We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ryan Lonergan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ryan , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My passion has turned into my obsession. I found it in a very organic form by helping veterans and just being present and engaged with them. I felt normal and comfortable around them. We all have something in common which is powerful. After loosing 4 friends during time in the military it only motivated me even more to help others like me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have served the military and veteran community of Wisconsin for over 17 years in various capacities, including working for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program and assisting homeless military and veteran population throughout the state of Wisconsin with homelessness, AODA, mental health, transition assistance, education, employment, VA claims, suicide prevention, and community services. I have worked alongside county veterans service officers, student veterans, and nonprofits focused on leadership and development.
Moreover, I have worked for The Pentagon Career Readiness Counselor for the Wisconsin National Guard for 3 years, assisting with employment and financial literacy skills for service members, veterans, and families. In 2019 he assisted over 3,000 veterans and service members in Wisconsin. Presented at Fort McCoy actively serving the military on employment, resumes, interviewing, and professional development. I have traveled throughout the state of Wisconsin at least 100 times helping veterans in various capacities. Collaborating with local, state, and federal officials to create events and educational programs.
I served honorably in the Wisconsin Army National Guard for six years. Ryan was an infantryman with A Co. 2-128th INF RSTA, deployed to Iraq in 2009-2010 with A. Co 132nd BSB. I then reclassed after my deployment to ammunition specialist. During and after service, I attended 8.5 years of college using his VA education benefits and earned two associates in welding, an associate degree in criminal justice, and a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology with a minor in criminal justice. I was 19 credits shy of his master’s in social work when his daughter was born.
I own and hosts the Fragout Podcast the #1 Veteran Podcast in Wisconsin. I have been operating the podcast for over 4 years with over 200+ episodes. I interview many veterans, community leaders, politicians, Olympians, and celebrities & has a studio in Appleton.
Some of my Professional Achievements include among others:
2019-Future 15 Award top 15 Young Professionals in the Fox Valley.
2020- Social Entrepreneur of Year- Concerned Veterans For America.
2021- First ever, Veteran of the Year, Northeastern, WI, From Congressman Mike Gallagher
2022- Young Professional of the Year, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce
2023- 40 under 40, Insight Publications
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I think the three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have had the most impact are Obsession, Work ethic, and life experience.
Obsession trumps talent any day of the week. I have met many talented/passionate people in my field but they get burnt out and fade away. Many are in this field for the wrong reasons and for money. I am here to help veterans, communities, and my state.
My work ethic gets me in trouble with my family but also it’s why I have what I have. It’s my kryptonite. During COVID when everyone was being lazy, I took an online entrepreneur course and got some seed money, which I then used to build my business even more. I didn’t stop podcasting or traveling to help veterans. The state government stop traveling but I kept traveling and built my clientele list and made new friends.
My life experience is vast and traumatic at times. I am the oldest son of 2, from a single mother. I have never met my father. So right out of the gate, I’ve been fighting my whole life. There was 0 privilege, money, or comfort. I was also in Special Education in school. In 7th grade I had a GPA of .067. Fast forward to my last semester of grad school, I had a 3.75 GPA. I have 4 college degrees. 3 Associates and 1 Bachelors. Went to college for 8.5 years on my GI Bill benefits.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Individuals or Companies that are seeking partnerships with veterans and/or to understand veteran culture better. I am really getting into corporate partnerships and providing subject matter advice on veteran nonprofits and employment services.
Contact Info:
- Website: fragoutpodcast.com
- Instagram: Fragout_Podcast
- Facebook: The Fragout Podcast
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-lonergan-6a03536b/
- Other: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Etc. All major platforms.
