From Dead at 26 to Building a Nationwide Nonprofit: Brandon Griffith's Cop to Corporate Story What happens when a SWAT officer drops dead — literally — two weeks after making the team? For Arizona Deputy Sheriff Brandon Griffith, it became the catalyst for a complete career reinvention. 🫀 In this episode of Cop to Corporate, we sit down with Brandon, who survived sudden cardiac arrest at just 26 years old — just two hours after getting a clean bill of health — and turned that second chance into Griffith Blue Heart, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to preparing, training, and equipping law enforcement with life-saving medical skills across the country. Brandon breaks down what it really looks like to build a business while still on the job, why he finally made the leap from full-time patrol to entrepreneurship, the difference between running an LLC vs. a nonprofit, and the top 3 skills every cop already has that translate directly to the corporate and entrepreneurial world. 💼🚔 Whether you're still in uniform and thinking about what's next, or you've already made the jump — this episode is packed with real, unfiltered insight from someone who did it the hard way and came out the other side. 🕐 IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 — Introduction to Cop to Corporate & Brandon Griffith 1:02 — How Brandon got into law enforcement (hint: blame the Ninja Turtles 🐢) 3:47 — Making SWAT — and dropping dead two weeks later 5:28 — The story of Brandon's sudden cardiac arrest at home 9:47 — How his wife and a first-responding officer saved his life 11:18 — Fighting forced medical retirement and returning to full active duty 13:42 — The gap in law enforcement medical training that changed everything 14:13 — How Griffith Blue Heart started as a side gig 16:59 — Building business organically through expert networks 19:11 — The slow grind: 4+ years before real profitability 20:34 — Why Brandon converted his LLC to a 501(c)3 nonprofit 21:03 — LLC vs. Nonprofit: which is right for cop entrepreneurs? 23:13 — How to fund a mission-driven business without constantly asking for money 💰 25:06 — The decision point: leaving full-time law enforcement 27:56 — What reserve officer life actually looks like 30:27 — Creating your own role and bringing a high value proposition 33:42 — The top 3 cop skills that dominate in business 36:33 — Final advice for cops considering the transition 39:43 — Where to find Brandon & Griffith Blue Heart 🔗 Connect with Brandon Griffith & Griffith Blue Heart: Website: griffithblueheart.com LinkedIn: Brandon Griffith Instagram: @griffithblue 🎙️ Recorded & produced by Just Talk Studios — Bellevue, WA's premier video podcasting studio. 👉 Visit justtalkstudios.com to book your session. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week featuring cops, veterans, and first responders navigating career transitions into business, corporate, and entrepreneurship. 👍 Like this video if you found Brandon's story inspiring — it helps more first responders find this content. 💬 Drop a comment: What skill from your law enforcement or military career has helped you most in your civilian career? #CopToCorporate #LawEnforcementCareer #CareerTransition #PoliceToEntrepreneur #FirstResponders #GriffithBlueHeart #SuddenCardiacArrest #NonprofitLeadership #VeteranEntrepreneur #CareerChange #PoliceOfficerLife #EntrepreneurMindset #CopLife #LawEnforcementTraining #CareerAdvice #FromBlueToBusiness #FirstResponderWellness #AED #CPRTraining #PublicSafety

🚀 Career transitions can be challenging—but they can also unlock powerful opportunities for growth and reinvention. In this episode of Cop to Corporate, host Sam Tierney sits down with Sasha Larkin, a former police officer who successfully transitioned into a leadership role at FIFA. Sasha shares her remarkable journey from law enforcement to the global sports industry, breaking down the transferable skills, mindset shifts, and resilience that fueled her career leap. This conversation explores: - How to adapt your existing skills to a new industry - The importance of continuous learning and flexibility - Overcoming self-doubt and identity shifts during career change - Leadership lessons that translate far beyond the badge Whether you’re considering a career pivot or navigating one right now, this episode offers practical insight and real inspiration. 🎙 Recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios The premier video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to Cop to Corporate 01:10 – Meet Sasha Larkin & Her Career Journey 03:20 – From Law Enforcement to FIFA 06:10 – Skills Transfer: From Badge to Business 09:30 – Overcoming Challenges in Career Transitions 13:00 – The Role of Resilience and Adaptability 17:10 – Advice for Those Considering a Career Change 21:30 – Building a New Professional Identity 25:40 – Leadership Lessons from Law Enforcement 30:10 – The Importance of Continuous Learning 35:00 – Networking and Building Connections 39:30 – Final Thoughts on Career Reinvention #CopToCorporate, #CareerTransition, #SashaLarkin, #CareerGrowth, #Resilience, #SamTierney, #CareerAdvice, #Leadership, #Adaptability, #FIFA, #JustTalkStudios, #BellevuePodcastStudio

🚔 What happens when your entire identity is stripped away overnight—and you’re forced to rebuild from the ground up? In this powerful episode of Cop to Corporate, host Sam sits down with Matt Seeber—former Albany Police Department officer, Marine Corps veteran, attorney, real estate investor, and president of a veteran-owned construction company. Matt shares his raw and unfiltered story: from finding brotherhood in law enforcement, to being suspended during a politically charged moment in policing, to having his name and reputation publicly dismantled—while fighting for his future. This conversation goes far beyond career change. It’s about identity loss, resilience, faith, discipline, and what it really takes to rebuild when the plan you had for your life disappears. In this episode, we cover: • Why so many veterans and cops seek brotherhood after service • The reality of being suspended, vilified, and left in limbo • How public perception can derail identity—and how to reclaim it • Planning your exit before you’re forced to leave • Using short-term, long-term, and “impossible” goals to regain control • Why discipline and work ethic give former cops a massive edge • Translating law enforcement grit into business leadership • Leaving the pension mindset and trusting your ability to adapt • Finding purpose after law enforcement—and doing work that matters Today, Matt leads large-scale construction projects for the Department of Veterans Affairs—helping improve the infrastructure that serves those who served. If you’re a police officer, veteran, or high-performer questioning what’s next—or rebuilding after a setback—this episode is required listening. 🎙 Recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios The premier video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to Cop2Corporate 01:15 – Matt’s Path from the Marine Corps to Policing 04:10 – Brotherhood, SWAT, and Career Momentum 08:40 – The Incident That Changed Everything 14:30 – Public Scrutiny, Suspension & Identity Loss 18:10 – Law School, Faith & Rebuilding from Rock Bottom 22:45 – Goal Setting When the Future Is Unclear 27:00 – Finding Direction After Law Enforcement 30:10 – Work Ethic: The Cop Advantage in Business 34:10 – What Matt Would Do Differently 36:00 – Final Advice for Officers Facing the Transition #CopToCorporate, #MatthewSeeber, #LawEnforcementTransition, #CareerReinvention, #VeteranEntrepreneur, #LifeAfterTheBadge, #Discipline, #Resilience, #Leadership, #FaithAndWork, #CareerPivot, #JustTalkStudios, #BellevuePodcastStudio

🚀 Leaving military or law enforcement service without a plan can turn one of life’s biggest transitions into a costly mistake—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of Cop to Corporate, host Sam Tierney sits down with Eric Kready—a retired U.S. Army Military Police officer with over 20 years of service and a leader in the civilian security industry. Eric shares how he successfully transitioned from a lifetime in uniform into corporate security and why most service members wait far too long to prepare for life after service. Eric is also a driving force behind Operation Career Change, a global initiative built by veterans and law enforcement professionals to provide free, real-world transition tools for those entering civilian security careers. This conversation explores: Why most military and law enforcement transitions fail The dangers of waiting until your final year to prepare How to build a professional network that actually helps post-service Translating military and police experience into civilian language Why professional certifications are becoming essential in hiring How career mapping creates a competitive advantage Why security careers preserve purpose, service, and identity The importance of not transitioning alone Whether you’re active duty, approaching retirement, or already navigating life after service, this episode delivers practical guidance and hard-earned insight to help you transition with confidence. 🎙 Recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios https://www.justtalkstudios.com/ The premier video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Cop to Corporate 01:15 – Eric’s Path from Enlisted Soldier to Army Officer 03:10 – Facing Transition After a Lifetime in Uniform 04:30 – Why Career Transition Feels So Daunting 06:00 – The Gap in Law Enforcement Transition Resources 08:30 – Discovering ASIS International 10:20 – What Is Operation Career Change? 13:30 – Career Mapping & Competitive Positioning 16:15 – Translating Military & Police Experience 18:45 – Why Certifications Matter More Than Ever 21:00 – Building the Right Professional Network 23:10 – Why Security Careers Attract Veterans & Officers 24:55 – Eric’s Three Rules for a Successful Transition 26:30 – Where to Find Resources & Get Help 27:00 – Final Advice for Those Preparing to Exit Service #CopToCorporate, #EricKready, #OperationCareerChange, #MilitaryTransition, #LawEnforcementTransition, #SecurityCareers, #CareerReinvention, #LifeAfterService, #ProfessionalDevelopment, #VeteranLeadership, #CareerStrategy, #SamTierney, #JustTalkStudios, #BellevuePodcastStudio

🚨 Leaving law enforcement isn’t just a career change—it’s an identity shift that can shake your purpose, relationships, and mental health. In this powerful episode of Cop to Corporate, host Sam Tierney sits down with Jen Benjamins, a retired Las Vegas Metro Police Department detective, supervisor, and undercover operator with 22 years of service. Jen opens up about the hidden psychological toll of undercover work, the emotional crash after retirement, and the brutal reality many officers face when the job ends and the purpose disappears. Jen shares her deeply personal transition—from depression, loss of identity, and broken relationships to rebuilding her life, reconnecting with her kids, and launching Covert Blue LLC, a training company dedicated to preparing the next generation of investigators—especially women in undercover roles. This conversation explores: - The psychological impact of undercover work and supervision - Why retirement can trigger depression, loss of purpose, and isolation - The danger of neglecting family relationships during a policing career - What Jen wishes she had done differently before leaving the job - Why officers must plan emotionally—not just financially—for retirement - How to rebuild identity and purpose after the badge comes off - Turning specialized law enforcement experience into a business - Why vulnerability and asking for help can save lives - Advice for officers facing retirement, burnout, or transition This episode is raw, honest, and essential listening for anyone in law enforcement—or anyone who loves someone in the profession—who wants to understand what life after the badge really looks like. 🎙 Recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios The premier video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to Cop2Corporate 01:05 – Jen’s Path into Law Enforcement 02:40 – Jumping Straight into Undercover Work 03:55 – The Decision to Retire at 45 05:10 – Crisis, Burnout, and Family Wake-Up Calls 06:45 – Life Immediately After Retirement 08:15 – Loss of Identity, Depression, and Isolation 10:30 – Rebuilding Purpose and Relationships 12:45 – The Psychological Toll of Policing 15:40 – Suicide Awareness and the Cost of Silence 16:30 – What Jen Would Do Differently 18:40 – The Importance of Checking Out from the Job 20:10 – Finding Identity Outside Law Enforcement 21:25 – Turning Experience into a Business 24:20 – Skills That Transfer to Entrepreneurship 27:20 – Courage, Rejection, and Building a Company 27:55 – Top Three Pieces of Advice for Retiring Officers 30:40 – Where to Find Jen and Her Training #CopToCorporate, #LifeAfterTheBadge, #LawEnforcementTransition, #UndercoverWork, #WomenInPolicing, #PoliceWellness, #MentalHealthAwareness, #CareerAfterCops, #Entrepreneurship, #CovertBlue, #JenBenjamins, #SamTierney, #JustTalkStudios, #BellevuePodcastStudio

🚀 Transitioning out of law enforcement is challenging, but it can also open doors to entrepreneurship and global opportunities. In this episode of Cop2Corporate, host Sam Tierney sits down with Chase Williams—a former Marine, police officer, entrepreneur, and private security professional—to unpack the lessons, mindset shifts, and strategies that helped him navigate multiple career pivots. Chase shares his journey from the patrol streets of Denver to launching a successful car and motorcycle rental business, and eventually into the paramilitary security industry overseas. This conversation explores: - How discipline and respect from law enforcement translate to entrepreneurial success - Maintaining flexibility in high-stakes, unpredictable environments - Time management strategies for side hustles while working full-time - Financial preparation and realistic expectations for career transitions - The importance of mentorship, networking, and surrounding yourself with high performers - Finding purpose and alignment in your career after leaving law enforcement Whether you’re considering leaving law enforcement, starting a business, or navigating a high-risk career pivot, Chase’s story offers practical insights and inspiration. 🎙 Recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios The premier video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Cop2Corporate 01:10 – Meet Chase Williams & Career Background 03:05 – Military Service and Transition to Law Enforcement 05:18 – Why Chase Left Full-Time Patrol 06:37 – Starting an Entrepreneurial Side Hustle 09:05 – Time Management & Sacrifices for Entrepreneurship 12:10 – Emotional Journey of Leaving Law Enforcement 15:01 – Growth and Challenges of the Rental Business 20:11 – Law Enforcement Skills That Translate to Business 25:22 – Discipline, Respect & Flexibility in Entrepreneurship 31:44 – Self-Talk, Mental Preparation & Resilience 34:25 – The Power of Networking & Learning from Others 38:31 – Selling the Business & Transitioning Again 38:52 – Returning to Paramilitary Security Work 42:59 – Finding Purpose and Alignment in Your Career 45:18 – Reflections on Growth, Skills & Future Opportunities #CopToCorporate, #CareerTransition, #ChaseWilliams, #Entrepreneurship, #LawEnforcement, #MilitaryToBusiness, #Discipline, #Flexibility, #SamTierney, #CareerGrowth, #PrivateSecurity, #JustTalkStudios, #BellevuePodcastStudio

Featuring Quinton Johnston, David Perry & Gary Ellis (Samson Shield Leadership) Making the transition from law enforcement to the corporate world is one of the most complex identity shifts a professional can face — and few have done it with the level of impact, integrity, and success as today’s guests. In this episode of Cop to Corporate, host Sam Tierney sits down with the leadership team behind Samson Shield — Quinton Johnstone, David Perry, and Gary Ellis — three former law enforcement leaders who transformed decades of frontline policing, crisis response, investigative work, and executive leadership into a high-performing corporate security and risk management organization. Together, they share unfiltered insights into what it truly takes to move from the badge to the boardroom — including the emotional challenges, financial realities, identity shifts, and strategic decisions that define life after policing. Chapters: 04:15 – Early Service & Law Enforcement Roots 10:30 – Transferable Skills Beyond the Badge 16:45 – Entrepreneurship While Still Serving 23:10 – Knowing When to Leave the Badge 29:40 – Identity & Life After Law Enforcement 36:20 – Corporate Security & Hiring Insights 43:15 – Transition Advice for Officers 50:30 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next 53:48 – Episode Wrap-Up 🔍 In This Episode, We Explore: • What originally drew each guest into law enforcement • The defining moments that shaped their policing careers • When and why they knew it was time to leave the job • How to prepare while still serving for a future outside policing • Translating police skills into corporate and entrepreneurial success • Building and leveraging professional networks after law enforcement • The emotional loss of camaraderie — and how to rebuild purpose • Mistakes to avoid when starting a business post-policing • Resume and mindset shifts required to succeed in the corporate world • Why planning, education, and volunteerism are critical for transition This conversation goes far beyond job titles and resumes — it’s about legacy, service, purpose, and redefining success after a career built on duty and sacrifice. 💬 Key Takeaway: There is life after policing — but success doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional planning, honest self-assessment, and the courage to start over. 🎙️ Recorded & produced by Just Talk Studios, the premier video podcast studio in Bellevue, Washington. 🔗 Learn more or book a session: https://www.justtalkstudios.com/ 🔔 Don’t Forget: 👍 Like the episode 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway 📩 Share with someone considering life after law enforcement 🔔 Subscribe for more Cop to Corporate conversations #CopToCorporate #LifeAfterLawEnforcement #PoliceTransition #LawEnforcementCareers #CorporateLeadership #VeteransInBusiness #CareerPivot #LeadershipDevelopment #JustTalkStudios #BellevueWA #BellevuePodcastStudio

Leaving law enforcement doesn’t mean leaving leadership, purpose, or impact. In this episode of Cop to Corporate: Life After Law Enforcement, host Sam sits down with Jeremy Baumann—former police officer turned corporate security executive and CEO of Corporate Security Advisers—to unpack what it really looks like to transition from patrol to the private sector. Jeremy’s journey spans rural Illinois policing, managing large-scale corporate security operations, serving as an Interim Chief Security Officer, and ultimately building a national consulting firm that helps organizations protect their people, assets, and operations. This conversation goes far beyond job titles. Jeremy breaks down: Why corporate security is far more complex than most officers realize How humility and starting “one step back” can help you go farther, faster The biggest mistakes cops make when trying to land senior corporate roles How law enforcement skills actually translate to business leadership Why networking early matters more than “shotgun applying” to jobs What separates officers who struggle after the transition from those who thrive If you’re currently on patrol, considering life after the badge, or already navigating the corporate world and feeling stuck—this episode offers real, tactical insight from someone who’s done it at the highest level. 🎙️ About Cop to Corporate Cop to Corporate shares real stories from former law enforcement professionals who have successfully transitioned into corporate, entrepreneurial, and private-sector careers—providing clarity, confidence, and direction for officers planning their next chapter. 00:00 Intro – From Cop to Corporate Security CEO 01:05 Why Jeremy Chose Law Enforcement 02:30 Small-Town Policing & Early Career Reality 04:10 The Career Epiphany: “I Need More” 06:10 A Mentor’s Advice That Changed Everything 08:00 First Corporate Security Role & Reality Check 10:05 Managing Large Teams & Learning Leadership Fast 12:00 Why Corporate Security ≠ Policing 14:00 Networking vs. Resumes in Corporate Hiring 16:10 Law Enforcement Skills That Translate Best 18:00 The Biggest Mistake Cops Make When Transitioning 20:10 Starting One Step Back to Move Faster 22:05 Humility, Problem Solving & Asking for Help 24:00 Final Advice for Officers Considering the Jump 🎬 Produced by Just Talk Studios This episode was recorded and produced by Just Talk Studios, the premier video podcasting studio in Bellevue, Washington. Learn more or book a session at 👉 https://www.justtalkstudios.com/ cop to corporate, life after law enforcement, law enforcement career transition, police officer career change, former cop corporate job, corporate security career, corporate security leadership, chief security officer career, CSO path, private sector security, police to business, law enforcement skills in corporate, security management careers, executive protection background, leadership after policing, police podcast, law enforcement advice, career after the badge, transitioning out of policing, security consulting #CopToCorporate #LifeAfterLawEnforcement #PoliceToCorporate #CareerAfterTheBadge #LawEnforcementCareers #CorporateSecurity #SecurityLeadership #FormerPoliceOfficer #CareerTransition #LeadershipJourney #PrivateSectorSecurity #PodcastInterview #JustTalkStudios

Join Cop to Corporate host Sam Tierney on Cop to Corporate as she sits down with Chris Howell, former law enforcement officer turned Flock Safety team member. Chris opens up about his shift from high-stakes policing in a big agency to a quieter beach community role, the burnout from 2020 events that led him to leave, and the emotional challenges of transitioning out of service. Discover how he landed at Flock Safety, built a powerful Law Enforcement Employee Resource Group to support fellow ex-officers with mentorship, mental health resources, and overcoming impostor syndrome – plus invaluable advice for anyone making the leap from badge to boardroom. If you're a cop considering corporate life, this episode is a must-watch! 🚔➡️💼 What happens when a law enforcement career no longer feels sustainable — but walking away feels just as terrifying? In this episode of Cop to Corporate: Life After Law Enforcement, host Sam Tierney sits down with Chris Howell, a former police officer who successfully transitioned into the tech world at Flock Safety. Chris shares his journey from working at a massive agency to policing a small beach community, the emotional toll of 2020, and the quiet moment that made him realize it was time to leave the badge behind. He opens up about identity loss, hyper-vigilance, imposter syndrome, and what really happens when your body and mind finally slow down after law enforcement. Now at Flock Safety, Chris helped spearhead a Law Enforcement Employee Resource Group, supporting former officers through mentorship, mental health awareness, and career development — proving that your law enforcement experience doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. If you’re a current or former cop wondering what life after law enforcement looks like, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and practical guidance for your next chapter. 🚔➡️💼 🎙️ Recorded & produced by Just Talk Studios, the premier video podcast studio in Bellevue, Washington. 🔗 Learn more or book a session: https://www.justtalkstudios.com/ 00:00 – Welcome to Cop to Corporate 01:05 – Chris’s law enforcement background 03:15 – Big agency vs small department policing 05:30 – Hitting the wall physically & mentally 07:45 – Civil unrest, burnout & the 2020 breaking point 10:10 – The “hard candy” moment that changed everything 12:15 – Fear, identity loss & leaving the badge 14:45 – Transitioning into tech at Flock Safety 16:40 – Networking on LinkedIn & fixing the “cop resume” 18:30 – Building a Law Enforcement ERG at Flock 20:15 – Advice for cops considering leaving law enforcement 21:30 – Final thoughts & encouragement life after law enforcement, police officer career transition, cop to corporate, leaving law enforcement, former police officer, law enforcement burnout, police mental health, transitioning out of policing, law enforcement jobs after policing, tech jobs for cops, Flock Safety, police identity crisis #CopToCorporate #LifeAfterLawEnforcement #PoliceTransition #FormerPoliceOfficer #LawEnforcementCareers #CareerChange #PoliceMentalHealth #LeavingTheBadge #SecondCareer #FlockSafety #JustTalkStudios 🎙️🚔💼