#156 Jay Knight - Colorado Craft Beef
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Jay Knight - United States Marine Corps veteran who transitioned from the front lines during the Iraq war to a significant role in the beef industry as a marketing director at Colorado Craft Beef. Sharing his military experiences, including a harrowing account of surviving an IED attack which later revealed a 10% compression fracture in his spine, Jay discusses the profound impacts of his service. He talks about facing survivor's guilt, a period of near-suicidal despair, and how these challenges led him to find a new purpose in the agricultural sector and beyond. With deep insights into the importance of storytelling in marketing, the support for local agriculture, and advocating for healthier dietary habits, Jay also recounts starting a podcast to assist veterans in finding purpose after service. His decision to contribute to Hurricane Harvey's relief efforts marks a pivotal moment in his career path. The narrative is enriched with Jay's personal anecdotes of participating in a cross-country bike ride for charity and honoring a fallen comrade while supporting children's hospitals. Jay's story is one of resilience, compassion, and the unyielding pursuit of purpose, reflecting on both his personal development and business success. Tune in as Jay Knight joins Bobby Marshall in studio to discuss life adventure, world travels, US Marine Corp, combat deployments, Iraqi, marketing, photography, social media, Colorado Craft Beef, & much more. Please subscribe or like us on social media platforms for updates on shows, events, and episode drops.
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Subtitle: "#156 Jay Knight: Challenges, Triumphs, and Inspirations"
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In an exemplary episode of the Mount Side Podcast, the Marketing Director at Colorado Craft Beef, Jay Knight joined us. From his experiences as a United States Marine Corps veteran at the height of the Iraq war, through his current leadership position at Colorado Craft Beef, Jay's powerful and motivational anecdotes have something for everyone.
The Marine's Journey
Jay started off talking about his time as a machine gunner in the Marine Corps. Deployed in challenging zones at the height of the Iraq war, Jay's resilience and adaptability were tested continuously. One of the most vivid stories he shared was about getting hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which left him with a fractured vertebra unknowingly until after his service.
Yet, Jay's resilient spirit and commitment to service pushed him to overcome this. His takeaway? Even life's most challenging moments can be met with determination and perseverance.
Shaping His Career Path
Following his military service, Jay sought to find his purpose outside of the military. Around this time, he took a cycling trip across the U.S., a transformative journey that opened up new perspectives and steered him toward his present career. He sought to find something that would challenge and engage him as his time in the Marines did. He discovered it in marketing.
From Dauntless Snacks to Colorado Craft Beef.
Jay spoke at length about his journey into marketing, beginning with forming his own meat stick company, Dauntless Snacks. Despite facing various hurdles such as dealing with private equity takeovers, Jay remained undeterred. His journey led him to Colorado Craft Beef where he has spearheaded innovative marketing ventures since 2021.
Through his experiences, Jay stressed on the virtue of having a growth mindset throughout life. He advised listeners to view their journey as a marathon rather than a sprint, to adapt and overcome obstacles in their path, just as he did.
Keeping Purpose In Perspective
Probably the most eye-opening part of the conversation was when Jay shared his insights about staying resilient and not losing sight of one's goals. He adamantly advised listeners to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles and spoke about the importance of keeping one's purpose at the forefront of decision-making.
Summing it all up, Jay's insights were nothing short of inspirational. From his time as a Marine to his progress in the marketing world, he has shown that life is about moving forward, regardless of the challenges in our path. The key, Jay says, is to never give up and to keep striving for your goals no matter what. Through an open conversation about mental health, life transitions, and forging a new path, Jay Knight has provided a blueprint for challenges, triumphs, and inspirations.