Question 1 - Where were you born?
David Swarts - Cleveland, OH

Question 2 - What school(s) did you attend?
David Swarts - Currently finishing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management at Norwich University. I will also start at Harvard this summer to complete one of their executive business programs.

Question 3 - What did you do after graduating?
David Swarts - So, I never graduated High School, although I did get my GED in the Nay. I worked in restaurants while in school and then left my senior year. I should say I got suspended for defending the honor of a friend and got held back. I had a desire to do more and couldn't go back, so I worked in construction for a year. A few buddies of mine at the time said they were going in the Navy, so I knew what I wanted to do, so a few weeks later I left for Bootcamp and the rest is history.

Question 4 - What was your first job?
David Swarts - Wow, I think working at a grocery store bagging groceries. I ended up getting fired because I would also go out and help the other guys get the carts in. I was told to stay inside, but I wanted to help and couldn’t just stand in one place all day.

Question 5 - What do you do for a living?
David Swarts - After I retired from the Navy, I have focused on my family and my own professional development through education. Also, I have taken a few different jobs in the private sector that have allowed me to experience new industries and learn new things as I still figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

Question 6 - What inspired you to pursue your job?
David Swarts - I wanted to do the toughest thing I could think of and becoming a Navy SEAL was it. I wanted to know what I was made of. Plus, I got to serve this great nation while doing cool shit and Kill Bad Dudes.

Question 7 - How would you describe Woobies in 3 words?
David Swarts - Simple, Reliable, Comfort

Question 8 - What are some of your achievements?
David Swarts - Becoming a Father has to be my biggest and most rewarding accomplishment. Seeing how I have had an impact and inspired my children to be great is pretty awesome. Even though they are still 7 and 10, ha.

My success in becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL and the impact I had on the teams was due to the people around me and my teammates. Being an individual can only get you so far. If you put your mind to it and stay disciplined, you can accomplish just about anything.

Question 9 - What are your goals and aspirations?
David Swarts - Family is my number one goal. Creating an environment where we can spend time together and not be completely buried or distracted by work. Although the road is not a simple or easy one.

I have personal educational goals after I finish my degree and plan to move on to a post-graduate program or MBA. Also, another mission I do have is to help pave the way or be a resource for Veterans working on transitioning out after their service so they have a clear path and know they are not alone.

Starting my own business so I can foster a community of purpose and value to help others is another goal of mine as well.

Question 10 - Is there anything else you would like to say to our veteran community and customers?
David Swarts - People-Purpose-Value

People are your most valuable asset, so take care of them and make sure they are successful.

Purpose in everything you do, have an impact. 

Value, make sure you are valued or appreciated in any organization you are a part of, it works both ways. Being valued is important to foster an environment of continued success!