Tactical Wealth: From Military to Money

In this episode of Tactical Wealth, we sit down with Patrick Flood, a former Green Beret with over 20 years of Army service, Georgetown ROTC graduate, Duke MBA, and the founder of Owners in Honor, a nonprofit helping veterans buy, grow, and exit small businesses.Patrick's path is anything but linear. From armor officer to working actor, from signal detachment commander to Special Forces, from finance executive to nonprofit founder, every chapter of his life has been a masterclass in adaptability, mentorship, and mission-driven leadership. In this episode, Patrick makes the case that the greatest wealth opportunity of our generation isn't a startup. It's the millions of profitable small businesses whose owners are ready to retire and have nobody to hand the keys to.In this episode, we dive into:⚔️ The Unconventional Path: How Patrick went from ROTC to Hollywood to Special Forces and why that winding road made him a better leader and entrepreneur.🏢 The Silver Tsunami: Why the mass retirement of baby boomer business owners represents the single greatest small business acquisition opportunity in American history.🎯 Buy Don't Build: Why purchasing an existing profitable business is a smarter, lower-risk path to ownership than starting from scratch.🤝 The Human Terrain Advantage: How veterans are uniquely skilled at reading rooms, building rapport, and winning deals that MBA grads in Patagonia vests can't close.📈 SBA Lending and the Acquisition Playbook: How Owners in Honor connects veterans with the right lenders, advisors, and education to successfully acquire and scale businesses.🏘️ Coming Home: Why veteran business ownership isn't just a personal financial win. It's a community revitalization strategy that strengthens the fabric of small-town America.💼 Exit and Succession Planning: The painful personal story of how Patrick's father sold a $3.8 million business for $600,000 and why veterans must understand the exit before they ever sign the papers.Whether you're a veteran in transition, a current business owner thinking about your exit, or someone looking for a smarter path to entrepreneurship, this episode is a tactical blueprint for building wealth through ownership.👉 Ready to stay tactical and stay driven? Hit SUBSCRIBE and let's get into the fight.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction: Patrick Flood and the mission of Owners in Honor 01:22 - From Army brat to Green Beret: Patrick's unconventional origin story 04:03 - Working in Hollywood and finding purpose after loss 06:26 - September 11th and the shift to Special Forces 09:18 - What makes SF different: Latitude, curiosity, and making do 10:53 - The transition: Learning from his brother's path out 11:48 - Going to Duke while commanding a battalion 13:45 - Entrepreneurship inside the military: Leading Army Recruiting Command 17:01 - The Honor Foundation and 50 cups of coffee 18:18 - Landing at Andersen as chief of staff 20:56 - Know your core: Don't be a Swiss Army knife, be a K-Bar 21:36 - Finding the nonprofit path: Mentorship and the Owners in Honor origin story 24:38 - Defining Owners in Honor: Risk mitigation and advisory services 27:18 - The silver tsunami: America's greatest small business opportunity 31:29 - The Virginia veteran: A real acquisition case study 33:36 - SBA lending, the right lenders, and following the rules 38:55 - Exit and succession planning: Patrick's father's painful lesson 40:32 - Partnering with the Exit Planning Institute 41:24 - Rapid Fire: Best investments, worst mistakes, and favorite books 44:10 - How to connect with Patrick and Owners in HonorEPISODE RESOURCESConnect with Patrick Flood: 🌐 Website: ownersinhr.com 👤 LinkedIn: Patrick Michael FloodConnect with Kaj Larsen: 🌐 Website: https://www.kajlarsen.com 📸 Instagram: @KajLarsen 👤 LinkedIn: Kaj Larsen

In this powerful episode of Tactical Wealth, we sit down with Rob O’Neill, a former Navy SEAL Team Six operator and the man who stood at the center of the most high-profile military operation since World War II.After 16.5 years of service, over 400 combat missions, and being a key figure in the mission to find bin Laden, the Captain Phillips rescue, and Lone Survivor, Rob transitioned from the battlefield to the boardroom. He has since become a prolific entrepreneur, best-selling author, and the founder of the Operators Collective and Special Operators Transition Foundation. In this episode, we peel back the layers of the public-facing persona to reveal the disciplined, often humorous, and highly strategic mindset that makes a successful founder.In this episode, we dive into: ⚔️ The Operator’s Edge: How the communication, stress management, and problem-solving skills honed in the SEAL Teams serve as the ultimate business foundation. 🧠 The Mental Architecture: Why "wherever you are, be there" and "mastering the easy stuff" are the keys to surviving both combat and entrepreneurial chaos. 🚀 Building the Constellation: How Rob turned his combat experiences into a multi-vertical brand, from books and merch to speaking agencies and cannabis. 🤝 The Partner Trap: Navigating the difference between the "pack of sled dogs" culture of the Teams and the realities of private-sector leadership. 📈 Financial Discipline: Why the biggest mistake most veterans make is failing to utilize the Thrift Savings Plan and long-term investment strategies early. 🎯 Take The Shot: The mindset of a founder who treats business like a mission, learns from failure, and isn't afraid to "pivot" when the plan hits a snag.Whether you're a veteran in transition, a founder building a legacy, or an operator looking to sharpen your internal game, this episode is a masterclass in playing offense in life and business.👉 Ready to stay tactical and stay driven? Hit SUBSCRIBE and let’s get into the fight.

In this powerful episode of Tactical Wealth, we sit down with Commander Mark Divine, a retired Navy SEAL, New York Times bestselling author, and the visionary founder behind SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind.After a decade on active duty and another in the reserves, Mark transitioned from the "Cyborg" of SEAL Team 3 to a serial entrepreneur, building multiple million-dollar brands. From buying NavySeals.com for $35 in the early days of the internet to out-bidding global defense giants for $10M contracts, his journey is a masterclass in mental toughness, vertical development, and strategic pivot.In this episode, we dive into: ⚔️ The Wall Street Warrior: Why he left a high-path CPA career at 25 to join the SEALs.🧠 The "Cyborg" Blueprint: How Zen meditation and box breathing became his "mental body armor" in BUD/S. 🔬 The 5 Mountains: Why elite performance requires physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and intuitional development. 🚀 Founders’ Combat: The "Founders Split" at Coronado Brewing and how to choose the right partners. 🤝 Market Warfare: Surviving the 2008 crash and pivoting when 90% of your revenue evaporates. 🎯 Unbeatable Mind: How to "win in the mind" before you ever step onto the battlefield of business.Whether you're a veteran in transition, a high-stakes founder, or an operator looking to sharpen your internal game, this episode provides the tactical tools to master your mission.👉 Ready to forge an unbeatable mind? Hit SUBSCRIBE and let’s get tactical.EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 - The revolutionary idea of the "Entrepreneurial SEAL" 01:10 - Welcome to San Diego: Meeting "The Cyborg" 03:55 - The snowmobile accident: Shattering the Scapula 07:11 - Why I joined the SEALs at 25: Leaving the Big Eight 12:29 - Discovering Zen in 1980s Manhattan 16:18 - Learning to "drop off": The power of the Zen state 18:55 - Visualizing the Warrior: Finding the right "story" to live 23:53 - The Big Three: Breath control, Visualization, and Mental Management 28:33 - Leading a Boat Crew: The "Shield Wall" of positivity 31:48 - First Business: Coronado Brewing Company & "Founders Divorce" 34:11 - Buying NavySeals.com: Beating Amazon to the punch 36:52 - Taking on Blackwater: Winning the $10M mentoring contract 40:09 - The Flywheel Effect: Synergy between SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind 42:19 - Rapid Fire: Bitcoin in 2013 and financial mistakes 46:58 - The Morning Routine: Winning before 10:00 AM 51:04 - Where to find Mark & The Unbeatable Leader challengeEPISODE RESOURCES Connect with Mark Divine: 🌐 Website: https://unbeatablemind.com 👤 LinkedIn: Mark Divine 📸 Instagram: @markdivineofficial 🎯 Challenge: https://unbeatableleader.comConnect with Kaj Larsen: 🌐 Website: https://www.kajlarsen.com 📸 Instagram: @KajLarsen 👤 LinkedIn: Kaj Larsen

In this powerful episode of Tactical Wealth, we sit down with Nuri Golan, a builder, operator, and advisor whose career spans special operations, deep tech, and venture building.After serving as an officer in Israel’s elite Navy SEAL unit, Shayetet 13, Nuri transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding and exiting multiple companies. Today, he helps the next generation of founders scale through Vetted. From mapping beaches with cutting-edge tech in high-stakes operations to building and selling companies, his journey is a masterclass in discipline, adaptability, and execution.In this episode, we dive into:⚔️ Elite Foundations: His path to serving in an elite Israeli special operations unit.🧠 The Pivot: How a military R&D role translated into a product mindset in startups.🔬 Scientific Scaling: Why the best founders treat their companies like experiments.🚀 Hard-Won Lessons: Insights from building, exiting, and failing across multiple startups.🤝 The Failure Filter: The two biggest reasons early-stage companies fail and how to avoid them.🎯 Vetted: How they are training operators to become high-level entrepreneurs.Whether you're a founder, operator, investor, or someone looking to sharpen your decision-making, this episode is packed with real-world insights you can apply immediately.👉 Ready to build with precision and purpose? Hit SUBSCRIBE and let’s get tactical.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 - Hard conversations and tactical advice04:17 - Why I left the US to join the IDF08:06 - The dynamic in the IDF10:47 - The "Israeli Model" vs. “US Model” 13:58 - How Special Ops is actually Product Management18:40 - Treating your startup like a scientific experiment21:16 - Transitioning: The "Standards Gap" in the civilian world25:59 - The "No Quit" Trap: When grit becomes a liability30:13 - Why my third startup failed (and what I learned)39:01 - Tactical Advice: The two biggest company killers41:50 - Customer Discovery: Stop "leading the witness"49:31 - How Venture Capital math actually works54:37 - Best Investment: Betting on yourself vs. the corporation55:01 - The "Opportunity Cost" of a bad career move56:04 - Why the "Culture of Debriefing" is your best business asset57:11 - Book Recommendation: Deep Work by Cal Newport58:43 - Morning Routines & the reality of being a "Dad-Preneur"01:00:40 - Where to find Nuri & Version BravoEPISODE RESOURCESConnect with Nuri Golan & Vetted:🌐 Website: https://www.thevetted.vc👤 LinkedIn: Nuri Golan📸 Instagram: @thevettedvcConnect with Kaj Larsen:🌐 Website: https://www.kajlarsen.com📸 Instagram: @KajLarsen👤 LinkedIn: Kaj Larsen

From combat deployments to billion-dollar boardrooms, the stories of veterans who’ve built, led, and innovated prove that the mission doesn’t end when the service does, it evolves.In this episode of Tactical Wealth, host Kaj Larsen pulls together lessons from some of the extraordinary guests of Season 1, veterans who’ve faced uncertainty, rebuilt from scratch, and gone on to create lasting impact in business, technology, healthcare, and beyond.We dig into:💡 The mindset shift every veteran must make when stepping into civilian life🧠 Why financial literacy is a weapon for freedom and opportunity🌎 How service-driven leadership translates into entrepreneurship and innovation⚖️ The pillars that carry you through transition📊 Proof that veterans are already among America’s most successful founders and leadersWhether you’re unsure what’s next, just starting your transition, or already building your next mission, this episode is your reminder: you have the tools, the grit, and the network to succeed. Others have done it, and so can you.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders who build wealth with vision, grit, and purpose.RESOURCESBRIAN FERGUSONwww.arenalabs.coIG: @arenalabsRICH DIVINEYwww.theattributes.comBook 1: The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal PerformanceBook 2: Masters of Uncertainty: The Navy SEAL Way to Turn Stress into SuccessIG: rich_divineyLinkedIn: Rich Diviney DR. BRENDEN BORROWMANwww.neurovalabs.comIG: @brenden_grizzLinkedIn: Brenden Borrowman PhDKAJ LARSENwww.kajlarsen.comIG: @kajlarsen

From Navy SEAL to redefining healthcare performance, Brian Ferguson’s journey is one of “accidental intentionality”, a career shaped by service, risk, and an unshakable commitment to human potential.In this episode of Tactical Wealth, Kaj Larsen sits down with Brian, founder and CEO of Arena Labs, to explore how lessons from special operations and innovation translate into saving lives in the operating room.We dig into:💡 Why you don’t have to start a business to think like an entrepreneur🧠 The risk calculus every veteran should weigh before jumping into entrepreneurship🏥 How high-performance medicine gives doctors and nurses the same tools elite teams use to thrive under pressure⚖️ Balancing purpose, service, and sustainability in your next chapter📊 The real cost, and payoff, of betting on yourselfBrian’s story is a masterclass in adapting your edge for a new mission without losing the service-driven mindset that got you there. Whether you’re in transition, already building, or simply looking to lead with impact, this episode delivers tactical insights for the battlefield of business and beyond.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders who build wealth with vision, grit, and purpose.RESOURCESarenalabs.coIG: @arenalabswww.kajlarsen.comIG: @kajlarsen

Grit doesn’t just get you through Hell Week,  it builds companies too.In this episode of Tactical Wealth, Kaj Larsen sits down with Jeff Gum, Navy SEAL turned entrepreneur, to explore what it really means to never quit.Jeff’s story is one of raw perseverance. From being dropped during SEAL training after nearly dying from a rare illness, to clawing his way back into the program and graduating, to later launching a mission-driven lifestyle brand, Jeff proves that resilience isn’t just a trait, it’s a strategy.We dive into:💥 The brutal moment Jeff was told his SEAL dream was over, and how he got back in🪖 What Hell Week taught him about grit, mindset, and resourcefulness🌊 The origin story of Sunga Life, and why inspiration often strikes on the edge of discomfort📦 How he launched a lean, risk-aware business without draining his savings🤝 Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, especially for veteransThis isn’t about a clean pivot from military to business,  it’s about showing up with the same perseverance in both worlds. Whether you're starting over, leveling up, or in the middle of your own Hell Week, this episode is a reminder: setbacks don’t define you, your response does.🔔 Subscribe for more raw, tactical conversations with leaders who build wealth with purpose.RESOURCESwww.sungalife.comInstagram: @sunga.lifeLinkedIn: Jeffrey GumInstagram: @jeffgumwww.kajlarsen.com Kaj Larsen: @kajlarsen 

What happens when a soldier, policymaker, and entrepreneur all live in the same person?In this powerful episode of Tactical Wealth, Kaj Larsen sits down with Dan Kunze, Army veteran, national security strategist, tech leader, and investor, to explore how military discipline translates into long-term success in business, wealth, and leadership.From the front lines to the boardroom, Dan’s story is anything but linear. With a career spanning service in the Army National Guard, advising Fortune 500 companies, and shaping federal workforce and technology policy, Dan brings a rare perspective on how to navigate change, stay in the money, and lead with mission-first clarity.We dive into:💼 Transitioning from military life to civilian success (and why it’s never one-size-fits-all)⚙️ Why understanding enterprise systems is the new battlefield skill💡 Lessons in entrepreneurship, from paper routes to coffee companies📈 The difference between ideas and execution, and why validation matters🧠 Building social capital, leveling up your knowledge, and using your network strategically🇺🇸 Why veterans already have the raw materials to thrive, if they know how to use themWhether you’re on active duty, just getting out, or 10 years into your second career, this episode is full of tactical insight and actionable advice to help you find your next mission, and fund it.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with elite leaders, veterans, and high performers who are building wealth with purpose.RESOURCESLinkedIn: Dan KunzeInstagram: @dgkunzewww.kajlarsen.comLinkedIn: Kaj Larsen Instagram: @KajLarsen

What separates high performers from everyone else, especially under pressure?In this unforgettable episode of Tactical Wealth, Kaj Larsen sits down with retired Navy SEAL Commander, bestselling author, and leadership expert Rich Diviney to unpack what it truly takes to thrive in the most demanding environments, whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom.From leading elite units at SEAL Team 6 to creating groundbreaking training programs focused on resilience and performance, Rich shares the hard-earned lessons that have shaped his life, and can transform yours.We dive into:💥 The hidden attributes that drive success (and why skills aren’t enough)💥 How to build courage and move through fear in everyday life💥 Transitioning from military to civilian life with purpose and confidence💥 The neuroscience behind stress, dopamine, and “moving horizons”💥 Why narcissism, when understood correctly, can be a performance assetWhether you're a veteran preparing for your next chapter or a leader navigating uncertainty, this episode is a masterclass in human performance.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more powerful interviews with military leaders, elite thinkers, and high performers.📚 Resources:Website: https://theattributes.comBook 1: The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal PerformanceBook 2: Masters of Uncertainty: The Navy SEAL Way to Turn Stress into SuccessInstagram: rich_divineyLinkedIn: Rich Diviney www.kajlarsen.comInstagram: @KajLarsenLinkedIn: Kaj Larsen

In this powerful episode of Tactical Wealth, we sit down with General Laura J. Richardson, a trailblazing Army aviator, former four-star general, and the first woman to command both U.S. Army North and U.S. Southern Command.From her early days in ROTC to commanding Blackhawk battalions and shaping national security policy, General Richardson shares her extraordinary journey through the ranks, the leadership moments that defined her, and the personal lessons she’s learned along the way.We dive into:🚁 Her rise from Army aviator to four-star general🎖️ Lessons on leadership, purpose, and resilience💰 Why financial literacy is a must, even in uniform🧠 The power of diversity, team building, and mission-driven living🏡 Life after service and her mission to give backWhether you're in the military, a leader in your field, or just looking for inspiration to push past barriers, this episode is packed with insight and impact.👉 Ready to push past your limits? Hit subscribe and let’s get tactical.EPISODE RESOURCESLinkedIn: Laura J. Richardsonwww.kajlarsen.comInstagram: @KajLarsenLinkedIn: Kaj Larsen

In this episode, host Kaj Larsen sits down with Mitch Aguiar, a decorated SEAL turned MMA fighter, apparel mogul, and founder of the multimillion-dollar supplement brand MASF. But Mitch’s journey isn’t just one of success, it’s one of resilience, rebellion, and rebuilding from rock bottom.After walking away from a 10-year career in the SEAL Teams, Mitch bet on himself, pursuing his MMA fighter and entrepreneur career, a lifestyle brand, and a best-selling product line. Then came the storm: COVID, a controversial public stance, and a total deplatforming that obliterated his entire business overnight.But quitting? Never an option.In his rawest interview yet, Mitch shares the fire behind the fight, from war zones to weight cuts, from building a brand on grit to rebuilding a life without a safety net.Whether you’re a founder, fighter, or just someone facing your own version of Hell Week ,this episode will challenge you to dig deeper and come back stronger.👉 Ready to smash through your limits? Hit subscribe and let’s get tactical.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and bang the bell, so you never miss a mission.EPISODE RESOURCESInstagram: @mitch_aguiarLinkedIn: Mitch AguiarWebsite: masfsupplements.com / violenthippie.com www.kajlarsen.comInstagram: @KajLarsenLinkedIn: Kaj Larsen 

In this episode, former Navy SEAL and host Kaj Larsen sits down with Dr. Brenden Borrowman, a decorated Army veteran turned neuroscience entrepreneur. After surviving a complex ambush in Afghanistan that left him with a traumatic brain injury, Dr. Borrowman refused to accept the limits placed on him. Instead, he turned his pain into purpose, launching NeuroLabs, a cutting-edge neurotech company transforming how we treat brain trauma, PTSD, and performance optimization.From combat zones to clinical trials, Dr. Borrowman shares the unfiltered truth about transitioning out of the military, battling invisible wounds, and building a startup on a mission to save lives.You’ll hear:✅ Why entrepreneurship feels like a 360° firefight✅ The science behind PTSD and brain injury recovery✅ How to go from GED to PhD✅ Lessons in fundraising, leadership, and grit✅ What every veteran should know before launching a businessWhether you’re a veteran looking for your next mission, an entrepreneur seeking purpose, or someone passionate about brain health and innovation, this episode is filled with heart, hustle, and hard-earned wisdom.👉 Ready to turn adversity into action? Hit subscribe and let’s get tactical.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and ring the bell so you never miss a mission.EPISODE RESOURCES:www.neurolabs.comInstagram: @brenden_grizzLinkedIn: Brenden Borrowman PhDwww.kajlarsen.comInstagram: @KajLarsenLinkedIn: Kaj Larsenwww.siebert.com/valor--Tactical Wealth is a Gebbia Media production, brought to you by Siebert.Valor, a military-focused initiative from Siebert Financial. The Tactical Wealth podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Siebert Financial. This podcast does not constitute investment advice, an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy any securities. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.For more information and disclosures, please visit siebert.com/disclosures.

Welcome to the first episode of the Tactical Wealth Podcast, where military grit meets financial growth.In this episode, former Navy SEAL and host Kaj Larsen sits down with Patrick J. Murphy, the first Iraq veteran elected to Congress, former Under Secretary of the Army, venture capitalist, Emmy-winning producer, and lifelong advocate for veterans.From his days in the 82nd Airborne Division to Capitol Hill, Patrick shares his unfiltered journey through military service, public office, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. He breaks down exactly how veterans can leverage their unique skills to build wealth, start businesses, and lead with impact in life after the military.You’ll hear:✅ Tactical financial steps for veterans✅ How  veterans can build wealth✅ Real, actionable advice on leadership, networking, and investing✅ Stories that connect military discipline to financial successWhether you’re active duty, transitioning, or already in your next chapter, this conversation is packed with grit, great stories, and tactical wealth-building strategies you can apply today.👉 If you’re ready to lead your next mission, building financial freedom and impact, subscribe now and let’s get tactical.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and hit the bell to never miss an episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:www.patrickjmurphy.com Instagram: @PatrickMurphyPALinkedIn: Patrick J. Murphywww.kajlarsen.comInstagram: @KajLarsenLinkedIn: Kaj Larsenwww.siebert.com/valor--Tactical Wealth is a Gebbia Media production, brought to you by Siebert.Valor, a military-focused initiative from Siebert Financial. The Tactical Wealth podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Siebert Financial. This podcast does not constitute investment advice, an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy any securities. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.For more information and disclosures, please visit siebert.com/disclosures.

Join host Kaj Larsen as he unveils the ultimate guide for military service members and veterans looking to transform their service into financial success. In this groundbreaking podcast, we break down barriers and open doors to wealth-building opportunities often overlooked by those who've defended our nation.On each episode you will get:Real-life success stories from veterans who've conquered the financial frontierActionable strategies for transitioning military skills into entrepreneurial successInsights into investment, business launching, and creating lasting economic impactWhether you're a  veteran, active service member, or military family, Tactical Wealth provides the tactical playbook for turning military experience into financial freedom. Subscribe now and start your journey from boots on the ground to building generational wealth.Learn More about Kaj by clicking here. A Gebbia Media production, brought to you by Siebert.Valor, an initiative from Siebert Financial. Any opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of Siebert Financial Corp., or any of its subsidiaries and partner companies. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Any discussions of financial topics are not recommendations and should not be considered a substitute for personal guidance from a licensed professional. For full disclosures, visit: siebert.com/siebert-disclosures