We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joseph Kasper a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I joined the United States Air Force at the age of 17. I turned 18 in Basic Training. I also started a family shortly thereafter. I retired after 22 years in 2010. I learned valuable skills while serving which includes discipline, organization, planning and last but certainly not least the value of hard work. While serving I knew I wanted to start a business but it never seemed to be the right time. Moving every couple of years, responsibilities of being a parent, husband and an Active Duty Airman. I wasn’t sure what business but I knew it would be something that had to do with the internet, which was fairly new, but I just couldn’t find the right niche. It wasn’t until I retired and finished my degree in Mangement Studies with a minor in Business Administration that I knew what I wanted to start. I could meld together my interests in sports, art and clothing. I still had a lot to learn because just because you think you have a good idea it doesn’t mean it’s going to work out. After all my research are training in the industry I though I would give it a shot…starting small in the corner of my basement in 2014 and here I am today making over $100,000 in annual sales…still in the corner of my basement.

Joseph, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My website is www.NotForgottenFoundationUSA.com. I grew up in the Air Force so I wanted to keep that connection. I enjoy working with the military sports programs because it gives me an opportunity to create military art for sports uniforms. I”m a one-man shop. I do all my own artwork and designs. Providing clients with a product they enjoy wearing is my goal. I continue to travel and play softball so when I see a team wearing something I created, it makes me proud. Many times they have no idea that I”m the owner of Not Forgotten, which is how I like it.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I used to have a business partner but it didn’t work out. I’ll leave the details out but I was determined to make this business successful. Many times I felt like quitting because of the amount of time I needed to devote to the business to make it profitable. Running a small business isn’t for the faint of heart. You better be determined, resilient and willing to work long hours.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I began I was creating and pressing all my apparel but I have since adjusted my process a bit outsourcing most of my apparel. I still do all the artwork but I’ve been able to create solid business relationships with other small businesses which has freed up some of my time without sacrificing quality and better yet…improving my turnaround times. I highly recommend talking with other small businesses and creating working relationships in order to learn different approaches to similar problems.    

Contact Info:

• Website: www.NotForgottenFoundationUSA.com
• Instagram: @NotForgottenFoundation
• Facebook: @NotForgottenFoundation
• TikTok: NF2014

Image Credits
Halo Photos by ADM