Q&R (Question & Response) Podcast

From the South Side to Entrepreneurship | Featuring Johnny Martinez

On this episode of the Q&R Podcast, Quincy and Ryan sit down with Johnny Martinez, a retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, entrepreneur, and community leader whose journey proves that the mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Johnny shares how growing up on the south side of San Antonio shaped his work ethic and determination long before he ever stepped into the Air Force. During his military career, he served as both a Military Training Instructor (MTI) and Recruiter, two roles that required leadership, discipline, communication, and the ability to connect with people. Those experiences didn’t just shape his military career — they laid the foundation for the business mindset and leadership skills he uses today. After retiring from the Air Force, Johnny and his wife Jessica Martinez took those lessons and turned them into something bigger — building multiple successful businesses that serve their community and amplify local voices. Together they operate:  • Party People Photo Booth – bringing energy and fun to events across the region  • Top Flight Realty Group – helping families achieve the dream of homeownership  • Social Plug Media – a creative platform dedicated to highlighting local entrepreneurs, leaders, and community stories In this episode, Johnny opens up about the transition from military life to entrepreneurship, the challenges of starting and scaling businesses, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people who believe in your vision. This conversation is about leadership, resilience, family, and building something meaningful after service. If you’re a veteran thinking about your next move, an entrepreneur building something from the ground up, or someone looking for inspiration on how to turn life experience into opportunity — this episode is for you. 🎙️ Listen now and hear how Johnny Martinez turned service into success. email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209 Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/ Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr

Mike Hayes aka DJ Magic: From the farm to Entrepreneur

What happens when a small-town kid from rural Georgia leaves the farm, serves over 20 years in the United States Air Force… and accidentally discovers his calling in an empty NCO club? In this episode of Question & Response, Ryan and Quincy sit down with Mike Hays — better known as DJ Magic — to unpack a journey that proves purpose doesn’t always arrive with a perfect plan. Mike’s DJ career didn’t start with a business strategy or a dream board. It started when his mentor asked him to “cover the booth for a few minutes”… and didn’t come back for an hour and a half. Alone. No roadmap. No backup. Just pressure. What could have been a disaster became a spark. From that moment, Mike fell in love with the craft — reading crowds, controlling energy, creating experiences. But passion is one thing. Building a business is another. And like many veterans transitioning from service, he had to learn the hard way that talent doesn’t automatically equal entrepreneurship. In this episode, we talk about: * Growing up on a farm and how it shaped his work ethic * Serving 20+ years in the Air Force while discovering a creative outlet * The uncomfortable transition from hobbyist to business owner * Lessons learned about pricing, branding, and building a reputation * What veterans often miss about the business side of entrepreneurship * Reinventing identity beyond rank and title This conversation isn’t just about music. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and betting on yourself when you’re thrown into the deep end. If you’re a veteran navigating transition, an aspiring entrepreneur learning as you go, or someone who discovered your passion by accident — this episode is for you. Because sometimes your next chapter doesn’t start with a plan. It starts with being left alone in the booth. 🎙️ Listen now and discover how DJ Magic turned pressure into purpose. email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209 Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/ Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr

Marygail Harmon: Don't chase a traditional 9-5!!

What happens when 22 years of military leadership meets the global travel economy? In this episode, we sit down with Marygail Harmon — a 22-year U.S. Air Force veteran who didn’t just transition out of the military… she redefined what transition could look like. Marygail shares how her background in leadership, operations, and strategic execution became the foundation for her next mission: entrepreneurship. Instead of chasing another traditional 9–5, she stepped into the travel and tourism industry, building a business centered on freedom, flexibility, and legacy. We talk about: * The identity shift from uniform to entrepreneur * Leveraging military skill sets in the civilian world * Creating income beyond a paycheck * Building a life designed around flexibility and impact * Mentoring others who are ready to take ownership of their future If you’re a veteran wondering what’s next…  If you’re exploring unconventional ways to transition…  Or if you’re ready to stop tying your identity to a title… This conversation will challenge how you think about opportunity. Because transition isn’t the end of service — it’s the beginning of your next mission. email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209 Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/ Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr

Sherry Pratt: Family over Career!!!

What does leadership look like after the uniform comes off? In this episode, we sit down with Sherry Pratt — a 21-year United States Air Force veteran who served as both a PME Instructor and First Sergeant. For decades, she mentored Airmen through high-stakes decisions, complex challenges, and pivotal life moments. Now? She’s guiding families through one of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make — homeownership. After retiring from the military, Sherry transitioned into the mortgage industry as a Mortgage Loan Officer with Your Veteran Lenders, powered by Movement Mortgage. But she didn’t leave her leadership behind — she brought it with her. We talk about:  • The identity shift from First Sergeant to financial advocate  • How military leadership translates into the mortgage world  • Why education and clarity matter more than rates  • Helping veterans fully understand and leverage their VA benefits  • Treating every loan like a mission — with preparation, precision, and purpose Sherry’s calm, educational approach removes fear from the financing process and replaces it with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned homeowner, or transitioning service member, this episode delivers insight you won’t want to miss. Because service doesn’t stop at retirement — it just takes on a new mission. email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209 Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/ Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr

Casper Victoria on his success after the Military

On this episode, DeeJay Casper Victoria shares his journey of coming up in the military and how that experience taught him to take what he loved to do and turn it into a business. With 20+ years of service as a respected Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, DeeJay reflects on the leadership lessons, discipline, and mindset that shaped both his career and his entrepreneurial path. He also opens up about life beyond the uniform as a devoted husband to his wife, Joy, and a proud father of two boys—bringing an honest, grounded perspective on balancing service, family, and purpose. email: theqandrpodcast@gmail.com http://www.youtube.com/@QandRPodcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587082354209 Ryan J. Nichols: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.nichols.3/ Quincy Harper: https://www.facebook.com/quincydharpersr