Episode 21 Category Education and Training Paul Volpe

SummaryChildhood and early influencesPaul Volpe grew up in a working-class Italian immigrantfamily in Cleveland, Ohio and later Appleton, Wisconsin. His father and fosterfather, both military veterans, were influential role models who instilled inhim the values of hard work, discipline, and service. As a shy, introvertedyouth, Paul transformed into an extroverted, athletic young man through hisinvolvement in sports and community activities.Military journey and leadership development @ 7:09Paul joined the Army Reserves while in college, initiallyserving as an armor crewman. He excelled in the military, becoming a drillsergeant, master fitness trainer, and recruiter. Paul's military experiencetaught him the value of adaptability, teamwork, and servant leadership. He heldleadership roles like Sergeant Major and was selected to attend the prestigiousSergeant Major's Academy, which further honed his skills.Transition to entrepreneurship @ 23:36As Paul neared retirement from the Army, he beganexploring entrepreneurial opportunities that would allow him to continueserving the military community. He leveraged his experience in the Army's PACEprogram, which connected employers with military talent, to start his owncompany, Forward March Inc. (FMI), in 2013. FMI's mission is to help employersbuild effective military hiring and retention programs.Building and evolving the business @ 29:09In the early years, Paul partnered with two others tolaunch FMI, navigating challenges like defining roles, ownership, and funding.The company initially had multiple service lines but later streamlined to focuson talent solutions, elite leadership training, and custom Humvee sales. FMIhas weathered storms like the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting its offerings andoperations. Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear mission,empowering his team, and continuously evolving the business.Advice and reflections @ 1:29:40Paul shares advice for other veteran entrepreneurs,including the value of internship/work-study programs, building an advisoryboard, and maintaining a positive, servant-leadership mindset even in difficulttimes. He reflects on the importance of work-life balance, leveraging hismilitary experience, and finding fulfillment in making a difference for theveteran community and FMI's clients.