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Veteranology #9 – Inkfidel

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In this episode I sit down with Pete Bell. Pete Bell is a former Cavalry Scout who served with both the 82nd Airborne Division and 173rd Airborne Brigade. After leaving active duty in 2011 he returned to school completing his degree in Graphic Design with minors in Marketing and Art History. He has designed both the 2013 official Army Ten-Miler race tees and the 2015 IAVA (Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America) Veteran’s Day Parade hoodies. He is the CEO of the military apparel lifestyle brand, Inkfidel, which he founded in 2013. He currently lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, Tristan and their three children.

Show links:

Inkfidel: www.inkfidel.com

Don’t forget to use coupon code Veteranology at checkout for 10% off your order!

Veteranology survey: http://goo.gl/forms/s79vY9BBGJ

Veteranology #3: Dustin Batson

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In this episode I have the honor of interviewing Dustin Batson, a Marine Corps veteran, squad leader, entrepreneur and business owner.  The West End Elixir Company opened its doors on September 10th of this year and business has been overwhelmingly good for Batson.  With half of his staff being veterans this should come at no surprise.

Episode three contains too many nuggets of wisdom to put them all into the show notes. Here are a few parts to listen for:

Using the reserves as a stepping stone out of the military.  (Throughout)

2nd Battalion, 7th Marines leading the way in Afghanistan.  (6:50 mark)

The biggest challenge he faced moving into the civilian world.  (15:50)

His rise through the bar ranks and leadership as a bar’s general manager.  (19:30)

He explains the fear and liberation of starting his own business.  (28:32)

His future plans for success and where he is taking his business.  (41:06)

You can find the West End Elixir Company website here.  There was also a recent news article about Batson and his bar. Read it here to see how he is helping veterans start new jobs as bartenders.

Veteranology #2 The Artist

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Show notes

In this episode I sit down with “Raz”, a Marine Corps veteran I served with in 2/7 Weapons Company.  Raz left the Marine Corps in 2008 and started on a 7 year journey that would eventually see him working construction, discovering his true passion for art, and eventually heading to San Fransisco to attend the Academy of Art University.  He is now a graphic designer and freelance illustrator/designer living mere feet from the beach.

He started Create Art, his brand and business, and has sold clothing and art pieces here in the US and internationally in Germany, France, and the UK.  If you would like to see what Create Art has to offer the website iswww.cr8art.com and you can also find Create Art on Instagram under the name @_createart_

Quote from the show:

“You finally get to the point where life is hard not because you’re struggling, but because you’re choosing to do something difficult.”