The Hunt Lift Eat Podcast

In this episode, Carter and Perry interview Jason Marks, the founder of Team Easties. Jason shares his background in the military and how he started his business. He discusses the development of his products, including the ELAMS and the Backcountry Location Marker, and how his experience in special operations influenced their design. Jason also talks about the challenges of starting a business and the cost analysis of producing his products in America. In this conversation, Jason discusses the challenges of manufacturing outdoor gear, including the high cost of materials and labor. He shares his experience of learning to use a sewing machine and how he started his own company, Team Easties. Jason also talks about his innovative products, such as the suppressor cover and the backcountry location marker. He emphasizes the importance of helping others and giving back to the community. Jason concludes by discussing the benefits of collaboration and the positive feedback he has received from customers.

Takeaways
  • Starting a business can be challenging, especially without prior business knowledge or experience.
  • Designing products that meet specific needs and solve problems can lead to unexpected opportunities.
  • Influences from previous careers, such as special operations, can shape the design and functionality of products.
  • The process of starting a business involves various aspects, including product development, patenting, manufacturing, and marketing.
  • Producing products in America can be more expensive due to factors such as material availability and manufacturing costs. Manufacturing outdoor gear can be expensive due to the high cost of materials and labor.
  • Learning to use a sewing machine can be a valuable skill for creating outdoor gear.
  • Innovation and creating unique products can set a company apart in the outdoor industry.
  • Helping others and giving back to the community is an important aspect of business.
  • Collaboration and networking can lead to new opportunities and growth in the outdoor industry.
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Creators & Guests

Host
Carter Mckenzie
Carter grew up in North Georgia and from a young age had a passion for fishing and the outdoors. He was introduced to hunting as a freshman in college and had been hooked ever since. He has hunted in many states including black bear in Alaska, mule deer and antelope in Wyoming, ducks in Arkansas and North Dakota and most often, whitetail in his home state. With hunting has come a passion for cooking wild game and sharing it with others. Carter is a high school history teacher in John’s Creek, Ga where he teaches AP US history, AP Psychology, and World History. He also coaches several sports including cross country, tennis, and swim team. He lives on a small farm with his wife and 1 year old girl where gardening and self sufficiency are important.
Host
Luke Cox
Luke grew up an Army brat, but his family's farms in Grayson County, VA were constants in his life. He spent his childhood camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting. He barely graduated from Virginia Tech in 2013, where he studied History & Appalachian Studies (super useful in the real world). He somehow commissioned as an Army Infantry Officer despite spending most of his time at Hokie House (local watering hole) or the tree stand. During his second deployment to Afghanistan, he discovered powerlifting and competed in a couple Army competitions. On that deployment his started his MBA but dropped out the first day. Missing hunting season that deployment motivated him to take advantage of every opportunity to be in the woods & lit a spark that has since grown into an obsession. He figured the best way to learn business was to start one, so he launched HLE. He lives with his beautiful wife Caroline in Colorado Springs, CO. They have a young son, a little girl, and two dogs.
Producer
Cole Ried
Cole grew up around the United States as an Army brat but spent most of his time in the DC metro area. Having grown up in the outdoors with camping and fishing from a young age, hunting didn’t come until recently in 2019. He has now hunted whitetail deer, mule deer, antelope, and elk in various states such as Georgia, Colorado, Virginia, Wyoming, & Montana. Being a young hunter, Cole has spent time learning new ways to introduce game meat into his life and share it with others. Cole also has a passion of educating people on hunting and conservationism overall. Cole is currently pursuing his master’s degree in international affairs and political science while working for a private defense contracting firm based out of the DC Metro area. Cole, outside of hunting and fishing, enjoys training for half-marathons and spending time in his garden growing enough vegetables to share with his friends and family. Cole lives in South Carolina with his girlfriend and German Shorthaired Pointer.

What is The Hunt Lift Eat Podcast?

HUNT LIFT EAT is dedicated to promoting an active lifestyle centered around training, hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. We aim to educate and inspire individuals to pursue this lifestyle and build a community of sportsmen who positively impact the outdoor world. We offer training programs, lifestyle apparel & merchandise, and a nationwide network & community through our Team Member App