Meet R.J. Atkins

We recently connected with R.J. Atkins and have shared our conversation below.

R.J. , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My strong work ethic is rooted in the lessons passed down to me by my late paternal grandfather, Ira Atkins, who raised me in Palestine, TX, a small town in East Texas. Despite developing polio as an infant and being unable to walk, he defied the odds and ran a successful mechanic business for over 40 years. His determination and perseverance, even in the face of adversity, have always inspired me.

Additionally, my 10 years of service in the U.S. Army, including a combat tour in Iraq, further shaped my work ethic. During my service, I faced challenging situations in the war that led to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite the difficulties, I found strength in the values my grandfather instilled in me. Although he had passed away by that time, his memory and the inspiration of his triumphs motivated me to overcome obstacles and strive for success.

Even before reaching the legal working age of 16, I engaged in various odd jobs to earn money. These included tasks like collecting and recycling cans, as well as mowing lawns. These early experiences taught me the importance of self-reliance, hard work, and not depending on others.

The combination of my grandfather’s influence and my military service has cultivated a strong work ethic within me. It drives me to approach every task with dedication, perseverance, and a desire to excel. I take pride in my work and continually seek personal and professional growth.

In summary, my work ethic is rooted in the teachings of my late grandfather and further reinforced by my military service, despite the challenges I faced, including the development of PTSD during my combat tour in Iraq. His memory and the values he embodied continue to inspire me to overcome obstacles and strive for success in all that I do.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Thank you for the opportunity to share more about my journey and the work I am currently engaged in. I am a combat veteran who served in the US Army and the US Army National Guard for a total of 10 years as a Combat Engineer. This experience has shaped me in profound ways, instilling in me the values of service, perseverance, and camaraderie. Since 2016, I have channeled these values into my work as a special education teacher, helping to shape and nurture the minds of behavioral students in Texas and Georgia.

Alongside my role as an educator, I have also been a professional actor since 2018 and am a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. Acting has allowed me to explore diverse perspectives and narratives, which I believe has enriched me as an individual and as a teacher.

But my journey did not stop there. I am proud to say that I have recently launched a Service Disabled Veteran Owned coffee brand, Sapper Pete’s Coffee, under my company Team Atkins LLC. Our aim is to provide customers with high-quality coffee that not only tastes exquisite but also serves a greater cause. Every sip of Sapper Pete’s Coffee symbolizes a gesture of solidarity. We donate a portion of our online coffee sales directly to veteran service organizations.

What I believe sets Sapper Pete’s Coffee apart is the meticulous care our roastmasters put into every order. Our beans are skillfully roasted to bring out their rich flavors and each order is dispatched on the same day to ensure our customers receive the freshest coffee possible.

We offer four unique blends to cater to a variety of tastes: Pioneer Blend, our flagship blend; Ace Blend, a light and refreshing breakfast blend; John Henry Roast, a bold French Roast; and Engineer Fuel, a flavored blend with notes of butterscotch and caramel.

We are thrilled to announce that we are now shipping worldwide, so coffee lovers around the globe can enjoy our exceptional brews and contribute to a noble cause.

For those interested, I invite you to visit our website, SapperPetes.com, and indulge in the exquisite taste of our coffee. As you savor your cup, know that you are not just enjoying a great brew but also helping to support the people who have served our country.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I believe that three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge had the most significant impact on my growth and success. The first one is perseverance. My paternal grandfather, who raised me, instilled in me the value of never giving up and taught me the importance of persisting through challenges. This quality has been invaluable in overcoming obstacles and achieving my goals.

The second quality that played a crucial role in my journey is the ability to surround myself with the right company. As my grandfather would say, “Birds of a feather often flock together.” The people we choose to associate with can greatly influence us, either positively or negatively. Therefore, I would advise anyone early on in their journey to be mindful of the company they keep. Seek out individuals who share your values, inspire you, and support your growth. One good friend who truly understands and supports you is worth more than a multitude of acquaintances.

Lastly, I have learned the importance of self-nourishment. It is essential to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Prioritizing self-care allows you to maintain a healthy balance in life, recharge your energy, and stay motivated on your journey. Take time for activities that bring you joy, pursue hobbies and interests, engage in meaningful relationships, and prioritize your well-being.

My advice to those who are early in their journey is to cultivate these qualities and skills. Develop a mindset of perseverance, knowing that setbacks and challenges are opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who believe in your potential and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. And most importantly, make self-nourishment a priority, taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Remember, personal growth is a lifelong journey, and it is essential to continually invest in yourself. Embrace the qualities that have served you well and seek opportunities to improve and expand your knowledge and skills. With perseverance, the right company, and self-nourishment, you can navigate your journey with greater resilience, fulfillment, and success.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth and improvement has been in my health and wellness. Through self-reflection and a proactive approach, I have made significant changes in my lifestyle, particularly in terms of eating better and becoming more physically active. These changes have had a positive impact on both my physical and mental well-being.

Taking charge of my health has not only improved my overall quality of life but has also had a direct influence on my creative endeavors. As an entrepreneur and the owner of Sapper Pete’s Coffee brand, I have experienced a newfound energy and clarity that has allowed my creative juices to flow more freely. This has opened up new opportunities for me, including delving into screenwriting and currently developing a sitcom.

Engaging in a creative pursuit like screenwriting has been a fulfilling and enriching experience for me. It has allowed me to explore a different form of expression and tap into my storytelling abilities. By combining my entrepreneurial spirit with my passion for writing, I have been able to channel my creativity in exciting new ways.

Overall, focusing on my health and wellness has not only improved my personal well-being but has also enhanced my ability to pursue diverse interests and passions. It serves as a reminder that when we take care of ourselves holistically, it positively impacts various aspects of our lives, including our professional and creative endeavors.

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