Deed Ziegler, a former Marine Infantry and Intel officer, shares his experience transitioning from the military to entrepreneurship. He started his own CPG company, RecPak, while working a full-time job. Deed discusses his military background, including his time in Afghanistan and the challenges of being a ground Intel officer. He also talks about his decision to leave the Marine Corps and pursue an MBA, highlighting the value of the program in providing exposure to different industries and decision-making processes. Deed touches on the importance of networking and leveraging alumni networks, as well as the need to redefine one's identity after leaving the military. The conversation also delves into the joys of surfing and the meditative experience it offers. In this conversation, Deed discusses his experience starting his company, Rec Pack, which offers outdoor powdered meal replacements. He talks about the challenges of product development, finding the right team, and launching the product. Deed also shares insights on marketing and the importance of understanding your target audience. He emphasizes the need for perseverance, a beginner's mindset, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. Deed also praises the value of community, particularly in the veteran entrepreneurship space.
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https://linktr.ee/harder_not_smarter
Deed's Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deed-ziegler-bba39a6/
https://recpak.co/products/recpak?variant=49231304458542
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Deid Ziegler's Background and RecPak
03:07 Transitioning from the Military to Entrepreneurship
08:13 Leaving the Marine Corps and Pursuing an MBA
13:19 Networking and Alumni Networks
20:32 The Meditative Experience of Surfing
24:17 Starting a Company and Finding Clarity
25:28 The Fantasy of AI and the Surfer Lifestyle
28:41 Product Development and Outdoor Nutrition
33:36 The Importance of Sales and Marketing
38:41 Making Decisions and Learning from Mistakes
44:36 Challenges with Marketing Agencies
49:18 The Value of In-Person Interaction
53:05 Maintaining a Beginner's Mindset
Takeaways
Transitioning from the military to entrepreneurship can be challenging but rewarding
An MBA program can provide valuable exposure to different industries and decision-making processes
Networking and leveraging alumni networks can be beneficial for career development
Leaving the military requires redefining one's identity and finding a new sense of purpose
Surfing offers a meditative and mindful experience, allowing individuals to disconnect from technology and enjoy nature Starting a company involves challenges in product development, finding the right team, and launching the product.
Marketing requires understanding the target audience and messaging effectively.
Perseverance and a beginner's mindset are crucial for success in entrepreneurship.
Being part of a supportive community, such as the veteran entrepreneurship community, can provide valuable resources and connections.
