In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey interviews Esther Avant, a Nutrition Coach, a Personal Trainer and the owner of Esther Avant Wellness Coaching.
Esther talks about how she overcame the struggles of having a virtual business as a military spouse. She also shares her ways of bringing in new clients.

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:14] About Wellness Coaching
• [02:39] Esther’s struggles to overcome in the business
• [06:04] Advice to other military spouse business owners/entrepreneurs
• [09:29] Esther’s role model
• [09:55] One thing Esther’s clients struggle with
• [10:47] Esther’s business five years from now
• [12:02] Bringing in new clients

Quote:

“You didn’t graduate college and end up a CEO. You had to show up everyday and put in to work and overtime you got to where you wanted to be… and it’s the same thing with business.” - Esther Avant

Social:
Esther Avant
Esther Avant Wellness Coaching Facebook 
Esther's Instagram
Esther's Twitter
Live Diet Free Facebook group

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey interviews Jean South who spent 9 years as a FBI Special Agent and is now the CEO of Hire Served.  Hire Served helps military-passionate employers in recruiting, hiring and on-boarding top veteran talents.

Jean talks about the challenges of being a CEO. She also shares her life as an entrepreneur and a military spouse.

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:01] Jean’s backstory
• [02:50] Hire Served services
• [03:33] Defining their industry
• [04:08] How they compete in a crowded industry
• [06:13] The challenges of entrepreneurship
• [09:17] Managing as a CEO
• [11:30] A day in a life of an entrepreneur
• [17:10] Fun Fact about Jean South

Quote:

“… I never really recognized that that’s the role of the CEO - to be the expert at the vision.” -Jean South

Social:
Hire Served
Hire Served's Twitter
Hire Served's Facebook Page
Hire Served's Instagram
Jean South's Youtube Channel

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Meghan Alonso, who is known for her medical device podcast and is the woman behind Imua Services.

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:13] What Imua Services provide and offer
• [02:15] Meghan’s medical background
• [03:50] Military wife experience
• [05:15] Cash Flow management
• [10:48] Finding new clients
• [13:10] Meghan’s podcast
• [17:00] Finding people that serve your audience

Quote:

“But a lot in times in life, the lessons are the best if you actually experience it.” - Meghan Alonso

Social:
IMUA
IMUA's Facebook Page
IMUA’s LinkedIn Profile
IMUA's Twitter

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey interviews the amazing ladies behind The Hive & Co, a company that offers online marketing services for small business owners. Meet Miranda Perales and Shiang-ling Bissonnette. They share how their partnership started and the challenges they face as they grow with their business.

Miranda and Shiang-ling also talk about what it's like to be military spouse business owners and how their differences helped them in handling their business. Don’t miss this episode!

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:10] What Miranda and Shang-Ling do
• [02:16] How Miranda and Shang-Ling started their business together
• [04:26] Challenges they experienced as partners
• [06:10] Tips for virtual business owners
• [08:05] Tips for military spouses on finding their people
• [11:17] Dealing with vulnerability and rejection

Quote:

"The partnership we have is a great thing because we have somebody to fall back on. But we also have to keep in mind that we are constantly balancing each other out and having to make sure that we are always in line because that’s something important for us to be successful." - Miranda Perales

Social:
The Hive & Co.
The Hive & Co's Facebook Page
The Hive & Co's Instagram
The Hive & Co's Pinterest
The Hive & Co's Twitter
The Hive & Co's LinkedIn
The Hive & Co's Email Address

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey interviews the women behind MadSkills, a company that allows you to outsource all your business needs to highly skilled military spouses. Meet Erica McMannes and Liza Rodewald as they share how their passion of providing opportunities for military spouses led them to starting MadSkills. You’ll also learn the ins and outs on how to start a business and form a partnership that works!

They have created an awesome business that not only helps military spouses, but also provides opportunities to empower them to earn income from anywhere in the world! Don’t miss this amazing episode!

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:15] Who are Erica and Liza and what is MadSkills
  
• [2:09] Why MadSkills?
  
• [4:35] Common misconceptions about virtual and remote work
• [6:05] Events and Happenings that they are working on
  
• [8:14] Why business partnerships are like marriages
  
• [10:22] The future of MadSkills
  
• [13:00] Issues with candidates who work from posts
  
• [14:50] Some personal questions
• [17:15] Advice for fellow military spouses who want to start a business

Quote:

"Spouses are a force to be reckoned with, more people should know about you all. And that was like a light bulb in my head, people need to know more about us outside the military community…"  - Erica McMannes

Social:
MadSkills
MadSkills Facebook Page
Erica’s LinkedIn Profile
Liza's LinkedIn Profile

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey speaks with Jason Dempsey and Ken Robbins of GoMillie. They share their backgrounds, how they established an effective partnership, and their vision for the military community.

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:25] Background of Ken in the army
• [3:46] How the business led to finding Amy and Lauren
• [7:10] Why a partnership makes sense
• [8:19] Challenges of working with new partners
• [12:08] Their exit strategy
• [15:00] Tips for those who wants to get into starting a business

Quote:

"In some point, you don’t know what the future is going to be. So you got to decide is what I’m holding to right now, what I want, and do I want to take this leap of faith..."  - Ken Robbins

Social: Agent Hero Gomillie.com

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey speaks with Amy Shick & Lauren Rothlisberger of Millie to find out what it was like to sell their business, Military Property Project.  This is part 1 of a two part Millie series. 

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:20] Where Amy & Lauren are today in their entrepreneur journey
• [2:00] What are their roles with Millie
• [4:22] How they met and their mutual passion
• [6:30] When Project Hero approached them about selling
• [8:00] The idea of creating Millie and combining companies
• [9:50] The emotion process of “should we sell’
• [11:45] Lauren on removing the emotions when selling
• [15:09] Amy on getting to focus on their strengths at Millie

Quote:

“It really doesn’t matter about us personally, it what matters for Military Property Project & Scout and the resources we’ve created, giving them the best chance to helping as many military families as possible” - Amy Shick

Social:
Agent Hero
Gomillie.com
scout.gomillie.com
Facebook
Twitter
Lauren@gomillie.com
Amy@gomillie.com

This segment is the fifth and last of a 5 part series dedicated to our active duty service members transitioning out of the service and starting their entrepreneurial journey.  Lindsey Germono interviews marine veteran Jim Friddell.

Important topics they discuss:

• [01:22] What Jim does and his time in the service
• [3:34] What motivated him to start a business
• [5:04] Investing and having savings
• [6:44] What it was like working for someone else
• [11:10] The current investment industry setup
• [13:09] From one coffee to a business
• [15:11] Finding great partners
• [18:20] Mistakes he made along the way
• [19:00] Results and revenues

Quote:
"When you start making a lot of money and you’re not use to making money. You don’t know what to do with it." -Jim Friddell

Social:
Thrift Savings Plan
Jim's Linkedin Profile
Jim's Company Website
Email Jim

This segment is the 4th of a 5 part series dedicated to our active duty service members transitioning out of the service and starting their entrepreneurial journey. Jonny Coreson is active duty Navy and provides Career counseling services to transitioning service members.

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:06] Jonny is active duty Navy and provides Career counseling services to transitioning service members
• [1:39] How he formed Bluejacketeer
• [3:23] Career counseling in 2013
• [4:38] Be realistic when pursuing entrepreneurship
• [5:00] Advice: Go research and use resources available.
• [7:38] Elevator speech to communicate what you want to do.
• [8:28] Using creative financing and bootstrapping
• [9:00] Passion to support the navy
• [10:10] Boots to business
• [12:31] What type of business should an active duty service member form?

Quote:
"Answer the basic questions and be confident in your way forward and plug into these resources early and glean. Just be a sponge." -Jonny Coreson

Social:
National Military Family Association Facebook Page
Inc 5000
Inc 5000 Conferences
StreetShares
BlueJacketeer
BlueJacketeer Facebook Page
Email Jonny
Facebook Group - Drop and Give Me 20

This segment is the 3 of a 5 part series dedicated to our active duty service members transitioning out of the service and starting their entrepreneurial journey.  Lindsey Germono interviews Anthony Williams, Army veteran and founder of SAW Contracting, Inc.  Listen as Anthony shares how he took what he learned while active duty as preparation for his future commercial construction business.

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:20] His Old Dominion University ROTC days
• [2:13] Anthony’s experiences during his deployments
• [5:10] He became asst. project manager, learned the ropes and moved up 6 years
• [6:00] Didn’t think he’d own a business, joined Army to travel the world and get away from home
• [7:20] What does he use from the military in his business today?
• [9:19] Piece of advice he’d give to his younger self
• [11:18] His dreams of ice cream and opening a dog rescue
• [13:08] What his construction business looks like
• [14:17] Tips to any military who’s starting a business

Quote:
"We’re a government contractor…everything has to be organized, prepared properly, communicated properly'" - Anthony Williams

Social:
Old Dominion University
Saw Contracting
Saw Contracting Facebook Page
Anthony's LinkedIn Profile
Facebook Group - Drop and Give Me 20

This segment is the second of a 5 part series dedicated to our active duty service members transitioning out of the service and starting their entrepreneurial journey.  In this episode, Lindsey Germono interviews Kevin Bemel of The Bemel Company. Learn about Kevin’s 5-Step process catered to veterans to help them land a high paying job or start a business!

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:30] All about Kevin and what led him to this venture
• [3:40] Started an entrepreneurship bootcamp for veterans
• [6:43] The so-called military-civilian divide
• [9:04] Teaching veterans to ‘fish’
• [9:59] The 5 Step Process
• [15:16] Getting your part of the American Dream
• [17:29] Getting the most of this process
• [19:06] Definition of a job board
• [22:05] Major struggles veterans face using this process
• [24:27] View on civilian care and support to veterans
• [26:24] The issue of entitlement

Quote:
"This is the heart of any entrepreneurial venture, 'How can I add value to other people’s lives?'" - Kevin Bemel
Social:

Bemel
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Facebook Group
Facebook Group - Drop and Give Me 20

This segment is the first of a 5 part series dedicated to our active duty service members transitioning out of the service and starting their entrepreneurial journey. Lindsey Germono interviews motivational speaker, Frank Shankwitz, Air Force veteran and founder of Make-A-Wish Foundation. Listen as Frank shares his life experiences, values and ethics that’ll definitely set you on the right track to running a successful organization.

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:19] Frank’s experience serving the Air Force
• [2:55] Franks career with Arizona Highway Patrol as a homicide detective
• [03:05] The story behind Make-A-Wish Foundation
• [04:50] Sharing how the Make-A-Wish foundation was first initiated
• [10:40] Insights on starting a business
• [12:45] Frank’s advice: Stickability
• [13:55] Making the best of your situation
• [18:00] Why it’s important as a business to get involved in causes
• [20:20] Discussing his movie, “Wishman”
• [21:00] “Wishman” the book

Quote:

"They say to surround yourself with experts, people that are smarter than you and I knew to do that. And that’s what we did and that’s the people that made it grow to what it is today.” - Frank Shankwitz
Social:

Make a Wish Foundation
Frank’s Website
Wishman Movie
Wishman Book by Frank Shankwitz and Kitty Shankwitz

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Cameron Cruse, co-founder of R. Riveter.

Important topics they discuss:

•  Creating a company that provides military spouses with employment they can take with them when PCS'ing.
•  The Shark tank experience and partnering with Mark Cuban
• "I think Shark Tank was one of the more terrifying things that we had done just because it forced us to look at who we are, what we're trying to do with this company, and how do we best support our military spouses."
• As military spouses, so many times we're pulling that double duty- we have so much going on in our lives.
• We started with the why- this is the glue.
• Benefits of having a partner in business.
• The future of R. Riveter.

Quote:

"Understand where you want to be and where you are and don't be afraid of the in between." -Cameron Cruse

Social:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Website

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Jessica Bertsch, founder of Powerhouse Planning.  Powerhouse Planning (Powerhouse) guides companies toward initiating and instituting high-IMPACT business plans that succeed in the forms of growth, recognition, efficiency, and new opportunities.
 
Important topics they discuss:

• [2:07]  All about Powerhouse Planning
• [4:48] The five pillars of Powerhouse Planning
• [5:23] How Jessica taps into the skills of military spouses and veterans to build her team
• [8:28] Jessica’s biggest mistake in the beginning of launching her business
• [10:01]  Jessica’s letter to new CEO’s
• [10:45] The benefits of having a professional mentor
• [12:08] The importance of giving back when running a business

Quote:
“We don’t want to lose our professional identity, want to continue to flourish and do awesome things as well over a 20+ year career.” – Jessica Bertsch

Social:

LinkedIn
Facebook
Pinterest

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Claire Yanta-O’Mahoney, the Founder of Fleur de Lis Fitness. Claire.

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:47] All About Claire and Fleur de Lis Fitness
• [3:26] How Claire’s transition from a military spouse to a veteran spouse impacted her business
• [7:20] Challenges Claire has faced and overcome
• [9:02] Do It In the Morning: Time management skills for military entrepreneurs -
• [10:26] Advantages of working with a personal coach
• [13:09] Lindsey’s Personal Story
• [13:09] Tips Claire wished she could have told herself before she started her business

Quote:

“Try to silence the self doubt. There’s this voice in the back of our head wondering if this is the right way to do it and what someone might say. These fears are there but that doesn’t mean you need to listen to it.” - Claire Yanta-O’Mahoney

Social:

• Fleur de Lis Fitness
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Brian Richardson, the Founder of The Company Project. He works with small businesses in the firearms industry to define strategies for their products and services so that they can find, motivate, and keep profitable customers.

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:14] All about Brian and The Company Project
• [3:07] Niche, niche, niche: Brian goes from small business to focusing on the firearms industry
• [7:17] Obstacles in the transition from military to entrepreneur
• [8:23] Understanding how business partnerships work
• [11:25] How to find, motivate, and keep profitable customers
• [15:58] Does your website measure up?

Quote:

“Passion will get you through some lean times but it won’t necessarily make you have a successful business..the good stuff happens at the intersection of passion and ability.” - Brian Richardson

Social:

• The Company Project
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Facebook

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Bill Lockard. Bill is the Founder of 227 Financial Coaching. He helps military families reduce debt and build wealth.

 Important topics they discuss:

• [1:03] All About Bill
• [3:19] Year One - The hardest year most business owners ever face
• [5:20] Don’t go into battle without a plan: Bill’s financial tips for entrepreneurs in 2017
• [10:18] Christmas ideas for the military entrepreneur who has everything

 Quote:

“Going into business without a budget it like going into battle without a plan.” - William Lockard

• 227 Financial Coaching
• Bill's Book
• Email (info@financial227support.com)
• Phone: 678.850.7985

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Kathy Stoddard Torrey founder of Tapfer Consulting. Kathy is a life and relationship coach with an MBA who trains, assesses, facilitates, builds teams and coaches.

Important topics they discuss:

• [2:00] All About Kathy and the history of Tapfer Consulting
• [4:24] Why did Kathy launch her consulting business
• [6:23] Baby steps get you moving: Advice for new entrepreneurs on how to start
• [11:52] How Kathy handled changes and challenges as an entrepreneur
• [16:43] Perfection is the enemy

“Perfection...It is an entrepreneur’s worst enemy. We want it to be perfect so we never end up sending it out the door...80% out the door is better than 100% sitting on your desk!” - Kathy Stoddard Torrey

• Tapfer Consulting
• Email (kstorrey@tapferconsulting.com)
• Twitter (@kstorrey)
• Instagram (@kstorrey)

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Jeremy Paris, ten year Army veteran and podcaster. Jeremy hosts the Veteran Resource Podcast and co-founded the only kid-focused podcast network, Podcast Playground.

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:02] All About Jeremy
• [5:00] The Veteran Resource Podcast
• [5:40] Jeremy’s Tips for 2017 - Networking & Processes
• [8:42] Advice Jeremy offers to Non-Profits - Niche, Niche, Niche

Quote:

“There’s not way we could accomplish all we do if we didn’t have the processes in place to automate, outsource and batch.” - Jeremy Paris

Social:

• Veteran Resource Podcast
• Twitter
• Podcast Playground

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Laura Petersen, co-founder of Podtent Marketing, Podcast Teachers, host of Copy that Pops and author of the Amazon Best Seller, Copywriting for Podcasters. 

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:28] The Power of Podcasting
• [3:07] How to DIY Your Podcast
• [5:25] How to Get Help Starting Your Podcast

Quote:

“Podcasts are the only type of content that an audience can consume while multitasking. Jogging the park? You can’t watch a video and you can’t read a blog article. You can really get in someone’s head with a podcast though.” - Laura Petersen

Social:

• Podtent Marketing
• Podcast Teachers
• Copy that Pops
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Copywriting for Podcasters

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Lt. Colonel Matt Butler, founder of Rollors, a unique and fun outdoor game featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fox and Friends, and The Today Show.

Important topics they discuss:

• [2:00] What is Rollors and where did it come from?
• [4:10] Advantages of working with specialty retailers
• [5:40] Focusing on veterans and military spouses
• [10:30] Making the jump from retailing to wholesaling
• [16:15] Marketing, Marketing, Marketing

Quote:

“I had my first retail buyer ask me about wholesaling. I had no idea and had to research what price point to use where everyone comes out ahead.” - Matt Butler

Social:

https://rollors.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/rollors1

https://twitter.com/rollors

https://www.instagram.com/rollorsgame/

In this special four part mini-series of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono focuses on closing out 2016 with a bang! Join the discussion as Lindsey invites experts to share actionable tips to help you prepare for a successful 2017.

In this mini-series episode, Lindsey Germono speaks with Katie Christy, Founder and CEO of Activate Your Talent and Empower Military Spouses, two companies helping individuals and businesses leverage their natural talents to improve effectiveness.

Important topics they discuss:

• [1:02] All about Katie
• [3:05] Katie’s tips as your planning for 2017
• [4:30] How to build your Personal Leadership Philosophy (PLP)
• [11:58] How a PLP benefits your business

Quote:

“If you’re involved in an organization or team, it’s important that you take the organization's mission and make sure it meshes with your leadership philosophy. If they are going in two different directions, not only will you be confused, but so will those around you.” - Katie Christy

Giveaway!

http://germono.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Developing-a-PLP.pdf

Social:

katie@activateyourtalent.com

https://www.facebook.com/activateyourtalentllc/

http://empowermilitaryspouses.com/

http://activateyourtalent.com/

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Rocky Harrigan, co-founder of Unbranded AR, an internet-based provider of firearms focusing specifically on high-quality parts for the AR15.

Important topics they discuss:

• [2:28] Women really do have everything they need to succeed
• [4:20] How Rocky works with people who have a different perspective around guns
• [5:20] Rocky's personal story about safety and security because of her training with firearms
• [7:42] Challenges Rocky faced starting her company
• [12:22] Bootstrapping and readjusting
• [15:00] What to look at before starting your business
• [15:35] Retail challenges, guidelines, and regulations

Quote:
“We look at the numbers every day. What actually sells? Not what you think will sell. What do my numbers show me?” - Rocky Harrigan

More: Shownotes

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Marc Bethel, the founder  of Commonwealth Creative Marketing. CCM is an ad agency that helps companies and entrepreneurs with both digital media and offline advertising. From web design, SEO, and hosting to graphic design, business cards, and vehicle wraps, CCM delivers big league creative and interactive solutions to small-midsize businesses looking for quality at a fair price.

Important topics they discuss:

• 4:02 - How ad agencies make money
• 5:02 - How Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can help your business
• 7:36 - Packaged websites versus organic design for small businesses
• 9:25 - How much should solopreneurs or small businesses spend on a custom designed website?
• 12:30 - Hot website features and plugins
• 15:15 - Entrepreneurial advice
• 18:00 - All about Marc

Quote:

“Buckle Up! It takes the right kind of person but...military entrepreneurs are more prepared for this than a lot of other people.”

Marc Bethel

In this episode of Drop and Give Me 20, Lindsey Germono speaks with Kristen Smith, the Owner of Barks and Bows. Barks and Bows creates all natural dog treats, hand-crafted collars, and other pet accessories.

Important topics they discuss:

•  Kristen’s biggest challenge right now [3:22]
•  Kristen’s approach to staying positive during the workday [5:35]
•  What Kristen would tell someone moving into entrepreneurship [7:04]
•  How Kristen balances being a parent, being a military spouse, and building a business [8:09]
•  Kristen’s thoughts on working with Etsy [10:57]

Quote:

“Etsy is a great starting point for small businesses before jumping into your own site.” - Kristen Smith

Connect:

https://www.instagram.com/barksandbows/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/barksandbowsllc

barksandbows.etsy@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheBarksandBows/