse’s story is a powerful example of grit, resilience, and vision.

In this premiere episode, Jesse opens up about the challenges he faced transitioning from the military to motorsports, how he built a brand in a highly competitive industry, and the lessons he’s learned as both an athlete and an entrepreneur. Whether you're just getting started on your business journey or looking to take your venture to the next level, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real-world insights.

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In our season one finale, ACP’s Kasie Valenti welcomes Christine Walsh; an ACP Mentor, the CEO/President of Alpha Graphics, and Redstart Creative. Alpha Graphics, is a boutique graphic design and printing company locally owned and certified woman-owned in Hampden, Maryland, and has been the go-to print shop in Baltimore for more than 48 years. In 2023, Christine purchased Redstart Creative, a woman-owned digital marketing and creative studio in Towson, MD. Redstart Creative provides branding and digital marketing to organizations empowering positive change in the world

Christine will discuss her career thus far and what drove her to pursue small business ownership. She will also hone in on the complexities of purchasing a small business and her experiences leading teams through various challenges. For those interested in purchasing a small business, this is a great opportunity to hear directly from an experienced entrepreneur!

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