MILCOM Founders Podcast - Episode 33: Building a One-Stop Resource Hub for Military Families with Kristen Ferullo

Join host Rod Loges and guest Kristen Ferullo as she shares her journey from special educator to military school liaison to founding Partners In Purpose, an organization dedicated to curating accurate, timely resources for military and veteran families.

In this episode:

• Kristen's nearly 12 years as a military school liaison helping families navigate K-12 education across moves
• The origin story of Partners In Purpose and its scholarship database with over 1,000 opportunities
• Why military families move 6-9 times during their children's educational careers and how that creates unique challenges
• The growing importance of trade schools and CTE programs as alternatives to traditional college
• How early leadership training shaped Kristen's purpose-driven approach to serving others

Key takeaways:

• Old, outdated information at the top of Google searches creates real problems for military families trying to plan moves and education
• Purpose-driven work requires partners who share that purpose. You don't get there alone.
• Every day you have a positive impact on one family is a success. Figure out the business part later.
• Listening to respond versus listening to understand is a critical difference in communication
• Knowing your "why" is the foundation of everything you do

Guest: Kristen Ferullo, Co-Founder of Partners In Purpose, Military School Liaison (nearly 12 years)

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-ferullo/
• Business Website: https://partners-in-purpose.com/

Kristen Ferullo is the Co-Founder of Partners In Purpose, an organization focused on curating accurate and timely resources for military and veteran families. As a Military School Liaison in a geographically dispersed area for nearly 12 years Kristen has become acutely aware and deeply passionate in serving the needs of the military community.

Kristen brings years of valuable diversified experience to her organizational leadership style. As a former Special Educator, a Navy Fleet & Family virtual Leadership Professional, 2025 Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Leadership Community Team Lead, and Technical High School Advisory Committee Chair, and student mentor, Kristen has shown her ability to work with any audience. In her personal time, Kristen is an educational programming and opportunity advisor, mentor and event volunteer for multiple non-profit organizations. Kristen most enjoys hiking, yoga, travel and spending time with her dog and three amazing, grown(ish) children.

Looking ahead: Kristen aims to build Partners In Purpose into a one-stop shop for military and veteran families, simplifying access to trusted resources for education, spouse employment, and family support. She also hopes to offer leadership coaching and communication training, drawing on her 20+ years working with student leadership programs.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/

MILCOM Founders Podcast – Episode 32: From Campaign Trail to Headshot Excellence with Jon Meadows

Join host Rod Loges and guest Jon Meadows as he shares his journey from political communications to founding High-End Headshots, a premium photography business specializing in professional headshots. Jon discusses how getting fired became the catalyst for building a thriving business that serves executives, professionals, and veterans across the DC area.

In this episode:

• Jon's transition from political campaigns to full-time photography entrepreneur
• How a $20/month online mentorship transformed his career trajectory
• Getting fired with a 9-month-old at home and launching a business the same day
• Building a premium pricing strategy that values quality over volume
• The importance of hyper-focus and single-mentor learning systems
• Giving back through annual $50,000 headshot giveaways for veterans

Key takeaways:

• Specialization creates competitive advantage – Jon focused exclusively on headshots rather than general photography
• Pricing psychology matters – aspiring to be "the best and most expensive" creates client respect and work-life balance
• Faith and stewardship drive business decisions, not just profit
• Following one proven system beats collecting advice from multiple sources
• Professional headshots create human connection and trust before you ever meet someone
• Being a "net exporter" means using your gifts to produce more than you need so you can give to others

Guest: Jon Meadows, Founder of High-End Headshots, Former Political Communications Professional

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/highend/
• Business Website: https://highendheadshots.com/

Jon Meadows runs High-End Headshots, a premium photography business in the Washington DC area with over eight years of experience. Known for his facial expression coaching approach, he's earned the reputation as "the last hope for the non-photogenic" and helps clients "wow themselves" with professional imagery that creates trust and human connection.

Jon's path to entrepreneurship began on political campaigns, where he worked long hours in communications roles. After his mom noticed his compositional eye from study abroad photos, he picked up photography as a side pursuit. When he was unexpectedly fired from a nonprofit job in 2018 with a 9-month-old daughter at home, Jon went full-time with his photography business that same day. He found mentorship through the world's best headshot photographer for just $20/month and built a thriving business based on premium pricing, hyper-focus, and exceptional client experience.

Beyond his business success, Jon is a husband to Katie for 10 years, father to four kids under nine (two boys and two girls, "which was the master plan"), and an avid racket sports player who's recently gotten into pickleball tournaments. He's also a man of deep faith who views his business as stewardship – using his gifts to be a "net exporter" who can give generously to his church, school, family, and community.

Looking ahead: Jon continues to refine High-End Headshots while maintaining the work-life balance that allows him to be present for his young family. Each year, he gives away approximately $50,000 worth of headshots to veterans and those transitioning out of military service, turning his craft into a way to serve those who served.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs and those who serve the military community.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/