Clint Smith and Galen Bargerstock are the visionary duo behind GCES, a financial firm that has revolutionized federal retirement planning across 40 states. Their journey is a powerful testament to redemption, moving from the depths of individual childhood trauma and military betrayal to building a $50 million company. Galen, a Purple Heart recipient who witnessed 9/11 firsthand, and Clint, a Marine Corps veteran who overcame a "rock bottom" of addiction, combined their "matched traumas" to create a holistic business philosophy centered on health, wealth, and happiness. Today, they disrupt a traditional industry by leading with radical authenticity, utilizing unconventional healing paths like Ayahuasca and Transcendental Meditation to empower both their clients and their team.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
- That radical authenticity can be your greatest competitive advantage in a traditional, male-dominated industry.
- How "matched traumas" can be channeled into a cohesive and powerful business partnership.
- Why a "health, wealth, and happiness" philosophy outperforms standard financial metrics for long-term client success.
- How to pivot from a "rock bottom" personal crisis to leading a multi-million dollar organization.
- That unconventional healing modalities—like Ayahuasca and meditation—can transform company culture and employee retention.
- Why niche expertise in federal benefits solves the "bureaucratic betrayal" many veterans and government employees face.
- How to use personal stories of dogs, beer, and real life to build deeper trust than any financial spreadsheet.
- Why protecting others through pro bono advocacy is an essential pillar of a lasting legacy.
- How to navigate and overcome institutional betrayals to build your own ethical empire.
- That true professional success is impossible without a commitment to deep, individual emotional healing.
They served their country, and now they’re building something just as powerful.
They led with discipline, purpose, resilience, and have turned their next chapter into a mission.
But in today’s noisy world, even the most dedicated veterans struggle to get the recognition they deserve.
Operation CEO is a groundbreaking TV series that honors the next chapter of America's heroes.
These entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators have served their country and are now building businesses with purpose.
Each episode highlights a veteran who transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship, showcasing the same grit, discipline, and mission-driven mindset that continues to define their journey today.
From startups to seven-figure brands, these stories prove that the warrior spirit doesn’t fade after service…
It evolves!
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