Building Businesses While Still Wearing the Uniform - Johnny Demaddalena | Ep 41

Johnny DeMaddalena straddles two worlds: service in the Army Reserves and scaling startups in the civilian sector. In this episode, we unpack his unique journey - from starting a dog treat company in high school to launching a web platform for small businesses.

Johnny shares lessons from trial-and-error ventures, his approach to time-boxing new ideas, and how being a reservist has shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.

We cover:

• What it’s like to “transition” every month as a reservist

• Why Guard/Reserve can be a powerful option after active duty

• His time with privacy-focused voice tech, real estate ops, and Bitcoin hedge fund modeling

• Launching Wirechunk to simplify web presence for small businesses

• How programmatic SEO can drive local service success

• Johnny’s framework for choosing what venture to pursue next

• How the Army taught him to operate on short timelines and why that’s a superpower

• His open offer: weekly office hours to help fellow veterans build and brainstorm

Takeaway Quote:
“If you’re getting out of the military and you’ve got 15 ideas - ask around. Someone’s already been there and can help you take the next step.”

-------------------------------------------------------------

Connect with Johnny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-demaddalena/

Wirechunk: https://wirechunk.com/
Calendly Vet Office Hours: https://calendly.com/johnny-wirechunk/veteran-office-hours

-------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Griffin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffinbrand/

Connect with Jack: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiimortgagebroker/

-------------------------------------------------------------

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow veteran or service member navigating their transition. Your review and rating help inspire more veterans with stories like Johnny's.

And as always: Go do the thing. Make that decision. Find your next mission.