September 3, 2024

Episode 105: Navigating Entrepreneurship with Kevin Seiff

This week on the podcast, Dane interviews Kevin Seiff, founder of Vet Collective and host of the Harder Not Smarter Podcast. Kevin, a former Marine and Navy SEAL, shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship. Kevin discusses the paths The Vet Collective helps veterans take to achieve their entrepreneurial goals, and highlights the transferable skills veterans bring to the business world, such as leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication. They discuss topics such as self-promotion as an entrepreneur, education and preparation, the importance of choosing the right business partners, and the pros and cons of different business models. This is a fantastic conversation for entrepreneurs on the importance of strategic planning, risk management, and the power of collaboration in achieving business success.

Navigating Entrepreneurship with Kevin Seiff

Guest Bio

After 12 years of dedicated service in the Marine Corps and SEAL teams, transitioning to civilian life revealed a new purpose for me—empowering veterans to find meaning and success beyond the uniform.

As the founder of the thriving entrepreneurship community for veterans, the Vet Collective, I take my military experience and entrepreneurial spirit to guide you on your business journeys. Through tailored mentorship, engaging content, and strategic networking, I help veterans like yourself take advantage of your unique skills to start or buy your first business.

What Drives Me:

Empowering veterans to reclaim their sense of purpose through entrepreneurship.

Building a supportive community where veterans can share experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

Inspiring others with stories of resilience and determination, showing that success is attainable with the right mindset and tools.

What have I been up to since leaving the military?

Entrepreneurship: Founder HNS Media – supporting veteran content creators grow a following, design their brand, start a newsletter, host a podcast, and a number of other areas that amplify our community’s voice.

Podcast Host: Co-Hosting the Harder Not Smarter Podcast with Greg VanDyne, where we share insights on entrepreneurship, career transition, mental health, and developing an unbeatable mindset.

Writer: Creating thought-provoking content for the Monday Morning Vetrepreneur newsletter, featuring veteran business owners and practical entrepreneurial tips.

Advocate: Actively advocating for veteran empowerment and support through various platforms and speaking engagements. Interested in having me speak? Shoot me a DM.

My journey from the battlefield to the boardroom has been fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for helping others achieve their full potential. Let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate to make a difference.

Call to Action:
Connect with me to stay updated on my latest insights
Subscribe to the Monday Morning Vetrepreneur
Tune in to the Harder Not Smarter Podcast
Join The Vet Collective

Together, we can transform lives and build a thriving community of veteran entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast
02:09 Kevin’s Transition: Military to Civilian Life
06:24 The Birth of the VET Collective
07:40 Understanding the Borrow, Build, Buy Paths
11:20 The Value of Military Experience in Business
23:15 Connecting Veterans with Business Opportunities
27:07 Understanding Financial Statements
28:12 The Importance of Teamwork in Entrepreneurship
29:14 Finding the Right Business Partner
31:14 Essential Business Advisors: The ABCs
34:21 Navigating Franchise Opportunities
39:28 Challenges of Starting a Business from Scratch
43:56 Community Support and Growth
48:41 Conclusion and Contact Information