#307: Combining Military Experience with Pastoral Wisdom to Transform Organizations and Develop Leaders with Gabe Smith, USMA ‘99
Service Academy Business Mastermind
Release Date: 01/18/2025
#320: From Navy Command to Executive Coaching: Building Transformative Teams with Jeff Servello, USNA ‘02
Service Academy Business Mastermind
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: Want to join us in San Antonio, TX on June 11th & 12th? Visit: ____ Jeff Servello is a seasoned leader and trusted Principal Advisor specializing in executive coaching, leadership development, and crisis response. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, he also holds a Master of Professional Studies in Leadership, Education, and Development from the University of Maryland. Over the past 20 years, Jeff has led award-winning teams, managed billion-dollar resources, and coached cross-functional units to high performance in...
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#319: How LCAB Holdings Is Redefining Commercial Construction with Jeff Tegman, USMA ‘07
Service Academy Business Mastermind
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: Want to join us in San Antonio, TX on June 11th & 12th? Visit: ____ Jeff Tegman is the Vice President of LCAB Holdings, a veteran-owned holding company redefining how the commercial construction industry attracts talent, maintains quality, and drives operational excellence. An Army veteran with an MBA in Engineering Management, Jeff leads LCAB’s strategy of acquiring specialized construction companies, building a resilient network that addresses industry fragmentation and labor shortages while raising the standard for...
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#318: From Billion Dollar Success to Redemption: The Journey of Jeff Martinovich, USAFA ‘88
Service Academy Business Mastermind
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: Want to join us in San Antonio, TX on June 11th & 12th? Visit: ____ Jeff Martinovich is a seasoned business advisor, entrepreneur, and U.S. Air Force veteran with a background in finance, leadership, and strategic growth. A former Gulf War officer, he went on to build a billion-dollar investment firm, gaining firsthand experience in high-performance leadership and navigating complexity under pressure. After a highly public legal battle that reshaped his views on resilience and integrity, Jeff now channels his experience into...
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#317: Scaling Success: From Restaurants to Real Estate with Mike Brumagin, USMA ‘89
Service Academy Business Mastermind
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: Want to join us in San Antonio, TX on June 11th & 12th? Visit: ____ Mike Brumagin is a U.S. Army veteran, West Point graduate, and co-founder of Battle Monument Group, a private real estate investment firm specializing in single-tenant net lease properties. After earning the Bronze Star for his leadership during Operation Desert Storm, Mike spent over a decade building and managing national restaurant franchises before shifting his focus to real estate. At Battle Monument Group, he has led the acquisition of more than 100...
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#316: Building the Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference with Patrick Alcorn, USMA
Service Academy Business Mastermind
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: Want to join us in San Antonio, TX on June 11th & 12th? Visit: ____ Patrick E. Alcorn is a business strategist, veteran, and leadership coach committed to empowering entrepreneurs and organizations. As Director of the Veterans Business Outreach Center, he supports military-connected business owners at every stage of growth. A former combat engineer and West Point graduate, Patrick applies strategic thinking and leadership to drive economic development and innovation. He founded Business Beyond the Battlefield...
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#315: The Steady Leader: The Entrepreneurial Balancing Act with Schuyler Williamson, USMA ‘05
Service Academy Business Mastermind
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: Want to join us in San Antonio, TX on June 11th & 12th? Visit: ____ Schuyler Williamson is an accomplished leader with a background in business, real estate, and mentorship. A West Point graduate and former college baseball player, he brings a competitive mindset and strategic approach to every endeavor. As the founder of Williamson Group Real Estate, he has built a thriving business as a real estate professional, investor, and entrepreneur. As the author of The Steady Leader, Schuyler shares his expertise in...
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#314: Scaling an Office Snack Business Nationwide with Claude Burns, USNA ‘06
Service Academy Business Mastermind
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: Want to join us in San Antonio, TX on June 11th & 12th? Visit: ____ Claude Burns is a visionary entrepreneur, veteran, and startup founder transforming the workplace food and beverage industry. A former Navy Officer, he brings a mission-driven approach to leadership, strategy, and innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Office Libations, he is redefining B2B food service with a tech-driven model that optimizes inventory, reduces costs, and enhances service. Competing with industry giants, Office Libations has rapidly...
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#313: Leveraging AI and the ‘Grit Factor’ to Turn Your Dreams into Reality with Corey Reiser, USMA ‘11
Service Academy Business Mastermind
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: Want to join us in San Antonio, TX on June 11th & 12th? Visit: ____ Corey Reiser is a former Army Artillery Officer, real estate investor, and founder of School of Grit. A Division I lacrosse player at the U.S. Military Academy, he built the discipline and resilience that shaped his career. After leaving the military, Corey applied those same principles to real estate, creating a successful portfolio and achieving financial freedom at a young age. Through School of Grit, he shares hard-earned lessons on mental toughness,...
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#312: Creating a Print on Demand Apparel Business for Schools, Sports, and the Military with David Baska, USAFA ’13
Service Academy Business Mastermind
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: Want to join us in San Antonio, TX on June 11th & 12th? Visit: ____ David Baska is a dynamic leader with expertise in operations, finance, and strategic planning. As Chief Operating Officer at Swift Brands, he spearheads the company’s mission to revolutionize military-branded apparel and the broader apparel industry through innovative technology and U.S.-based on-demand manufacturing. A former officer in the U.S. Air Force, David served in space and military operations, earning honors such as the Defense Meritorious Service...
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#311: Financial Planning with Private Investments, Tax Loss Harvesting & Charitable Giving with David Chepauskas, USMA ‘77
Service Academy Business Mastermind
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: ____ With 33 years of experience, David Chepauskas specializes in solving problems and maximizing opportunities for senior Wall Street professionals, business owners, executives, and retirees. He is a partner at Summit Financial LLC, a leading independent financial planning firm serving the NJ Tri-State area. David is passionate about working with veterans and service academy graduates, leveraging his network to help them achieve their business goals and build meaningful relationships. His expertise spans retirement,...
info_outlineNeed financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/
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Gabe Smith is a leadership strategist and organizational development expert who blends military discipline, pastoral insight, and business acumen to drive transformational growth. As the founder of Altitude Consulting, LLC, he coaches leaders to navigate challenges and achieve strategic clarity. A West Point graduate and Ranger-qualified Infantry Officer, Gabe served eight years in the Army, including leading operations in Mosul, Iraq, and during the 9/11 Pentagon response. Post-military, he held leadership roles at Forest Hill Church, Mesa Global, and New City Church, managing budgets and driving organizational growth. Gabe also co-founded the nonprofit East Mountain in South Africa and Pangea, focusing on leadership development. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, he is dedicated to helping leaders clarify purpose and create lasting impact.
In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Gabe about:
The Vision Behind Altitude Consulting: Transforming Leadership with Purpose
- Gabe’s Journey: From Army Infantry Officer to leadership strategist and coach.
- Defining Moments: How military and pastoral experiences shaped his coaching philosophy.
- Innovative Methods: Leadership lessons inspired by French culinary fundamentals.
- Collaborative Ventures: Partnering with his wife Janet in real estate and developing unique methodologies with Nicole Eunice.
- Purpose-Driven Focus: Helping leaders and entrepreneurs achieve clarity and growth.
- Looking Ahead: Expanding Altitude Consulting's impact on purpose-driven leadership.
Timestamps:
- 01:10 Gabe's Entrepreneurial Journey
- 02:06 Janet's Real Estate Ventures
- 04:27 The Birth of Altitude Consulting
- 05:37 Gabe's Coaching Philosophy
- 10:51 From Infantry to Chaplaincy
- 14:47 Leadership Development in South Africa
- 17:20 Future Goals and Challenges
- 24:07 How You Can Help
Connect with Gabe
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.
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A special thank you to Gabe Smith for joining me this week. Until next time!
-Scott Mackes, USNA ’01