For Justin “JT” Robertson, the path from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to the burgeoning world of craft beverages wasn’t a straight line. Still, it was paved with the resilience, hard work, and a touch of serendipity that often defines the veteran spirit. Today, JT is the proud founder of Bearded Viking Mead Company (https://beardedviking.com/), a Montana-based meadery capturing the palates of locals and making national waves.

JT’s military journey spanned over 14 years, during which time he served as a Marine infantryman and later as an Army combat engineer. He faced the realities of combat deployments with Task Force Tarawa in Iraq and route clearance missions in Afghanistan. Like many veterans transitioning back to civilian life, JT pursued a career, earning his bachelor’s degree and settling into a remote project management role in cybersecurity for a decade.

But as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, a seemingly mundane trip to the grocery store sparked an unexpected entrepreneurial fire. Frustrated by the challenges of navigating pandemic restrictions with his signature beard and the early closing times of local bars, JT found himself at home, idly browsing online for homebrewing kits.

Then, a moment of cinematic inspiration struck. While working, JT had the film “The 13th Warrior” played in the background. A line about Vikings drinking mead made from honey resonated deeply. JT had recently harvested a significant amount of honey from his own beehives. “I canceled my meetings for the rest of the day,” JT recalls, “and went to YouTube University to figure out how to make mead.“

Three years of relentless experimentation followed over a thousand batches and the development of a proprietary mead-making process unique to Bearded Viking Mead Company. JT’s passion project quickly evolved into a serious business venture, culminating in a grand opening in May last year that drew an astounding 1,000 people to their Columbus, Montana, location.

JT credits his military service for instilling crucial qualities for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. “Being an infantryman, you learn that nothing is ever going to go right,” he states. “And you just have to work really hard, and you have to push forward…resilience definitely learned that from the military.” He also acknowledges the steep learning curve of building a business from the ground up, from navigating complex permitting processes to optimizing production and managing a growing team. JT’s experience highlights the importance of seeking guidance and support from others, and he emphasizes the value of networking with seasoned CEOs and industry experts and the need to ask “hard questions” to gain practical insights. By tapping into the knowledge and experience of others, entrepreneurs can navigate complex challenges, refine their strategies, and build a stronger foundation for success. JT also learned to rely on his therapist from the VA to help him navigate the human relationship side of the business. As he puts it, “I used to let people get me wound up to the point where I’d just freak out. I don’t do that anymore.” Learning how to communicate and work with people was a key component to his being able to run a successful business.

While JT still balances his mead empire with his remote work, the trajectory of Bearded Viking Mead suggests that a full-time focus on his passion is on the horizon. His journey is a testament to the fact that the skills honed in military service – resilience, resilience, determination, and the ability to adapt and overcome – are invaluable assets in entrepreneurship. Bearded Viking Mead Company is more than just a business; it’s a veteran-owned success story built on passion, community, and a whole lot of hard work – the “Bearded Viking way.”