It’s 2008, the world is beginning to feel the economic blows of one of the worst financial crises since the Great Depression, and you’ve just been laid off from your first post-college job. What you once considered a secure path and career is now diminished, leaving you instead with more questions than answers about what the future holds. Amid the angst and confusion, a friend asks, “Have you ever thought about joining the military?” This was Jeremy Branan’s experience, one that he likely shares with many others. And this seemingly small question would be the instrument that propelled him into military life. A life he otherwise would have never considered. After a fair dose of inquiry and research, Branan realized that the military was exactly where he needed to be. Looking back on the outset of this unexpected course, he notes, “I wouldn’t be the man I am today or where I am today if I hadn’t made that decision. Looking at the life I have and the things around me and the people around me, I’m one hundred percent glad I did it. My only regret is that I didn’t do it earlier.”
For eight years, Branan served in the United States Army during the height of the war on terror. He recalls that his most difficult days and experiences were met with deep connections and an unmatched bond with fellow soldiers; a camaraderie he will carry with him for a lifetime. But when the time came to retire from the Army and reintegrate into civilian life, Branan once again found himself at the threshold of uncertainty. Fortunately, someone saw the unique skill set and determination that he acquired as a veteran and offered him employment. Having been at the precipice of a career change more than once, Branan was keenly aware of the need to support other soldiers who were reintegrating into everyday life. This awareness would serve as the catalyst for creating Protect + Serve, an e-commerce company that sells quality, affordable grooming and lifestyle products with the sole purpose of giving back to veterans, first responders, and their families.
Determined to reach the lives of as many veterans and first responders as possible, Branan utilized both his education and military experience to create a business that could do just that. “I wanted to create something that not only had the capacity to grow or something that I could expand, but something that allowed me to reach higher heights and allowed me to support the causes and organizations that I felt strongly about. And do it on a grander scale than I could ever do on my own.” To that end, Protect + Serve proudly donates a portion of all profits to carefully vetted organizations that have proven to give directly to service members and first responders. Branan explains, “I am very selective about who I choose to donate to. I want people that buy from me to know that I’m donating a portion of that to [those] companies. I want them to know that their money is going to the right place.”
Customers of Protect + Serve can be certain that they’ll find and enjoy specially formulated grooming products, hand-poured soaps, even hand-poured, soy wax candles. More fundamentally, they can feel good about supporting a business that aims to give back to veterans, first responders, and their families. Behind it all, Jeremy Branan remains a ferocious advocate for those who have served and intends to stay steadfast on his mission to protect and serve.