OM DENNE EPISODE
Marine Corps Veteran Mark Casper walked away from a successful corporate career after realizing something was missing. What he found was a mission that would completely change the direction of his life.In this episode of Treehouse Talks, Eric Isham sits down with Mark Casper, President and CEO of Tech For Troops, to talk about military transition, leadership, entrepreneurship, finding your purpose, and what it really takes to keep a mission alive when the odds are stacked against you.When Mark first walked into Tech For Troops, the organization operated out of just 750 square feet. Not long after he joined, the organization was running out of money. Mark worked 80- and 90-hour weeks, went without his own paycheck at times, and made a decision that says a lot about his philosophy on leadership: take care of your people before you take care of yourself.Today, Tech For Troops helps Veterans and military families through refurbished technology, digital-skills training, workforce development, secure data destruction, electronics recycling, and programs like Game Corps that use gaming and community to combat isolation and support Veteran mental wellness.Mark and Eric also dive into:Why leaving the military can leave Veterans searching for their next "tribe"The leadership lessons Mark carried from the Marine CorpsWalking away from corporate America to pursue a missionKeeping a nonprofit alive when the money was running outWhy access to a computer can completely change someone's futureThe digital divide facing VeteransTurning electronic waste into opportunityUsing gaming and community to support Veteran mental wellnessThe challenges Veterans face when transitioning into civilian lifeMark's vision for taking Tech For Troops nationwideWhy giving your time, knowledge, or resources can make a bigger impact than you thinkThis is a conversation about service after service, leading through difficult moments, and finding the work you're willing to fight for.Learn more about Tech For Troops:https://techfortroops.org/Connect with Mark Casper on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-casper-t4t/Subscribe to Treehouse Talks for more conversations with entrepreneurs, Veterans, business leaders, and people building something that matters.
