Recap On Bunker Brews Event At American Underground in Durham

Tonight we enjoyed business networking and brews veteran style at American Underground in Durham per special event hosted by Bunker Brews. This event featured a special themed story around "Green Beret to Startup Founder" as former Army Special Forces Officer, Tommy Sowers, shared his journey from the military to academia to running for office and ultimately starting a disruptive company. This evening was packed with learning about the parallels among these unique paths and journey in life and business.
Here is a recap on some of the top wisdom points shared:

• Do you want some advice on giving a talk to a group? No one complained about a short speech. Make it tight!
• Look for problem to fix and do it with speed and watch the numbers closely.
• Be resourceful. Find volunteers to work for free and people who are willing to wear many hats and grind.
• Example from military on getting things done: Show up and work hard. Learn the craft and learn your profession.
• The area's veterans are good for a startup: Operations and systems. Getting stuff done. Focusing in and targeting.
• One perspective to raising money; Realize there is a wide world of capital available. The key is to target the right investors. Find your niche of investors who care about you and what you do... then sell a good story. Differentiate! And know how to ask for the money!
• Like a military raid; Always know and be prepared for what is about to go down.
• All plans are worthless, but, planning is everything. Have a plan, mission, and phased approach. Then communicate all to your team very clearly.
• Have strong ability to handle uncertainty. You must be okay with uncertainty because this is what is needed in starting anything new and to help you get through cloudy times!
• Do an "AR" after events. Have an "After Action" review on paths taken and what you learned. Do post modem to assemble the facts and learn what went well and what went wrong. Make sure you dedicate a set time to evaluate and document learning so you can implement any changes needed.
• Do what you love and are passionate about so you can be in it for the long haul and get through setbacks.
• Be data driven. Care about the numbers and enjoy the spreadsheets on your business.
• Be fast and agile to move at a quick pace to address needs swiftly.
• Keep things in perspective! No one is going to get killed here today so keep business in right frame of mind.
• Hire people with good start-up experience and start-up speed; Adaptable and nimble. Be able to operate with uncertainty.
• Make sure you get the people and human element in forefront of your business to help with your most needed company assets of sales, marketing, and leadership.
• Recommended a great group called "EO" to expand your network and learning.

What is Bunker Brews?
A monthly meet-up or happy hour where the Bunker Labs community — veterans, military spouses, and civilians alike can network with subject matter experts, investors, thought leaders, and more — creating a robust environment for growth and development.

What is Bunker Labs RDU?
​Bunker Labs—a national non-profit—was created by military veterans for veterans to start and grow businesses. 25% of transitioning service members want to start a business and they need places inside their community where they can connect with the people, resources, and support they need to start and grow their businesses. Bunker Labs’ network is designed to fill that space. Learn more about Bunker Labs RDU programs for veterans at http://bunkerlabsrdu.org/programs-for-veterans/!

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