Feb 5, 2026
What happens when elite Green Berets trade their rifles for bourbon stills? In this episode of Ask Valor Masterminds, we sit down with Vince Makela, Co-Founder of Horse Soldier Bourbon to discuss the intersection of combat leadership and high-stakes entrepreneurship.
Vince shares the incredible journey from being part of the "ODA 595" Special Forces team—the first to enter Afghanistan on horseback after 9/11—to building one of the most respected bourbon brands in America. Grab a glass and join us for a raw conversation about resilience, brand storytelling, and the "Special Ops" mindset required to disrupt the spirits industry.
Inside the Conversation: The Transition: How military precision translates to the world of startups.
The Horse Soldier Legacy: The true story behind the "America’s Response Monument" and the brand's origin.
Bourbon Craft: What sets Horse Soldier apart in a crowded market.
Leadership Under Fire: Lessons from the battlefield that every CEO needs to hear.
Horse Soldier Bourbon Old Fashioned Horse Soldier Bourbon Horse Soldier Maple Syrup Expressed Orange Peel #oldfashionedstories #oldfashion
Connect with Horse Soldier Bourbon: Website: https://horsesoldierbourbon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horsesoldierbourbon/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ @HorseSoldierBourbon
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