<p>In this episode, I sit down with <strong>Bill Travis</strong>, a retired U.S. Navy veteran whose life of service didn’t end when he hung up the uniform.</p><p>Bill spent his career in the <strong>U.S. Navy Seabees</strong>—a unique and elite construction force within the Navy. The Seabees (short for <em>Construction Battalions</em>) are trained builders and engineers who construct critical infrastructure in some of the world’s most challenging environments, often under combat conditions. Their motto, <em>“We Build, We Fight,”</em> speaks to the dual role they play—skilled tradesmen and warfighters when needed.</p><p>After retiring from the Navy, Bill and his wife took that same service-first mindset into civilian life by opening <strong>Third Coast Boutique</strong> in downtown Manistee, Michigan. What started as a small boutique has grown into something much bigger: a platform dedicated to selling <strong>veteran-produced products</strong> and supporting the veteran community through conscious commerce.</p><p>At the heart of Bill’s work is a deeply personal mission—making a real difference in the lives of veterans, especially in the fight against veteran suicide. With an estimated <strong>22 veterans a day</strong> lost to suicide, this isn’t just a statistic for Bill; it’s a call to action.</p><p>In this conversation, we dive into:</p><ul><li><p>Bill’s long career in the U.S. Navy and his time with the Seabees</p></li><li><p>What the transition from military service to small business ownership really looks like</p></li><li><p>How Third Coast Boutique is being used as a vehicle for impact, not just profit</p></li><li><p>The importance of community, purpose, and connection in saving veterans’ lives</p></li></ul><p>This episode is about service, leadership, and what it means to continue showing up for others long after the uniform comes off.</p>