They’ve overcome the biggest challenges.
They’ve pushed through the hardest times.
They’ve slogged it out, and come out on top.
Welcome to Little Big Vets, the veteran entrepreneurs podcast. In this series Nick Haley, founder of Little Big Tech, speaks with some of the most inspiring and successful people who've left active service and started the next chapter of their life.
Starting your own company is a brave and difficult thing to do. This podcast series will show you how it's done.
If you’re a veteran entrepreneur with a good story to tell, we’d love to have you on.
If you’re leaving the military and you want to get in touch, email podcast@littlebigtech.co.uk.
If you run a business and you’re looking for an IT company that’s entrepreneurial and forward-thinking, please get in touch.
Entrepreneur Ben Williams discusses his transition from Royal Marines to founding Loopin, a tech platform, with Nick Haley, revealing the challenges and lessons learned in building a business after military service in this interview.
7 May 2025
Inside the Veteran-Founded Studio Making Video Games for Those Who Served
Nick Haley sits down with Lewis Manalo, a combat veteran and a creative force behind the blockbuster Tom Clancy video games. Lewis left the military and started writing video games (yes they do have writers), and he shares how he made it on this journey from military service to becoming a lead writer in the gaming industry, along with founding his own game studio, Old Glory Studios. You'll hear:
Transition from Military to Creative Industry: Lewis discusses his emotional response to 9/11, which motivated his enlistment in the Army, and his subsequent transition to civilian life.
Military Influence on Writing: Insights on how his military background shapes the storytelling in game development.
The Gaming Industry Journey: His entry into gaming through "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands" and role evolution to lead writer for its sequel.
Founding Old Glory Studios: The structure and philosophy behind setting up the studio akin to an independent film company.
Veteran Community Engagement: The importance of community and camaraderie for veterans post-service.
Advice for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life: Lewis emphasises patience and the importance of finding the right post-military career path.
About Lewis
Lewis is a former combat engineer in the 82nd Airborne Division with deployments to Afghanistan. Transitioning from his military career, he delved into the creative sector, particularly in film and video games. He became a key writer for Tom Clancy's video game series, eventually leading writing teams for major game titles. Luis is now the co-founder and executive producer at Old Glory Studios, focusing on developing games by leveraging his film and military experience.
14 Apr 2025
How a former marine commando set up his thriving coffee business
Nick Haley chats with Luke Dalton, a former Royal Marines Commando and co-founder of Contact Coffee. They talk about Luke’s journey from military life to launching a successful coffee brand. Luke shares how skills like planning, discipline, and resilience helped him transition into business. He also explains how Contact Coffee started almost by accident and grew into a well-known e-commerce company with its bold, high-caffeine blends (Nick's a big fan).
The episode covers the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, from navigating COVID challenges to expanding into digital marketing. Luke gives practical advice for veterans thinking about life after the military—start early, take risks, and learn from mistakes. Whether you're a coffee lover, a veteran, or someone curious about turning military skills into business success, this episode has something for you.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
173,394
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
35
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
60
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