Assault Forward

By Assault Forward

Do You Give A S#*t or Not? Lessons learned from the military, business, and entrepreneurship. The co-founders of Assault Forward share stories from the military and a look under the hood of their 100% Veteran Owned and Operated small business featuring 100% Made in America - Accessories and Apparel for Veterans and Patriotic Americans.

Listen on Spotify Send voice message

Available on

Report content on Spotify

Mindset of Adaptability

Assault ForwardJan 15, 2021

00:00

14:25

Mindset of Adaptability

National Guard troops deployed to the Capitol in Washington DC this week and started sleeping on the marble floors - civilians and the military community had some differing thoughts on that. Let's discuss what makes us different and how it helps us adapt in business and life to succeed!

Be sure to check out our Veteran Owned Business of the Week: Deep South Creations USMC Veteran Owned & Operated woodworking.

Shop online at www.assaultforward.us and don't forget to apply the discount code we drop in the episode to save 15% off any order! Follow us on all social media @AssaultFWD

Jan 15, 202114:25

New Year, New You? BS

New Year - New You? Nonsense, but it does create an opportunity for change. We explore this and more in this episode, our first of 2021 and Season 2 of the Assault Forward Podcast - Do you give a shit or not?

Shop online at www.assaultforward.us and don't forget to apply the discount code we drop in the episode to save 15% off any order!

Be sure to check out our Veteran Owned Business of the Week: Military Talent Partners for your job seeking and hiring needs.

Jan 08, 202122:39

Popping Smoke

Let's talk about getting out of the military and making a successful transition to a civilian career. When it's time to pop smoke from active duty how do you find opportunities and land on your feet.

Please support Veteran Owned businesses this holiday season for your gift purchases - search for #VeteranOwned on social media.

Thank you for listening, please like & subscribe, send us DM's on all social media @AssaultFWD and visit our website https://assaultforward.us (and don't forget to use the discount code we mention in the show to save 15% off any order!!!)

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Nov 25, 202029:25

Op Tempo

Shoot, Move, and Communicate - that's what we're doing this week during this short period of time between Veterans Day and Black Friday / Cyber Monday - busy times for our 100% Veteran Owned & Operated small business.

Please support Veteran Owned businesses this holiday season for your gift purchases - search for #VeteranOwned on social media.

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Nov 19, 202024:24

Veterans Day & Beyond

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast - lessons learned from the military, business, and entrepreneurship for life - we discuss Veteran's Day - and what it means to hold the title of Veteran. From our experiences on Active Duty to after we've taken off the uniform and how our perception of the service and sacrifice in the military changes over the years with some perspective - we dive into it all behind this important holiday.

Our Business of the week is Dog Tag Bakery - find them online at DogTagBakery.com . They empower veterans with service-connected disabilities, military spouses, and caregivers to discover purpose and find community outside the military. Follow them on IG here: @DogTagBakery Making it deliciously simple for you to empower the lives of our veterans and military families.

Thanks for listening, please like & subscribe, send us DM's on all social media @AssaultFWD and visit our website https://assaultforward.us (and don't forget to use the discount code we mention in the show to save 15% off any order!!!)

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Nov 12, 202023:18

E Pluribus Unum

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast - lessons learned from the military, business, and entrepreneurship for life - we discuss how Joe and Shah are two of the co-founders of Assault Forward. On paper, they couldn’t be much different. One from the Midwest, raised Catholic in Illinois, with both grandfather’s who served in WWII. The other a first generation American, born and raised in New York City in a Muslim home. While they didn’t know each other on Active Duty, both would serve in combat with the US Army in Afghanistan and Iraq as Field Artillerymen. They met after their time in uniform while using the G.I. Bill to go to college. Their military service transcended all ethnic, cultural, and religious differences and they connected over their pride of service and love for America.

Our Veteran Owned Business of the week is Summit Maple Farm - find them online at summitmaplefarm.com . Veteran Owned small family farm sustainably harvested and produced Vermont maple syrup from a certified bird friendly sugarbush. Check out all their awesome infused flavors and take advantage of their free shipping on orders over $50. Follow them on IG here: @SummitMapleFarm

Thanks for listening, please like and subscribe (and leave a 5 Star review!), send us DM's on all social media @AssaultFWD and visit our website https://assaultforward.us (and don't forget to use the discount code we mention in the show to save 15% off any order!!!)

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Nov 05, 202024:31

Teamwork

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast - lessons learned from the military, business, and entrepreneurship for life - we discuss teamwork - building the team, looking at strengths and weaknesses, complimenting different styles and skill sets, and more. Examples from the military and how that can inform your business or entrepreneurship adventure.

Our Veteran Owned Business of the week is Club Grunt Style - find them online at https://www.gruntstyle.com/products/join-now. Awesome exclusive t-shirts delivered to your door each month. Assault Forward is the November giveaway sponsor and we're listed in the Club House which has special discounts for Club GS members! Follow them on IG here: @ClubGruntStyle

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Oct 29, 202026:05

Pre Combat Checks

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast - lessons learned from the military, business, and entrepreneurship for life - we discuss PCC's/PCI's (Pre-Combat Checks / Pre-Combat Inspections) and how this best practice from the military absolutely can apply to business and set you up for success.

Our Veteran Owned Business of the week is Combat Flip Flops - find them online at https://combatflipflops.com. Awesome company, incredible mission, and great sandals! "Bad for Running, Worse for Fighting" Follow them on IG here: @CombatFlipFlops

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Oct 22, 202027:28

Double Time

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast - lessons learned from the military, business, and entrepreneurship for life - we discuss physical training and why being in shape can help you deal with stresses of life, work, and anything else you might face.

Our Veteran Owned Business of the week is Ewe Knit & Sew. A veteran/woman owned small business. Leanne Wade, the owner, does all the designing, hand-dyeing, sewing, quilting, and crafting. She’s killing it on social media – passionate about the fiber arts and her customers – visit her boutique online at EweKnitSew.com. Finished products like Quilts, Bags, scarfs, etc to raw materials like yarn and patterns she’s got something for everybody. Find Ewe Knit and Sew on social media, IG, FB, and TikTok

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Oct 15, 202028:24

After Action Reviews

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast - lessons learned from the military, business, and entrepreneurship for life - we discuss After Action Reviews or debriefs. Taking a look at what was supposed to happen vs. what did happen and how your unit, business, or anything in life can improve for next time.

Our Veteran Owned Business of the week is a non-profit that helps the Military Connected Community find the fastest route to entrepreneurial success, Bunker Labs. Check them out at https://bunkerlabs.org. Find them on social media, IG, FB @thebunkerlabs and apply today to the Veterans in Residence program (applications close on Oct. 15, 2020 for Cohort 21A, Jan-Jun 2021).

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Oct 08, 202029:40

25 Meter Target

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast - lessons learned from the military, business, and entrepreneurship for life - we discuss focusing on the first target at the range, your 25 meter target. Until you knock that one down, its foolish to worry about the ones beyond it. Commitment, focus, dedication - all components of our responses to questions received via social media. Keep sending us your DM's!

Our Veteran Owned Business of the week is Zarfling Platoon Books & Games. Check them out at https://zarfling.com/. Find them on social media, IG, FB @zarfling and please check out their Kickstarter campaign here: KICKSTARTER

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Oct 01, 202027:48

Commanders Intent

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast - lessons learned from the military, business, and entrepreneurship for life - we discuss commanders intent. How establishing left and right limits may surprise people who think the military is all about taking direct orders.

Our Veteran Owned Business of the week is Four Brothers Mead. Check them out at https://fourbrothersmead.com. Find them on social media, IG, FB @fourbrothersmead

Thanks for listening, please like and subscribe, send us DM's on all social media @AssaultFWD and visit our website https://assaultforward.us (and don't forget to use the discount code we mention in the show to save 15% off any order!!!)

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Sep 24, 202026:19

Shoot, Move, and COMMUNICATE

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast - lessons learned from the military, business, and entrepreneurship for life - we discuss communication on the battlefield and in companies big and small. Why it matters, how to get better at it, and how important it really is.

Our Veteran Owned Business of the week is a Veteran founded and led non-profit, Badges United Foundation. Check them out at https://badgesunitedfoundation.org. Find them on social media, IG, FB, T @BadgesUnited.

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Sep 17, 202027:38

Guest Interview: Nick Palmisciano, Ranger Up,

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast we interview Nick Palmisciano, the CEO and Founder of Ranger Up and Diesel Jack Media. While we're pretty good at making 100% Made in America accessories and apparel for Veterans and Patriotic Americans, we're still getting the hang of this podcast thing and our audio quality with Nick isn't the best - that being said, the content is top notch and Nick drops some real insights into his transition out of the Army, business, becoming a Veteran entrepreneur, and shares the news about his latest project. Give it a listen and our apologies for the quality of the recording. We'll do better with our next guest, we promise!
Our Veteran Owned Business of the week is Ranger Up. Visit them online at rangerup.com/ to see the latest on what Nick and the team have been up to! Instagram
Thanks for listening, please like and subscribe, send us DM's on all social media @AssaultFWD and visit our website assaultforward.us (and don't forget to use the discount code we mention in the show to save 15% off any order!!!)
#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Sep 10, 202053:57

Rest and Relaxation

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast we discuss the importance of taking R&R in the military and how that translates to why you should use those hard earned Vacation Days in the civilian world. Setting an example as leaders and why your team members will come back as better employees for having taken the time away from the business. If you think you're too critical to the business to take time away - that's a real problem as well and we discuss why you should prepare your succession plan to ensure continuity of operations, just like how the chain of command works in the military.

Our Veteran Owned Business of the week is Patriot Beads & Brass. Patriot Beads and Brass makes stunning bullet jewelry designs with high quality components. They use genuine Swarovski crystals and natural semi-precious gemstones. The website is https://patriotbeadsandbrass.com/ - This female Veteran Owned business is owned and operated by Ashley Spangberg, an Army Veteran of Iraq & Afghanistan. Check them out and support this Veteran Owned business today! Find Ashley on all social media @PatriotBeadsandBrass

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Sep 03, 202028:13

Dress Right Dress

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast we discuss what it means to be "squared away" and how all those things we learned in the military about being neat and orderly can apply to business and life to make sure we're ready for the opportunities and challenges that might come our way.

Here's the link to the ADM McRaven quote we opened the episode with: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sK3wJAxGfs it's definitely worth the watch and will motivate and inspire to pay attention to the details and start your day off the right way.

As we mention in the episode, our Veteran Owned Business of the week isn't really a business, but rather a directory of sorts for other Veteran Owned businesses. We're talking about Veterans Referring Veterans https://www.veteransreferringveterans.com/ - you can use their website to find Veteran Owned goods and services all across our great Nation to support Veterans in their post-military careers. Check them out and hire a Veteran today! Find the VRV on all social media, TikTok, IG, FB, T @VeteransReferring and @VeteransReferringVeterans.

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Aug 27, 202022:08

Military Decision Making, Applied to Business

In this episode of the Assault Forward, Do You Give A S#*t or Not? Podcast we explore decision making, lessons learned from the military and how they apply to business and entrepreneurship.

Veteran Owned Business of the Week! Cruise Customs Flags - Check them out at https://cruisecustomsflags.com/ The talented team at Cruise Customs makes handcrafted American Flags out of repurposed bourbon barrels. Top notch craftsmanship with an awesome backstory. We're huge fans and have personally purchased many of their products. Be sure to follow on social media to keep up with their latest work as well!

Thanks for listening, please like and subscribe, send us DM's on all social media @AssaultFWD and visit our website https://assaultforward.us

#Veterans #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward #Business #Entrepreneurship #Military

Aug 20, 202027:26

Do You Give A S#*t Or Not?

Do You Give A Shit or Not Podcast - Presented by Assault Forward. This week we dive into why we decided to change the name of the podcast and how we refocused the discussion around our lessons learned from the military, business, and entrepreneurship to help you accomplish more in life.

Veteran Owned Business of the Week: https://commonsense.coffee/

They're a tech-focused, coffee company that provides single origin coffee to the visionaries of the world and shares in their accomplishments. They help visionaries, entrepreneurs, and change-makers tell their stories over a cup of coffee.

https://www.instagram.com/commonsensecoffee/ https://www.facebook.com/CommonSenseCoffee/

Please subscribe and like the podcast and don’t forget to use discount code “AFPODCAST” to save 15% on any order at www.assaultforward.us

Aug 13, 202025:40

Battle Rhythm in the Military and Business

https://assaultforward.us/

battle-rhythm

Noun

A daily routine or order of business, especially as assumed by a military organization or during crisis.

In this episode we explore how the battle rhythm and processes we learned in the military apply to business and life. Your calendar sets your priorities and it's important to set time aside regularly to not just execute the daily tasks but plan and layout your long range goals and vision for yourself and business. And we share a little more than you probably ever wanted to know about custom designed bubble poly mailers!

Veteran Owned Business of the Week

We shout-out a business we think is doing good stuff each episode and this week we want to recognize: Charm City Spices – Fellow OIF Veteran and Army Veteran Owner, Amechtre named her business after Baltimore “Charm City”. She was a Food Service Specialist in the military who took her culinary talents to this great spice business. Sweet, Savory, Herbs, and more – freshly made and handcrafted, check them out on social media https://www.facebook.com/CharmCitySpices & https://www.instagram.com/charmcityspices/ and shop online at: https://www.charmcityspices.com/

Aug 06, 202025:39

Veteran Entrepreneurship | Hard Work

The topic we get the most questions about is starting Assault Forward and becoming Veteran Entrepreneurs. In this episode we discuss the adventure of starting your own business, boot-strapping, launching a minimum viable product using the Lean Startup methodology, and being 100% responsible for the entire process from start to finish for all aspects of the venture.

https://assaultforward.us - as always, we invite you to visit our website to learn more about Assault Forward and our 100% Veteran Owned & Operated small business and check out our 100% Made in America products. Use discount code "AFPodcast" to save 15% off any order.

We’re all about community and we want to use whatever platform we have to help lift up other Veteran Owned businesses, we’re going to shout-out a business we think is doing good stuff each episode and this week we want to call out Caisson Shaving. There website is https://caisson-shaving.com/ and they focus on premium shaving soaps and other grooming items. Not only is this another Veteran Owned company, but also a fellow Field Artilleryman, a Redleg, like us so of course we want to give them some love. If you’ve never tried shaving soaps instead of your cheap drugstore foams and gels and using a real razor blade – give them a try, you’re going to be pretty impressed! Caisson_Shaving on IG

Jul 29, 202026:42

Memorial Day Tribute & Traditions

After starting off with a powerful quote by General Patton, we dive into Memorial Day and explore some of the unique military customs such as The Battlefield Cross, coins on gravestones, and taps. We discuss how we all choose to honor the memory of our fallen brothers and sisters in arms in our own meaningful ways be it on Memorial Day or another significant date and why building a business like Assault Forward has been a sort of therapy for us and allowed us to stay connected to the military community.

Shop online at www.assaultforward.us

Find and follow us @AssaultFWD on all social media.

- Assault Forward

May 27, 202017:48

Conversation with Co-Founder Josh Mendoza

In this episode of the Assault Forward podcast I speak with co-founder Josh Mendoza about his journey into the military, career in uniform, and leap into entrepreneurship. The military connected community is robust and thriving and Josh speaks about the importance of networking and staying connected with those you've served with and others you meet along the way. Finally, Josh previews a few of the future products coming soon from Assault Forward and why its important to listen to your customers.

Visit us and shop online at:

www.assaultforward.us Use discount code "AFPodcast" to save 15% off any order!

Find us on all social media @AssaultFWD (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn)

May 20, 202023:44

Quarantine - Operations - What’s Next

In this episode I talk with my co-founder Shah about how we’re managing the coronavirus lockdown, how our business is fairing and adapting to the new circumstances, and why the heck a Veteran Owned business is on TikTok! Discount code “AFPodcast” saves 15% on any order at www.assaultforward.us - follow us on all social media @AssaultFWD

May 13, 202023:22

Military Connected Community, Part II / Coronavirus Situation

Use discount code "AFPodcast" for 15% off any order at www.assaultforward.us - In this episode we talk about the Esprit De Corps of the military connected community, the coronavirus situation and why we think Veterans and military families are uniquely positioned to handle it, and get into some of our favorite businesses, including:

https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/

https://www.flagsofvalor.com/

https://cruisecustomsflags.com/

https://bottlebreacher.com/

https://www.combatflipflops.com/ & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlP8Zig_ksM (Ted Talk Video)

https://www.rriveter.com/

Just like the companies we discussed in Episode 6, we've personally made purchases from each of these companies and believe in the quality of their products, their missions, and causes.

Mar 25, 202024:26

Military Connected Community Businesses, Part 1

Use discount code "AFPodcast" to save 15% off any order at www.assaultforward.us ! #WinningMatters starts off this weeks episode with a powerful quote from the 40th Chief of Staff of the Army.

Esprit de corps - noun

a feeling of pride, fellowship, and common loyalty shared by the members of a particular group.

I have a lot of pride in the military connected community and the businesses and projects that they're passionate about. We dive into some of our favorite Veteran Owned and Operated companies this week that we've personally purchased their products and tested out - and gone back for more because we believe in and support them - you'll want to check them out too!

Grunt Style, Soledier Socks, Battle Bars, Black Ink Coffee Company, Baret Bat & Glove Company, True Made Foods - tune in next week for Part 2!

Mar 10, 202021:35

Mentors, Veterans, and Resources

www.assaultforward.us - Use discount code "AFPodcast" at checkout for 15% off any order of our 100% Made in America products from our 100% Veteran Owned and Operated small business.

In this episode (5) we discuss the biggest news of the week, the Afghanistan peace deal and scheduled troop reductions there, explore some of the resources available to Veteran entrepreneurs and the importance of relationships with mentors. Finally, the good news story of the week from the Veteran community a former Marine sets a new Guinness Book of World Records mark for the longest plank ever.

Be sure to find us on all social media @AssaultFWD

Mar 02, 202019:07

AF 2nd Anniversary

Diving in this week to some good news from the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, discussing the 2nd Anniversary of Assault Forward, our purpose, and mission, and wishing a special Veteran a very happy birthday! Follow us on all social media @AssaultFWD, visit our website www.assaultforward.us , and don't forget to use discount code "AFPodcast" to save 15% off any order - no exclusions or minimum purchase required!

Feb 23, 202017:06

Veteran Entrepreneurship - Starting Assault Forward

This episode we discuss the origin story of Assault Forward from coming up with a business idea, bringing that product to market, and more. Don’t forget to use discount code “AFPodcast” to save 15% on any order at www.assaultforward.us. Follow us on all social media @AssaultFWD - #VeteranOwned #MadeinAmerica #AssaultForward 🇺🇸

Feb 11, 202014:19

Bingo - Bingo - Bingo

In this episode I take you back to one of the best pranks ever pulled on me in Afghanistan - lots of love for my infantry company and our mission, but they got me good this time for sure! Check out our website, www.assaultforward.us to see our full selection of American Made products from our 100% Veteran Owned & Operated company. Use discount code "AFpodcast" for 15% your order!

Feb 03, 202010:42

Outhouse Improvement Competition - Mosul, Iraq

This episode I wanted to share a bit of the lighter side of a year long combat deployment from the archives of B Battery, 2-82 Field Artillery. I've heard many stories from our Vietnam era Veterans and others about the small details of camp life that were often the most memorable parts of their tours. As many can relate, despite the moments of high intensity and exhilaration, life down range is often filled with long stretches of boredom and monotony. Here's how our battery faced that challenge to keep our Troopers occupied and busy while at the same time making life a little better. I hope you enjoy this look at our life in Mosul, Iraq.

Jan 21, 202005:13