Episodios

  • From Strike‑Eagle Pilot to Franchise Flight Coach: A Veteran’s Route through Franzy

    From Strike‑Eagle Pilot to Franchise Flight Coach: A Veteran’s Route through Franzy
    Aug 5 2025
    1. Military Background & Core Skill Set Vivek’s decade-long career as an F‑15E Strike Eagle aviator grounded him in mission planning, systems thinking, and leadership under high stakes. The F‑15E is a dual-capability, two-seat multirole fighter used for both air-to-air and precision ground missions—ideal for service members who know how to process complexity and adapt rapidly. Even after transitioning to the Air Force Reserves in 2022, he remains tight to Air Force culture and purpose-driven teamwork. After leaving active duty, Vivek earned his MBA from Duke University (Fuqua). There he refined his financial acumen and consulting mindset, working on everything from start-ups to alternative‑protein ventures. It was also where he began using his background to explore sustainable, scalable businesses. With this foundation, Vivek launched multiple franchise businesses, choosing brand models—from fitness and fast service to home improvement—that play to operational discipline and customer consistency. He closely mentors veteran franchisees, helping them navigate due diligence, leverage VetFran discounts, and manage KPIs—using an MBA lens to optimize operations and ROI. In early 2025, Franzy—a startup often called the “Zillow for franchises”—soft-launched after raising $1 million in pre‑seed capital. Within a few months, it had grown rapidly, matching tens of thousands of users with over 3,000 franchise brands, using an AI-powered “Fit Score,” and guiding prospects through a fully integrated sourcing and closable pipeline.Duke's Fuqua School of BusinessDuke's Fuqua School of Business+1 By July 2025, Franzy had closed a $2.2 million seed round, led by York IE and Avalanche VC, enabling them to build the first franchise resale marketplace, pairing vetted buyers with exiting owners of existing units. The platform aims to accelerate franchise negotiations and standardize thousands of secondary-market transactions.FranzyVenture Capital Access Online As a veteran and franchise operator turned advisor, Vivek helps Franzy tailor its messaging, outreach, and product à la veteran founders. This ensures Franzy not only matches users to brands, but also helps them navigate the frequently opaque resale market—making franchise ownership more accessible to those leaving military service. Representation: Veterans comprise only about 6–8% of the U.S. population, yet hold 14–15% of franchise owner slots. That’s nearly three times their demographic share.VA NewsFranServe Performance: In 2024–2025 Franchise Business Review surveys, over 85% of veteran franchisees report high satisfaction with their franchisor, community support, and opportunity structure—significantly above non‑veteran averages.fox4kc.comfranchisebusinessreview.com Traits: Franchisors repeatedly cite veterans’ abilities to systematize workflow, train teams, execute methodically, and deliver brand consistency—key to plug‑and‑play models.signaramafranchise.comblog.franchise.neighborly.com Here’s how Vivek positions his experience for audiences in business, leadership, and veteran‑transition circles: 2. From Active Duty to Franchising: Reimagining Service3. Scaling Up: Clinching Leadership at Franzy4. Why Veterans Make Ideal Franchisees5. Vivek’s Value Proposition: Strategy, Service, & ScalabilityElementWhy It ResonatesDirect military-to-business narrativeHigh‑pressure training → scalable leadership → entrepreneurshipAcademic/business rigorMBA from Duke + franchise POV gives operational credibilityPlatform‑level perspectiveFranzy enables digital transformation of a legacy industry—especially empowering vetsMentorship missionActively helping veterans buy, manage, and scale businessesData-informed coachingUses IFA / VetFran performance benchmarks and Franzy’s AI insights to optimize decisions
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Where the Mission Continues: Stories from the HomeFront

    Where the Mission Continues: Stories from the HomeFront
    Jul 29 2025
    HomeFront SitRep is a powerful and heartfelt veteran-led podcast dedicated to giving a voice to those who have served—and those who continue to serve behind the scenes. It stands as a platform for real stories, real impact, and real people who genuinely care about the veteran community—not just as statistics, but as brothers, sisters, and family. This podcast shines a spotlight on the grassroots: the unsung, often-overlooked mom-and-pop nonprofit organizations that are boots-on-the-ground, showing up daily for veterans. These aren’t corporate machines or big-budget operations—they're passionate individuals and small teams who lead with heart, often formed by veterans or military families who know the struggle firsthand. HomeFront SitRep celebrates these organizations that haven’t lost sight of humanity, offering support, services, and community without red tape or fine print. But the mission doesn’t stop there. The show also brings in a vibrant cross-section of the veteran community—highlighting veteran-owned businesses, showcasing the creativity of veteran authors and musicians, and laughing alongside veteran comedians. Each episode dives deep into personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, giving veterans from all walks of life a chance to share their story, their mission, and their voice. Whether it's a Marine turned mental health advocate, an Army veteran launching a clothing brand, or a Navy vet writing their first book, HomeFront SitRep serves as a rally point for veterans and patriots alike. It’s not just a podcast—it’s a mission to build connection, community, and conversation. This is where the fight continues—on the home front. This is HomeFront SitRep.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Throttle, Art, and Advocacy: The Joe Stazione Story

    Throttle, Art, and Advocacy: The Joe Stazione Story
    Jul 29 2025
    Joe Stazione is a proud United States Marine Corps veteran whose mission didn’t end when he took off the uniform—it simply changed form. Serving from 1999 to 2003, Joe may not have experienced combat firsthand, but he has faced a different kind of battle—the silent war that many veterans endure when they return home: a war against isolation, a loss of identity, and the struggle to find renewed purpose in civilian life. After leaving the military, Joe quickly realized that too many of his brothers and sisters-in-arms were falling through the cracks. Determined to be part of the solution, he poured his energy into creating spaces of support, healing, and purpose for the veteran community. That passion gave rise to multiple veteran-focused nonprofit organizations, the most notable being Throttle Therapy—a movement that fuses mental wellness with the freedom and adrenaline of motorcycle riding. Throttle Therapy isn’t just a catchy name; it’s a philosophy. Joe believes that the rumble of an engine, the wind on your face, and the camaraderie found on the open road can do more for the soul than a thousand sterile counseling sessions. This belief led him to organize Arizona’s largest veteran motorcycle ride, a powerful show of unity that brings together hundreds of vets and supporters each year for a day of remembrance, release, and raw freedom. But Joe’s commitment goes beyond the ride. He’s partnered with nationally recognized veteran organizations like 22Kill, which focuses on veteran suicide prevention, and Defenders of Freedom, known for its impactful work in providing transitional support. Through these collaborations, Joe has been able to extend his reach, bringing crucial resources and awareness to those who need it most. Joe is also an artist, and he’s found that creativity—like riding—can be a form of therapy. By combining motorcycles, art, and advocacy, he’s crafted a holistic approach to healing that breaks the mold of traditional support systems. Whether it’s custom bike builds, paintwork, or simply offering an outlet for self-expression, Joe helps veterans tap into the creative spirit they may have long forgotten. In every effort, Joe Stazione embodies resilience and service—both on and off the battlefield. His journey from Marine to nonprofit leader is a testament to the enduring warrior spirit, and his work continues to change lives, one ride, one brushstroke, and one brother or sister at a time.
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    1 h y 22 m
  • From Combat to Calling: The Birth of SOF Missions with Dr. Damon Friedman

    From Combat to Calling: The Birth of SOF Missions with Dr. Damon Friedman
    Jul 22 2025
    Founded in 2011 by Dr. Damon and Dayna Friedman, SOF Missions is a faith-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to combating the veteran suicide crisis through a comprehensive and holistic approach to wellness. Dr. Damon Friedman, a retired Lieutenant Colonel with 20 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Special Operations community and four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, understands the deep emotional and psychological toll that military service and combat can take. Motivated by his personal journey and unwavering sense of purpose, Dr. Friedman and his team are dedicated to serving the warrior community not just as advocates, but as fellow Freedom Fighters—those willing to fight for the lives and well-being of our nation’s heroes. SOF Missions offers a multi-tiered Be Resilient program that addresses the whole warrior—mind, body, and spirit—through clinics, retreats, and training designed to foster lasting healing and transformation. Be Resilient Clinics are intensive, one-week programs designed for veterans and active-duty service members grappling with the invisible wounds of war, trauma, and military service. These clinics provide individualized care across four domains of wellness—psychological, social, spiritual, and physical—delivered by a team of expert providers. Clinics are held in tranquil resort locations in Florida, intentionally chosen to cultivate an environment of peace, relaxation, and holistic recovery. Participants are guided through tailored interventions, therapeutic exercises, and healing practices that foster restoration and resilience. Be Resilient Retreats offer a more focused, two-day experience that emphasizes a single domain of wellness. These events serve as both stand-alone support and a gateway into the full clinic program. With a strong focus on assessment and practical tools for day-to-day resilience, retreats help participants better understand their needs while providing immediate, actionable strategies to improve mental health, emotional balance, and personal growth. Be Resilient Training is an educational initiative built around the eight tenets of brain health, empowering veterans and service members to proactively maintain a healthy brain, a sharp mind, and a strong body. This comprehensive curriculum equips participants with the knowledge and tools to optimize performance, build mental toughness, and sustain long-term well-being. With its "Recognize, Respond, Recover, Repeat" model, the training reinforces sustainable habits that promote resilience in both personal and professional spheres. Through this tiered model of care—Clinics, Retreats, and Training—SOF Missions is not only saving lives but also restoring purpose, identity, and hope. Their work stands as a powerful reminder that warriors don’t have to suffer in silence. There is a path to healing—and they don’t have to walk it alone.
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    1 h y 16 m
  • The Call of Duty Endowment: A Mission-Driven Force for Veteran Employment

    The Call of Duty Endowment: A Mission-Driven Force for Veteran Employment
    Jul 21 2025
    The Call of Duty Endowment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to one clear mission: helping veterans find high-quality, high-paying careers after military service. Founded in 2009 by former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, the Endowment was born out of a simple but powerful insight—that while symbolic gestures honoring veterans, such as monuments and park dedications, are meaningful, they don't address veterans' most urgent need: meaningful employment. In the early days, Kotick recognized a major gap in veteran support. Although employment remains the top requested service by veterans, it receives less than one-tenth of one percent of the federal government’s $330 billion veteran-focused budget. This imbalance inspired Kotick and Activision Blizzard to take action and launch the Endowment as a direct way to invest in veterans' futures—not just in word, but in deed. Since its founding, Activision Blizzard has donated over $52 million to the Endowment, which in turn has awarded over $84 million in grants to carefully vetted nonprofit organizations that help veterans transition to the civilian workforce. Thanks to this support and a laser focus on results, the Endowment has placed more than 150,000 veterans into quality jobs as of November 2024. Unlike traditional philanthropic approaches, the Call of Duty Endowment is performance-driven. Grantee organizations are held to rigorous quarterly metrics, including: Cost per job placement Average starting salary 6-month and 12-month retention rates Full-time vs. part-time employment outcomes This strategy pays off. In 2024, the Endowment’s grantees placed veterans in jobs at an average cost of just $628 per person—roughly 1/15th of the cost of similar U.S. government programs. This exceptional efficiency reflects not only smart funding but also strong partnerships with high-performing, impact-driven nonprofits. The Endowment doesn't just fund these organizations—it actively supports and elevates them. In 2013, the team launched the Seal of Distinction, a grant and recognition program that awards $30,000 and national visibility to top-performing nonprofits that excel at veteran job placement. This program reflects the Endowment’s core belief: that success should be measured, celebrated, and scaled. Led by President Dan Goldenberg, a retired U.S. Navy captain and accomplished executive, and co-chaired by General James L. Jones, former National Security Advisor and Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Endowment benefits from deep expertise in both military and civilian leadership. Their vision has guided the Endowment’s expansion and international reach. In 2017, the Endowment extended its support to the United Kingdom, bringing its model of data-driven impact across the Atlantic. And in 2022, it met its ambitious goal of placing 100,000 veterans—two years ahead of schedule. With the bar raised once again, the Endowment is now committed to placing the next 100,000 veterans into careers that match their talents, discipline, and service. More than a nonprofit, the Call of Duty Endowment is a movement—one rooted in respect, responsibility, and results. It is a powerful example of how focused philanthropy, smart strategy, and a deep commitment to those who served can deliver real, lasting impact.
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    1 h y 6 m
  • Objective Zero: How Tech and Community Are Saving Veteran Lives

    Objective Zero: How Tech and Community Are Saving Veteran Lives
    Jul 15 2025
    The Objective Zero App: Real Support. Real People. Right Now. At Objective Zero, we believe no service member, veteran, or caregiver should ever feel alone in their struggles. That’s why we created the Objective Zero App—a completely free, confidential platform designed to provide instant access to mental health resources, wellness tools, and a compassionate community of peers who truly understand. Whether you're seeking help or offering it, the app is your gateway to connection and care. You can chat with a trained peer supporter—called a Pathfinder—through text, voice, or video, all at your own pace and comfort level. These are volunteers who’ve walked the same path, faced similar battles, and are ready to stand watch with you—no judgment, just support. With the release of version 2.0, we’ve taken the mission even further: Smarter filters to help you connect faster with the right person or resource. A mood and symptom tracker to help you monitor your mental well-being over time. A private journaling tool for reflection and resilience-building. Customizable light and dark modes to match your preferences and needs. Whether you're active duty, a veteran, a family member, or a caregiver—you’re not alone. The Objective Zero App puts a powerful network of support right in your pocket. Download the Objective Zero App today to find support, offer support, or simply to remind yourself: You matter. You’re not alone. We’ve got your six.
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    1 h y 9 m
  • Zero Six Reveille: Franco Sapia on Discipline, Duty, and the Relentless Pursuit of Purpose

    Zero Six Reveille: Franco Sapia on Discipline, Duty, and the Relentless Pursuit of Purpose
    Jul 14 2025
    In this compelling episode, we sit down with Franco Sapia—a distinguished former U.S. Marine veteran and retired federal agent from the Department of Homeland Security—whose life journey embodies discipline, integrity, and unwavering service to country and community. Raised in an environment where structure and accountability were cornerstones, Sapia learned early on that success is earned through dedication, hard work, and resilience. His formative years in the Marine Corps and his later role in federal law enforcement not only sharpened his leadership skills but also deepened his lifelong commitment to defending American values and freedoms. Franco shares how the same principles that guided him through combat zones and federal operations also laid the foundation for his latest mission: Zero Six Reveille, a purpose-driven apparel brand. Rooted in the belief that success is not a destination but a lifelong pursuit, Zero Six Reveille serves as a call to action—challenging others to rise early, work hard, and remain relentless in the face of adversity. It's more than clothing; it’s a lifestyle and a movement dedicated to those who forge their own path, regardless of the obstacles or doubters along the way. Listeners will hear Franco’s insights on grit, leadership, and the power of starting your day—and your life—with intention. His story is one of transformation and tenacity, meant to inspire others to tap into their inner warrior, embrace their purpose, and live with the kind of passion that refuses to quit. Whether you're a veteran, an entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for motivation to push through life’s challenges, this episode is a powerful reminder that your journey matters—and it’s never too early, or too late, to answer your own reveille.
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    1 h y 12 m
  • Cutting Out the Middleman: The Case for Direct-from-Farm

    Cutting Out the Middleman: The Case for Direct-from-Farm
    Jul 8 2025
    From The Farm is more than just a food marketplace—it’s a movement rooted in food sovereignty and the belief that every meal can be a step toward greater independence and resilience. By choosing From The Farm, you’re directly supporting family-owned farms, ranches, and homesteads across the country. Each purchase helps create a secure, parallel food economy—one that values transparency, sustainability, and community over mass production and corporate control. At the heart of From The Farm is a simple but powerful question: Where does your food come from? Here, you don’t have to wonder. Every product comes from a verified local source, giving you a direct line to the farmers and ranchers who grow and raise your food. This connection builds trust, ensures quality, and supports people—not faceless corporations. When it comes to health, From The Farm delivers. The platform offers meats and produce that are nutrient-dense, responsibly raised, and free from harmful chemicals, additives, and shortcuts. You’re not just putting food on the table—you’re feeding your family ingredients as pure and wholesome as nature intended. And it doesn’t have to cost more. By removing middlemen and streamlining the supply chain, From The Farm offers premium-quality food at fair, competitive prices. Your dollar goes further, benefiting both your family and the small-scale producers who work hard to feed their communities. Convenience is also key. The platform makes shopping easy—simply browse online, place your order, and enjoy farm-fresh food delivered right to your doorstep. It’s a seamless experience that brings the farmers' market to your home. Supporting From The Farm means more than enjoying better food—it means making a lasting impact. Every order contributes to the survival and success of America’s small farms, helping to preserve rural livelihoods, protect the environment, and strengthen local economies. In short, From The Farm empowers you to eat better, live healthier, and make choices that matter. It’s about more than meals—it’s about cultivating a legacy of freedom, sustainability, and connection in every bite.
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    1 h y 4 m