By: Tristan Ryder
Joe M Palacios Jr’s service in the Marine Corps was not only a transformative time in his life; it also shaped his outlook toward entrepreneurship and leadership. An active-duty Marine for over 12 years and 20 years of total service, Joe says his experience in the Corps helped him to think less about authority and control and more about collaboration and mutual benefit. “The Marine Corps surprisingly taught me the effective way to achieve success was by fostering relationships, trust, and building mutually beneficial and collaborative efforts for aligned mission-oriented goals and objectives,” he explains.
Before Palacios Jr. transitioned to civilian life, he was introduced to an opportunity many people dream of. Due to his genuine and collaborative leadership style in the Corps, he was invited to participate in a unique opportunity – participate in a unique opportunity – collaborating with GunMetal Group, a casting and military advisory firm specializing in the entertainment industry, particularly television and motion pictures. Their collaboration involved providing expertise and training adaptations to enhance authenticity and realism within various projects, including TV shows like NCIS, Jericho, Bones, and Criminal Minds, as well as the major motion picture “Stop Loss.” Rather than traditional acting, their focus was on incorporating military skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the authenticity of the productions they were involved with. This venture allowed him to apply his military training in a unique way, aiming that the portrayal of military aspects in entertainment media was accurate and impactful. Through this experience, Joe learned a valuable life lesson—embracing one’s uniqueness and ability to have fun, as echoed in R Sharma’s words in ‘The 5am Club,’ where he emphasizes that those perceived as misfits, oddballs, and eccentrics often drive meaningful change in the world.
Part of his post-military operations focus is his involvement with K9 West Kennels, an initiative still under development but with the high potential to assist service members dealing with Transition, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The program’s premise rests on the age-old symbiotic relationship between humans and dogs and how Joe witnessed these companion animals’ significant impact on human wellbeing. He envisions the initiative as a bridge to social interaction for veterans and a transformational tool to reset their communication skills with dogs and other people.
Amidst all this, Joe is not just a professional; he’s also a family man. He admits that balancing many roles – from Chief of Operations and entrepreneur to being a husband and father – is less about the time spent and more about energy management. Joe believes, “Balance requires you to know what drains your energy and replenishes it.” He aligns himself with the firm belief that work should never outweigh living.
Joe is excited about the new collaboration and partnership with the Veteran’s Social Summit, the Veterans Club Podcast, and Veteran Lifestyle Magazine, in addition to the continuing support from his tribe of peers, mentors, and confidantes in the Warrior Council. This partnership reflects his commitment to supporting and empowering veterans through various platforms and initiatives aimed at supporting community solutions through combined small-business efforts. He aims to leave a legacy emphasizing personal empowerment, balanced business practices, and the belief that success is not a lonely journey.
He also uses his acting experience in his current roles to inspire, motivate, and potentially even heal. He believes in the power of courteous communication and storytelling to make impactful connections and aim the message is well-received, a principle he applies within his business and personal life.
Looking towards the future, Joe has many aspirations for himself, Maxwell’s Soap, and Our Palace Villages. He aims to leave a legacy emphasizing personal empowerment, balanced business practices, and the belief that success is not a lonely journey. He is excited about a new project, the Combined Joint Task Force Fundraising and Empowerment Business Initiative, aimed at supporting community solutions through combined small business efforts.
In essence, the journey of Joe M Palacios Jr. showcases how experiences – as diverse as serving in the Marine Corps, collaborating with GunMetal Group in the entertainment industry, delving into initiatives like K9 West Kennels, and building entrepreneurial ventures – can converge to create a legacy of change and impact.
Published by: Khy Talara
