Delivering Solutions for Defense, Intelligence, and Civilian Sectors

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This week, we welcome Army veteran RJ Blake, Founder and CEO of Blake Willson Group (BWG), a technology-enabled CPA firm reshaping service to federal defense and civilian agencies. RJ details his unique 12-year journey from military service to achieving Big Four success, explaining how he applied his deep understanding of military operations to the federal audit space and ultimately founded BWG. He shares crucial leadership lessons, distinguishing between leading by demand versus leading by influence, and discusses how BWG successfully harnesses technology to improve financial stewardship at the operational level. Additionally, RJ provides essential advice for veteran entrepreneurs, including how to leverage valuable resources like the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) to maximize growth.

Episode Resources:

Blake Willson Group

Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)

About Our Guest

RJ Blake is the Founder and CEO of Blake Willson Group (BWG), a nationally recognized, technology-enabled CPA firm that is reshaping how the private sector serves federal defense, intelligence and civilian agencies. Under his leadership, Blake Willson Group has emerged as an innovative solutions provider that consistently outperforms legacy firms. A combat veteran with Big Four audit and advisory practice experience, RJ brings an uncommon combination of frontline experience and executive discipline to his work. His passion lies in transforming public service delivery through innovative technology, institutional clarity, and real-world outcomes. RJ began his career in the U.S. Army with the 10th Mountain Division, where he led counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan. That sense of purpose, clarity, and mission focus now shapes every facet of BWG, from building an enthusiastic culture to delivering exceptional client service. Their mission is harnessing technology to improve financial stewardship for the welfare, defense, and security of our nation.

About Our Sponsors

Navy Federal Credit Union  

Navy Federal Credit Union offers exclusive benefits to all of their members. All Veterans, Active Duty and their families can become members. Have you been saving up for the season of cheer and joy that is just around the corner? With Navy Federal Credit Union’s cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards, you could earn a $250 cash bonus when you spend $2,500 in the first 90 days. Offer ends 1/1/26. You could earn up to 2% unlimited cash back with the cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards. With Navy Federal, members have access to financial advice and money management and 24/7 access to award-winning service. Whether you’re a Veteran of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard, you and your family can become members. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union.

At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.   

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Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.