The Veterans Growing America Podcast

Jacobo Laya Jr. | Jac and Mac Photography LLC | Veterans Growing America

In this powerful episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Jacobo “Jacob” Laya Jr., Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Jac and Mac Photography LLC. Jacob shares his inspiring journey from 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy to building a family-centered photography business rooted in storytelling, legacy, and purpose.  Born in Philadelphia, raised in Venezuela, and inspired by both his father’s naval service and his uncle’s photography career, Jacob reveals how his military experiences and passion for capturing life’s moments shaped his entrepreneurial path. From photographing Gulf War missions and ship formations from helicopters to preserving weddings, family milestones, and generational memories, Jacob explains why photography is far more than pictures—it’s legacy.  This episode dives deep into military transition, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, multiple streams of income, and the importance of starting your business while still in uniform. Jacob also shares how losing jobs after retirement reinforced the need for resilience, backup plans, and building businesses that protect your family’s future.  In this episode, you’ll hear about: *  Jacob’s 20-year Navy career as an Operations Specialist  *  The origin story behind Jac and Mac Photography *  Why photography is about capturing legacy, not just images *  The importance of family, marriage, and shared entrepreneurship *  Lessons on transition from military to civilian life  *  Why multiple streams of income are essential *  How Rich Dad Poor Dad changed Jacob’s financial mindset  *  The role Veterans Growing America played in his business journey  Whether you’re a veteran, creative entrepreneur, photographer, or someone building a family business, this conversation is filled with wisdom, heart, and practical lessons on building something meaningful. Connect with Jacobo “Jacob” Laya Jr.: *  Instagram: Jac and Mac Photography *  Facebook: Jac and Mac Photography *  LinkedIn: Jacobo Laya Jr. Support Veterans Growing America: Visit veteransgrowingamerica.com to discover veteran-owned businesses, join the directory, and support entrepreneurs creating impact in their communities. Work with Coach RL Simmons: Visit yourmoneygoat.com to simplify your finances, business strategy, and legacy planning. Like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from veterans who continue to serve through business, creativity, and leadership. #VeteransGrowingAmerica #JacoboLaya #JackAndMacPhotography #NavyVeteran #VeteranEntrepreneur #PhotographyBusiness #MilitaryTransition #CoachRLSimmons #DonnellJohns #LegacyThroughPhotography #FinancialLiteracy #Entrepreneurship

Hector & Gia Paz | Gia's Bakery | Veterans Growing America

In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Hector and Gia Paz, the owners of Gia’s Bakery. Hector is a U.S. Army veteran (30+ years of service, retired Colonel), and Gia is a military spouse originally from Honduras with a deep entrepreneurial drive and a gift for baking that turned into a fast-growing business. They share a real behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build something from scratch—especially when you’re learning as you go, operating out of a home kitchen, and still pushing forward even after multiple failures. Gia opens up about learning sourdough the hard way (failed starters, trial-and-error, and patience), and how the first big “yes” from the community became the moment she realized: this wasn’t just a hobby—this was a business. Hector breaks down how military values like determination, discipline, loyalty, and resilience translate directly into entrepreneurship—and why Veterans Growing America became the right community for them to grow in. Episode highlights: * Hector’s 30+ year Army career and how he and Gia met overseas * Turning repeated failures into consistency and confidence * The real sourdough process (26–30 hours per loaf) and why quality takes time * Top sellers at Gia’s Bakery: artisan sourdough, flavored loaves, cinnamon rolls, cookies, bagels, and more * Building a business from a home kitchen while working through licensing and growth steps * Why community matters: the VGA difference and what support really looks like * Key lessons for new entrepreneurs: start small, keep moving, don’t rush the “run,” and use fear as fuel Where to find Gia’s Bakery: * In-person: Veterans Growing America (VGA) — Saturdays, 12 PM–6 PM (and expanding) * Facebook: Gia’s Bakery * Instagram: Gia’s Bakery * Website: Available via their social pages for menu + pre-orders Connect with the hosts: Coach R.L. Simmons (Your Money GOAT) * Free financial audit + simplified money strategy: yourmoneygoat.com [http://yourmoneygoat.com/] Veterans Growing America: * Website + vendor directory: veteransgrowingamerica.com [http://veteransgrowingamerica.com/] * Visit the VGA Marketplace (Woodbridge, VA – Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center) If you’re a veteran, spouse, or aspiring entrepreneur trying to turn a skill into a business, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to start perfect—you just have to keep going. Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs motivation rooted in real experience—and if you’re in the DMV, go taste why Gia’s Bakery is becoming a weekly destination.

Alfranda “Al” Durr | ALD & Associates | Veterans Growing America

In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Alfranda “Al” Durr, Army veteran, former lieutenant colonel, and CEO of ALD & Associates. Al shares his remarkable 28-year military journey, his transition into entrepreneurship, and how he now helps organizations strengthen talent, teams, and leadership. Al talks about serving in both the National Guard and civilian leadership roles, building expertise in recruiting, retention, EEO, sexual assault prevention, suicide prevention, and officer accessions. He explains how those experiences shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and led him to launch ALD & Associates in 2019, with a mission centered on making people and teams better. This conversation dives into the realities of transitioning from military service into business ownership, the importance of discipline, adaptability, and accountability, and why entrepreneurship is about more than profit. Al also shares lessons on resilience, strategic partnerships, community impact, and the value of creating spaces where others can win. In this episode, you’ll hear about: * Al’s 28-year Army and Army National Guard career * How military leadership shaped his business approach * The story behind ALD & Associates * Why perfection can hold entrepreneurs back * The importance of building a strong village and support system * How Veterans Growing America creates opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs * Al’s powerful perspective on resilience, service, and giving back If you are a veteran, entrepreneur, leader, or someone navigating transition, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight. Connect with Alfranda “Al” Durr: * LinkedIn: Alfranda Durr * Instagram: @ald_associates * Facebook: Alfranda Durr * Email: info@aldandassociates.com Support Veterans Growing America: Visit veteransgrowingamerica.com [http://veteransgrowingamerica.com/] to connect with veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, explore the directory, and support businesses making an impact. Work with Coach RL Simmons: Visit yourmoneygoat.com [http://yourmoneygoat.com/] to simplify your finances, mindset, business, and legacy planning. Like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations with veterans building businesses, communities, and legacy after service. #VeteransGrowingAmerica #AlfrandaDurr #ALDandAssociates #ArmyVeteran #VeteranEntrepreneur #LeadershipDevelopment #MilitaryTransition #CoachRLSimmons #DonnellJohns #VeteranBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #TeamBuilding

Avis Savage | ASIC Strategies for Life | Veterans Growing America

In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Army veteran and financial educator Avis Savage, Founder & CEO of ASIC Strategies for Life. Avis shares her path from serving eight years on active duty to building a mission around helping individuals understand money, eliminate confusion, and prepare for retirement with clarity. She breaks down why so many “successful” and high-income professionals still don’t truly know where their money is going—and why financial confidence starts with awareness, not intimidation. This conversation is practical and straight to the point: tracking cash flow, understanding compounding, leveraging assets, and building a strategy that protects wealth while positioning you to grow it. Avis also explains why insurance can be more than a legacy tool and how certain strategies can create tax-advantaged opportunities when structured correctly. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure about the next financial move, this episode gives you a starting point—and a direction. Topics covered: * How military discipline and organization translate into business success * Why most people don’t actually know their cash flow (even high earners) * Compounding, leveraging, and dual-purpose strategies explained simply * Why “not all debt is bad” and how to think in assets vs. liabilities * The power of free consultations and asking the right questions early * Building retirement readiness and protecting wealth the smart way * How Veterans Growing America supports veteran entrepreneurs through community and opportunity Connect with Avis Savage (ASIC Strategies for Life): * Instagram: @asicstrategiesforlife * Facebook: ASIC Strategies for Life * Website: www.asicstrategies4life.com [http://www.asicstrategies.com/] Connect with the hosts: Coach R.L. Simmons (YourMoneyGOAT) * Simplifying finances from A to Z: budgeting, protection, strategy, and leverage * Website: yourmoneygoat.com [http://yourmoneygoat.com/] (sign up for a free financial audit) Veterans Growing America (VGA) * Website: veteransgrowingamerica.com [http://veteransgrowingamerica.com/] * Find veteran-owned businesses in the directory * Visit the VGA Marketplace: 14901 Potomac Town Place, Suite 110, Woodbridge, VA (Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center) Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs financial clarity and a real plan

Joel Griffin | Riphean Group | Veterans Growing America

In this episode, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur Joel Griffin, Founder & CEO of the Riphean Group. Joel takes us through his journey from joining the Marines straight out of high school (including serving with the Silent Drill Platoon at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.) to intelligence work in Quantico, to becoming a government contractor—and eventually taking the all-or-nothing leap into entrepreneurship. This conversation goes beyond “business motivation.” Joel breaks down the real grind behind entrepreneurship, why freedom comes with a cost, and how relationships—more than capital—open doors. He also shares how Riphean Group invests in early-stage, mission-driven companies that support the warfighter, and how he became an “accidental restaurateur” with multiple hospitality ventures across Virginia. Most importantly, Joel speaks candidly about purpose and impact: honoring his daughter’s legacy through Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation (free CPR training, AED deployments, and scholarships), and his work supporting the Virginia Department of Veterans Services—funding that directly strengthens veteran programs across the Commonwealth. If you’re a veteran, founder, or future entrepreneur trying to figure out timing, risk, discipline, and legacy—this episode is for you. Key topics in this episode: * Marine Corps foundation: Silent Drill Platoon, intel work, and leadership lessons * “All or nothing” entrepreneurship: the real risk/reward conversation * The baby analogy: why there’s never a “perfect time” to start * Riphean Group: investing seed capital + intellectual capital into warfighter-focused companies * Hospitality growth: Rebellion (Fredericksburg/Leesburg), Castilla’s, Skybar, The Port, and more * Giving back at scale: CPR training, AEDs, scholarships, and veteran support across Virginia * Why entrepreneurship can restore purpose for veterans Connect with Joel Griffin: * LinkedIn: Joel Griffin * Email: jgriffin@ripheangroup.com Connect with the hosts: Coach R.L. Simmons (YourMoneyGOAT) * yourmoneygoat.com [http://yourmoneygoat.com/] * “Change your mind. Change your money. Change your life.” Veterans Growing America (VGA) * veteransgrowingamerica.com [http://veteransgrowingamerica.com/] * Follow on social: @VeteransGrowingAmerica * Visit the marketplace in Woodbridge, VA—and… shop, baby.  If you got value from this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with a veteran or entrepreneur who needs to hear this message.