{"id":140416,"date":"2024-03-28T12:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=140416"},"modified":"2024-03-28T16:37:16","modified_gmt":"2024-03-28T16:37:16","slug":"vetrepreneur-has-empowering-experience-at-dav-patriot-boot-camp-learn-how-you-can-too","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=140416","title":{"rendered":"Vetrepreneur has \u2018empowering\u2019 experience at DAV Patriot Boot Camp. Learn how you can, too."},"content":{"rendered":"

Soon after Marine Veteran Alan Parvis left the military in 2011, he jumped into endurance racing. But Parvis, an alumnus of DAV Patriot Boot Camp<\/a> for entrepreneurs in the military and Veteran community, soon saw a problem that needed a solution.<\/p>\n

\u201cRunning a route that goes from pavement to trail, runners must choose from a less-than-durable road shoe or a less-than-comfortable trail shoe that doesn\u2019t perform on the road,\u201d Parvis said.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s how GOFASTER Athletic<\/a>, a multi-terrain, high-performance shoe brand with nods to military service, was born.<\/p>\n

In February 2023, Parvis brought his innovative product to DAV Patriot Boot Camp. The three-day boot camp consisted of panel discussions, presentations, workshops, one-on-one mentoring and networking opportunities.<\/p>\n

Parvis was also selected as one of three finalists to participate in a virtual pitch competition. The judging panel included famed chef Robert Irvine, a U.K Royal Navy Veteran and DAV supporter. Parvis won the pitch competition and no-obligation funding to go toward his venture.<\/p>\n

Applications for the next DAV Patriot Boot Camp, to be held May 15-17 at DAV National Headquarters near Cincinnati, Ohio, can be found at patriotbootcamp.org. The deadline to apply is April 29, 2024. Accepted participants will get the chance to participate in a pitch competition with $15,000 in no-obligation funding up for grabs.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt feels good,\u201d Parvis said of the feedback he received during DAV Patriot Boot Camp and the pitch competition. \u201cWhen I talk with people about it, they get excited, and that feels really empowering.\u201d<\/p>\n

With thoughtful, unique technology and positive feedback, Parvis is confident he can help fill a \u201cgaping hole\u201d in the market. He\u2019s also created a product that speaks to the Veteran community and honors military service\u2014from toe to heel.<\/p>\n

On the tip of a GOFASTER shoe reads \u201cFront Toward Enemy,\u201d a reference to the instructions sprawled across the concave face of a Claymore mine. On the side of the shoe, reflective lines mimic the ejection port cover of an M-16 rifle. The special \u201cQuick Response Foam\u201d designed into the shoe is called QRF for short, a nod to the military\u2019s \u201cQuick Reaction Force\u201d acronym.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we can be an integral and successful part of a larger ecosystem supporting Veterans, then it\u2019s a win for everyone,\u201d Parvis said. \u201cAnd with partners like DAV, we can have a broader reach and impact on our community.\u201d<\/p>\n

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