In this powerful episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Beau Higgins sits down with fellow Marine veteran and entrepreneur Nick Powell, Vice President of Business Development at BigRentz, the nation's largest equipment rental network. Nick shares his incredible journey from a turbulent path in high school to the Marine Corps, where a chance encounter with a recruiter in dress blues changed the trajectory of his life. Listeners will hear how Nick’s engineering MOS, unexpected at first, laid the foundation for his civilian career — one that eventually led him into the world of tech startups and equipment rental innovation.

Nick also opens up about the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the value of soft skills like networking, and how he pivoted from bartending to co-founding and scaling a multimillion-dollar construction tech startup, ProsRent, which would later merge into BigRentz.

Whether you're a veteran exploring your next chapter or an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, this episode is filled with practical wisdom on leadership, resilience, and the power of building the right team. Tune in to hear how Nick applied his Marine mindset to the business world and why humility, hustle, and human connection are keys to success.

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this riveting episode of TheMilVet Podcast, host Tim Hsia sits down with Gene Yu — a West Point graduate, former U.S. Army Special Forces officer, author, entrepreneur, and the man behind an audacious real-life hostage rescue mission. Gene shares the extraordinary story that inspired his new book, The Second Shot: A Green Beret’s Last Mission, recounting how a personal connection, combat experience, and sheer determination, converged to rescue family friend Evelyn Chang from Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

Gene opens up about his difficult start at West Point, growing up with identity struggles, how a stolen book by author Gus Lee set him on the path to the military, and how he transformed from the bottom-ranked plebe to one of the Army's most elite operators. He also reflects on the international spotlight that followed the rescue, being thrust into celebrity status in Taiwan, and how all of it led to his latest mission — founding cybersecurity startup Blackpanda.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and the long arc of purpose. Whether you're a veteran, founder, or simply seeking inspiration, Gene’s journey offers powerful lessons on delayed success, growth through hardship, and paying it forward.

Topics Covered:

• The real-life rescue that inspired The Second Shot
• Special Forces training and operational insight
• Identity, struggle, and finding purpose
• From West Point to Palantir to founding Blackpanda
• Navigating fame, family, and public service
• Delayed velocity and entrepreneurship

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, host Beau Higgins sits down with Vincent "Rocco" Vargas, a man who has worn many uniforms—Army Ranger, Border Patrol Agent, Drill Sergeant, Actor, and more.

From chasing a dream in college baseball to deploying with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, Vincent shares how resilience, adaptability, and service shaped his journey across multiple careers. He opens up about the impact of 9/11, the trauma and brotherhood of combat, and how he transitioned that mindset into law enforcement and, eventually, Hollywood.

🎬 Most known for his breakout role on Mayans M.C., Vincent reveals how his military discipline, emotional resilience, and leadership training helped him succeed on set. He dives into what it's like auditioning in LA, how acting became a second mission, and how his time in uniform continues to inform his creative work today.

🔑 Episode Highlights:

• The unexpected way losing a baseball scholarship led to the military
• The challenges and brotherhood of being an Army Ranger
• Lessons from serving in Border Patrol's elite special operations teams (BORSTAR & BORTAC)
• How trauma, training, and teamwork laid the foundation for success in Hollywood
• Why emotional intelligence is the next frontier for veteran success

Whether you're transitioning from the military, navigating your next mission, or just want a raw, real story of purpose-driven reinvention—this one’s for you.

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

🔗 Subscribe and follow @TheMilVet for more stories of leadership, resilience, and veteran excellence.

#VeteranStories #VincentVargas #TheMilVetPodcast #MilitaryTransition #RangersLeadTheWay #BorderPatrol #VeteransInFilm #PurposeAfterService #VeteranLeadership #EmotionalResilience #MayansMC

Thanks for listening!

Here's how you can find us to continue the conversation:

Tweet us at @brendan_aronson
Follow us on Instagram at @themilitaryvet
Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter at https://www.themilvet.org/resources-for-veterans
Check out our video content on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@themilitaryvet