About this EpisodeToday we are honored to host Jamie Blackhart on the show. Jamie, is a former US Army Veteran and the founder of Old Army Coffee and Advisor Tactical. Jamie worked as a Lighting Manager for the Western US and Pelican and Senior Manager of North America for SureFire. Today Jamie will talk about his learnings from the failures and his success story.Key Points of Discussion

Jamie’s life storyTransition out of the ArmyGetting involved in business during Active dutyKnowing about competitorStruggle in the beginningGreat business idea and marketing strategyAdvice for the Veterans

Key Milestones of this Episode[00:59] Jamie Blackhart’s life story

[02:16] Transition out of the Army

[05:45] Getting into entrepreneurship

[08:27] Getting involved into import business

[12:45] Comparison with the competitor

[17:01] Benefits of importing products from Spain over China

[21:30] Struggle in the beginning

[28:14] Setting up retail sales of products

[29:23] Advice for veterans

[32:29] Skills and Capabilities for successful entrepreneurKey Quotes 

 “There are so many people who are doing it, but there's only a handful that are doing it well.”“You just have to make sure that the passion is there, the product is there, and the people are there and I think that's what is going to really separate you out.”“You don't have to be a genius to come up with a great idea.  if you're motivated, get into that space and do the very best job you can.”“You gotta expect to get knocked out all the time. And it's how you pick yourself back up and focus on your project that's going to separate you out from everyone else.”“When you are starting a new business just ask people who have get it.”“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. That's what's going to set you up.”“Be a gatherer of information and start putting your program together and even finding out if it's going to be a value for you to move forward with it, or if you want to partner with someone who knows what they're doing”.“Reach out for help. Ask the question and be open to criticism.  All your ideas are great. And then look at your demographics and just really be a student of success on this and reach out to mentors. I can't overemphasize that enough, mentorship.”

About Our Guest  Jamie is a recently retired Sergeants Major who spent more than 30 years in the Army. He started his companies, Advisor Tactical Products and Old Army Coffee with a simple mission: Build a team of Veterans while putting them to work and continue a new mission of service. Advisor Tactical Products is a Sales and Consulting company that hires Veteran military and law enforcement as product and factory sales reps. Old Army Coffee hires Veterans to make, package, market and sell an outstanding cup of coffee. They ensure that a taste of home is within reach.

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