Meet Ryan Thompson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Thompson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ryan , we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from? 

Two of my favorite sayings are “The world gives to givers and takes from takers”.  And, “The size of hole you give through is the same you receive through.”

My sense of generosity is deeply rooted in my connection to the community. It is driven by empathy, compassion, personal values, and a strong desire to make a positive impact on others. I am motivated to be generous because it brings a profound sense of self and fulfillment when I engage in meaningful acts of kindness and support. Through my personal experiences of working with those in need, I have come to understand the importance of social responsibility and the fulfillment it brings.

Founding a company inspired by the 10th Mountain Division has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to give back to our active duty and veteran communities. I feel incredibly privileged and humbled to have the chance to make a meaningful contribution to those who have selflessly sacrificed for our freedom.

As a result, 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company actively participates in veteran-based philanthropy initiatives. Here are some examples:

  1. Vail Veterans Program: We support the Vail Veterans Program, a non-profit organization that provides rehabilitative sports and recreational activities to injured military veterans. This program aims to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of veterans through outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and fly fishing. You can find more information about the program at https://www.vailveteransprogram.org/.
  2. Adopt A Platoon: We are involved with Adopt A Platoon, an organization that supports deployed service members by providing morale-boosting care packages, letters, and support. This initiative aims to show appreciation and support for the troops serving overseas. You can learn more about Adopt A Platoon at https://adoptaplatoon.org/site/.
  3. C4 Foundation: We support the C4 Foundation, which is dedicated to providing support and resources to Navy SEAL families. The foundation focuses on the well-being and development of children within the SEAL community. You can find more information about the C4 Foundation at https://c4foundation.org/.
  4. Shepherds Men: We are involved with Shepherds Men, an organization that raises awareness and funds to support the treatment of veterans with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The organization conducts annual fundraising runs and events to support the medical care and treatment of veterans. You can learn more about Shepherds Men at https://www.shepherdsmen.com/.

These initiatives are just a few examples of the veteran-based philanthropy that 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company actively supports.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
For over two decades, I have had the privilege of calling the Vail Valley of Colorado my home. During this time, I have developed a deep appreciation for the outdoor mountain lifestyle and the remarkable history that our community holds. Inspired by the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division and their significant contributions to Vail, Colorado, I felt compelled to play a part in preserving and honoring their remarkable legacy. It is my goal to contribute to the ongoing story of this incredible community and ensure that the spirit of the 10th Mountain Division continues to thrive in Vail.

The 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company embodies the essence of the mountain lifestyle, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Across generations, men and women alike share a deep passion for this way of life, whether they embrace it for a day, a weekend, a lifetime, or anything in between. The combination of friends, mountains, memories, and spirits has a unique power to bring people together like nothing else.

In order to foster these connections, embrace the mountain lifestyle, and pay homage to the 10th Mountain soldiers who inspired our way of life, I established a tribute spirit company in Vail, Colorado. This endeavor not only serves as a tribute to the brave soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division and all that have served in the United States military, but also celebrates all those who wholeheartedly embrace the mountain lifestyle every single day.

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?

Reflecting on my journey starting 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company, I attribute much of my success to three key areas:

  1. Resilience: Throughout my journey, I encountered numerous setbacks and challenges. However, my ability to bounce back, adapt to change, and persevere in the face of adversity was crucial. Focusing on self-care, maintain a positive mindset, seek support from others, and most importantly, learn from my failures. Cultivating resilience has been instrumental in overcoming obstacles and pushing forward.
  2. Continuous Learning: Embracing a mindset of continuous learning has been pivotal in my personal and professional growth. I recognized the importance of staying open to new ideas, seeking out opportunities for growth, and actively pursuing knowledge and skills in my field. Whether it was through reading, attending workshops or courses, seeking mentorship, or simply staying curious, my commitment to continuous learning has allowed me to stay relevant, adaptable, and constantly improve.
  3. Effective Communication: Strong communication skills have played a vital role in building relationships, collaborating with others, and effectively conveying my ideas. I honed both my verbal and written communication abilities, focused on active listening and empathy, and developed the skills to tailor my message to different audiences. Seeking feedback and consistently working on my communication skills has been instrumental in connecting with others and achieving success.

For those who are early in their journey, my advice would be to focus on developing these three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge:

– Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth, and build resilience by learning from them.
– Foster a growth mindset and actively seek out learning opportunities to continuously expand your knowledge and skills.
– Practice effective communication in various contexts, seek feedback, and strive to improve your ability to connect with others.

Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, so it’s important to identify the qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that align with your goals and aspirations.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Starting a business can be a stressful and overwhelming endeavor. It’s important to acknowledge that the challenges and feelings of overwhelm we all face in our entrepreneurial journeys. These challenges however pale in comparison to the sacrifices made by our soldiers who have experienced combat and fought for our freedom. So, for myself, remembering how much others have sacrificed for my freedom, helps me to stay grounded and driven.

In my personal journey, I have discovered strategies to manage and navigate the feeling of overwhelm:

  1. Prioritize and break tasks down: Begin by identifying the most important tasks and responsibilities. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps. By focusing on one task at a time and tackling them in order of priority, you can regain a sense of control and make progress.
  2. Practice effective time management: Implementing effective time management techniques can help alleviate overwhelm. Create a schedule or to-do list to organize your tasks and allocate specific time slots for each task. Set realistic deadlines and avoid overcommitting yourself. Remember to include breaks and self-care activities in your schedule to recharge and maintain balance.
  3. Delegate and seek support: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to others or seek assistance when needed. Reach out to colleagues, friends, or family members for support. Sharing the workload can alleviate some of the burden and provide valuable support.
  4. Prioritize self-care: Taking care of yourself is crucial when feeling overwhelmed. Make self-care activities a priority, such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, exercising, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking breaks and practicing mindfulness or meditation can also help reduce stress and improve focus.
  5. Let go of perfectionism: Striving for perfection can contribute to overwhelm. Remember that it’s okay to prioritize progress over perfection. Set realistic expectations for yourself and be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge the effort you put in.
  6. Seek support and guidance: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or colleagues for support and guidance. Talking about your feelings of overwhelm can provide perspective and help you gain new insights. If needed, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor to navigate through overwhelming emotions.
  7. Practice stress management techniques: Incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine. This can include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or engaging in activities that help you relax and unwind. These techniques can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.

Remember, overcoming overwhelm is a journey, and it may take time to find the strategies that work best for you. Be patient with yourself and practice self-compassion along the way.

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