S1E3: Entrepreneur Stories - Blades of Glory: How a Veteran Built a Multi-Million Dollar Knife Business

Motion Matters Podcast

Joining me in studio today on Motion Matters is Curtis Iovito, a veteran and co-founder of Spartan Blades in North Carolina. After a distinguished 21-year military career across multiple elite units, Curtis transitioned his precision and discipline into crafting high-quality knives, partnering with fellow veteran Mark Carey to establish a thriving business in the competitive cutlery industry.
In this episode, Curtis shares his journey from the military to the marketplace, detailing the genesis of Spartan Blades. From conceptualizing in a barn to partnering with renowned K-Bar Knives, Curtis's story is a testament to strategic planning and entrepreneurial grit. His military background not only provided discipline but also a unique perspective on risk and opportunity that he leveraged to build a multi-million dollar business.
Listeners interested in entrepreneurship, especially veterans contemplating a business venture, will find invaluable advice in Curtis’s narrative. His approach underscores the importance of mentorship, understanding your market, and maintaining quality and integrity in products. Curtis’s experience illustrates how military skills can translate into business success, emphasizing meticulous planning and community support within the industry.
Questions Answered in this Episode:
1. How can military experience enhance entrepreneurial success in the manufacturing industry?
2. What are the keys to transitioning from a military career to starting a successful business?
3. How does mentorship impact veteran entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector?
Timestamps of Key Moments
(0:00 - 2:33) Introduction of Curtis Iovido, detailing his military background and the transition to co-founding Spartan Blades.
(2:33 - 3:29) Discussion on the initial decision and motivation behind starting a knife manufacturing business, highlighting the entrepreneurial leap.
4:12 - 6:38) Curtis talks about the family support and the challenges faced during the initial phase of their business, which is crucial for understanding the personal dynamics in entrepreneurship.
(15:03 - 19:17) Curtis explains the importance of mentorship and professional network in navigating the early stages of business, and how connections within the industry helped them avoid common pitfalls.
(35:43 - 39:48) Reflection on how military training and principles translate to business practices, providing insight into leveraging military skills for business success.
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