In this compelling episode of the VET S.O.S. Entrepreneurial Spotlight, Shawn Welsh welcomes David Daly, a Marine Corps veteran and trailblazer in the drone industry. David shares his remarkable story of transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship, illustrating the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.
David reflects on his four tours in Iraq and his struggle to adjust to civilian life, facing obstacles like PTSD and a difficult corporate environment during the 2008 economic downturn. After returning to war zones as a contractor and another stint in Afghanistan, David decided to embrace entrepreneurship, finding both solace and purpose in drone flying.
In 2017, David founded Vigilante Drones, a versatile drone service provider offering solutions in aerial photography, mapping, and disaster response. His journey didn’t stop there—David launched Altitude University, a comprehensive training program to help aspiring pilots pass the Part 107 drone license exam, and High Stakes University, focusing on advanced drone operations for law enforcement, security personnel, and emergency responders.
David candidly discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced his business revenue to just $250 in one month. Despite this setback, he rebuilt his ventures with the help of key resources like an MBA from the University of Redlands and support from the Wounded Warrior Project, Rosie Network, and Work Vessels for Veterans, which provided essential drone equipment.
Shawn and David explore the transformative potential of drones in industries like real estate, topography, and high-stakes operations. They also emphasize the importance of proper training and the legal implications of unregulated drone usage.
Listeners will gain insight into the dedication, adaptability, and community support that fuel David’s entrepreneurial journey. His story is a testament to the resilience of veterans and the power of turning passion into impact-driven business ventures.
Key Takeaways:
Overcoming challenges in transitioning from military to civilian life
The therapeutic and professional benefits of drone flying
Building a business from scratch and adapting through crises
The importance of training and vetting in the drone industry
Resources and support networks for veteran entrepreneurs
Links & Resources:
Vigilante Drones Consulting
Altitude University
High Stakes University
Connect with David Daley on LinkedIn
Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Subscribe to the VET S.O.S. podcast for more stories of veterans transforming their lives and communities through entrepreneurship. https://www.vigilantedronesconsulting.com/ https://www.altitude-university.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@altitudeuniversity/videos https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-daly-drones/ And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, for a variety of business training and consulting services:
https://spearpointonline.com/
Referral Code: VETSOS #vetsos #VeteranEntrepreneurship #DroneIndustry #MilitaryToBusiness #PTSDRecovery #VetSOSPodcast

In this episode of the Vet SOS Podcast, Shawn Welsh sits down with Don Gleason, a leader with over four decades of experience spanning military service, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship. Don shares his inspiring journey from a 27-year military career to his role in environmental leadership at Booz Allen Hamilton, and eventually, the launch of his own company, Achieve New Heights LLC.

Don offers invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from military to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of aligning your passion with your career. His mission is to empower veterans and military spouses to articulate their skills effectively and secure fulfilling careers.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of targeted resumes tailored to job requirements.
• How early preparation, networking, and goal-setting can ease the military-to-corporate transition.
• Insights on leveraging leadership principles and personality assessments to unlock career potential.
• Encouragement to pursue careers that energize and fulfill you rather than settling for just any role.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for veterans, military spouses, and anyone navigating career transitions. Tune in to hear Don’s inspiring story, practical strategies, and tips for achieving new heights in your personal and professional life.

Actionable Resources:

• Mock interview tips and guidance for military spouses.

Explore career transition services at Achieve New Heights LLC. Website – www.AchieveNewHeights.com LinkedIn – personal – https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-gleason LinkedIn – business - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12373390/

And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, for a variety of business training and consulting services: https://spearpointonline.com/ Referral Code: VETSOS

#vetsos #vetsospodcast #military #militarylife #transitioningmilitary #militarytransition #militaryspouses #militaryspouse #militaryfamily #militaryfamilies #militarycommunity #militarysupport #militaryveterans #vets #veterans #veteran #veterantransition #transitioningveterans #veteranservices #honorveterans #veteranswife #supportourveterans #veteransupport #veteransusa #veteranshelpingveterans #careerchange #transitioningservicemembers #linkedin #sof #coastguard #navy #spaceforce #marines #army #nationalguard #airforce #usmc #usmcr #us #usa #education #podcast #entertainment #entrepreneur #business #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurlife #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurlifestyle #entrepreneurmindset #entrepreneurial #entrepreneurmotivation #entrepreneurslife #entrepreneurspirit #entrepreneurmind #entrepreneurialmindset #entrepreneurtips #entrepreneurship101

In this compelling episode of VET S.O.S., host Shawn Welsh welcomes Nina Pinidi, a remarkable Navy veteran, breast cancer warrior, and founder of Solime Royal Hair. After serving 17 years in the U.S. Navy and facing an abrupt medical retirement in 2022, Nina transformed her personal and professional challenges into an entrepreneurial mission: creating safe, chemical-free hair care products tailored for textured hair.

Nina candidly discusses the complexities of transitioning out of the military, especially when compounded by health issues and the sudden loss of a long-term career. Her decision to become an entrepreneur was driven by the lack of accessible and suitable hair care products during her military service and her desire to take control of her future.

Listeners will hear Nina reflect on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, from the freedom to build her vision to the trials of navigating rejections and unexpected obstacles. She attributes much of her success to mentorship and support from organizations such as American Corporate Partners (ACP), SCORE, Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC), Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and The Rosie Network's Service to CEO program. These resources helped her turn her ideas into a thriving business, refine her pitch, and expand her network.

Nina also introduces the mission of Solime Royal Hair: to bridge gaps in the availability of hair care products for military communities, support minority-owned businesses, and make high-quality, chemical-free hair care accessible. Her products are available online, at pop-ups, and will soon debut in Macy's stores, a significant milestone for her brand.

The conversation is filled with actionable insights for veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs, including tips for building resilience, finding mentorship, and leveraging resources. Nina provides details on how to connect with her and her brand through SolimeRoyalHair.com, social media (@solimroyalhair on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok), and upcoming pop-up events at the Navy Exchange in San Diego and Macy's.

Join us for this inspiring story of perseverance, innovation, and the power of community as Nina Pinidi shares how she turned adversity into opportunity and offers a lifeline for others navigating their own transitions. https://solimeroyalhair.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-pinidi/

And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Spearpoint Solutions, for a variety of business training and consulting services: https://spearpointonline.com/ Referral Code: VETSOS #vetsos #vetsospodcast #military #militarylife #transitioningmilitary #militarytransition #militaryspouses #militaryspouse #militaryfamily #militaryfamilies #militarycommunity #militarysupport #militaryveterans #vets #veterans #veteran #veterantransition #transitioningveterans #veteranservices #honorveterans #veteranswife #supportourveterans #veteransupport #veteransusa #veteranshelpingveterans #careerchange #transitioningservicemembers #linkedin #sof #coastguard #navy #spaceforce #marines #army #nationalguard #airforce #usmc #usmcr #us #usa #education #podcast #entertainment #entrepreneur #business #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurlife #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurlifestyle #entrepreneurmindset #entrepreneurial #entrepreneurmotivation #entrepreneurslife #entrepreneurspirit #entrepreneurmind #entrepreneurialmindset #entrepreneurtips #entrepreneurship101