In this episode, Brock talks with Reagan Roberts. Reagan is the CEO of Mission Essential Gear, former infantry Marine as well. We talk about launching Mission Essential and printing T shirts from the back of his house to the warehouse that are distributing out of now. We talked about using relationships as fuel for business, being better than the Marines and having a hard problem to solve the need for custom units wagon how that gave him traction, super early on in his business. Reagan talks about prioritization, why your family is more important than your business, and why everyone is actually a firefighter.
Episode Resources:
Mission Essential Gear Website
Show Notes:
Digital vs. screen printing for small business. 5:50
Transitioning from military to business ownership. 12:07
Starting a T-shirt business while in the military and after. 18:55
The woobie hoody that started it all. 24:30
Business operations and forecasting for a print-on-demand merchandise company. 30:26
Vendor relationships and print-on-demand services in the apparel industry. 37:09
Selling merchandise through a platform, tax implications, and connecting with the military community. 41:15
Part-time firefighting and business management. 47:25
Finding passion and balance in firefighting career. 52:44
Managing multiple responsibilities with calendars. 59:25
Prioritizing family and business as a veteran entrepreneur. 1:03:47
Community support for veterans and their families. 1:10:10
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The Scuttlebutt Podcast - The podcast for service members and veterans building a life outside the military.
The Scuttlebutt Podcast features discussions on lifestyle, careers, business, and resources for service members. Show host, Brock Briggs, talks with a special guest from the community committed to helping military members build a successful life, inside and outside the service.
Follow along:
• Episode & transcript: https://www.scuttlebuttpodcast.co/
• Brock: https://www.brockbriggs.com/
Business Owner/Firefighter
Reagan is a Veteran U.S. Marine, career firefighter, and business owner with over ten years of experience in critical roles. Upon completion of six years as a Marine Rifleman, Reagan founded of Mission Essential Gear, a custom apparel printing, design and embriodery service for various veteran and first responder communities. With over five years of progressive firefighting experience, Reagan also hones the craft of tactical medicine standing alongside a local sheriff's office as a deployable SWAT Medic and Water Rescue Technician. Reagan continues to grow alongside his various teams to serve the communities around him.