Your next mission starts here.

A space for military members/veterans transitioning to civilian life with entrepreneurship goals. Share goals, ask questions, and celebrate wins as we turn dogtags into ownership and build your future.

Listen to our latest podcast:

Episode 43: How Waza Media is Transforming Veteran-Led Marketing

Recent Episodes

Meet the Hosts

Follow along with our hosts, Julie Austin and Matt Cain, as they dive into stories of veterans turning dogtags into ownership — sharing insights, challenges, and victories from those who’ve built thriving businesses after service.


  • Co-host

    Julie is an active-duty Army officer, currently serving as a lieutenant colonel and battalion commander. Beyond her military career, she is a dynamic entrepreneur, founding three impactful ventures: DogTags to Ownership LLC, ANA Consulting Company LLC, and Austin’s Sandcastles LLC.

    With a deep passion for leadership, Julie is dedicated to empowering others to grow professionally and achieve their goals and dreams. Her mission is to inspire success through guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support.

    Email: julie@dogtags-to-ownership.com


  • Co-host

    Matt is an active duty Army (Military Police) officer, currently serving as the Director of Emergency Services at Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia. He has over 20 years of military experience, which includes a fellowship with the U.S. Marshals Service, assignment to the Pentagon and several deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. 

    Prior to joining the Army in 2004, Matt graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice.  Yearning for more knowledge and education, Matt received a Masters in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University while serving in the military.

    Aside from their day jobs, Matt and his wife Dana own and operate Cain Investment Group,L.L.C. This real estate venture focuses on long-term, small multi-family properties in the Kansas City area. He is also a partner and co-host of the podcast, DogTags to Ownership, L.L.C.. 

    Matt has a passion for real estate, remodeling projects, investing, working out, craft breweries and bourbon.  Matt enjoys spending most time with Dana, his 4 year old daughter, Ella and new puppy Tucker. 

    The Cain's are building a home in Kansas City, Missouri where they will plant roots upon Matt's retirement from the Army in October 2025.