The "Tip of The Spear" was born out of a need for a dedicated space where veterans could come together to discuss the pressing issues within their community, as well as hard-hitting global matters that have the potential to impact the world at large. What started as a modest roundtable 18 months ago has since evolved into a robust platform that brings together a diverse array of voices and perspectives, unified by a shared commitment to the veteran community.
The Genesis of The Tip of The Spear
The concept for "The Tip of The Spear" began with the collaboration of four core shows:
HomeFront Sitrep
The Triple Threat Vet Podcast
The MisFitNation
I Am Pitts
These initial shows laid the groundwork for what would become a vital forum for discussing veteran-related issues. From the outset, the focus was on creating a space where veterans could freely express their thoughts, concerns, and solutions to the challenges facing their community. As the roundtable discussions gained momentum, more shows joined the fray, adding to the richness and depth of the conversations.
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Smoke ’Em If You Got ’Em with Jon Flatt
Smoke ’Em If You Got ’Em is a raw, unflinching memoir by Jon Flatt, a young soldier who fought in the harsh, unforgiving mountains of Afghanistan—and returned with invisible wounds that refused to heal. But this isn’t the story of battlefield glory or cinematic heroism. It’s what comes after the guns go quiet.
What follows is not a victory parade, but a slow-motion collapse: chain-smoking through panic attacks, staring through loved ones as the weight of memory presses harder, and trying to outrun the war that still lives inside his skin. As Flatt attempts to re-enter a life that no longer fits—becoming a husband, a father, a man who smiles when he doesn’t feel like dying—he confronts the bitter truth that survival doesn't mean the fight is over.
Told with brutal honesty, dark humor, and moments of aching clarity, Smoke ’Em If You Got ’Em is a meditation on trauma, addiction, brotherhood, and the haunting cost of staying alive. Flatt’s voice is both literary and lived-in—gritty, poetic, and disarmingly vulnerable—as he lays bare the long road from soldier to civilian, and what it really means to come home.
This is not just a war story. It’s a human one.
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HomeFront Sitrep Live 08-11-25
HomeFront SitRep is a powerful and heartfelt veteran-led podcast
dedicated to giving a voice to those who have served—and those who
continue to serve behind the scenes. It stands as a platform for real
stories, real impact, and real people who genuinely care about the
veteran community—not just as statistics, but as brothers, sisters,
and family.
This podcast shines a spotlight on the grassroots: the unsung,
often-overlooked mom-and-pop nonprofit organizations that are
boots-on-the-ground, showing up daily for veterans. These aren’t
corporate machines or big-budget operations—they're passionate
individuals and small teams who lead with heart, often formed by
veterans or military families who know the struggle firsthand.
HomeFront SitRep celebrates these organizations that haven’t lost
sight of humanity, offering support, services, and community without
red tape or fine print.
But the mission doesn’t stop there.
The show also brings in a vibrant cross-section of the veteran
community—highlighting veteran-owned businesses, showcasing the
creativity of veteran authors and musicians, and laughing alongside
veteran comedians. Each episode dives deep into personal journeys,
challenges, and triumphs, giving veterans from all walks of life a
chance to share their story, their mission, and their voice.
Whether it's a Marine turned mental health advocate, an Army veteran
launching a clothing brand, or a Navy vet writing their first book,
HomeFront SitRep serves as a rally point for veterans and patriots
alike. It’s not just a podcast—it’s a mission to build connection,
community, and conversation.
This is where the fight continues—on the home front. This is HomeFront SitRep.
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From Strike‑Eagle Pilot to Franchise Flight Coach: A Veteran’s Route through Franzy
1. Military Background & Core Skill Set
Vivek’s decade-long career as an F‑15E Strike Eagle aviator grounded him in mission planning, systems thinking, and leadership under high stakes. The F‑15E is a dual-capability, two-seat multirole fighter used for both air-to-air and precision ground missions—ideal for service members who know how to process complexity and adapt rapidly. Even after transitioning to the Air Force Reserves in 2022, he remains tight to Air Force culture and purpose-driven teamwork.
After leaving active duty, Vivek earned his MBA from Duke University (Fuqua). There he refined his financial acumen and consulting mindset, working on everything from start-ups to alternative‑protein ventures. It was also where he began using his background to explore sustainable, scalable businesses.
With this foundation, Vivek launched multiple franchise businesses, choosing brand models—from fitness and fast service to home improvement—that play to operational discipline and customer consistency. He closely mentors veteran franchisees, helping them navigate due diligence, leverage VetFran discounts, and manage KPIs—using an MBA lens to optimize operations and ROI.
In early 2025, Franzy—a startup often called the “Zillow for franchises”—soft-launched after raising $1 million in pre‑seed capital. Within a few months, it had grown rapidly, matching tens of thousands of users with over 3,000 franchise brands, using an AI-powered “Fit Score,” and guiding prospects through a fully integrated sourcing and closable pipeline.Duke's Fuqua School of BusinessDuke's Fuqua School of Business+1
By July 2025, Franzy had closed a $2.2 million seed round, led by York IE and Avalanche VC, enabling them to build the first franchise resale marketplace, pairing vetted buyers with exiting owners of existing units. The platform aims to accelerate franchise negotiations and standardize thousands of secondary-market transactions.FranzyVenture Capital Access Online
As a veteran and franchise operator turned advisor, Vivek helps Franzy tailor its messaging, outreach, and product à la veteran founders. This ensures Franzy not only matches users to brands, but also helps them navigate the frequently opaque resale market—making franchise ownership more accessible to those leaving military service.
Representation: Veterans comprise only about 6–8% of the U.S. population, yet hold 14–15% of franchise owner slots. That’s nearly three times their demographic share.VA NewsFranServe
Performance: In 2024–2025 Franchise Business Review surveys, over 85% of veteran franchisees report high satisfaction with their franchisor, community support, and opportunity structure—significantly above non‑veteran averages.fox4kc.comfranchisebusinessreview.com
Traits: Franchisors repeatedly cite veterans’ abilities to systematize workflow, train teams, execute methodically, and deliver brand consistency—key to plug‑and‑play models.signaramafranchise.comblog.franchise.neighborly.com
Here’s how Vivek positions his experience for audiences in business, leadership, and veteran‑transition circles:
2. From Active Duty to Franchising: Reimagining Service3. Scaling Up: Clinching Leadership at Franzy4. Why Veterans Make Ideal Franchisees5. Vivek’s Value Proposition: Strategy, Service, & ScalabilityElementWhy It ResonatesDirect military-to-business narrativeHigh‑pressure training → scalable leadership → entrepreneurshipAcademic/business rigorMBA from Duke + franchise POV gives operational credibilityPlatform‑level perspectiveFranzy enables digital transformation of a legacy industry—especially empowering vetsMentorship missionActively helping veterans buy, manage, and scale businessesData-informed coachingUses IFA / VetFran performance benchmarks and Franzy’s AI insights to optimize decisions
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Where the Mission Continues: Stories from the HomeFront
HomeFront SitRep is a powerful and heartfelt veteran-led podcast dedicated to giving a voice to those who have served—and those who continue to serve behind the scenes. It stands as a platform for real stories, real impact, and real people who genuinely care about the veteran community—not just as statistics, but as brothers, sisters, and family.
This podcast shines a spotlight on the grassroots: the unsung, often-overlooked mom-and-pop nonprofit organizations that are boots-on-the-ground, showing up daily for veterans. These aren’t corporate machines or big-budget operations—they're passionate individuals and small teams who lead with heart, often formed by veterans or military families who know the struggle firsthand. HomeFront SitRep celebrates these organizations that haven’t lost sight of humanity, offering support, services, and community without red tape or fine print.
But the mission doesn’t stop there.
The show also brings in a vibrant cross-section of the veteran community—highlighting veteran-owned businesses, showcasing the creativity of veteran authors and musicians, and laughing alongside veteran comedians. Each episode dives deep into personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, giving veterans from all walks of life a chance to share their story, their mission, and their voice.
Whether it's a Marine turned mental health advocate, an Army veteran launching a clothing brand, or a Navy vet writing their first book, HomeFront SitRep serves as a rally point for veterans and patriots alike. It’s not just a podcast—it’s a mission to build connection, community, and conversation.
This is where the fight continues—on the home front. This is HomeFront SitRep.
HomeFront SitRep is a powerful and heartfelt veteran-led podcast dedicated to giving a voice to those who have served—and those who continue to serve behind the scenes. It stands as a platform for real stories, real impact, and real people who genuinely care about the veteran community—not just as statistics, but as brothers, sisters, and family.
This podcast shines a spotlight on the grassroots: the unsung, often-overlooked mom-and-pop nonprofit organizations that are boots-on-the-ground, showing up daily for veterans. These aren’t corporate machines or big-budget operations—they're passionate individuals and small teams who lead with heart, often formed by veterans or military families who know the struggle firsthand. HomeFront SitRep celebrates these organizations that haven’t lost sight of humanity, offering support, services, and community without red tape or fine print.
But the mission doesn’t stop there.
The show also brings in a vibrant cross-section of the veteran community—highlighting veteran-owned businesses, showcasing the creativity of veteran authors and musicians, and laughing alongside veteran comedians. Each episode dives deep into personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, giving veterans from all walks of life a chance to share their story, their mission, and their voice.
Whether it's a Marine turned mental health advocate, an Army veteran launching a clothing brand, or a Navy vet writing their first book, HomeFront SitRep serves as a rally point for veterans and patriots alike. It’s not just a podcast—it’s a mission to build connection, community, and conversation.
This is where the fight continues—on the home front. This is HomeFront SitRep.
Ireland