We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Eric Ranks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Eric below.
Eric, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding my purpose was a path marked by personal battles and a close connection to the military community. Having a father who worked as a clinical and neuropsychologist in the Air Force, I grew up with a deep awareness of mental health issues, especially those affecting veterans. This background became a cornerstone of my understanding and compassion, especially as I navigated my own physical and mental health challenges. These experiences not only built my resilience but also my resolve to support those facing similar struggles.
It was in 2011 that I truly understood the extent of the difficulties veterans face, particularly with accessing benefits and support. Witnessing a friend suffer from the long-term effects of his service in Vietnam and seeing colleagues from recent conflicts deal with PTSD underscored the need for change.
Driven by this need, I established a nonprofit in 2012, initially to help veterans navigate the complexities of benefit systems. As I saw the tragic rise in suicide rates within this community, our mission expanded to encompass mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. This journey has been fueled by a personal commitment, rooted in overcoming my own hurdles, to ensure that veterans are not only recognized for their service but supported through their challenges.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In my multifaceted role, I’m a dedicated advocate, a collaborative author, and the driving force behind an enterprising brand. At the core of every endeavor is the commitment to create a lasting, positive impact, especially within the veteran and first responder communities. The thrill for me comes from knowing that our efforts are directly enhancing lives, offering support and resources where they’re most needed.
This year is particularly exciting on the literary front with three books I’ve co-authored slated for release. These works explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, gratitude, and building a legacy while making an impact, all areas that are deeply important to me.
At 22 Salute, we’re on the brink of an exhilarating year. Our lineup is set to welcome the nationwide release of our Fig-Vanilla Bourbon – a game-changer for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Additionally, we’re introducing a Cold Brew Coffee Vodka that’s bound to redefine the beloved Espresso Martini. Each new offering is crafted to showcase our brand’s flair for innovation and our dedication to unique, memorable flavors.
Beyond our product line, we’re thrilled about the increased presence of 22 Salute across the US, which not only broadens our market but also amplifies the conversations around the causes we champion.
Alongside these ventures, The Veterans Connection persists in its noble mission. We’re continuing our efforts to place 50 service dogs with veterans and first responders. These dogs are more than companions; they’re lifelines to those dealing with the invisible wounds of service. In tandem, we remain devoted to providing robust support and mental health resources to our nation’s heroes.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool: The true value in business often comes from the lessons learned through failure, not just from immediate success. Early in my career, an experienced investor told me he only backs founders who’ve faced failure because they’ve learned crucial business lessons. This resonated with me, as overcoming past setbacks has equipped me with the resilience to build stronger businesses.
2. The Fortune Is in the Follow-Up: I’ve realized that persistence pays off, especially in sales and negotiations. Following up more than the average person has helped me secure major deals. It’s about finding the right moment for the other party, which may require consistent and timely follow-ups.
3. Leveraging Mentorship and Mastermind*: The birth of 22 Salute can be traced back to the valuable insights gained from my involvement in mastermind groups. Surrounding myself with individuals who excel in their fields provides me with diverse perspectives and accelerates my personal and professional development.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, we’re always on the lookout for dynamic partnerships that align with our mission and can amplify our reach. In particular:
– We’re keen to collaborate with spirits distributors nationwide who are enthusiastic about bringing a socially conscious brand into their fold.
– Retailers, liquor store owners, and hospitality industry professionals from bars, restaurants, hotels, to cruise lines are invited to stock and serve our unique range of spirits.
– For potential investors, we offer a chance to be part of 22 Salute’s growth journey and contribute to a brand that’s making a real difference.
– We’re also searching for vendors in the packaging and glass sectors who are committed to quality and sustainability, as we continuously strive to improve our product presentation.
– With The Veterans Connection, corporate partners who can support our mission to place 50 service dogs this year are incredibly valuable to us.
– Entrepreneurs interested in sharing their journey and insights are welcome to join me in contributing to an upcoming book project.
– And personally, I’m always open to connecting with experienced business mentors who can offer guidance and help me grow across my various ventures.
If anyone reading this is interested in any of these opportunities, I encourage you to reach out to me through my website ericranks.com. It’s through collaboration that we can create the greatest impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericranks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eranks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eranks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericranks/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericranks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVi8i04dJ3v12quW_CCgu8w
Image Credits
Demo Photo – Modest Jones Bourbon Bottles Photo – Dragon Distillery Other Photos & Graphics – Maureen Ranks
