In a special live episode of the “This is Small Business” podcast, host Andrea Marquez sat down with Matt Butler, a military veteran, and an EBV program graduate. The interview took place at the fifth Veteran Edge conference organized by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), which aims to support and empower veterans and military spouses who are small business owners. 

This year’s Veteran Edge conference brought together over 200 veterans, military members, and military spouses eager to learn and network. Whether attendees have been coming to Veteran EDGE for years or it’s their first time at the event, the energy and excitement are palpable.

During the interview, Matt Butler shared his inspiring journey from being a veteran to becoming an entrepreneur, or as he calls it, a “Vetrepreneur.” He discussed the transferable skills he acquired during his 20-plus years of service in the US Air Force that played a crucial role in his success as a business owner.

As a military veteran, founder of Rollers, and co-founder of Tally Tumbler, Matt said it is important to identify a problem and find a solution for it. He described how he discovered a gap in the market for innovative outdoor games while reminiscing about his experiences back home in Minnesota. This led him to create Rollers, a game that combines elements of bocce ball and horseshoes. He emphasized the significance of addressing a genuine problem and developing a solution before seeking funding or investment.

Matt also highlighted the value of being passionate about one’s business. His love for sports and the outdoors fueled his motivation to create Rollers and Tally Tumbler. By pursuing his interests and incorporating them into his entrepreneurial ventures, Matt found fulfillment and enthusiasm in his day-to-day work.

Additionally, networking emerged as another crucial factor for success. Matt emphasized connecting with like-minded individuals and building relationships within the business community. By leveraging his network, he was able to expand the reach of his products and gain valuable insights from other professionals.

With his story of perseverance, problem-solving, and passion, Matt Butler serves as a beacon of inspiration for veterans and entrepreneurs alike. His entrepreneurial journey demonstrates the valuable skills and experiences gained from military service and how they can be harnessed to build successful businesses. Listeners of the “This is Small Business” podcast will surely be motivated by Matt’s story as they embark on their own entrepreneurial paths.

Hear the full episode: https://www.smallbusiness.amazon/podcast-episodes/ep-29-live-from-dallas-us-veteran-matt-has-a-plan#transcript