Service Academy Business Mastermind

Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ [https://www.academyfund.com/] Want to join us in San Francisco, CA on October 7th & 8th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events [https://www.10xvets.com/events] ____ Kevin Rainey is a certified breathwork coach, former Air Force officer, and seasoned project manager with over 20 years of experience leading programs around the world. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he built his career in Information Technology and Communications, known for bringing camaraderie, community, and grit to every team he led. His journey took a powerful turn during a breathwork and cold plunge session that sparked deep personal transformation. He lost weight, reversed sleep apnea, and found a natural way to manage depression. That experience inspired him to launch a coaching practice dedicated to helping others, especially men and veterans, reconnect with their bodies and strengthen their emotional resilience. Through one-on-one coaching and group cohorts, Kevin teaches breathwork routines that support nervous system regulation, mental clarity, and long-term well-being. His mission is to teach 1 million men how to use breath to improve their lives, families, and communities. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Kevin about: * Transformational Start: A powerful breathwork and cold plunge session helped Kevin release years of stored emotional trauma, sparking a complete personal transformation  * Breath as Self-Empowerment: Kevin teaches techniques that help people build confidence, emotional balance, and inner peace by tapping into their body’s natural rhythm.  * Coaching Approach: His sessions are practical and customized, focused on breathwork techniques that energize, calm, or balance, depending on client needs.  * Community-Focused Mission Kevin’s goal is to teach 1 million men how to build daily breathwork practices, creating stronger individuals, families, and communities.  Timestamps: * 00:52 Discovering Breathwork * 03:22 The Power of Breathwork * 09:19 Breathwork Techniques and Coaching * 15:35 Goals and Challenges Connect with Kevin: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwraney/] * https://www.kevinwraney.com/  If you found value in today’s episode, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you’re a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we’d love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode—subscribe now and help support the show: * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/service-academy-business-mastermind/id1233995120] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3vhLcvE3Qng7TnrVfDH9tn] * Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Kevin for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ [https://www.academyfund.com/] Want to join us in San Francisco, CA on October 7th & 8th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events [https://www.10xvets.com/events] ____ Richard Kenny is the founder of Falcon Capital Real Estate and Valuation Pro, bringing together decades of valuation expertise with a focus on innovation in commercial real estate. At Falcon Capital, he helps partners access institutional-grade deals by providing co-GP capital, underwriting support, and strategic insight on complex transactions. Valuation Pro, his AI-powered platform, delivers fast, accurate property valuations for investors, brokers, and assessors, helping streamline decision-making and reduce turnaround time. A U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and former Contracting Officer, Richard grew up in the appraisal world and has led valuation work across more than 35 states. His experience spans a wide range of asset types, from strip malls and solar farms to subsurface minerals and other complex properties. Now focused on scaling Valuation Pro, Richard brings a rare blend of field expertise and technology-forward thinking to the commercial real estate space. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Richard about: * Accessible Real Estate Investing: Falcon Capital lowers entry barriers for real estate investors.  * Fast, AI Powered Valuations: Valuation pro delivers AI-powered reports in under an hour.  * Broad, Specialized Appraisal Experience: Appraisal work spans unique assets in 35+ states. * Appraiser-Led Underwriting Insight: Appraiser insights lead to stronger investment decisions.  * Launch-Ready Tech Platform: Valuation Pro is gearing up for a public debut.  Timestamps: * 0:43 Richard’s Background and Journey into Real Estate.  * 02:11 Founding Falcon Capital  * 04:27 Introduction to Valuation Pro  * 06:50 Appraisal Industry Insights  * 11:41 Valuation Pro’s Functionality and Target Market * 18:04 Future Plans and Goals Connect with Richard: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kenny-mai-mba-b6a95343/] * Email: richard@richardkenny.com [richard@richardkenny.com]   If you found value in today’s episode, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you’re a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we’d love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode—subscribe now and help support the show: * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/service-academy-business-mastermind/id1233995120] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3vhLcvE3Qng7TnrVfDH9tn] * Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Richard Kenny for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

Dave Lam is a seasoned investor, veteran, and strategic operator focused on unlocking value in microcap and lower-middle market companies. A former U.S. Air Force contracting officer, he offers deep expertise on execution, strategy, and operational excellence. As a Principal at Phalanx Partners, he helps lead independent sponsorship and advisory efforts for growing companies across multiple sectors. He is also a Managing Principal at Oakwood Legacy Partners, a private holding company investing in alternative assets including real estate, cryptocurrency, and private debt. With a decade of experience managing complex vendor portfolios and leading operational strategy, Dave’s expertise spans procurement, underwriting, and portfolio management. His background includes work with the U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard, where he oversaw projects in medical services, construction, communications, and defense manufacturing. Dave holds an MS in Finance from Boston College and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Whether advising founders or evaluating new investments, he brings a rigorous, data-driven approach to growth, risk management, and long-term value creation. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Dave about: * From Military to Main Street: How Dave’s background as an Air Force contracting officer led him to pursue small business acquisitions. * The PHX Playbook: A value-driven model where founders sell majority ownership but stay on to scale with strategic support. * Smart Acquisition Strategy: Why clean financials, low owner dependency, and operational upside are essential for a successful deal. * Opportunity in the Lower Market: Dave targets $1–3M EBITDA businesses where hands-on improvements can drive major returns. * The Power of Relationships: Trusted veteran and referral networks are key to finding deals and aligning the right people for growth. Timestamps: * 00:41 Dave’s Background and Introduction * 01:48 The Importance of Due Diligence * 03:00 Introduction to Phalanx Partners * 06:02 Opportunities in Business Acquisitions * 14:19 Pitfalls in Business Acquisitions * 18:27 Secrets to Finding Deal Flow * 20:22 Building Your Professional Network * 21:15 Strategic Referral Partners * 23:20 Investment and Value Addition * 27:28 Optimizing Small Businesses * 33:15 Future Goals and Aspirations * 38:00 Acquisitions and Exit Circle * 39:50 Connecting and Contact Information Connect with Dave: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davelam11/] * Email: dave.lam@phalanxpart.com If you found value in today’s episode, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you’re a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we’d love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode—subscribe now and help support the show: * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/service-academy-business-mastermind/id1233995120] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3vhLcvE3Qng7TnrVfDH9tn] * Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Dave for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

Joshua Emison is the founder of Tracer Franchising, where he helps individuals identify proven, scalable franchise opportunities tailored to their financial and lifestyle goals. With a background in business development and a sharp eye for operational models, he simplifies what’s often a crowded and confusing process in franchising. Josh works across industries to guide clients toward sustainable, long-term ownership—whether they’re exploring their first opportunity or expanding an existing portfolio.  A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former Marine Corps Infantry Officer, Josh approaches business ownership with the same focus and structure that defined his military career. He’s also the co-founder of Sans Bank, a fintech company using blockchain to make alternative investments more accessible through asset tokenization. Across both ventures, Josh is focused on helping others take ownership of their future through smart, strategic decisions. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Joshua about: * Franchise Education: A clear process to help new owners understand the realities of franchising. * Matching System: A detailed quiz and vetting method to pair candidates with the right franchises. * Tippy Toes Model: A lean, mobile business chosen for its strong demand and trusted leadership. * Startup vs. Franchise: Franchising offers structure and support that startups often lack. * Owner Mindset: Success requires patience, realistic expectations, and long-term commitment. Timestamps: * 00:59 Josh's Background and Career Journey * 02:29 Introduction to Tracer Franchising * 03:06 The Franchising Process Explained * 05:55 Selecting the Right Franchise * 09:57 Funding Your Franchise * 11:59 Negotiating Franchise Terms * 14:51 Choosing Tippy Toes Dance Franchise * 17:56 Comparing Franchisee Experience with Startups * 18:36 The Challenges of Starting a Business from Scratch * 19:25 The Benefits of Franchising * 20:55 Sales Success Stories * 24:24 Adapting the Business Model * 26:35 Future Goals and Vision * 30:33 Common Challenges in Franchising Connect with Joshua: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-emison/] * Email: joshua@raintreegrowth.com [joshua@raintreegrowth]  If you found value in today’s episode, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you’re a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we’d love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode—subscribe now and help support the show: * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/service-academy-business-mastermind/id1233995120] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3vhLcvE3Qng7TnrVfDH9tn] * Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Joshua for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01

Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ [https://www.academyfund.com/] Want to join us in San Antonio, TX on June 11th & 12th? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events [https://www.10xvets.com/events] ____ Zachary Guerra is a powerful force in storytelling, making the leap from Naval Aviator flying S-3B Vikings to directing multi-million-dollar productions for some of the world’s biggest brands. Over the past decade, Zachary has directed and produced more than 25 high-impact campaigns for global brands such as Apple and ESPN, managing more than $34 million in production budgets. As a Director, Writer, and Producer, Zachary has written 15+ screenplays and directed over 20 commercials, all while actively developing feature films with both major studios and independent teams. Beyond his commercial success, Zachary is deeply invested in the next generation of creatives. He mentors aspiring filmmakers and imparts his knowledge of Editing, Cinematography, and Producing at esteemed institutions. His dedication to education reflects his belief in storytelling as a transformative tool. Zachary's approach to filmmaking is characterized by a relentless pursuit of compelling narratives and a commitment to excellence. Each project he undertakes is infused with a unique blend of strategic insight and creative vision, making him a distinctive voice in contemporary cinema. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Zachary about: * Post-Navy Pivot: After flying jets, Zachary turned to filmmaking to follow his creative drive. * Turning Points: He lost equipment and faced shutdowns but stayed focused on real, human stories. * Canon Shot: His new documentary that captures the croquet rivalry between Navy and St. John’s, spotlighting cultural gaps. The film reveals how two schools in the same town rarely engage with each other. * Real-World Impact: How his documentary helped spark new partnerships, with midshipmen now taking classes at St. John’s. Timestamps: * 00:31 Zach's Journey into Filmmaking * 01:55 Early Wins and Challenges * 03:36 The Concept of 'Dance for Your Dinner' * 09:52 The Making of 'Canon Shot' * 16:12 Surprising Discoveries and Reflections * 22:35 Current Status and Support Needed * 30:01 Conclusion and Contact Information   Connect with Zachary: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-guerra-usna2000/] * Contact Page [https://www.zacharyguerra.com/contact]   If you found value in today’s episode, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you’re a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we’d love for you to join our community and get started today.   Make sure you never miss an episode—subscribe now and help support the show: * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/service-academy-business-mastermind/id1233995120] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3vhLcvE3Qng7TnrVfDH9tn] * Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to Zachary for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA ’01