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Summary:

In this episode, Ramon Preez shares his journey from military service to successful distillery owner, highlighting how military skills translate into entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling a craft business, and strategies for community engagement and growth.

Key Topics:

• Military skills translating to entrepreneurship
• Starting and scaling a distillery
• Product development and flavor innovation
• Community engagement and marketing strategies
• Challenges of competing with larger brands
• Resilience and perseverance in business
• Distribution and retail strategies
• Leveraging word-of-mouth marketing
• Balancing production and customer relationships

Chapters:

1. Introduction to Ramon's Military and Entrepreneurial Journey
2. Transition from Military Service to Starting a Distillery
3. Self-Directed Transition and Passion for Spirits
4. Learning the Craft of Vodka Making
5. Choosing Florida for Business and Community Focus
6. Challenges of Competing with Larger Brands
7. Skills from Military Service That Helped in Business
8. Resilience and Owning Your Life After Service
9. Product Range and Distribution Strategy
10. Development of Unique Flavors like Blueberry Vodka
11. Innovative Product Ideas and Unique Liqueurs
12. Creating a Tasting Room Experience
13. Marketing and Customer Engagement Strategies
14. Expansion Plans and Out-of-State Sales
15. Inspiration and Advice for Entrepreneurs
16. The Importance of Perseverance and Resilience
17. Closing Remarks and Support for Local Business

Resources:

• Support our community and purchase from an amazing businesses on https://forcesbrands-usa.com/ for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
• We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
• Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

Follow us on Social Media

Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

TikTok: @dogtags_to_ownership

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

Follow us on Social Media

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X: @DTO_Podcast

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Send us Fan Mail

Summary:

Hard Truth Rods, Navy Service, and Building Purpose Through Fishing

Glenn Cook, founder of Hard Truth Rods, shares how a Navy career, a health scare, and a chance connection through a custom fishing rod led him into handmade rod building. Julie Austin and Matt Cain talk with Glenn about military life, small batch craftsmanship, and how fishing became both a creative outlet and the foundation for a new purpose. This episode blends personal story, veteran camaraderie, and entrepreneurship. Glenn also explains how custom rods have supported nonprofit fundraisers, including a Three Rangers Foundation event, and why he believes business should be driven by purpose first.

Key Topics:

• Glenn Cook explains how he went from Iowa to the Navy at age 20, first training as a sonar technician before cross-rating into the Seabees.
• Glenn shares the unusual path that took him from military service to plumbing, pipefitting, and eventually running a transportation program at the Omaha VA.
• The conversation covers a brain health scare that led to medical testing, anxiety medication, and a period of reflection that changed his routine and priorities.
• Glenn describes how a Tenkara fly rod, originally sitting unused in his truck, pulled him back into fishing and gave him a better headspace.
• He explains how he went from fishing with that rod to researching rod building, buying materials, and accidentally launching Hard Truth Rods.
• Glenn recounts building a custom rod for Jeff McCabe of Hard Truth distilling, matching the rod’s epoxy and thread work to the bottle label and branding.
• Julie asks about Glenn’s first customers and nonprofit work, and Glenn explains that his early rods went to himself, his son, friends, and local supporters.
• Glenn shares the story of a Three Rangers Foundation fundraiser where his rod sold for $10,000 and connected him with Medal of Honor recipients and major donors.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Introduction to Glenn Cook and Hard Truth Rods
2. 01:34 - Joining the Navy at 20 and choosing sonar technician
3. 03:44 - Discovering the Seabees and cross-rating
4. 05:57 - Family Navy history and why he enlisted
5. 10:26 - Returning to Iowa and starting civilian trades work
6. 11:18 - Apprenticeship, VA work, and leading a veteran team
7. 13:27 - The health scare that changed everything
8. 17:01 - Tenkara fishing becomes the turning point
9. 22:19 - First rods, first users, and early confidence
10. 24:06 - The Three Rangers Foundation auction story
11. 30:20 - The meaning behind hidden messages in the epoxy
12. 37:13 - Business advice: follow purpose, ask questions, stay authentic
13. 40:03 - Forces Brands USA Business of the week

Resources:

• Support our community and purchase from an amazing businesses on https://forcesbrands-usa.com/ for the #ReplaceOneChallenge
• We are a proud member of Heroes Media Group
• Check us out on Wreaths Across America Radio on Thursday mornings at 7 am.

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

Follow us on Social Media

Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

X: @DTO_Podcast

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Summary:

This episode recaps the month of September and features a series of insightful interviews with military veterans and entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys, challenges, and successes in business and mental health advocacy. Discover practical lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest overview
2. 03:04 Recap of Tampa craft spirit event and key takeaways
3. 07:01 Interview with Michael Starr of Blazing Star Barbecue
4. 14:55 Lessons on passion, failure, and pivoting in business
5. 20:11 Discussion with Jeff Bones Bonner on military transition and aviation
6. 25:11 The importance of daily debriefs and habit formation
7. 29:56 Dr. Ariel Jordan on mental health support and her nonprofit work
8. 34:01 Justin and Misty Williams of Bombshell Suds and product collabs

Support the show

Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

Follow us on Social Media

Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

X: @DTO_Podcast

TikTok: @dogtags_to_ownership