Honoring Our Veterans

Michelle Penczak • November 11, 2021

Squared Away is committed to employing Military Spouses and Veterans. Our core mission is to employ military spouses while giving people their time back. We are honored to highlight Veterans who are clients and teammates of Squared Away.

Squared Away Clients

Andrew Weins, Army Veteran

Andy Weins has built a reputation through his no-holds-barred teaching style, which inspires immediate and transformational action. No frills, no fluff. This business has grown from a two-man backyard operation to a nationally renowned multi-faceted enterprise at a rapid pace. As an adviser and public speaker, he has helped thousands of leaders and entrepreneurs unleash their full potential and achieve unparalleled success. A proud US Army Veteran, military career counselor, and Master Resiliency Trainer, Andy brings his battle-tested experience and expertise to business leaders and professionals everywhere.

Andrew Lundquist, Air Force Veteran

Andrew Lundquist is the CTO of Never Settle (neversettle.it) a Marketing and Web Development Agency.

Andrew graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1999 and served in the Air Force until 2005.

Squared Away Chief Executive Assistants

Megan King, Air Force Veteran

Megan served in the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller, she is now a Chief Executive Assistant with Squared Away.

Brianna Arcediano, Navy Veteran

Brianna served in the Navy as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman for 7 years. Brianna is now a member of the Squared Away team as a Chief Executive Asssitant.

Kristi Santiago, Air Force Veteran

Kristi is based out of Ocean Springs, MS. She has three kids, 14, 10, and 6. Kristi joined the Air Force after graduating high school. She was a dental hygienist and loved her job! Kristi separated from the Air Force once she became a mom. She then married into the Air Force, and her husband is now retired. Kristi used her GI Bill to get a couple of Associates Degrees and her Bachelor’s degree. Kristi shared, “I love working for Squared Away and the love and focus they put on military spouses and veterans!” Kristi is now a member of the Squared Away team as a Chief Executive Assistant.

Morganne Cook, Army Veteran

Morganne served as a Logistics Officer with 3rd ID stationed out of Fort Stewart, GA. Morganne shared, “Happy Veteran’s Day to all my brothers and sisters in arms!” Morganne is now the Training and Transition Team Manager and a Chief Executive Assistant within Squared Away.

Newer Post >

Remote Assistants In 2025: What’s Actually Working And Why Squared Away Still Leads The Pack

By Michelle Penczak • November 21, 2025

Founders are scaling faster with remote assistants in 2025—see why Squared Away’s vetted military spouse talent delivers unmatched reliability and results.

Cut Costs, Not Support: How to Stay Steady During a Government Shutdown

By Michelle Penczak • October 29, 2025

When the world seems out of control, leaders are required to make difficult decisions. I’ve seen it all - shutdowns, recessions, the pandemic, deployments - and I will say this with absolute confidence; There is no stability in cutting people. It comes from investing with more wisdom.

Krista Knuffke: Redefining Resilience Through Reinvention

By Michelle Penczak • October 14, 2025

Source: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-djyii-1992d9a In this episode of Beyond Orders, Michelle sits down with Krista Knuffke, proud Army spouse, mom of two, and Director of Client Success at Squared Away. Krista’s journey from healthcare to operations leadership is one defined by adaptability, grit, and purpose. Together, they explore what reinvention really looks like for military spouses navigating constant change: balancing family, career, and identity while creating impact in every chapter. From managing moves and motherhood to leading sales and client onboarding, Krista shares how she’s built a life and career that thrives beyond the boundaries of traditional work. Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation about growth, service, and the strength it takes to start over, again and again.

How to Support Military Families During a Government Shutdown

By Michelle Penczak • October 8, 2025

When the government shuts down, the headlines talk about politics. What they don’t talk about are the families sitting at kitchen tables across military housing neighborhoods, doing math that doesn’t add up.

Lauren Cecora: Faith, Family, and the Postpartum Journey

By Michelle Penczak • September 30, 2025

In this episode of Beyond Orders, I sit down with Lauren Cecora - a 16-year Air Force spouse, devoted mom of two daughters, homeschool parent, and author of Past-Partum.

Why AI Will Never Replace Virtual Assistants: The Human Nuances That Tech Can’t Touch

By Michelle Penczak • September 12, 2025

AI can make us faster. It can give us shortcuts. But it will never replace the value of human nuance; the conversations, the relationship-building, and the deal-making that keep businesses moving forward.

Kerissa Frigo: Veteran Strength Meets Military Spouse Resilience

September 5, 2025

In this episode of Beyond Orders, we sit down with Kerissa Frigo. Veteran, military spouse, mom of two energetic boys, and now an Executive Assistant with Squared Away.

Danielle Hillebrand: Piercing Through Challenges and Building Identity Beyond Orders

August 25, 2025

In this episode of Beyond Orders, we sit down with Danielle Hillebrand, a professional body piercer with 17 years of experience and a proud military spouse of 8 years. Danielle’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of identity in the face of constant transition.

August 10, 2015 — The Day Everything Fell Apart

By Michelle Penczak • August 16, 2025

August 10, 2015, is etched into my memory. Not as a gentle turning point, but as a gut punch that knocked the wind out of me.

Taylor Lingerfelt: Leading with Heart as a Military Spouse and Team Lead

August 9, 2025

In this episode of Beyond Orders, Taylor shares how she built a fulfilling career from home, the challenges and rewards of managing a remote team, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, delegation, and staying grounded while life moves at military speed.