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An interview with Saul Mishkin, founder of XMRE

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saul mishkin

Meal, Ready-to-Eat, commonly known as the MRE is an individual field ration in simple and lightweight packaging used by armies across the world. MRE, though historically, has been a part of the “army culture”, its usage nowadays is not restricted only to combatants. Civilians too are using them in different circumstances.

Mostly used by armies in field conditions where organized food facilities are not available, MRE has its origin in the United States. After performing numerous experiments with the erstwhile MCI, or Meal, Combat, Individual rations, MRE became an indispensable part of the US army after the Vietnam war.

We interviewed Saul Mishkin, the founder of XMRE, a Meal, Ready-to-Eat product to understand more about MRE in general and about his venture in particular.

Tell us something about your entrepreneurial journey

The story behind my business ventures is very intertwined with my own story.  Twenty years prior to NEX-XOS’ launch, I was supplying products to the defense industry in over 75 countries. Along the way, I started getting requests for Military MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) and food rations. After proper research and sourcing, I added MRE’s to my product lines. Shortly after, I was delivering food rations to places that most people probably never knew existed. I was immediately curious and extremely impressed with the technology behind the portability and convenience of shelf stable food products.

During the same time, while travelling around the world on business, I became interested in endurance and outdoor sports. I have always been passionate about the mental and physical challenges that endurance athletes possess and I decided I wanted to get into the best physical and mental shape of my life. I was up for the challenge. While training to compete in several Ironman races and logging more than 40 hours every week of training, I realized that proper nutrition was one of the key factors to success. Yet, there were times and places when traditional food sources were not available or easily accessible. On training days when I wasn’t able to eat properly, I could not perform as well and would immediately notice the difference in my energy levels.

I realized that this same conundrum applied to other activities and situations such as remote areas, outdoors, emergencies, survival situations, military, and more. While I was training for long hours almost every day, I asked myself how can I solve this problem? I realized the solution was within the shelf stable food technology that I have used for years. But I wanted to take it to the next level by improving on the taste, nutrition and heating functionality depending on the various possible uses and market segments either based on cultural preferences, diet restrictions, or specific configurations for certain applications.

During this time and before starting OMEALS, I started a Military Grade MRE brand, XMRE, where I was able to work closely with many of the manufacturers who supply the US Military MRE’s.

Currently our company NEX-XOS WORLDWIDE LLC runs both brands OMEALS and XMRE. OMEALS primarily focuses on the outdoor market and XMRE services government institutions and preparedness markets. In addition, we provide packaging and assembly contract services, specializing in shelf-stable foods, manufacturing, meal kit assembly and co-packing for customers around the world and we are a strategic source of supply for the U.S. Department of Defense for MRE components that support our warfighters.

What is XMRE all about and how is it different from conventional meals?

XMRE is the leading brand for high quality commercially available MRE Meals with extreme flexibility that can be tailored to meet any specific requirements such as configuration, shelf life, religious and cultural diets from customers around the world.

We are not the standard, boring MRE. We are constantly looking to impress our customers by creating and innovating in ways people never even thought about! We are passionate about this industry. We are setting the trends. We are the new market leaders, not the followers.

We are always improving our products. For example, in less than 3 years, XMRE’s 1300XT product is already in its 4th generation. We listen to customers and their needs. Then we revise test products and services and adjust and implement the improvements immediately.

 What are some of the top selling products that XMRE offers?

Our XMRE 1300XT line has been our staple product since we started and it is the preferred option for customers looking for 100% Military grade components with the highest caloric count in the market (1300 – 1500 calories ) for an individual MRE Meal.

1300xt

 

 

 

 

For Emergency Preparedness and Humanitarian Relief, our best-selling product is the XMRE Blue Line.  This is most preferred among institutions, government entities and end consumers.

blue line

 

 

 

 

 

The XMRE Lite is the perfect meal option for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who needs food on the go. The XMRE Lite uses the best components on the market to offer a lightweight and freshly packed meal  600 to 900 calories.

lite box

 

 

 

 

 How would you describe “military-grade technology” to a layman?

MILITARY GRADE TECHNOLOGY means that we use the same manufacturing and packaging technology and processes for our products as the ones used for the U.S. Military

 How do you differentiate yourself from your competitors?

I believe that competition is always healthy because it drives you to do better with your customers so they come back to you for more business.

It is not only about our products but about the people who stand behind those products. We credit our business’ success to the few dozen people in our company and their willingness to ask the right questions, listen and learn from customer/ end users, co-workers and partners from all over the world.

NEX-XOS employs a multicultural team that includes army veterans. Our team is always searching to determine the needs and try to fulfill them, whether within our organization or externally with our partners and customers.

We are aware of cultural differences around the world regarding food choices. I am fluent in a few languages and traveling the globe has made me sensitive to others’ preferences and needs. It shows in XMRE’s business philosophy, which is always to be open and eager to embrace change, adapt and improve products whenever possible.

What were the initial challenges that you faced as an entrepreneur?

My initial and my current challenges as an entrepreneur are: my drive to do more, creating a new business, and the fear of failure. These challenges are always there but are also an adrenaline booster I can convert into strengths that build up resilience which is what one needs to be a successful entrepreneur.

Prior to my days in the defense industry, I operated a commercial landscaping and irrigation service company in Peru.  I have traded hygiene products throughout unknown towns in the Amazon region, represented manufacturers in countries most people cannot pronounce, bought and sold mining equipment and exported products around the world. I have created online stores and manufacturing facilities while positioning brands in different markets.  But by far, the most challenging and rewarding experience is being a husband, father and raising my 5 beautiful kids while balancing my professional activities. The motto for me is that at the end everything has to be alright and if is not alright then it’s not the end.

I can say today that we are so proud of our last accomplishment which is receiving a multi-year award with the US Government- Department of Defense and becoming a strategic source of supply for MRE components in support of the US War fighters. This is a big sign of recognition and confirmation that all our efforts towards quality and providing state of the art products and solutions is on a good path.

Saul Mishkin’s venture is currently bootstrapped and though his company hasn’t participated in any entrepreneurial summits so far but it is something on Saul’s bucket list. “We have been in countless industry related trade shows, conferences, expos etc. and the response has been amazing” he added.

“At the end everything has to be alright and if it is not alright then it’s not the end.”

Saul Mishkin can be reached here –> Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook

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Interview

An Interview with Jonathan Printers Jr., Founder of ‘A Writers Business’

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Jonathan Printers Jr.

Jonathan Printers Jr. is the founder of ‘A Writers Business‘. He started this platform to help the writers’ community evolve into better writers and gain exposure. And ultimately, helping them achieve their financial goals as well. We recently interviewed Jonathon to more about his venture.

Jonathon, Thank you for doing this. Tell us something about yourself. What did you do before founding ‘A Writers Business’?

Thank you for having me. I’m primarily a mental health therapist and for the most part I spent years balancing that career with one in the national guard. I’d been interested in starting a business and really had no idea where to begin. Technology helped with that. Back in 2017, I first played around with the idea. I found it easy to create a website, get an address link, and add some information and images. From there, I created or collaborated on various online projects/businesses. The inspiration for A Writers Business originally came from an interest in poetry that soon expanded to include writers, authors, and content creators as well. There is an emphasis to help these individuals expand their audience.

What was your motivation behind founding ‘A Writers Business’? What were the initial challenges that you faced in your endeavor?

I did a few clothing lines in 2018 and 2019. I found it difficult to get those going because of the upfront costs of production. I needed something relatable, something I was interested in, and at a minimum upfront investment that could run without thousands of dollars invested. The poet and writer community is extremely large, and growing, and because of social media now many people have the opportunity to showcase their talents. A Writers Business began sharing various poets and writers. Now with a goal to help those in this community grow their brand.

Do you think the space for authors and poets will change forever with the adoption of tools like ChatGPT?

Absolutely. ChatGPT comes with pros and cons, right? I see ChatGPT helping authors and poets develop summaries, outlines, bullet points, or even short stories with ChatGPT. With some editing, authors will be able to use AI to generate many more words in a shorter time span. I haven’t seen prompts for poetry yet, but I’m sure it’s possible. The downside is that it will take the creativity, uniqueness, and style away from the poet. So, If I had a preference, I can see it being useful if I’m on a tight deadline. Other than that, I’d prefer someone’s honest words.

Taking forward the previous question, do you feel that Artificial Intelligence tools can ever replace authors and poets?

No, absolutely not. I see AI as a great tool for compiling information and providing great suggestions. Filler material. However, great authors and poets put their essence and personal perspectives in their writing. That’s something that can only come from the human heart and mind.

How does ‘A Writers Business’ help authors and poets in achieving their goals?

Our goal is to help authors and poets gain exposure, grow their audience, and have some support with promotions. We offer a variety of services including social media promotion, editing, poet and author interviews (free of cost), as well as support through marketing. Each service is tailored specifically to the individual client, their needs, and the feedback we receive.

How did Covid impact your business?

Tremendously. We were up and running in 2019-2020, focusing heavily on poetry contests, interviews, and promotion. With the pandemic, there was worry over finances and unemployment. As a result, I lost some support I had with maintaining the website, social media pages, and marketing authors and poets. Also, most of my time went into maintaining my household and career. Since then, we’ve slowly built back up refocusing our efforts on consistency, article writing, poet and author interviews.

How has ‘A Writers Business’ evolved over the years? In the coming months, how do you wish to transform the landscape of the writers community?

A Writers Business went from an Instagram platform exclusively promoting poetry to a network that includes several social media platforms, a medium publication, a complete website, and a community on Patreon. There are so many talented creatives that are deserving of acknowledgment. In the coming months to a year, I hope to meet with several poets and authors, give a few interviews myself, and shift our focus back to marketing.

What would you like the writing community and your audience to know?

I always invite feedback. I want to meet people and guide them toward their goals. So, if there’s a need in the community, please, let me know. And if you’re looking to boost your portfolio, come write for us!

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Interview

An Interview with Joanne Docherty, Mental Health Expert and Founder of Starra Education

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Joanne _StarraEducation

Joanne Docherty is the founder of Starra Education. Through Starra Education, she offers a range of accredited Mental Health Training and Qualifications crafted both for individuals and organisations. Joanne also teaches Psychology at The University of Glasgow. We recently interviewed her to know more about mental health challenges and how her company is addressing those challenges.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and experience in mental health first aid training?

I have been actively involved in mental health first aid training for several years now, and I am passionate about helping individuals and organisations to better understand and address mental health issues. I have a strong educational foundation and have worked hard to gain valuable experience in this field. As an educator at the University of Glasgow, I have had the opportunity to teach students about mental health. I am also a member of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Mental Health, which has allowed me to contribute to policy discussions and advocate for better mental health services in Scotland.

In addition, I am the founder of Starra Education, a company that provides evidence-based mental health training programs to organisations. Through my work with Starra Education, I have been able to help many employees learn how to identify signs of mental health issues in their colleagues and take appropriate steps to provide support. I have also worked with organisations to provide mental health support and resources to those in need.

What inspired you to become involved in mental health first aid training and founding Starra Education?

I have always been passionate about mental health and wellbeing, and I have dedicated my career to working with various non-profit organisations and educational institutions to help individuals facing challenges. However, the impact of COVID-19 and seeing how people were being affected mentally was a significant reason I started to offer this qualification at Starra Education. I was supporting a lot of leaders through their leadership qualifications who were facing issues with their staff teams and didn’t know how best to support them, and I could see a massive gap. This motivated me to take action and offer mental health first aid training to help people identify and manage mental health issues in themselves and others.

I saw an opportunity to use my expertise to provide evidence-based programs that could teach leaders how to recognize the signs of mental health issues amongst their employees and take the necessary steps to support them effectively. My personal experiences with my mother, who was schizophrenic, have been a significant source of inspiration for my work. Witnessing the impact of mental health issues firsthand, I was driven to make a positive difference in the lives of others through education and support. Overall, the combination of these factors has fueled my passion for mental health first aid training and inspired me to offer this at Starra Education.

How do you think mental health first aid training can help individuals and communities?

Mental health first aid training is a vital resource for individuals and communities. It can help to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health challenges by increasing understanding and awareness. It can help individuals recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and provide them with the skills and knowledge to support someone in need. It can also help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create a culture of openness and support. By providing mental health first aid training to community groups, organisations, and workplaces, we can create a safer and more compassionate environment for everyone. 


How do you tailor your training to different audiences, such as youth or older adults?


As an experienced educator, I understand that effective teaching is all about tailoring to the needs of the learners. Therefore, when training different audiences such as youth or older adults, I employ different strategies to cater to their learning needs. For instance, when working with younger learners, I use more interactive and engaging teaching methods that allow them to learn while having fun. For adults, I take a more practical approach by providing real-life scenarios that they can relate to and learn from. I also ensure that I understand the audience’s background, level of understanding, and learning style to create an effective learning environment. Additionally, I provide open communication channels to ensure that learners feel comfortable approaching me for extra support if they require it. Overall, I strive to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of all learners.

How do you approach issues of stigma and discrimination in mental health first aid training?

A huge part of my approach to mental health first aid training involves addressing stigma and discrimination head-on. I believe that language is a powerful tool, and we need to be mindful of the words we use when discussing mental health. Many people use hurtful language without realising the impact it can have on those who are already struggling. Therefore, I encourage individuals to use appropriate language to reduce stigma and discrimination towards people experiencing mental health problems.

In addition to language, we also need to address the root causes of stigma and discrimination. I emphasise that mental health problems are prevalent, and anyone can be affected at any time, and individuals need to approach it from a place of compassion and empathy.

What are some of the most important skills or knowledge areas individuals should gain from mental health first aid training?


Individuals can gain essential skills and knowledge areas from mental health first aid training, such as: Understanding mental health and mental illness, this includes learning about common mental health conditions.

Recognising warning signs: this training can teach individuals how to identify signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, and how to distinguish between normal behaviour and signs of distress.

Effective communication:this includes learning how to communicate effectively and empathetically with someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to approach and support them.

Crisis management: it teaches individuals how to respond in a crisis situation. By gaining these skills and knowledge areas, individuals can become better equipped to support someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge and provide them with the necessary help and resources they need.

You also teach Psychology at Glasgow University. How do you incorporate your subject matter expertise in Psychology in the training program you offer?

As a Psychology tutor at Glasgow University, I am able to incorporate my expertise in mental health and human behaviour into my mental health first aid training. I draw on the latest research in Psychology to provide participants with evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals with mental health issues. I also emphasise the importance of mental health education and provide participants with a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of mental health problems. By incorporating my subject matter expertise into my training, I hope to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of mental health and the tools to support those in need.

Finally, what advice would you offer to someone who is interested in becoming a mental health first aider?

Contact me and we can have a chat of course! In all seriousness, If you are interested in becoming a mental health first aider my advice would be to start by seeking out reputable training programs and organisations that offer accredited mental health first aid qualifications. Attend training courses, gain practical experience through volunteering or just being there for friends and family when they need support. It is also important to stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field, and to engage in ongoing professional development. Most importantly, approach the work with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to reducing mental health stigma and promoting mental health and wellbeing.

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Interview

An Interview with Fitness Entrepreneur Eugene Pallisco

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Eugenio Pallisco

As a fitness entrepreneur, Eugene Pallisco has dedicated his life to equipping people with the knowledge, willpower, confidence, and appropriate technique they need to reach their fitness objectives.

He has devoted a lot of effort to sculpting and refining his training philosophy, which is centered on the improvement of others, ever since working with motivating fitness mentors in high school. Pallisco began his career teaching group fitness classes, then broadened his knowledge by working one-on-one with gym patrons as a personal trainer before starting his private training company in the fitness sector.

Eugene is dedicated to assisting individuals in discovering the joy and freedom in their physical activity, whether through weightlifting, long-distance or high-intensity cardio, or sports training. He is confident that everyone can change their body into a strong, healthy one with the appropriate attitude, patience, and effort.

Entrepreneurship is an evergreen “buzzword.” Why do you think that is?

In my experience, being an entrepreneur can offer several benefits and perks that keep it an enticing proposition, including:

Control and flexibility: As an entrepreneur, you have the freedom to set your own schedule and work on projects that you are passionate about, allowing for a better work-life balance and the ability to pursue other interests.

Opportunity to make a difference: Starting a business can allow you to create something that positively impacts the world and helps solve a problem or meet a need.

Potential for financial success: If your business is successful, you may have the opportunity to earn a higher income than you would in a traditional job.

Independence: Being your own boss can give you a sense of freedom and autonomy that may not be possible in a traditional job.

Being an entrepreneur can be a gratifying and rewarding experience, but it also demands tremendous hard work and attention. I can’t emphasize this last part enough.

Why did you pursue the fitness industry?

Becoming a personal trainer can be a rewarding career choice for people who are passionate about health and fitness and enjoy helping others achieve their fitness goals. Some potential benefits of becoming a personal trainer include:

Personal fulfillment: Helping others improve their health and fitness can be a fulfilling and meaningful career. The reward of helping others, in particular, was my primary motivator in pursuing a career in the fitness industry.

Good pay: Personal trainers can earn a good salary, particularly if they have a solid client base and can charge competitive rates for their services. That said, you should always prioritize the client’s well-being over monetary gains.

Career growth: Personal trainers can advance their careers by earning additional certifications, specializing in certain areas of fitness, or starting their own training businesses, as I’ve done.

It’s important to note that becoming a personal trainer requires a significant commitment of time and energy. In addition to obtaining the necessary certifications, personal trainers must be able to motivate and support their clients and adapt to their clients’ changing needs and goals.

As a fitness professional, I’m sure you don’t back down from a challenge, but I imagine the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on your industry. How did you overcome this?

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the fitness industry. Many gyms and fitness studios were forced to close their doors or substantially limit their capacity to comply with public health measures designed to slow the spread of the virus.

In response, many fitness facilities and trainers, including myself, pivoted to offering virtual classes and training sessions, allowing them to continue serving their clients and generating revenue while in-person classes were impossible. Some facilities also implemented additional health and safety measures, such as frequent cleaning and sanitization, temperature checks, and mandatory masks, to make it safer for clients to return when restrictions were lifted.

In addition, outdoor and socially distanced fitness options, such as outdoor group classes and personal training sessions, became more popular as people sought ways to stay active while minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus. Thankfully, the year-round weather in Dallas is quite pleasant and enabled me to implement this approach.

To continue servicing customers and offering value throughout the epidemic, other fitness professionals and I had to be innovative and adaptive. As vaccination rates rise and public health regulations relax, the sector is expected to change and adapt to suit evolving requirements and concerns.

What are the advantages of working with a personal trainer?

Depending on the client and their goals, the perks will differ, but in most cases, I’ve found that there are several ubiquitous advantages to working with a personal trainer:

Customized workouts: A personal trainer can design a workout plan specifically for your needs and goals, considering your current fitness level, medical history, and any injuries or limitations you may have.

Motivation: Personal trainers can provide encouragement and support to help you stay motivated and committed to your fitness goals.

Expertise: Personal trainers are trained professionals with a wealth of knowledge about exercise, nutrition, and overall health and wellness. They can provide guidance and recommendations to help you achieve your goals safely and effectively.

Safe and effective workouts: Personal trainers can ensure that you are performing exercises correctly and safely, which can help reduce the risk of injury and help you get the most out of your workouts.

Accountability: Having a personal trainer can help you stay accountable for your fitness goals. You are more likely to stick to your workouts and make healthy choices when you have someone to regularly answer to and check in with.

Variety: Personal trainers can help you mix up your workouts and try new activities to keep things exciting and challenging.

Overall, working with a personal trainer can effectively improve your fitness level, help you achieve your goals, and lead a healthier lifestyle. It may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly worth exploring!

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