Episode 20 Category Agriculture & Natural Resources Frank Manteau

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Battlefield to Business

Jarvis Buchanan

35 episodes

3 days ago

Battlefield to Business: The Veteran Entrepreneurial Journey is the go-to podcast for service members—whether you're currently serving, transitioning, or already a veteran—who are ready to turn military skills into successful business ventures. In each episode, we highlight a specific industry, uncovering hidden secrets and golden nuggets you won’t hear anywhere else. Learn how to overcome challenges, leverage your military skills in business, and accelerate your path to success. This podcast helps you browse content and nail down what you’re truly passionate about. Passion is a powerful tool for intrinsic fulfillment, and our goal is to help you find what you were born to do. When tough times come, you’ll have something to lean on. Passion isn’t just a career—it’s a combatant to the challenges many face, including suicide. We explore a myriad of industries, sharing stories of struggle and success to provide options that resonate with your dreams. Each episode dives into the mindset of entrepreneurs, starting with their youth and discussing figures who shaped their journey. We examine their decision to join the military and how it influenced their path to entrepreneurship. Lastly, guests share the leap into their business ventures, offering tips, techniques, and valuable insights for anyone considering that industry. Visit our website at www.ldrpsy.com and check out our book, Live to Never Lose, which provides key strategies to help you discover your passion and navigate the challenges of transitioning out of the military. Whether you're struggling with finding your passion or coping with the military-to-civilian transition, this podcast and book are designed to give you the guidance and motivation you need. Subscribe now to unlock entrepreneurial tactics tailored specifically for the military community!

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Episode 20 Category Agriculture & Natural Resources Frank Manteau

Battlefield to Business

1 hour 8 minutes 51 seconds

8 months ago

Episode 20 Category Agriculture & Natural Resources Frank Manteau

Meeting Purpose

To interview Frank Manteau, a Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur, about his life experiences and business journey with Mil Treats.

Key Takeaways

Frank overcame a challenging upbringing to join the Marines, which provided structure and purpose. After leaving the military, Frank struggled to find direction but eventually founded Mil Treats, creating edible chocolate crayons and other military-themed products. Frank's entrepreneurial journey has been driven by resilience, adaptability, and a desire to educate others about military culture. Key success factors include embracing failure, maintaining passion, and focusing on creating a positive legacy.

Topics

Early Life and Military Service

Grew up in small-town Flushing, Ohio with limited opportunities. Joined Marines directly after high school despite having a full art school scholarship. Served 7.5 years before medical discharge due to back injury. Military provided structure, purpose, and transferable skills.

Transition to Civilian Life

Initially struggled to find direction after leaving military

Worked various jobs while raising two children as a single father

Moved family to California for a fresh start. Gradually rediscovered passion for creativity through woodworking.

Founding of Mil Treats

Inspired by social media jokes about Marines eating crayons

Created world's first edible, colorable chocolate crayons in 2017

Expanded product line to include military-themed coffee, salt/pepper shakers

Focus on educating civilians about military culture through products

Business Challenges and Growth

Overcame initial regulatory hurdles ($10k in violations)

Secured $20k grant from Warrior Rising for business development

Currently facing supply chain issues due to global chocolate shortage

Exploring new product ideas like "MilitaryLabs" storytelling game

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Emphasizes importance of passion and willingness to work for free

Views setbacks as opportunities for growth and problem-solving

Focuses on creating a positive legacy for his children and grandchildren

Advocates for empathy and understanding different perspectives

Next Steps

Explore new manufacturing options to address chocolate supply issues

Launch planned new products like dog tag chocolates and "Military Labs" game

Increase participation in live events to connect directly with customers

Consider developing speaking/coaching career to share entrepreneurial insights