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Service Academy Business Mastermind


Jun 17, 2022

“If you want to build resilience in kids, the first rule is to take them into an unfamiliar environment…and the second rule is to plan it in a stepwise way meaning plan, discuss, do and then revisit the shared memory together….We built this curriculum for a ship out of a need, but this isn’t just a Navy thing this is something that everyone can benefit from.” - Matt Brown (USNA ‘05)

Matthew Brown is the Founder of Chimeny Trail Co., a subscription box service that helps parents build resiliency and emotional durability in their children through fun outdoor adventures and activities. Once a Captain in the U.S. Navy, Matt experienced firsthand how a warship’s “operational readiness” was strongly linked to the sailors’ “family readiness.” Almost half of those serving in the U.S. military have children. Our “warrior elite” are also moms and dads and their amazing stories are what inspired Chimney Trail Co.’s mission.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The moving origin story behind Matt’s company, Chimney Trail Co.
  • Why the wilderness is a great place to build resilience 
  • Why it’s important to support your coworkers both personally and professionally
  • How to start meaningful conversations with your teammates
  • Activities that will help bring your family closer together

Matt also shares a few recent wins, including some exciting NASCAR publicity. We also enjoyed learning about Matt’s different target markets and discussing why family wellbeing should be a priority not only at home but also at work. We hope this episode inspires you to spend valuable time with your family and encourages you to get to know your teammates as they work to provide for their families.

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague. If you are a Service Academy graduate and want to take your business to the next level, you can join our supportive community and get started today.

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Special thanks to Matt for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA ’01