#91 - Curtez Riggs - Connecting Communities, Military Influence in Action, and Veteran Impact
Curtez Riggs is a retired Military Veteran who spent twenty-one years within the ranks of the US Army. A native of Flint, Michigan, he is a serial entrepreneur, community builder, and advocate for the military community. Today, he uses entrepreneurship as a tool to create economic opportunities for marginalized communities and underrepresented voices. - Quick Episode Summary: Curtez Riggs on building community, military transition, and authentic connections.
Curtez Riggs is a retired Military Veteran who spent twenty-one years within the ranks of the US Army. A native of Flint, Michigan, he is a serial entrepreneur, community builder, and advocate for the military community. Today, he uses entrepreneurship as a tool to create economic opportunities for marginalized communities and underrepresented voices.
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Quick Episode Summary:
Curtez Riggs on building community, military transition, and authentic connections.
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Here are 3 key takeaways that really stood out:
🔗 Servant Leadership in Action:
Curtez intentionally stays “on the floor,” listening and connecting at the Military Influencer Conference (MIC). He focuses on learning others’ needs and bridging connections, emphasizing, “I want to be on the ground, I want to be connected, I want to solve problems and I want to make matches.”
🚀 Success through Nontraditional Paths:
His journey from hustling in Flint, collecting bottles for cash, to launching impactful ventures proves success isn’t always linear. “You can constantly reinvent yourself,” he says—encouraging us to trust our skills, embrace the hustle, and forge our own way.
🤝 The Power of Authentic Community:
Whether it’s the welcoming culture at MIC or his personal mentorship approach, Curtez shows that the real impact comes from creating access and breaking down barriers. “We like to be around heart-minded individuals… we have the heart to serve one another.”
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Time Codes:
00:00 Impact & Innovation
03:49 Military Influencer Conference: Connecting Hearts
08:12 Networking Strategy at MIC
12:25 Empowering Transitions Through MIC
16:03 Recurrent Military: Media for Service Members
19:07 Flint Lessons and Military Bonds
22:50 Mentoring Through Impactful Dialogue
25:57 Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Ventures
26:35 "Embracing Affiliate Marketing"
29:43 "Former Crypto Enthusiast's Tale"
33:26 "Seeking Role Models on TV"
36:10 Nostalgic 90s Reflection
39:23 Late Mentor's Impact on Perseverance
43:53 Continuous Self-Reinvention Mindset
47:20 From Divorce to Credit Repair
52:39 "Returning Home to Innovate Service"
53:42 Seeking Growth Through Storytelling
57:06 "Podcast Reflection Request"
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02:15 - Why life is great right now
02:52 - What to know about Military Influencer Conference
05:32 - Balance being the driving force behind MIC and connecting with people while staying out of the spotlight
07:28 - Advice for first time MIC attendees
11:41 - Most significant impact MIC has on people
15:05 - How he introduces himself to people
20:35 - Telling a story that captures the spirit of a generation
23:32 - Stories that make him break out into applause
25:17 - Story behind ex-lunatic moniker
32:02 - How televised influences shaped values and ambitions
35:34 - Why nostalgia feels so real
37:31 - Message to teenage self
44:32 - Name Game
52:20 - Billboard message for the world to see
53:39 - His ask and request
Curtez Riggs is a retired Military Veteran who spent twenty-one years within the ranks of the US Army. A native of Flint, Michigan, he is a serial entrepreneur, community builder, and advocate for the military community. Today, he uses entrepreneurship as a tool to create economic opportunities for marginalized communities and underrepresented voices.
After 21 years in the U.S. Army, Curtez Riggs wasn’t chasing titles—he was building bridges. As the founder of the Military Influencer Conference (MIC), Curtez has created one of the largest platforms for military-connected leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of their communities.
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Quick Episode Summary:
In this episode of Passing The Torch, host Martin Foster welcomes Curtez Riggs, a retired Army veteran, serial entrepreneur, community builder, and founder of the Military Influencer Conference (MIC). Curtez shares his journey from his early days in Flint, Michigan, through his 21-year military career, and into his ventures as a champion for the military and marginalized communities.
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Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtezriggs/
Recurrent Military: https://www.recurrentmilitary.com/
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Mentioned:
Military Influencer Conference
Book – Super Connector
Montel Williams
Phillip Taylor
Clarissa Shields
Lee Williams
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Here are 3 key takeaways that really stood out:
🔗 Servant Leadership in Action:
Curtez intentionally stays “on the floor,” listening and connecting at the Military Influencer Conference (MIC). He focuses on learning others’ needs and bridging connections, emphasizing, “I want to be on the ground, I want to be connected, I want to solve problems and I want to make matches.”
🚀 Success through Nontraditional Paths:
His journey from hustling in Flint, collecting bottles for cash, to launching impactful ventures proves success isn’t always linear. “You can constantly reinvent yourself,” he says—encouraging us to trust our skills, embrace the hustle, and forge our own way.
🤝 The Power of Authentic Community:
Whether it’s the welcoming culture at MIC or his personal mentorship approach, Curtez shows that the real impact comes from creating access and breaking down barriers. “We like to be around heart-minded individuals… we have the heart to serve one another.”
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Quotes:
“Pressure is a privilege. It only comes to those who earn it.” - Billie Jean King
“Humility in the design process is key.”
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Time Codes:
00:00 Impact & Innovation
03:49 Military Influencer Conference: Connecting Hearts
08:12 Networking Strategy at MIC
12:25 Empowering Transitions Through MIC
16:03 Recurrent Military: Media for Service Members
19:07 Flint Lessons and Military Bonds
22:50 Mentoring Through Impactful Dialogue
25:57 Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Ventures
26:35 "Embracing Affiliate Marketing"
29:43 "Former Crypto Enthusiast's Tale"
33:26 "Seeking Role Models on TV"
36:10 Nostalgic 90s Reflection
39:23 Late Mentor's Impact on Perseverance
43:53 Continuous Self-Reinvention Mindset
47:20 From Divorce to Credit Repair
52:39 "Returning Home to Innovate Service"
53:42 Seeking Growth Through Storytelling
57:06 "Podcast Reflection Request"
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Full Episode Summary:
In this engaging conversation, Curtez Riggs shares his journey from a military veteran to a successful entrepreneur and community leader.
He discusses the significance of the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) in connecting veterans and fostering mentorship.
Curtez emphasizes the importance of storytelling, the impact of childhood influences, and the lessons learned from financial ventures.
He reflects on nostalgia and its connection to personal growth, while also offering advice to younger individuals navigating their paths.
Curtez's commitment to serving his community and encouraging others to find their unique paths is a central theme throughout the discussion.
