Austin Storck is a financial planning professional with a prominent firm in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Before transitioning into the field of financial planning, Austin was a Radio Operator in the United States Navy, working for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. His exceptional talent for delivering tactical communication expertise was repeatedly put to the test during combat missions, where he fostered strong relationships based on trust and understanding. This background in high-pressure situations and building connections adds depth to his insights on networking. In addition to his work experience, Austin is working toward an M.B.A. from William and Mary and earned a B.B.A. in financial planning from Liberty University. Outside of his professional pursuits, Austin is deeply committed to serving others and giving back to his community. He volunteers with The Honor Foundation, a special operations military transition program, and is passionate about supporting veterans in their career transitions. In his free time, Austin enjoys reading, working out, and spending quality time with his family and friends. Connect with Austin on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/austin-storck

Beverly Smith is the founder of Career Success Strategies. She specializes in helping mid and senior-level professionals with their resumes and job search strategies so that they can land the career of their dreams. With over 25 years in the Staffing and Recruiting industry, Beverly knows what employers are looking for in job candidates and what job seekers must do to have a successful job search. Known for building successful businesses, her staffing business was selected as the 2022 Arkansas SBA Women-Owned Staffing Business of the Year and a 2021 finalist for Arkansas Business Publishing Group Staffing Business of the Year. Beverly and her husband, Michael, live on a farm in rural Arkansas, where they raise pigs and chickens. She enjoys running, crocheting, and spending time with her family. Connect with Beverly on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/beverlydsmith or via her website at cssar.com.

Christal Marshall has a master’s in education but decided to quit her teaching job to be a full-time homeschooler and self-taught creative business owner for the last 12 years. She is a child wrangler, a girl boss, a media creator, a business mentor, a professional domestic engineer, and a Captain of the Hot Mess Express. She coaches and teaches about small business media, shoots photos and videos, sets up creative events, co-owns a 6-figure contracting business with her hubby of 15 years, and builds adventure mobiles out of her home studio in Chesapeake, VA, all while raising three amazing but crazy children. Connect with Christal on Instagram at www.instagram.com/virginiamarketingandmedia or via her website at virginiamarketingandmedia.com.

Earl McFarland, a Fayetteville, North Carolina native and retired Navy veteran with 22 years of service, brings a wealth of experience to his contribution as a chapter author. Earl’s chapter focuses on “Building Your Network.” Drawing from his distinguished Navy career,  academic achievements holding an M.Ed., and role as a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Earl guides readers through leveraging social media, attending events, and forming meaningful connections. Earl’s commitment to service extends to his community involvement, where he assists transitioning veterans in their job searches. Through his writing, coaching, and advocacy, Earl McFarland continues to empower individuals to unlock their full potential and foster meaningful growth. Connect with Earl on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/earlmcfarland.

Janie Livesay holds a Masters in Clinical Social Work. She has coached operators and enablers across all branches of SOF coming to understand the community and the nuances across the community for transitioning. Having a career history that includes state and local government, defense contracting and commercial industry, Janie brings this collective experience to assist fellows in navigating the different cadences of each industry. Using her top five Gallup Strengths – Janie is a problem solver that enjoys tackling challenges with a fierce solution focused mindset while engaging and building relationships. Connect with Janie on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/janielivesay, or go to honor.org.

Jeannine Bennett holds a Ph.D. and an M.B.A. She is a visionary entrepreneur, author, and professor dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses. As the driving force behind Vision to Purpose, Dr. Bennett leads a team of experts offering tailored career, business, and writing solutions. With over 30 years of expertise in e-business, strategic communication, change management, career strategy, and academia, Dr. Bennett has successfully guided thousands toward their professional and personal goals. Connect with Jeannine on LinkdedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/jbennettphd, or go to visiontopurpose.com.

Jennifer Cragg retired from the U.S. Navy in 2021. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She has obtained two master’s degrees. She received her first master’s degree in National Security Studies from the Naval War College. She then obtained a Master of Arts in Government with an emphasis on Public Policy and Law from Regent University. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Strategic Communications from Regent University. She is a board member of the World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads and is married with one son. Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/jennifercragg.

John Wayne Mullins, a passionate leadership expert, specializes in developing individuals and teams for peak performance. Drawing from over 23 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he still serves as a Performance Analyst, John conducts executive leadership programs as a coach and consultant. His journey began with early leadership studies in the Coast Guard, shaping his approach to coaching, speaking, and training leaders on effective workforce engagement and leader development. With a master’s degree in organizational leadership, he has contributed to leadership culture development in Washington D.C. and currently resides in Virginia Beach with his wife Cristina, who also serves as an active duty Chief in the Navy and their two sons. In 2021, John became a father, leading him to establish Mr. New Dad in 2022—a coaching program addressing the challenges men face transitioning into fatherhood. Emphasizing the importance of self-leadership, John believes it’s the key challenge for leaders across various roles and responsibilities. Connect with John on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/john-wayne-mullins or go to JohnWayneMullins.com

Len Remias is a retired United States Navy captain. After a highly decorated and accomplished 30-year career in the U. S. Navy, serving aboard eight naval ships, including Commanding Officer of three specialized units at-sea and ashore, Len knows how to navigate the toughest challenges and achieve exceptional results. He is a transformational leader with a proven track record in motivating and guiding teams to deliver above-expected outcomes. Len holds a B.Sc. in Engineering Technology from Old Dominion University and an M.Sc. in Computer Science from Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He is a recipient of multiple professional awards, including the NATO Non-Article 5 Medal and Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in a combat zone leading a joint interagency civil-military Provincial Reconstruction Team in support of Operational Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. He currently works and resides in Norfolk, Virginia, with his family. Connect with Len on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/lvremias.

Lisa Rothwell holds a B.S., M.A., and J.D. She currently works full-time as an attorney for the Brown County Juvenile Court as a mediator and the Director of a program she began to create interagency cooperation between the local schools, the Children’s Protection Agency, and the Juvenile Court. Lisa began the program when local school officials sought her unofficial help to locate children who had fallen through the gaps. Lisa brought to the court her experience as a former high school teacher and foster parent, her Supreme Court mediation training, and the legal skills she acquired from her twelve years as a solo practitioner to create a program designed to minimize negative interaction with the Juvenile Court. Lisa brings to the table a creative approach to networking and finding the perfect niche through cooperation and innovation. “If your perfect job doesn’t exist, create it” is her motto of choice. Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/lisarothwell.

Shane Arnold is currently a Consultant for Elevance Health (formerly Anthem Inc.), working in the health insurance industry supporting commercial products for Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Medicaid, Medicare for 39 states, and IT infrastructure projects specializing in big data analytics. He has over 20 years of experience in IT project management, health information consulting, and fashion, and his career includes positions at Polo Ralph Lauren, CACI, and Huntington Ingalls-Newport News Shipbuilding. He has an undergraduate degree in textile science and management from Virginia Tech and an M.B.A. from William and Mary. Connect with Shane on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/shanearnold-mba