Question 1 - Where were you born?
Stan Lake - I was born in High Point, North Carolina.

Question 2 - What school(s) did you attend?
Stan Lake - I graduated from Trinity High School and then I attended University of North Carolina at Greensboro for 3.5 years. I then finally graduated from the School of Urban Missions Bible College and Theological Seminar.

Question 3 - What did you do after graduating?
Stan Lake - The summer after graduating high school I enlisted in the NC Army National guard as a 13M.  I did basic and AIT at Ft Sill and then came back to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  I was there for 3 years in an environmental biology program and my unit got mobilized.  After my tour in Iraq i did one more semester at UNCG and dropped out.  After 2 years off I changed majors and schools and graduated from the School of Urban Missions Bible College and theological seminary with a bachelor's degree in biblical studies. 

Question 4 - What was your first job?
Stan Lake - My first job ever was digging footings and random construction clean up stuff when I was 15.  I then got a job working at a pet store in order to save up for my first car.

Question 5 - What do you like to do in your free time?
Stan Lake - I love to video and photograph animals.  I also write poetry and have been writing articles for magazines as a hobby as I can.  Basically anything regarding nature and storytelling in all its many forms.

Question 5 - What inspired you to pursue your job?
Stan Lake - I love to video and photograph animals.  I also write poetry and have been writing articles for magazines as a hobby as I can.  Basically anything regarding nature and storytelling in all its many forms.

Question 6 - How would you describe Woobies in 3 words?
Stan Lake - Community Focused Company.

Question 7 - What are some of your accomplishments?
Stan Lake - Professionally I have been recognized by the Under Secretary (former) of Benefits for the VA for a video project I filmed and edited showcasing veteran stories.  Recent accomplishments would include a 1st place prize in a category of NC Wildlife photo contest, a photo published in the backcountry hunters and anglers journal, Articles published in the Tarheel Guardsman magazine, and Reptiles Magazine this year.  I’ve also been on the local news a few times in regards to my ongoing “North Carolina Wild” documentary project showcasing the native wildlife of North Carolina.  Some of my poetry is included in both Dead Reckoning Collective veteran poetry anthology books.  I have written and published 3 children’s books.

Question 8 - What are your goals and aspirations?
Stan Lake - My pie in the sky goal is to get published by National Geographic.  I’m not picky, I’d be stoked to get a photo, video, or written article in the magazine. 

question 9 - In what ways have you given back to your community? Whether it’s local or to a veteran community?
Stan Lake - In 2015/6 I took it upon myself to reconnect with my old unit on the 10 year anniversary of our combat deployment and filmed a documentary about our experience then and now.  I was able to get a grant for the film and it ended up in the NC Social Studies curriculum for that year.  By doing that film, it not only got guys together but it got many of us into therapy because we realized we weren’t the only ones dealing with various issues.  Out of that, we have put together veteran camping trips as a way to vent and just chill in a judgment-free environment with people that get it.  My day job as a Veteran Service Representative allows me an opportunity to help veterans both on and off the clock and my hope is to get people the benefits they earned. 

Question 10 - Is there anything else you would like to say to our veteran community and customers?
Stan Lake - The beauty of Woobies as a company is in many ways it started as a movement to connect veterans to purpose and community.  To me, that’s bigger than any other shoe or apparel brand because it inspires people to do better and embrace their brothers and sisters who shared a similar experience.  This company embodies what’s right in the veteran community and I’m proud to have been buying shoes since nearly day one through all the iterations and styles.