Meet Vincent Charron

We recently connected with Vincent Charron and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vincent , so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

Self-care, for me, is deeply rooted in my faith in God, the unwavering support of my wife and family, and my commitment to purposeful, mission-driven work. Having served 14 years in the Army and nearly 16 years in the ministry, I understand the toll high-stakes environments can take on a person. Most recently, I made the difficult decision to step away from an environment that was no longer life-giving—a step that, while challenging, was essential for my well-being.

Relying on my faith has been my anchor, providing clarity, strength, and renewal when faced with challenging transitions. My family, especially my wife, has been a source of encouragement, reminding me that true success is not just found in what I do but in who I am beyond my work.

Additionally, I have found that my self-care is most effective when I engage in work that is bigger than myself—meaningful and dynamic work that allows me to serve others. I thrive in environments with a mission to accomplish, where I can bring order to complexity, and where my efforts contribute to something greater than my success. This approach not only sustains me personally but also enhances my effectiveness professionally. When aligned with a purpose, I bring more energy, focus, and resilience to my work, benefiting myself and those I serve.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have the privilege of serving on the board of The Veterans Farm of North Carolina (VFNC.org) in the capacity of organizational development and being the organization’s first chaplain. VFNC is dedicated to empowering veterans through agriculture, providing them with the resources, training, and support needed to build sustainable farming operations. In my role, I help develop strategies to strengthen the organization while offering spiritual guidance and encouragement to fellow veterans navigating their agricultural journeys.

Alongside my work with VFNC, I run The Traveling Herdsman, a business that supports small to mid-size farms and homesteaders. I specialize in artificial Insemination (AI), cow hoof trimming, and goat and sheep hoof trimming, ensuring that farmers can access essential livestock care services. I believe no farm is too small, and I take pride in working closely with farmers who are deeply invested in the health and longevity of their animals. The Traveling Herdsman is built on the principle that quality, professional livestock care should be accessible to farms of all sizes.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to directly and meaningfully impact the farms I serve. Whether it’s helping a small homesteader improve their herd genetics through AI, preventing lameness with proper hoof care, or simply being a trusted resource for livestock health, I know that my work contributes to the success and sustainability of each farm. Seeing the tangible results—healthier animals, more productive herds, and relieved farm owners—fuels my passion for what I do.

Looking to the future, I am preparing to expand my services to include barefoot horse trimming and donkey hoof care. This addition will allow me to serve a broader range of livestock owners who want natural hoof care options prioritizing long-term soundness and health. My goal remains to be a trusted resource for farmers and homesteaders, providing expert care that helps their livestock thrive.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, a few key qualities have shaped my path and contributed to my success. Resilience has been one of the most important. I’ve learned that failure is never fatal—it’s simply a stepping stone, not a dead end. Throughout my time in the Army, ministry, and building The Traveling Herdsman, I have faced setbacks that could have stopped me in my tracks. But I’ve come to understand that failure teaches, refines, and strengthens. The key is to fail forward—to take the lessons, make adjustments, and keep moving. Success doesn’t come from never falling; it comes from getting back up every time. Those who achieve their goals are the ones who refuse to quit when things get tough.

Adaptability has also been crucial. Agriculture, business, and ministry are ever-changing, and success depends on the ability to grow with them. I’ve learned that leaders are readers—they are always looking to improve themselves and what they are doing. I believe in becoming a lifelong learner, whether refining livestock care techniques, studying leadership principles, or seeking wisdom from those who have walked the road before me. The best investment anyone can make is in their growth. Staying humble, staying curious, and always seeking to improve are the marks of someone who will go the distance. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you stop progressing.

Above all, I have learned that mission-driven leadership is the foundation of a fulfilling and impactful life. Everything I do—whether in my role with VFNC, through The Traveling Herdsman, or in ministry—is rooted in serving a greater purpose. Success is not just about personal gain; it’s about making a real difference. For those just starting, the most important question is: What is my “why”? Motivation comes naturally when your work is tied to a more profound mission, and obstacles become stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

The truth is, anything worth having in life is going to be uphill. There are no shortcuts to real success. It takes perseverance, continuous growth, and a commitment to something greater than yourself. My advice? Find your purpose, embrace the climb, and never stop moving forward.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe working to your strengths and developing your weaknesses is essential. Focusing on your strengths allows you to leverage what you’re naturally good at, which provides motivation and a sense of accomplishment. When working within your strengths, you can perform at a higher level and bring value to the table. However, that doesn’t mean neglecting areas where you may not be as strong. It’s important to acknowledge those weaknesses and either work to improve them or, equally as important, surround yourself with people who excel in those areas.

In the military, teamwork was everything. I wasn’t trained to do every job, but I was part of a larger mission where each person’s unique strengths contributed to the team’s success. I would have quickly fallen short if I had tried to take on everything myself. But knowing when to rely on others and trust their abilities was key. A good leader is self-aware enough to know their limitations, which is why building a strong team is so critical. Loneliness is a progress killer. Leaders who isolate themselves, thinking they can do it all, lose out on the power of collaboration and accountability. When I was in leadership roles, I always made sure to surround myself with a diverse group of people—each contributing their strengths—because I understood the importance of being surrounded by people who held me accountable, built my integrity, and supported my growth.

The same is true in ministry. In my work, I was never alone in the trenches. The work was too important, and the mission was too great to think I could do everything on my own. Being part of a team helped me maintain perspective, built my character, and taught me to lead with integrity. We all brought something to the table, and that collective effort made the work possible. Leaders who isolate themselves or ignore the strengths of their team miss out on creating something genuinely lasting—a legacy built on collaboration, shared goals, and mutual support.

In the end, a leader’s ability to build and rely on a strong team not only contributes to the success of the mission but also shapes the legacy that lasts long after the leader’s role has ended. It’s about knowing your strengths, acknowledging your weaknesses, and having the wisdom to surround yourself with people who complement you. That’s where real success lies.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thetravelingherdsman.com – Coming Soon!!
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568624777045
• Other: https://thefarmtrader.com/store/the-traveling-herdsman/