Charles Wilson

I grew up in Joiner, Arkansas, but after high school, I set out to start my journey in life. My first stop was Arkansas State University, where I formed lifelong friendships in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Eventually, though, college didn’t feel like the right fit. I dropped out and moved to Memphis, TN, with a high school buddy. We both worked at MCI WorldCom during the day, cold-calling people to switch their phone plans—a job that was, hands down, the worst I’ve ever had. Eventually I decided to join the military. I was 22 and chose the Air Force—mainly because their basic training was the shortest. A few weeks later, I broke the news to my parents and was on a plane to San Antonio, TX, ready for a fresh start. From there I would serve in the Air Force at Hurlburt Field AFB, home of the Air Force Special Operations Command, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. My military career included deployments throughout the U.S. and Central America, including multiple deployments to the Middle East in support of OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) and OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom). During my service, I was able to finish my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice. After leaving the service in 2008, I transitioned into a civilian role with the Department of Defense and NATO where I lived in Kabul, Afghanistan for three years where I would eventually finish my MBA. By late 2013, I was ready to return to the States for a new chapter in life. When I got back to the States, I bought a small printing company, and over time, it’s grown into a full-service printing and promotional products business. Now, I travel full-time with my six rescue dogs, living life on the road, working remotely as a digital nomad. It’s been a long journey, but every step has been worth it!