Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth

Latest Episodes:

174: "You, as the business owner, are not the end user of your product." Improving a Business Through Fresh Eyes with Adrian Suzuki-Cruz Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

Hey there, listener! Thank you for checking out our older seasons! As of September 2025, we have revamped our website! So if any episodes or links seem to be missing, don't hesitate to contact Jen at jen@holdingdownthefortpodcast.com

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174: "You, as the business owner, are not the end user of your product." Improving a Business Through Fresh Eyes with Adrian Suzuki-Cruz

Jen Amos invites UX Design Expert and Project Manager for US VetWealth, Adrian Suzuki-Cruz, to reflect on how their 20 years of friendship led them to work together today. For part 1 of 2 of this interview, Adrian explains how he got interested in UX design as a creative outlet and a way to gain more control over his time. Together, they discuss how Adrian has helped US VetWealth with the clarity and usability of their online portal: Military Retirement Blueprint. Adrian explains the effectiveness of user testing with the portal members and how it has improved in establishing a single starting point for new members.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bNMzmvn25f0

Connect with Adrian Suzuki-Cruz

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Do you want to do more than “follow orders,” think outside of the box, and manifest your dreams? Then you’ve come to the right show! The award-winning podcast, Holding Down the Fort by US VetWealth, is returning for Season 7 to highlight motivational stories of personal growth, financial awareness, and autonomy in our military community. The show is hosted by Jen Amos, a Gold Star daughter, Veteran Spouse, and Entrepreneur.

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

Our main sponsor US VetWealth is proud to offer a FREE Retiree Appraisal to help military retirees make a confident and informed decision on the Survivor Benefit Plan and Thrift Savings Plan. Get a comprehensive understanding and financial valuation of your time in service today by visiting: https://usvetwealth.com/usvw-appraisal/

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. In August 2022, Jen Amos' work on the podcast was recognized by Disney Institute and she was hand-selected as the only non-Disney employee to moderate the first Military Spouse Employment panel for the Veterans Institute Summit. March 2022, Jenny Lynne has voted the 2022 Naval Station Norfolk Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. November 2020, Jen Amos was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! The show continued to collect award...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

173: "But the unicorn in me says, why not?" Wendy Baird Packard helps transitioning service members find purpose and passion through career transitions Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

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173: "But the unicorn in me says, why not?" Wendy Baird Packard helps transitioning service members find purpose and passion through career transitions

Have you ever experienced a setback in your career plan that made you wish you had a Plan B? The Founder and CEO of Speaking Up With Wendy Baird Packard can speak about this from personal and professional experience.

Jen Amos speaks with Wendy Baird Packard to hear about her experience as a military spouse for the last 17 years, a former employee of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), and a 2023 graduate of The Rosie Network's Service2CEO program.

She drew from her husband's experience transitioning from the military to civilian life, which was challenged with financial difficulties and instability. This motivated her to help others transition effectively. Today, Wendy works as a career counselor and coach, helping people develop career plans and overcome challenges like fear of success. Listen to Wendy's valuable insights for transitioning service members on career transitions, overcoming challenges, and balancing life responsibilities!

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Agyonv6BBvc

Connect with Speaking Up With Wendy Baird Packard

Website https://www.speakingupwithwendybairdpackard.com/
Email: speakingupwithwbp@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Speakingupwithwendybairdpackard
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendybairdpackard/
https://www.instagram.com/speakingupwithwbp/

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

Our main sponsor US VetWealth is proud to offer a FREE Retiree Appraisal to help military retirees make a confident and informed decision on the Survivor Benefit Plan and
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

172: "There's more hard work and autonomy in entrepreneurship than having a nine-to-five." Gary Redman's Deliberate Approach to Military Transition - Part 2 of 2 Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

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172: "There's more hard work and autonomy in entrepreneurship than having a nine-to-five." Gary Redman's Deliberate Approach to Military Transition - Part 2 of 2

Jen Amos invites her guest co-host, Scott R. Tucker, for a two-part interview with former colleague, Gary Redman. For this final interview, Gary shares how he found the startup he's currently working at. He emphasizes building relationships over time rather than just sending out resumes or making one-time interactions. Despite working harder than working a nine-to-five job, he finds more autonomy and fun in being an entrepreneur.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Uigmuic7UQo

Connect with Gary Redman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-redman-b66aa23a/

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. In August 2022, Jen Amos' work on the podcast was recognized by Disney Institute and she was hand-selected as the only non-Disney employee to moderate the first Military Spouse Employment panel for the Veterans Institute Summit. March 2022, Jenny Lynne has voted the 2022 Naval Station Norfolk Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. November 2020, Jen Amos was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! The show continued to collect award nominations in the following years. In September 2021, the show made the Final Slate in the 16th Annual People's Choice Podcast Awards for the Government & Organizations category. In November 2021, the show was an Award Finalist for the 5th Annual National Veteran & Military Spouse Entrepreneur Awards....
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

171: "You can take any idea, passion, hobby, or expertise, and build a PCS-proof business." Toria Demps' story from hair loss to helping others Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

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171: "You can take any idea, passion, hobby, or expertise, and build a PCS-proof business." Toria Demps' story from hair loss to helping others

Do you think online businesses provide an adequate solution to the unique challenges faced by individuals who have to relocate often? For the Founder of Demps Media Group, LLC., Toria Demps, that answer is a definite yes.

Jen Amos speaks with Toria Demps to hear her experiences from working for the federal government to starting her own business. She shares how she created a location-independent business making customized wigs, often for cancer patients, after experiencing hair loss herself. Her portable business has enabled her to continue working despite frequent relocations due to her husband's military service. As a 2023 Service2CEO graduate of The Rosie Network, she shares how she started a new business aimed at assisting other military spouses in creating portable businesses. Additionally, Toria is the author of the book, The HomeFront Hustle, is a Navy Veteran and a military spouse of 20+ years. Listen to Toria's story of adaptability, resilience, and the power of entrepreneurship.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TwdvHGafNzI

Connect with Toria Demps and Demps Media Group, LLC.

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter:
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

170: "I wanted something different. But I didn't really know what, and you don't really know until you find it." Gary Redman's Deliberate Approach to Military Transition - Part 1 of 2 Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

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170: "I wanted something different. But I didn't really know what, and you don't really know until you find it." Gary Redman's Deliberate Approach to Military Transition - Part 1 of 2

Jen Amos invites her guest co-host, Scott R. Tucker, for a two-part interview with former colleague, Gary Redman. They catch up on his transition journey since they first connected over a year ago. Gary shares that he took a deliberate 4-year approach to his transition, rather than the typical 12-24-month planning advice.

Gary reflects on his unorthodox approach to transition by cold messaging people on LinkedIn to learn about different careers, getting a real estate license, to now working part-time for a startup in Los Angeles. In closing the first part of this interview, he expresses how much he values autonomy and personal growth in future roles, and he touches on support from home as a key to taking career risks.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0gmzqsRhVPw

Connect with Gary Redman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-redman-b66aa23a/

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. In August 2022, Jen Amos' work on the podcast was recognized by Disney Institute and she was hand-selected as the only non-Disney employee to moderate the first Military Spouse Employment panel for the Veterans Institute Summit. March 2022, Jenny Lynne has voted the 2022 Naval Station Norfolk Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. November 2020, Jen Amos was awarded “Media Professional of the Year” at The Rosie Network Entrepreneur Awards! The show continued to...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

169: "I can have the cookie if I want to, and I'm really clear if I actually want this now or not." Anna Wood Teaches Wellness Over Weight Loss Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

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169: "I can have the cookie if I want to, and I'm really clear if I actually want this now or not." Anna Wood Teaches Wellness Over Weight Loss

Have you ever felt that the mainstream fitness industry sets unrealistic or extreme standards? Founder of Shaped By Strength Anna Wood certainly has.

Jen Amos speaks with Anna Wood to hear her experience as an immigrant military spouse adjusting to a new country while her husband was deployed. As a Service2CEO Alumni and Service2CEO Chapter Lead of The Rosie Network, she learned to design her business in a way that doesn't conform to mainstream fitness industry standards. She encourages her clients to focus on wellness rather than weight loss and making fitness accessible in a way that fits into people's lives. Listen to Anna's story of resilience, innovation, and giving back to the community.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IA8CBaV2HsA

Connect with Anna Wood and Shaped By Strength

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

Our main sponsor US VetWealth is proud to offer a FREE Retiree Appraisal to help military retirees make a confident and informed decision on the Survivor Benefit Plan and Thrift Savings...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

168: "None of us like failing. But failing is part of the business. With risk comes reward." Tory Hegrenes' Tiki Boat Business - Part 2 of 2 Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

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168: "None of us like failing. But failing is part of the business. With risk comes reward." Tory Hegrenes' Tiki Boat Business - Part 2 of 2

Jen Amos invites her guest co-host, Scott R. Tucker, for a two-part interview with VB Tiki Tours Owner and Boat Captain Tory Hegrenes. For this final interview, Tory shares his business plans such as expanding to more boats over time. He also shares his most recent success of being featured in local news and how that led to a surge in reservations. To aspiring entrepreneurs, Scott and Tory share networking tips, the importance of finding a mentor, and additional resources. Lastly, Tory turns the tables to ask Scott and Jen a business question.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4RLjrvNJB4U

Connect with Tory Hegrenes and VB Tiki Tours

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

167: "If you're coming out of the military community, don't worry about growing up. You can still love doing fun things." Matt Wood helps Military-Friendly companies become Military Ready Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

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167: "If you're coming out of the military community, don't worry about growing up. You can still love doing fun things." Matt Wood helps Military-Friendly companies become Military Ready

Have you ever encountered a situation where turning adversity into opportunity led to the creation of something innovative and impactful? "Chief Headache Reducer" and Founder of Suiting Green Consulting Matt Wood certainly has.

Jen Amos speaks with Matt Wood to hear his experiences as a Former Military Professional, Military Spouse, and a 2023 Service2CEO graduate of The Rosie Network. He shares fond memories of how a casual question from his wife inspired him to work at Disney. However, after being laid off from his job at Disney, he identified a knowledge gap between corporate America and the military community. This led him to establish Suiting Green Consulting, a firm dedicated to bridging this gap and helping companies hire better from the military community. Matt's passion lies in transforming companies from being military-friendly to military-ready. He also explains the importance of using the term "former military professionals" instead of "veterans." 2.5 years later, he's been able to build partnerships with nonprofits to help companies find top talent from the military community. Listen in on Matt's story of resilience and the power of turning adversity into opportunity.

This conversation is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oxX1iovHqK8

Connect with Matt Wood and Suiting Green Consulting

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

166: "I did my 20 years. Every day, I answered to someone else. Now it's my time to do something I'm passionate about." Tory Hegrenes' Tiki Boat Business - Part 1 of 2 Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

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166: "I did my 20 years. Every day, I answered to someone else. Now it's my time to do something I'm passionate about." Tory Hegrenes' Tiki Boat Business - Part 1 of 2

Jen Amos invites her guest co-host, Scott R. Tucker, for a two-part interview with VB Tiki Tours Owner and Boat Captain Tory Hegrenes. Tory starts by crediting Scott's book, Veteran Wealth Secrets, as the catalyst for him to start his tiki boat business. He discusses the importance of networking, pursuing his passions after retirement, and how he is building his business one step at a time. In closing the first part of this interview, Scott hints at how you can leverage the military pension and disability pay as a risk buffer for entrepreneurship.

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sKvdmdWWUEE

Connect with Tory Hegrenes and VB Tiki Tours

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

165: "You have to stick with it. Take the bumps, the bruises, the lessons, and then scale. Keep moving forward." Deon Green's story of beauty, art, and business Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

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165: "You have to stick with it. Take the bumps, the bruises, the lessons, and then scale. Keep moving forward." Deon Green's story of beauty, art, and business

Can you imagine sustaining a business during a global pandemic and a relocation? Well, The Rosie Network's 2021 Service2CEO Graduate and Founder of Dee Luxe Nails, LLC. Deon Green has.

Jen Amos listens to Deon "Dee" Green as she shares her journey as an entrepreneur, military spouse, and veteran. She started her nail art business after retiring from 22 years in the military. At first, she took in-person clients at her home nail studio. Then, she pivoted to selling custom, press-on nails online when the pandemic hit. Dee shares how The Rosie Network helped her develop more tools, such as a pitch deck, to grow her business. In reflecting on her journey, she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to find their passion, seek out a mentor, and find their "business bestie."

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tlRLB5YxPtA

Connect with Deon Green with Dee Luxe Nails, LLC

Check out our last newsletter for 2023: https://mailchi.mp/5f4af326864a/holdingdownthefort

Access our FREE PORTAL for bonus content: https://holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/portal

Season 7 is in partnership with The Rosie Network! Read more - CLICK HERE

Get the latest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: CLICK HERE

In the Fall of 2023, Jen Amos was sought after by InDependent to co-host the 8th annual InDependent Wellness Summit™. In August 2022, Jen Amos' work on the...
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.holdingdownthefortpodcast.com/subscribe

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