Gene Moran joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into the realities of military-to-civilian transition, the leap into entrepreneurship, and how veterans can thrive in high-stakes industries. He shares powerful insights on finding the right post-service fit, investing in yourself, building a profitable business, and navigating the GovCon and federal budget landscape with confidence.

In this episode, we explore:

• How landing the wrong job happens—and how to avoid it
• Why investing in yourself is essential for long-term success
• How fulfillment, not titles, should shape your path forward
• What sparked Gene’s leap from corporate lobbyist to successful entrepreneur
• Why veterans must understand sales, value, and positioning in today’s market

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

Gene Moran is the founder and president of Capital Integration, widely recognized as one of the top federal defense lobbyists in the nation. A retired U.S. Navy Captain who commanded both a cruiser and a destroyer, he has helped clients achieve billions of dollars in federal funding results. Gene is a university professor, bestselling author, award-winning consultant, and a trusted expert in navigating Congress, federal budgets, and the defense marketplace.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S. – Military Transition Resources Show
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #GeneMoran #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #DefenseIndustry #GovCon #VeteranLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #GrabTheLifeline

Nikki Allmann joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how fitness, community, and resilience can transform the lives of veterans and first responders, and she shares powerful insights on mental health, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and building a nonprofit from the ground up.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Nikki rebuilt her identity after a traumatic transition from the military
• Why she founded the Workout Warrior Foundation after nearly becoming a statistic
• The emotional and financial realities of running a purpose-driven nonprofit that refuses to turn anyone away

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

Nikki Allmann is a retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant who served 22 years as a paralegal with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, and the Philippines. She is the founder of the Workout Warrior Foundation and co-owner of Warrior X CrossFit and Warrior X Coffee, where she empowers veterans, first responders, and adaptive athletes through accessible fitness, whole-person wellness, and community support. Her mission is simple: no one fights alone.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S. – Military Transition Resources Show
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VeteranEntrepreneur #VETSOS #WorkoutWarrior #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthMatters #TransitionSupport #Resilience #FirstResponderWellness #VeteranNonprofit #NoOneFightsAlone #GrabTheLifeline

Jay Sperry joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into the realities of veteran entrepreneurship and share insights on transition, leadership, franchise ownership, and building a resilient business mindset. In this episode, we explore:

• The power of veteran-to-veteran support during transition
• How mission planning and communication skills sharpen entrepreneurial success
• Why embracing the highs and lows of business is essential—without losing sight of your mission

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

Jay Sperry is a Marine Corps veteran with seven deployments and a 20-year military career. After retiring in 2024 through the SkillBridge program, he stepped into the role of COO at Veteran Service Brands, where he supports more than 90 veteran-owned franchise locations across the U.S. Jay is passionate about helping veterans build successful businesses and find purpose beyond their military service.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S. – Military Transition Resources Show
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight
VET S.O.S. – Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranEntrepreneurs #VeteranStories #VeteranServiceBrands #MarineVeteran #BusinessLeadership #FranchiseOpportunities #MilitaryTransitionSupport #VeteranEmpowerment #GrabTheLifeline

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, Maurice Murphy welcomes Adam Bird, military veteran, founder of Heroes Media Group, and multi-industry entrepreneur. Adam shares his brutally honest transition story—one shaped by anger, uncertainty, and a complete lack of guidance—and how that turbulence became the fuel for everything he built afterward.

Listeners will hear Adam reveal:

• The bitterness and frustration of being forced out before he felt ready

• Why being a high performer in the corporate world still couldn’t outweigh missed moments with his son

• The leap of faith that changed everything—and the financial chaos that followed

• How failure, grit, and purpose molded him into a successful entrepreneur

• Why most entrepreneurs fail to set goals big enough to chase

• His belief that positive stories can change the world through media

• How Heroes Media Group empowers veterans, first responders, and community heroes

• The advice he gives every aspiring entrepreneur: “Believe in yourself, have faith, and take a chance on yourself.”

This episode is real, unfiltered, and packed with the kind of wisdom only lived experience can teach. Whether you’re transitioning, already building your business, or searching for purpose beyond the uniform, Adam’s story will leave you inspired and motivated.

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranStories #HeroesMediaGroup #PostMilitarySuccess #VeteranSupport #EntrepreneurMindset #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranLeadership #PurposeDrivenLife #GrabTheLifeline

In this powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy welcomes Miguel D. Echols—a Marine Corps veteran, international leadership consultant, and certified coach—to share his inspiring journey from service member to global leadership strategist.

Miguel reveals how mentorship, faith, and adaptability shaped his entrepreneurial path and why focusing on meaningful productivity matters more than constant hustle. With insights drawn from consulting for major brands like Starbucks and nonprofits around the world, Miguel explains how leadership, culture, and mindset intersect to create thriving organizations.

Listeners will discover how to:

• Apply military discipline to business growth

• Build authentic relationships that accelerate success

• Avoid the trap of “busy work” and focus on impact

• Create lasting change through leadership and self-awareness

Tune in for a masterclass on transformation, leadership, and growth from one of today’s most inspiring veteran entrepreneurs.

🎙️ VET S.O.S. – Don’t Drown in the Sea of Transition. Grab the Lifeline.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6GUdf1TJvCgyy52Xi2TdLZ

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranLeadership #EntrepreneurJourney #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranEmpowerment #LeadershipCoach #VeteranStories #VeteranSuccess #GrabTheLifeline

In this episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy sits down with Monica Fullerton, Air Force spouse, twin mom, and founder of Spouse-ly, to explore how she turned her challenges as a military spouse into a thriving business that empowers others.

From her corporate beginnings to becoming a Forbes Next 1000 entrepreneur, Monica discusses how planning, family, and perseverance fueled her success. She shares practical advice for new entrepreneurs, the importance of mentorship, and how Spouse-ly bridges the gap between passion and purpose for military and first responder families.

Listen as Monica reminds us that growth begins when comfort ends—a message for every aspiring business owner ready to take that leap of faith.

🎙️ Powered by the VET S.O.S. Network—Don’t Drown in the Sea of Transition. Grab the Lifeline!

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GUdf1TJvCgyy52Xi2TdLZ
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Website: vetsospodcast.com

#VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VETSOS #MonicaFullerton #Spousely #MilitarySpouseBusiness #EntrepreneurInspiration #VeteranOwned #MilitaryFamilySupport #FemaleFounders #GrabTheLifeline

On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy talks with Dr. Brenda Pridgen, retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class and founder of Authentic Mind LLC. Dr. Pridgen shares how her post-service journey evolved from uncertainty to empowerment as she built a purpose-driven business centered on mental-health awareness and authentic healing.

From her early days without TAP support to finding strength through faith, family, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Pridgen proves that transformation begins when we lean into vulnerability and purpose. Her story highlights the importance of empathy, community, and courage—values that define both her military career and her entrepreneurial success.

Discover the lessons she learned through transition, the programs that helped her grow (VR&E, Good Biz, Boots to Business), and how Authentic Mind LLC empowers veterans and civilians alike to rediscover their worth and inner strength.

💡 “Every individual already has the answers inside of them. I’m just here to help you discover them.” – Dr. Brenda Pridgen

🎙 Presented by the VET S.O.S. Network – helping veterans, service members, and families thrive through transition, education, and entrepreneurship.

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #VeteranPodcast #MilitaryTransition #WomenVeterans #AuthenticLeadership #MentalHealthForVeterans #EntrepreneurMotivation #FaithDrivenBusiness #VeteranSuccess #GrabTheLifeline

On this episode of the VET S.O.S. Network’s Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight, host Maurice Murphy welcomes Michael Dermer, founder of The Lonely Entrepreneur and creator of the Veteran Entrepreneur Initiative (VEI).

Michael shares how he went from a successful corporate lawyer in New York City to launching the first company that rewarded people for healthy behavior—then nearly lost everything during the 2008 crash. Through perseverance and innovation, he rebuilt his company and went on to found The Lonely Entrepreneur, a platform designed to help others conquer the emotional and financial challenges of entrepreneurship.

Now, through the Veteran Entrepreneur Initiative, Michael is on a mission to provide 100,000 veterans and their families with access to the Learning Community—a one-stop shop offering on-demand knowledge, tools, and support for every stage of entrepreneurship.

Tune in to hear:

• What inspired Michael’s transition from law to entrepreneurship.

• How the VEI is transforming veteran transition through business ownership.

• Why the sacrifices of military families fuel his passion to give back.

• How to support or enroll at TLEfoundation.org/VEI.

Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline and start your next mission today.

🎙 Part of the VET S.O.S. Network — connecting veterans, families, and communities through storytelling and opportunity.

#VETSOS #VeteranEntrepreneurSpotlight #MichaelDermer #TheLonelyEntrepreneur #VeteranEntrepreneurInitiative #VeteranEmpowerment #MilitaryTransition #VeteranBusinessOwners #EntrepreneurMindset #VeteranCommunity #GrabTheLifeline