In this episode, Garret Dillon shares his journey from the 101st Airborne Division to Director of Integrations at Agentis Longevity, and the military-forged mindset that drives his work. Through Shore Capital's Military to Operations program, Garret found a path to channel his leadership, grit, and relentless optimism into building a fast-growing healthcare company from the inside. He reflects on how the discipline of military life translates to the ambiguity of a startup, why veterans shouldn't discount their experience, and how a Colin Powell quote became his operating philosophy. The episode paints a picture of how one person's energy and mindset can shape a team's culture and a company's trajectory.

Key Takeaways:

1. Staying optimistic isn't just nice to have. It's what makes big goals possible with a small team.
2. The skills veterans build in the military carry over to business more than they might expect.
3. Not having a playbook is tough, but it's also the most rewarding part of building something new.
4. Great culture doesn't happen by accident. It comes from people who show up every day with energy and purpose.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 — Introduction
2. 03:00 — From the Military to Agentis
3. 07:12 — Optimism in Action
4. 10:36 — Building Culture
5. 14:08 — Advice and Motivation
6. 19:05 — What Makes Garret a Hero

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

There you will also find our other Everyday Heroes episodes, alongside our series Microcap Moments and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, nor a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot, and Michael Burcham focus on the critical role N-1 leaders play in building scalable companies and how great boards evaluate and develop that talent. They discuss why N-1 engagement in the boardroom strengthens succession planning, sharpens strategic alignment, and prepares leaders for larger roles. The conversation explores how CEOs can coach and position their teams for success, when to elevate value-creation roles versus hygienic functions, and how boards assess whether executives can scale with the business. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that effective boards don’t just oversee performance but actively help build the next generation of leadership.

Key Takeaways:

1. Strong boards engage N-1s directly to assess succession readiness, reinforce strategic alignment, and build depth across the leadership team.
2. Board meetings serve as a proving ground where emerging leaders learn to think strategically, communicate clearly, and demonstrate their ability to scale with the business.
3. Effective CEOs act as coaches, preparing N-1s for the boardroom, creating stretch opportunities, and reinforcing accountability while protecting confidence.
4. High-performing boards don’t just evaluate current results; they actively help shape, develop, and elevate the next generation of leadership to sustain long-term value creation.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 – Introduction
2. 01:17 – Why N-1 Engagement Matters
3. 04:33 – When N-1s Should Lead
4. 08:05 – Coaching N-1s for the Boardroom

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Bill Clendenen, Charlie Talbot, and Michael Burcham explore how CEOs can turn their boards into true strategic assets. They share practical guidance on building trust through transparency, setting realistic goals, and engaging board members outside the boardroom. The conversation focuses on how effective CEOs pressure test strategy, avoid surprises, and translate strategic plans into clear operational execution. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that strong CEO board relationships are built on consistency, preparation, and open dialogue, enabling boards to support leadership, execution, and long-term value creation actively.

Key Takeaways:

1. CEOs maximize impact by using the board as a strategic partner through transparency, preparation, and consistent engagement.
2. Trust with the board is built through realistic goal-setting, open discussion of challenges, and a disciplined, no-surprises approach.
3. Keeping the strategic plan front and center aligns discussion, sharpens decisions, and connects strategy directly to execution.
4. Strong board engagement happens outside the boardroom, where prewiring and one-on-one conversations reduce friction and improve outcomes.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 – Introduction
2. 03:48 – Using the Board Strategically
3. 06:28 – Keeping Strategy Front and Center
4. 10:02 – Building Trust and Avoiding Surprises
5. 15:25 – Pre-Wiring Decisions and Board Dynamics

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.