"We were sitting in one of [my wife's] guest rooms in her house in Abidjan, and I was trying to figure out what to do next with my life. And Emily said, 'You should do the GoRuck thing.' I don't think she knew what that meant and she certainly didn't have the vision for what it's become, and I certainly didn't at that time either. But that was the happy accident of - I need something to do and this could probably be it."
- Jason McCarthy
Thanks to Jared Wymer for the recommendation for this show.
Jason McCarthy is the Founder and CEO of GORUCK, a company he started nearly 10 years ago, a retail company that builds gear, hosts events, builds teams and strengthens the community. He started out at Emory University, after which he worked as an Analyst at Milestone Merchant Partners before joining the Army where he served for five years as a Special Forces Communication Sergeant. After the Army, he started GORUCK and has grown to a team of over 30 people, and over 100 Special Forces Cadre who lead our events.
Why to Listen:
- Jason gives a very raw and honest assessment of his entrepreneurial journey that will be a huge resource if you're considering starting your own company, but also an exhilarating story no matter what your intended career path.
Our Sponsor:
- StoryBox - People trust each other more than advertising. StoryBox provides the tools and supports businesses need to take the best things customers say about them, and use them to drive more sales and referrals. StoryBox offers a 10% discount to companies employing veterans of the US Armed Forces.
- Audible is offering one FREE audio book to Beyond the Uniform listeners. You can claim this offer here, and see a list of books recommended by my guests at BeyondTheUniform.io/books
Selected Resources:
Show Notes
- You had a career before the Army - what led you to the Army?
- How did you decide to leave the Army?
- What was the genesis of GORUCK?
- In the early days, what was your life like?
- How did you finance all of this?
- How would you describe GORUCK to veteran listeners?
- Where is the company at now in terms of it’s growth?
- What has been the hardest part of starting GORUCK?
- What advice do you have for aspiring veteran entrepreneurs?
- What can someone on active duty do right now to start preparing to start their own company?
- Any resources (books, podcasts, programs, etc) you’d recommend to listeners?
- Final words of wisdom?