We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Whitney O’Connell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Whitney, appreciate you joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

From my military service to my transition to civilian life I have many influential leaders in my life. Personally, my father has been everything to me and has always embraced and encouraged even my craziest ideas. He was the reason I joined the military and he was the reason that I took a bracelet making business in high school to a t-shirt making business that funded me through college. The introduction of that creative drive is what landed me on the path that I am now. With a little luck, and a lot of support from my current mentor and boss, Cover 6 wouldn’t be born.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started making bracelets in high school which lead to making t shirts which funded my college tuition. I then joined the U.S. Air Force upon graduating from college and was commissioned as an Officer in the Behavioral Science field. I continued my creativity by working with the media crew and designing things for our airman and staff. Upon being ranked up to CPT, I left the military. I bounced around freelancing from my home town (Houston, TX). I followed my sister to Minnesota where I met my current boss Jared. I became the Marketing Director for The Mosquito Militia & Mid-Sota Wildlife Ops. Jared saw something in me and approached me about an idea he had. He wanted to take the marketing piece and create a new business, and offered to have me develop and run it. I would not be here in this position as a business owner without the guidance and support of him. An absolute dream of mine, and I pinch myself everyday, humbled by this opportunity.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My current business partner, hired my sister first, then he offered me a position as the Marketing Director. Through collaboration and support, he offered me the opportunity to build and grow Cover 6 GraFX.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I have been thankful to not have to borrow or ask for any capital. The entire business was co-supported from my initial employer and the finance team (Kelly) has supported this journey. I have now been able to build and maintain my growth internally. I’ve offered to pay back the support given, but they insisted I give back to veteran organizations in need. Which really embodies the group of professionals we are, veterans supporting veterans.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cover6GraFX?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Reesie Rae, U.S. Navy Veteran