Meet RJ Swist

We were lucky to catch up with RJ Swist recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi RJ, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I come from a long line of hardworking, blue-collar folks — people who believed that putting in an honest day’s work was just what you did. I was raised to know that family comes first, and having a job that lets you provide for them is your first responsibility. That work ethic runs deep — it’s about showing up, doing whatever it takes, and making sure the next generation understands that taking care of others comes before taking care of yourself. It’s not fancy, it’s not complicated — it’s just how we’re built.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m proud to work on a government contract that supports the Department of Veterans Affairs — it means a lot to be able to serve those who’ve served us. Every day, I’m reminded why this matters: our Veterans need us now more than ever. That’s exactly why I started our grassroots nonprofit, RJ’s Mission Foundation — to care for our brave.

We’re here to stay and to build a real movement in the Charleston area, providing meals and essential supplies that so many of us take for granted. At the end of the day, I just love helping others and being part of something bigger than myself.

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, the three qualities that have been most impactful in our journey are compassion, consistency, and connection.

Compassion is where it all starts. Caring for our brave — our Veterans, first responders, and their families — means showing up with heart, not just handouts. It’s about listening, understanding, and meeting people where they are. For anyone early in their journey, never lose sight of the “why” behind what you do. Lead with empathy, and let that guide every decision.

Consistency has kept us going. Building something grassroots isn’t glamorous — it’s showing up month after month, rain or shine, even when it’s hard or when no one’s watching. The small, steady steps matter most. For those just getting started, be patient. Stay true to your mission and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Connection is what makes it all possible. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community — neighbors, local businesses, and volunteers who believe in caring for our heroes together. Relationships build resilience. For anyone beginning their path, invest in people. Collaboration will take you further than competition ever could.

At RJ’s Mission Foundation, we’ve learned that impact doesn’t come from having the most resources — it comes from having the biggest heart, staying the course, and building bridges wherever you can.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Our biggest challenge right now is growth — not in heart, but in resources.

As a 100% volunteer-run, grassroots nonprofit, we’re serving more Veterans and first responders than ever before, but keeping up with that demand is tough. From the cost of food and essential provisions to something as simple as postage for care packages, every dollar matters. One of our biggest needs is a reliable vehicle so we can expand deliveries and reach more heroes across the Lowcountry.

To overcome this, we’re focused on building sustainable partnerships, increasing community awareness, and creating local fundraising events that bring people together for a purpose. Every collaboration — from small businesses to individual donors — helps us move one step closer to meeting the growing need.

At the end of the day, we believe no hero should go without necessities or feel forgotten. We’re determined to keep showing up, serving with heart, and finding creative ways to grow our impact while staying true to our mission — Caring for Our Brave.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rjsmissionfoundation.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjsmissionfoundation
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RJsMissionFoundation/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllAbouttheBiscuits