Independence day is a national call-to-arms, of sorts, to take pride in, remember those who have served and be grateful for the amount of time and lives given to create a country founded and forever growing on the principles of democracy.
This holiday is a chance for all of us united by the stars and stripes to celebrate what each of us holds dear: the opportunity to live in a country which is ideally guided by virtues so inherent as freedom of speech, religion, love and, ultimately, happiness.
We’re highlighting American businesses making it their mission to give back to veterans.
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In that vein, we are launching a short series of posts over the next few days highlighting American businesses who make it their mission to give back to the veteran community.
Today, meet Corey and Kevin, co-founders of Vet-Life apparel, an online clothing company making military and patriotic t-shirts, hoodies, head wear, gym wear and other accessories. Beyond selling patriotic gear, the duo’s business gives back to veteran charities and events on a regular basis.
Here’s their startup story, the charities and events they donate to and their words of advice for starting up an online business with a cause.
Bigcommerce: Why did you start Vet-Life and how do you make giving back to veteran causes a core aspect of your business strategy?
First and foremost, we are veterans ourselves and proud of that. We feel that it is important to honor all heroes for what they do, have done and will do for all of us to live the way we live. Americans can forget while they sleep in their beds at night that it is because there are men and women risking their own lives that the rest of the U.S. can live this way.
We are veterans ourselves and proud of that. It’s important to honor all heroes.
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We don’t look at our [charity contributions] so much as a strategy, per se. We think of it more as a unique way to go out and represent something we strongly believe in. We also understand that this demographic is large and that there are limited people in the space doing what we do, in the way we do it. There are several military, police and first responder clothing line companies out there. However, they are very niche-focused, whether it be to the infantry communities, medical communities, police communities, etc.
We appeal to all veterans and veteran supporters as a way for them to support and represent their loved ones. This strategy has really allowed us to open up and be inclusive to a broader audience.
Can you talk a little bit about your customers and how your brand has affected their lives?
Recently, we were given the opportunity to take part in the 50th Vietnam Anniversary event held in Wilmington, NC. We got to meet with all the Vietnam-era veterans in attendance and hear their stories and personal experiences. Their appreciation of us and our cause was unbelievable!
We were given the opportunity to take part in the 50th Vietnam Anniversary event.
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A lot of individuals do not realize how rough it was for these guys and how it has lived with them and affects them to the present day. They are proud for having served the U.S. and even prouder that there is now a culture and a company that recognizes and honors them.
How does Vet-Life give back to other veteran charities?
Since Vet-Life’s inception, we have participated in several veteran charity events to support causes related to suicide prevention, PTSD and homeless veterans. Most recently, we’ve partnered with another veteran charity, Student Veteran House.
Most recently, we’ve partnered with another veteran charity, Student Veteran House.
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Student Veteran House is a charity with a great cause, as they are helping to build special needs housing for veterans on college campuses to help them improve their way of life while gaining an education. Although this project is somewhat in its infancy, it has really begun to take off. We are proud to say that we have taken an active role in participating in that growth.
If you could give one piece of advice to those starting businesses for a cause, what would it be?
Stay motivated, stay humble and remember where you came from and why you started in the first place. The biggest thing is to not lose sight of that. There will be highs and there will be lows, but one must persevere.
There will be highs and there will be lows, but one must persevere.
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Our company has seen all the above, and things get very trying at times. Although we are out here representing a great cause, it does come at a price, whether it be financially or mentally. We are willing to give all we have to keep it going for what we believe in.
Do you have a business for a cause story to share? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll be in touch!
The post American Businesses for a Cause: How Vet-Life Honors Heroes from all Walks of Life appeared first on The Bigcommerce Blog.
