Episode 5

From Navy SEAL to Coffee Connoisseur: Tim Cruickshank's Journey

As a leader in the world of coffee and a former Navy SEAL, I found Tim Cruickshank's story particularly compelling and worth sharing. His journey from the military to founding Bone Frog Coffee is a testament to the values of service, sacrifice, and community. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

Key Takeaways:

  1. The Essence of Teamwork: Tim emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and putting others first, a principle he carried from the SEALs to his business.
  2. The symbolism of the Bone Frog: The bone frog, a sacred SEAL symbol, represents sacrifice and is central to Tim's brand identity.
  3. Commitment to Family: Bone Frog Coffee is not just a business; it's a commitment to supporting the families of fallen SEALs.
  4. God, Country, Team: These values guide Tim's approach to business and life, reflecting his deep patriotism and community spirit.
  5. Innovative Coffee Blends: Introducing the 'Goat Locker' blend, honoring senior enlisted personnel, showcases Tim's dedication to quality and storytelling through his products.

Quotes:

  • "Thinking of others first is probably the most important thing."
  • "The bone frog... became a symbol of sacrifice."
  • "Putting God first in everything that we do, you can't go wrong."

Resources:

  • Bone Frog Coffee: A brand that honors military sacrifice and gives back to the community.
  • Bone Frog Cellars: A winery extension of the brand, offering quality wines with a story.
  • Books by Andrews and Wilson: Navy veterans turned authors, their books offer an immersive military experience.

Personal Best Advice:

As someone deeply connected to this niche, my advice is to find your mission in life and pursue it with the values you hold dear. For Tim, it was about honoring his fellow SEALs and giving back. What's yours?

FAQ:

  • What inspired Tim to start Bone Frog Coffee? He desires to honor his SEAL teammates and continue serving the community.
  • Why is the bone frog symbol important? It represents the sacrifice of SEALs and is a sacred symbol within the teams.
  • How does Bone Frog Coffee support military families? A portion of the proceeds goes to foundations supporting SEAL families.
  • What makes the 'Goat Locker' coffee blend special? It honors senior enlisted personnel and offers a unique, dark roast flavor.

Connect with Tim at Bonefrog Coffee or Bonefrog Cellars:

https://bonefrogcoffee.com/

https://bonefrogcellars.com/

Connect with Dean at The Pillars Group

https://www.deanvandyke.com

https://www.instagram.com/dhvandyke27/

https://www.facebook.com/thepillarsgroup/

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About your host

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Dean Van Dyke

Dean Van Dyke is a business strategist and Fractional COO. He supports small business owners in creating actionable strategies and structures around their businesses to gain momentum toward their vision. As you're looking at revenue challenges, trying to find savings opportunities, or worrying about employee turnover, you need an outside advisor to bounce ideas, work through challenges, or just be 'in it' with you. His clients don't make decisions without calling Dean first. You can visit his website at (https://www.deanvandyke.com) or connect with him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanvandyke/) to learn more.