Episode 24: Justen Garrity, Founder Veteran Compost, U.S. Army Veteran

Overview

I had the opportunity to interview Justen Garrity for the 24th episode of The Command Your Business Podcast. Justen is the founder of Veteran Compost, which is a veteran-owned business focused on commercial composting of organic waste in the Baltimore Metro area.

Background

He attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant through the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). He served as a combat engineer in Korea and for over 15 months in Iraq. After leaving active duty, Justen earned an MBA from Pennsylvania State University and went on to found Veteran Compost.

Starting a business as a Veteran

In this episode Justen talks about the challenges and the sacrifices he made to get Veteran Compost off the ground. He recommends the use of a free resource in the Small Business Development Centers and is a big fan of Guy Kawasaki’s Book “The Art Of The Start“.

For 8 months I slept in my car between activities….I don’t think other people out there would be as willing to live as low to the ground and as sleep deprived as I did, but to a regular military person you just make some strong coffee and drive on …

Justen has been named to “20 In Their 20s” by the Daily Record, “40 Under 40” by the Baltimore Business Journal and “Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Harford County Chamber of Commerce.

You can hear the interview below or on iTunes and Stitcher Radio, and don’t forget to Subscribe to the weekly SITREP