Build Your A-Team

Veteran Led Collab: Ron Moore on Leadership, Service, and Building Community Impact

Freddie Kim — Mon, 18 May 2026 08:07:58 -0700

What does leadership look like after the uniform — and how do you continue to serve your community?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry and co-host Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent ‪@FreddieJKim‬ speak with Ron Moore about leadership, service, and building lasting impact beyond military life.

Ron shares insights on how Veterans can continue to lead in their communities, emphasizing the importance of accountability, engagement, and purpose. He explains why leadership doesn’t stop after service — it evolves into new opportunities to serve, mentor, and build.

This conversation highlights how Veterans can take ownership of their next mission, create meaningful change, and stay connected to the communities they serve.

🎙 In this episode:
• Leadership after military service
• Building community impact and engagement
• Translating military experience into civilian leadership
• The importance of accountability and purpose
• Creating opportunities to continue serving
• Leading beyond the uniform

Veteran Led Collab: James Suh on Leadership, Growth, and Building High-Performance Teams

Freddie Kim — Tue, 12 May 2026 21:30:37 -0700

What separates leaders who scale from those who stall — and how do you build teams that consistently perform?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry and co-host Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent ‪@FreddieJKim‬ speak with James Suh about leadership, growth, and building high-performance teams.

James breaks down the key elements of effective leadership, including accountability, clarity, and execution. He explains why many teams struggle to perform and how leaders can create environments where individuals are empowered, aligned, and focused on results.

This conversation also explores how leadership principles translate across military and business environments, and why building the right team is one of the most critical decisions any leader can make.

🎙 In this episode:
• Leadership principles that drive team performance
• The importance of clarity and accountability
• Building and scaling high-performance teams
• Decision-making and execution under pressure
• Creating environments where people can grow
• Lessons from leadership across military and business

Guest Links: nashvilleanalytics.com

Veteran Led Collab: Patrick Flood on Veteran Leadership and Owners in Honor

Freddie Kim — Mon, 04 May 2026 20:30:05 -0700

How do Veterans move from service into ownership — and why does that path matter?

In this episode of Veteran Led, Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent (‪@FreddieJKim‬) speaks with Patrick Flood, Army Special Forces Veteran and founder of Owners in Honor, about Veteran leadership, entrepreneurship, and building purpose through ownership.

Patrick shares the vision behind Owners in Honor, an initiative focused on helping Veterans transition into business ownership and leadership roles. He explains why ownership provides a renewed sense of mission, accountability, and long-term impact, and how Veterans can leverage their leadership experience to succeed in business.

This conversation also explores the mindset shift required to move from structured military environments into entrepreneurial roles, and why building the right team and support system is critical for success.

🎙 In this episode:
• Why ownership is a powerful path for Veterans
• The mission behind Owners in Honor
• Leadership lessons from military to business
• Transitioning from service to entrepreneurship
• Building teams and support systems
• Creating purpose after military service

Veteran Led Collab: Jary Jackson on Veteran Careers and Building Your A Team

Freddie Kim — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:07:25 -0700

What does it take for Veterans to succeed after service — and how do you build the right team to get there?

In this episode of Veteran Led, Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent (‪@FreddieJKim‬) hosts a conversation with Jary Jackson, CEO of TCS & Thurion and former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret), focused on Veteran career transitions, leadership, and building high-performance teams.

Jary shares practical insights on how Veterans can navigate the civilian workforce, position themselves effectively, and avoid common transition challenges. The discussion highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, building your “A Team,” and creating environments where accountability and performance drive results.

This episode is a must-listen for Veterans, leaders, and anyone focused on hiring, developing, and retaining top-tier talent.

🎙 In this episode:
• How Veterans can navigate career transitions successfully
• Why building your “A Team” matters
• Leadership lessons from military and business environments
• How to communicate your value in the civilian workforce
• Hiring and team-building strategies for long-term success
• The role of accountability in high-performance teams

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jarytjackson78

Veteran Led Collab: Nick Ripplinger on Veteran Entrepreneurship and Building a Business

Freddie Kim — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:23:53 -0700

What separates Veterans who successfully build businesses from those who stay stuck?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry and co-host Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent (‪@FreddieJKim‬) speak with Nick Ripplinger about Veteran entrepreneurship, leadership, and the mindset required to build a business after service.

Nick shares insights on transitioning from the military into entrepreneurship, explaining why action, adaptability, and resilience are essential for long-term success. He breaks down the challenges Veterans face when entering the business world and how to overcome uncertainty by focusing on execution rather than perfection.

This conversation also highlights how Veterans can apply their leadership experience to business, build strong teams, and create opportunities through disciplined decision-making and continuous learning.

🎙 In this episode:
• Transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship
• Why taking action matters more than waiting for perfection
• Leadership lessons applied to business building
• Overcoming uncertainty in early-stage growth
• Building strong teams and accountability
• Creating opportunities after military service

Guest Links:
LinkedIn: / nicholas-ripplinger-14160823
Website: https://nickripplinger.com
Email: nripplinger@gmail.com

Veteran Led Collab: Ryan Kuo on Veteran Talent and Building High-Performance Teams

Freddie Kim — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:00:35 -0700

Why do so many organizations struggle to recognize the value Veterans bring to the workforce?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry and co-host Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent (‪@FreddieJKim‬) speak with Ryan Kuo about Veteran talent, leadership, and building high-performance teams.

Ryan breaks down how military leadership experience translates into the civilian workforce — and why that translation often fails. He explains how organizations can better identify, develop, and retain Veteran talent while building cultures focused on accountability, performance, and mission alignment.

This conversation also highlights the challenges Veterans face when entering corporate environments, including communication gaps, unclear expectations, and the need to reframe their experience for civilian leadership.

For leaders, founders, and Veterans alike, this episode provides practical insights into hiring, leadership development, and building teams that perform at a higher level.

🎙 In this episode:
• Why Veteran talent is often misunderstood in corporate America
• Translating military leadership into business environments
• Building high-performance teams through accountability
• The role of culture in hiring and retention
• How Veterans can better communicate their value
• Leadership lessons from military and business experience

Veteran Led Collab: Barbara Kent and Joanna Serra on Shark Tank and Saying Yes

Freddie Kim — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:55:14 -0700

What happens when two sisters turn resilience, service, and a simple product into a national business?

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry and co-host ‪@FreddieJKim‬ of MilSpec Talent speak with Barbara Kent and Joanna Serra, the founders of Fundraiser Blankets, about entrepreneurship, Shark Tank, and the power of saying yes to opportunity. Barbara, an Army Veteran and West Point graduate, and Joanna, a former teacher, explain how their business grew from a family idea into a company serving schools, sports teams, and communities across the country.

They discuss how their immigrant background shaped their work ethic, why they chose to disrupt traditional school fundraising, and how flexibility became their competitive advantage. The conversation also covers the Shark Tank journey, imposter syndrome, manifestation, and the importance of making decisions instead of waiting too long and staying stuck.

This episode matters for Veterans, founders, and anyone trying to build something meaningful. Barbara and Joanna show that growth often comes from trying new things, taking action before you feel fully ready, and staying open to the next opportunity.

🎙 In this episode:
• Building Fundraiser Blankets from the ground up
• Working with family and balancing different strengths
• How they landed on Shark Tank
• The mindset behind manifestation and momentum
• Why decision fatigue can stop growth
• How saying yes created new opportunities

Failed BUD/S to Top Performing Team with Nathan Sable

Freddie Kim — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:57:14 -0800

What happens when a Navy intel specialist fails BUD/S – twice – and decides to run toward the next hard thing anyway?

In this Operator Series episode of Build Your A-Team, Freddie and Charlsey sit down with Nathan Sable, Market Area President at Apex Service Partners, where he oversees multiple HVAC brands across Central and Southern Virginia. Nathan’s path to leadership wasn’t conventional — from U.S. Navy Intel to Cyber Command and the DIA, from Deloitte consulting to commercial fishing in Alaska and mold restoration — and now leading one of Apex’s top-performing markets. It’s a story built on discipline, resilience, and executing when it counts.

Nathan breaks down:
◦ Why no one is ever “qualified” to run a business
◦ What failing BUD/S taught him about leadership and resilience
◦ How Intel tradecraft translates into running a PE-backed operator business
◦ How active listening builds trust across every level of a company

If you’re a veteran transitioning into business, a PE operator, or a leader building teams at scale – this episode is for you. Because winning isn’t about pedigree; it’s about discipline, execution, and taking care of your people.

You Can't Expect What You Don't Inspect with Tasha Smith

Freddie Kim — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:38:39 -0800

In this episode, Freddie Kim and Charlsey Mahle sit down with Tasha Smith, a retired Army Sergeant First Class and former Drill Sergeant, now General Manager at Victors Home Solutions, overseeing two branch locations (Cincinnati + Columbus) across a massive regional footprint. With zero prior roofing industry experience, Tasha shares how she translated military leadership into civilian execution – and why culture, expectations, and being present with your people still win every time.

If you’re a veteran transitioning, a leader building teams, or an operator scaling execution – this one is packed with real tools.

#OperatorMindset #HomeServices #ScalingTeams #VeteranLeadership #ExecutionDiscipline

🎙️ The Bring You A Team (BYAT) Podcast spotlights veteran leaders building teams with resilience, clarity, and impact. Hosted by Freddie Kim of MilSpec Talent.

🔔 If this episode helped you level up your team: like, subscribe, and share with a veteran leader who needs it.

Connect with our guest:
🎖 Retired Army Sergeant First Class & Drill Sergeant. 🪜 General Manager at PE-Backed Firm. 🎓 Master’s candidate in Psychology.
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashareneesmith/
🏢 Victors Home Solutions: http://www.victors.com/
📘 Resources:
Backwards Planning — a military-inspired method for learning fast and setting priorities
Tell • Show • Do — a structured approach to training and developing people
“You can’t expect what you don’t inspect” — driving execution through presence and accountability

Brilliance or Bullsh*t: Hiring Myths Founders Still Believe with Ryan Hogan & Stephen Hrutka

Freddie Kim — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:14:15 -0800

In this episode of Bring Your A-Team, Freddie Kim sits down with two Veteran founders running recruiting businesses from totally different angles — Stephen Hrutka (HRUCKUS) and Ryan Hogan (Talent Harbor). They break down what actually works in hiring, what’s total nonsense, and how founders can build teams that scale without getting trapped by bad process, bad JDs, or bad assumptions.

Ryan Hogan is Founder & CEO of Talent Harbor, a Navy veteran (former aircrewman and commissioned officer) and multi-time entrepreneur. After exiting Hunt A Killer, Ryan built a recruiting model focused on Recruiting-as-a-Service — a flat monthly approach — primarily for EOS companies hiring sales talent.

Stephen Hrutka is Principal Consultant at Hrutkas LLC (SDVOSB), delivering management consulting and recruiting solutions across SLED (state/local/education) and supporting veteran-owned and 8(a) firms across federal, DoD, and IC-adjacent work. Former Navy SWO, Wharton MBA, with prior experience at Gartner and A.T. Kearney.

Printing the Non-Sexy Manufacturing with Samantha Snabes

Freddie Kim — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:12:56 -0800

From stalking astronauts as a kid to launching a large-format 3D printer on Kickstarter, Major Samantha Snabes has taken bold, thoughtful risks. She’s the Co-Founder & Catalyst at re:3D, the company behind Gigabot — a large-format industrial 3D printer that can run on polymers or shredded plastic waste.

In this BYAT episode, Sam breaks down how she built a mission-driven team that will “run through brick walls,” why she doesn’t believe in competitors, and how she balances bootstrapping, research, and service in the Air National Guard. Hear how re:3D grew from a NASA side project to printers in 50+ countries — all fueled by grit, curiosity, and an abundance mindset.

#3DPrinting #AdditiveManufacturing #HardwareStartup

Leading Human Services in the Rise of AI with Travis Bloomfield

Freddie Kim — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:36:32 -0800

Travis Bloomfield is an Air Force Veteran and the CEO & Managing Partner of Provisio, Salesforce’s largest consultancy dedicated to human services and social sector organizations. He shares his journey from air traffic controller to leading one of the nation’s most impactful mission-driven consultancies — built on grit, purpose, data expertise, and the emerging power of agentic AI. After six years in the Air Force, Travis entered IT consulting, eventually serving as COO for two firms before founding Provisio. Under his leadership, the company has earned four consecutive placements on the Inc. 5000, a spot on the IVMF Veteran 100, and recognition as one of Crain’s Best Places to Work in Chicago (2024).

This conversation dive into workforce culture, hiring with character, building stability through trust, and the technical future of human services, from homelessness to behavioral health.

#AgenticAI #HumanServicesTech #SalesforceConsulting

Heart and Hustle: Brian Handley on Leadership and Operations

Freddie Kim — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:23:41 -0700

Vulnerability as a leadership superpower? Brian Handley runs a 175-year-old, fifth-generation foodservice company — and says the quiet part out loud: you don’t need all the answers to build an elite team. We dig into right-seat/right-role moves, KPI cultures that actually help people grow, and a raw, hopeful conversation on veteran mental health, meditation, and daily discipline.

Brian Handley is President of Palmer Food Services, serving 2,000+ customers across NY, CT, and NJ. A former Army infantry officer, he built his career in operations and supply chain with Wegmans, Raymour & Flanigan, and Constellation Brands before joining Palmer in 2021. Under his leadership, Palmer earned the 2024 Certified Angus Beef Independent Distributor Marketer of the Year. He’s also a Rochester Business Journal 40 Under 40 and Veteran Business Council “Member of the Year.”

Define. Measure. Win with Yolanda Clarke

Freddie Kim — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:54:50 -0700

Veteran founder Yolanda Clarke — Army Reserve Major and CEO of Powder River Industries — joins BYAT to show how process becomes culture: ISO that actually runs the business, “workflow bosses” who map reality, and a hiring system with clear KPIs and no-compromise standards. We get candid on handling bad hires with grace and evidence, leading remote teams through values and templates, and making decisive calls without burning bridges. Through disciplined execution and vision, Yolanda Clarke has established Powder River Industries as a certified SDVOSB, WOSB, and 8(a) federal contractor — ISO 9001-registered and trusted to deliver IT solutions across U.S. Government missions.

If you’re building a team in gov/tech or beyond, this will sharpen how you define the work, coach for performance, and scale what works. Tune in and listen now.

Powering the Fiber Gold Rush with James Han

Freddie Kim — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:03:17 -0700

Former Marine Corps Captain James Han went from slinging wigs in Gary, Indiana to President & CEO of Triage Partners, a telecom services and supply-chain software platform that’s scaled from 120 → 400 employees across 20 states. In this episode, James breaks down how veterans can enter new industries fast, why recruiting was Job #1, and how to balance humility with confidence to win trust and deliver results. We dig into topgrading, root cause analysis, and the ETA (entrepreneurship through acquisition) path — including his recent Benton Technical Services acquisition to offer full turnkey fiber construction.

When Desert Storm Meets AI with Barbara Jones-Brown

Freddie Kim — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:39:17 -0700

From Gulf War Veteran to AI Tech, CEO Barbara Jones-Brown served in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm. Now, she is just as fierce leading Freeing Returns™, an AI platform helping retailers recover millions in lost revenue. She shares how grit, optimism, and a mission-ready mindset fuel startup resilience, what she learned raising capital from Serena Williams and Morgan Stanley, and why agentic AI is reshaping enterprise operations. Barbara’s journey is a blueprint for Veterans and entrepreneurs: running toward challenges, translating structured problem-solving from the battlefield to the boardroom, and finding opportunity where others see obstacles.

How a Marine Scales Amazon Ops with Rudy Cazares

Freddie Kim — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:18:27 -0700

Rudy Cazares is a 15-year Marine Corps Veteran who led 400+ Marines and now leads high-performance delivery teams in New York. He founded Kazar Logistics in 2020 with 8 drivers; today his companies employ 200+, operate Amazon DSP routes, run Manhattan’s 24/7 same-day e-bike delivery, and manage FedEx routes through Joint Ops Logistics, earning FedEx’s Gold Contractor award twice. A Queens native and son of Mexican immigrants, Rudy builds culture with EOS discipline while keeping safety and people first. He is the 2024 Veteran Entrepreneur Award honoree, supports Nourish (2M+ meals for veterans), and coaches leaders on execution and team building.

The Lethal crayon: CrayTac® with Nick Ripplinger

Freddie Kim — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:59:20 -0700

Nick Ripplinger went from Army MP to award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Battle Sight Technologies, the Dayton-based R&D team behind CrayTac® — the “lethal crayon” transforming night operations. Battle Sight is known for its innovation, including CrayTac®, a reusable infrared writing device for covert communication in low or no light. His journey from medical retirement to building safer and simpler battlefield tech is a masterclass in resilience, team-building, and Veteran grit. Nick’s work has earned national recognition, and he’s the author of Front Line Leadership: Applying Military Strategies to Everyday Business (2015).

From the Corps to 50 Strong with Omar Dennis

Freddie Kim — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:44:27 -0700

Marine Corps veteran and cybersecurity entrepreneur Omar Dennis joins Freddie Kim to unpack the real story behind acquiring a business, scaling from 1 to 50 employees overnight, and leading with emotional intelligence. Omar is the CEO of Sedulous Consulting Services, a firm that now supports federal, healthcare, and commercial clients in high-stakes cyber missions. He shares how a single question led to a 6-month M&A process, why fear is just data, and how EQ – not a degree – helped him navigate layoffs, culture shifts, and customer expectations post-acquisition.

We get tactical on evaluating team fit, how to deliver hard news with respect, and the business case against hiring C-players. If you're thinking about buying a business or leading one through change, this is a must-watch.

Connect with our guest:
🎖 Marine Corps Veteran. 🧑‍💻 Cybersecurity CEO. 📚 Continuous Improvement Champion.
🔗 / sedulousomar
🛡️ https://sedulous.com/
📘 Resources:
Kaizen methodology: https://kaizen.com/what-is-kaizen/
Understanding Primary and Secondary Emotions: https://www.simplypsychology.org/prim...

Grit in the Concrete – From Medellín to MIT eMBA with Liseth J. Velez

Freddie Kim — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 12:35:45 -0700

Liseth J. Velez is a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran, founder, and CEO of LJV Development, a rapidly growing, 8A-certified, SDVOSB and women-owned construction firm. After immigrating from Colombia at age seven and growing up in Lowell, MA, she served in both the Army and Air National Guard – beginning as a truck driver – before launching her own firm. Liseth brings grit, heart, and tactical clarity to every project, having led LJV to national recognition including: Inc 5000 (#115), BBJ Fast 50 (#3), and the VETS 100 (#7). She was named SBA’s 2023 Massachusetts Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year and 2025 WBE Star by WBENC. Today, she’s pursuing her Executive MBA at MIT Sloan while continuing to lead LJV with vision, purpose, and unapologetic resilience.

Sneakily Competitive Verizon on Wheels with Eric Styles

Freddie Kim — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 12:25:32 -0700

From Army Staff Sergeant to Inc. 500 CEO, Eric Styles is the co-founder of YourSix Inc., a cloud-native leader in the physical security industry. In this episode, Eric joins Freddie Kim to unpack the grind of building YourSix from the ground up, why culture and team chemistry are everything, and how Veterans can find a second mission in tech entrepreneurship. Eric shares battle-tested lessons on hiring, leading through growth, and the importance of being “sneakily ultra-competitive.” If you're scaling a team, building a product, or looking to translate your service into your next purpose, this one's for you.

Built to Shivet with Dr. Jude Black

Freddie Kim — Thu, 29 May 2025 13:47:44 -0700

From federal service ambitions to founder of three healing organizations, Dr. Jude Black didn’t plan on becoming a therapist – or a CEO. But love, leadership, and military life had other plans. After decades as a military spouse to Colonel Bill Black and holding space for Veterans, Jude turned burnout into boldness. She shares how broken systems, bad leadership, and deep empathy drove her to build trauma-informed, zero-drama organizations that actually serve. Built on frustration; sustained by values; powered by trust, not titles. This episode’s for every mission-minded builder – and every leader still learning. Shiveting encouraged. 👊

Connect with our guest:
🧠 Mental Health Innovator. 💻 Teletherapy Pioneer. ❤️ Trauma-Informed Leader.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judeblack/
https://www.etherapycafe.com
https://www.wvcounseling.com/
https://www.wvtrauma.org/
📘 Resources:
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) – Syracuse University

Want to explore how Veteran leaders can strengthen your team? Book a call at milspectalent.com/get-started.

Owning the Power: Solutions In GovCon with Jim O’Farrell

Freddie Kim — Wed, 28 May 2025 10:35:03 -0700

From Navy Supply Corps officer to CEO of a high-trust, high-impact GovCon firm, Jim O’Farrell has spent his career building teams that lead with mission, culture, and compassion. As the head of AMSG – a 150+ person prime contractor – Jim shares how servant leadership, frontline focus, and feedback-first management built AMSG into one of the most trusted names in government contracting. His blueprint? Build the right team, not the biggest. Choosing to scale as a prime contractor, AMSG owned the power to lead – and pressure to deliver. Jim aims to select resilient leaders, value character over credentials, and promote from within. This conversation is a roadmap for leaders who want to scale without losing soul, fight for their people, and build an A team that shows up with purpose.

Connect with our guest:
🧭 Navy Vet. 🛠️ Servant Leader. 🏛️ GovCon Prime.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimofarrell/
https://amsgcorp.net/
📘 Resources:
A CEO Only Does Three Things, by Trey Taylor
Buy Back Your Time, by Dan Martell
Good to Great, by Jim Collins
Energage (formerly, Intergage): https://www.energage.com/

Want to explore how Veteran leaders can strengthen your team? Book a call at milspectalent.com/get-started.

Ranger Roots. Cyber Future with Chris Anthony

Freddie Kim — Wed, 28 May 2025 10:15:05 -0700

What do you get when a former Army Ranger and Green Beret builds a cutting-edge defense tech company? You get Chris Anthony – founder of Teamwork Security, cyber expert, and author of The Veteran Entrepreneur. With combat deployments, a career in the intelligence community, and time as a systems engineer at Johns Hopkins APL, Chris brings a rare mix of tactical grit and technical expertise. CEO of a defense tech company protecting critical infrastructure through cutting-edge cyber solutions, he shares how he builds elite teams using data-driven hiring, lessons from the battlefield, and a culture-first mindset. Chris breaks down why personality fit matters more than a perfect resume, how he uses tools like Culture Index to increase hiring success, and how vulnerability – not ego – is the secret weapon of strong leadership. From startups to national security, this one’s a masterclass in building mission-ready teams.

Connect with our guest:
🔐 GovCon. 💥 Volt Typhoon. 🤖 AI.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisanthonytwx/
https://www.teamworxsecurity.com/
Get Your Copy:
The Veteran Entrepreneur: My Journey from NCO to CEO, by Chris Anthony

Want to explore how Veteran leaders can strengthen your team? Book a call at milspectalent.com/get-started.

Don't Rambo - Build an Army with John S. Berry

Freddie Kim — Wed, 28 May 2025 09:53:39 -0700

John S. Berry is a decorated Army Veteran and CEO of Berry Law who has built a mission-driven legal powerhouse from the ground up. With deployments to Bosnia and Iraq, Ranger School under his belt, and a career culminating as a battalion commander, John shares how military leadership forged his no-BS approach to building elite teams. As an example, John breaks down how he revamped Officer Candidate School – ditching pointless hazing for laser-focused training – and turned it into an award-winning institution. From leading troops in combat to leading lawyers in the courtroom, John talks about hiring A-players, creating a culture of accountability, and why tough love gets results. If you want to learn how to build a team that wins, this one’s for you.

Run Through the Obstacles with Channing Walker

Freddie Kim — Wed, 28 May 2025 09:37:48 -0700

Channing Walker is the CEO of Longhorn Ventures Holdings and a former leader in the 1st Battalion 7th Special Forces Group. He shares his journey from the battlefield to the boardroom, including how he won an $11M government contract while still active duty. In this episode, conversations explore leadership under pressure, vulnerability as a strength, scaling businesses with the right talent —and the right culture — as mission critical. Channing opens up about his experiences, lessons learned, and the mindset that drives him — “Those who have the ability have the responsibility.” If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or just someone building a high-performing team, this episode is packed with gold.

Hire for Character, Invest for the Long Game with Founder James (Jim) Russo

Freddie Kim — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:26:21 -0700

James M. Russo shares his journey from Naval Academy graduate, All-American boxer, and Marine Corps C-130 pilot to founder of Altrius Capital Management. Author of "Invest Like an Aardvark," this principled visionary attributes his success to humility. Like an aardvark, a unique unassuming animal, Jim has flipped the script of typical Wall Street investors by uncovering value where others fail to look. Since 1997, he has built a value-based, long-term investment firm while leading a high-performing remote team. Hiring for character, curiosity, and compassion, he proves A-players can come from anywhere. His top hiring lesson? "Always be recruiting." Tune into how Veteran entrepreneurs like Jim have built exceptional teams, sizing up his opponents in the ring through the lens of discipline, perseverance, and exceptionally effective ears.

Pros & Cons to Executive Recruiting with Charlsey Mahle

Freddie Kim — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:26:13 -0700

MilSpec Talent executives – Freddie Kim and Charlsey Mahle – weigh the pros and cons of recruitment, highlighting the value of executive search firms in securing top talent while mitigating risks like cultural mismatches and overpromising. For Veteran-owned businesses, tailored strategies and targeted Veteran talent drive retention and culture fit. MilSpec Talent brings firsthand insight into high-impact, low-ego leaders, embodying values of duty, honor, and company to every connection we make.

Building Resilient Teams For GovCon with Chris Lefebvre

Freddie Kim — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:26:00 -0700

Chris Lefebvre leverages his military background as a Marine Corps logistics officer and leader to build a resilient team at ISI Professional Services. Transitioning from a project manager to CEO, his discipline and mission-driven mindset fuel a culture focused on the golden rule and rigorous engagement. By emphasizing strategic organizational structure, data-driven hiring, and consistent communication, Chris transforms challenges into growth opportunities. His military experience instills accountability, rapid decision-making, and adaptability, enabling him to create a high-performing, purpose-driven team that thrives under pressure and evolves through continuous improvement - embodying the spirit of service and excellence in every endeavor - remarkably successful.

‘Waiting to Cast Vision to Define Culture’ with Dave Sisk, Co-Founder and CEO of Streamline Innovations

Freddie Kim — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0800

On this episode, Freddie talks with Dave Sisk, Co-Founder and CEO of Streamline Innovations (recently closed Series C round). Dave is an Army Veteran and Entrepreneur, West Point graduate and Texas McCombs MBA, who has had multiple opportunities running and exiting venture-backed companies. Prior to Founding Streamline Innovations, Dave was Director of Product Strategy at WellAware, a data company focused on delivering intelligence to the oilfield, and a Management Consultant at Harris Preston & Partners, LLC, a private equity firm that works with high-quality sponsors on co-investments. After becoming Franchisee Board Member at ZIPS Franchising LLC, Dave Founded Streamline Innovations, with a focus on eliminating environmental emissions and providing the best technologically innovative solutions for industrial giants.

Subscribe to Build Your A-Team at:

Connect with Freddie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-kim/

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davesisk/

Find Streamline Innovations at: https://streamlineinnovations.com/

Driving Culture to Hit $100M Backlog (in 4 yrs.) w/ Marlie Andersch, CEO & Founder at rockITdata

Freddie Kim — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

"[My] biggest lesson learned… when you put a team together, it’s like training for the Olympics… if you want to run fast, if you want to grow big, you have to hire the A-team NOW. Other companies have the luxury to train up and use those years to get the right person in the right role, but that prohibited growth for us."

On today’s episode of Build Your A-Team, Freddie talks with Marlie Andersch, CEO & Founder at rockITdata – an IT firm that provides AWS and Salesforce development to both their commercial and government clients. Marlie is an Air Force Veteran with a sharp eye for company culture and team morale; in this session, we break down her guiding principles of leadership and hiring, explore what it looks like to build trust in your team, and discuss actionable tips on how to start energizing your team today.

Prior to her start-up, Marlie worked in the IT world with numerous companies to learn and understand how to serve customers. She, however, saw that she could do it better and faster her own way and started rockITdata five years ago and developed a $100M backlog in sales!

Some topics we discuss:

COVID forced them to go remote, which changed everything they did in the business. They had to elevate as a team who understands different approaches to remote work. It was a huge challenge for “rockITdata” but they passed their first big test and elevated their company to better performance.
“Be Good by Doing Good '' is just one of their 10 Guiding Principles they settled at the beginning that guided them. Those values helped them to achieve company goals, and also to better understand her team’s and individual goals.
Having a very specific 5/50/55 goal shifted rockITdata to achieve amazing results in just five years. It also shifted their orientation toward people, company culture, customers and service.
Importance of hiring A-Team, enabled them to scale. Quickly. Marlie and her team hires people who will fit their values and culture. This includes finding the right people to partner with and mentor you along the way!

Connect with Marlie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandersch/

Find rockITdata at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rockitdata/

Subscribe to Build Your A Team at: www.milspectalent.com

Connect with Freddie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-kim/

Your First Hires are Everything' w/ Zach Peyton, CEO & Co-Founder at Superior Fence & Rail Franchising

Freddie Kim — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Quote: "I've been pounding this drum lately... when you're starting your business, your first few hires are the most critical hires that you're going to make, ever! These are the nucleus, they are the core of the company. They are going to establish the culture. They're going to help you establish the brand in your area. So be picky. And if you have to overpay, overpay. Whatever you've got to do. Get the very best people to help you right away and build your team around those people."

Description: On today's episode of Build your A-Team, Freddie talks to Zach Peyton, Co-Founder of Superior Fence & Rail Franchising. Zach is the CEO of the first national fencing franchise and has recently gone through the successful sale of his brand to Private Equity. Zach is a West Point grad, former Army officer, and after his years of military service, joined a Superior Fence & Rail location as an employee over 13 years ago, but quickly became a member of the ownership of that business and eventually the co-founder of the franchise.

Zach recalls that the keys to scaling rapidly was due to the technology implementation into relatively ordinary business coupled with a clear vision and team. Though just starting the franchise in 2016, he led their efforts into growing to over 66+ franchise locations across the USA.

Some topics we discuss:

- Rebranding a business and starting a franchise business; the successful sale of the franchise to a Private Equity firm that’s committed to scaling the platform!
- The journey from six to 66 franchise locations in just five years – and counting
- Visionary leadership, particularly from Veterans, is absolutely CRITICAL to success
- Importance of quality materials for delivering high-quality products and providing superb customer service
- Professional team is core – build your nucleus first and build your A-Team with your first key hires, no matter the cost

Connect with Zach and Superior Fence & Rail:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-peyton-67788513/
zach.peyton@gmail.com /
Text: 904.502.4013

Connect with Freddie and MilSpec Talent:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-kim/
www.milspectalent.com

Welcome to Build Your A-Team!

Freddie Kim — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Welcome to Build Your A-Team, a podcast powered by MilSpec Talent where we educate small business owners how to attract, recruit, and retain high impact, low-ego, talent. On today’s episode, host Freddie Kim, Founder of MilSpec Talent and Special Forces Veteran, introduces himself, why Build Your A-Team exists, and details some of the upcoming episodes to keep an eye out for!

I’m your host Freddie Kim, founder of Milspec Talent, I’m am a West Point grad, former Green Beret, Kellogg MBA, and more importantly, I’m passionate about championing the value and leadership of Veteran 2.0s in our workforce

Subscribe and like the show today!
Connect with Freddie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-kim/