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. Show Links Get 1-month of FREE access to the ⁠Vet Collective Community⁠ by using discount code: NLT1UQTI Join us here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.collective.vet⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.collective.vet⁠⁠⁠ Episodes also available on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music. 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.