Today we’d like to introduce you to John Wayne Walding.
Thanks for sharing your story with us John. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always felt a calling to serve my fellow Americans. When I formally left my service as a soldier, I was constantly looking for ways to give back. I met the co-founder of Live to Give, Zach Smith, through some mutual friends. Zach started telling me about an idea he had to start a company that would give a portion of proceeds back to first responders, military members and their families. I immediately knew that idea was one I could get behind. Live to Give is such a simple way for anyone to give back on a daily basis. People just have to buy a product that they were already going to purchase (premium bottled water). All they have to do is choose the brand that is going to give back.
A lot of work, blood, sweat and tears later, here we are with a company dedicated to giving 50% of our net profits back to charities that support these folks. Live to Give bottled water is now available on Amazon. It’s amazing to look back on where we started and where we are today. I am so excited for the future and all the good we are going to do for the heroes that serve our country every day.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Anyone that tells you that starting up a beverage company is easy has never started a beverage company. There were bumps and difficulties along the way. We’ve had companies committed to helping us bottle the water, and then not be able to help us after we’d spent months working with them. It is also remarkably hard to do the right thing and give back due to state laws. Each state has different laws that require you to register a venture where you are publicly announcing that a portion of your profits are being donated.
However, we have been blessed with a great bottler, great charity partners, and a great team. Anytime we got to the point of ultimate frustration or disappointment, we’d remind each other that there were soldiers, firefighters, police officers and medical responders that today we’re going to put their lives on the line for the safety of our families. Whatever we were facing that day was small in comparison to what they will sacrifice. With that perspective, giving up wasn’t and will never be an option.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
Live to Give is here to change the lives of the people that serve and sacrifice every day. It’s that simple. As we look to our future, that mission is our true north.
My main roles within the company are guiding the bigger strategic decisions, making sure my team has the resources and support they need and ensuring that we are constantly connecting with our community and customers. I also support with logistics when the team asks for my opinion.
I am most proud of the good we are going to do for the heroes that deserve it the most. I am second most proud of my team that never gives-up and always steps-up. They are all doing the job of five people right now, and I am incredibly proud of them and the company we are building together.
The thing that sets us apart is we were truly built on a foundation of service. Our commitment to give 50% of net profits back isn’t a short term marketing program or part of our corporate social responsibility; it is our entire mission and our responsibility as Americans.
Pricing:
- 12 Pack of 1L of Live to Give Water – $31.99
- 12 Pack of 20oz of Live to Give Water – $24.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.livetogive.com
- Email: livetogive@boltpr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinklivetogive/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrinkLiveToGive/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drinklivetogive
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Live-Give-Purified-Electrolytes-Responder/dp/B07WJ727BP/ref=pd_bxgy_325_2/136-6657862-1739469?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07WJ727BP&pd_rd_r=f38684bb-2633-4476-8117-2f558239db9e&pd_rd_w=wwKRO&pd_rd_wg=D9fgH&pf_rd_p=09627863-9889-4290-b90a-5e9f86682449&pf_rd_r=CTHTVGRZ7X260YEHHV9X&psc=1&refRID=CTHTVGRZ7X260YEHHV9X
Image Credit:
Live to Give
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
