About Wes Whitlock
About Wes:
Wes Whitlock, whose biography is as extensive and diverse as his businesses. Wes founded RAA in 2011 in Austin, Texas where he currently resides, operates his 3 businesses, maintains both a storefront and gym (free to all military, LEO, and veterans), and runs his podcast “Going Rogue with Wes Whitlock", on top of being a devout father to his two children.
Timeline:
(1993 - 1999) Honorably served in the Marines for 6 years. Wes was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant with a Top-Secret Government Clearance. Once a Marine, always a Marine.
(1999 - 2004) Moved to Italy to study Business and Art of Rome at the American University of Rome. Wes immersed himself in the local culture, worked in local gyms, and learned Italian. He developed a devout appreciation for the culture and history of Italy of which is reflected in his projects (especially coffee) and graduated with a BS in International Business and Administration.
(2004 - 2007) Moved back to Washington D.C. and worked for the government as a High Threat Protection Specialist. Wes deployed to Afghanistan to work on long-range protection teams and other assignments, including working on the US Ambassador’s detail (Zalmay Khalilzad). Wes also worked in Iraq for this same client.
(2007 - 2014) Moved to Austin, Texas for a position at Dell as an Executive Protection Specialist for the CEO and his Family for 6 years.
(2011 - Current) Started Rogue American Apparel and continues to hold the CEO position.
(2015 - Current) Acquired his second business Disciples of Iron, achieving exponential growth.
(2016 - Current) Started Invader Coffee.
(2017) Awarded “Veteran Business of the Year” by Crown Royal as a result of charitable contributions. Waved the starting flags for a Circuit of the Americas F1 Race and took a lap around the track.
(2020 - Current) Started his podcast “Going Rogue with Wes Whitlock.”
Wes has traveled the world extensively and his experiences have proven to be invaluable. Much of his life was spent abroad working in Spain, Yemen, Israel, Afghanistan, Iraq, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Italy, Netherlands and Germany. However, he remains partial to Italy and calls it his second home.
One of Wes's passions is working with 501(c)(3) foundations. He has been fortunate to be able to both host charitable events at his gym and storefront in Austin, as well as give over a total of $100,000 to many foundations over the years. These funds have been used for numerous commendable purposes, of which include helping build a home and a schoolhouse for families of the Fallen. Wes’s businesses have also sent numerous care packages around the world to deployed military men and women. In addition, Wes’s gym use is free for all military, active duty, LEO, and veterans.
Since 2011, Wes has invested tremendous sweat equity into all his endeavors and continues to operate with no investors or partners.
On top of successful E-commerce brands and a large following, Wes has built a brand for himself, a brand that reminds you of your purpose and responsibility to pick up the shield you dropped, whether it became too heavy, or you felt you were no longer "purposeful". He wanted this brand to be a reminder that this life is short and that every single day you have a responsibility to those you love. You are not at the mercy of your past; you are responsible for the now and you need to keep building until death. You do not have the CONVENIENCE of dropping your shield. You are part of a Phalanx to your community, team, tribe, and family. The legacy you will leave behind is fueled by your actions today and it will resonate with those you will never know. It is a responsibility and great purpose to remember we are blessed to experience each day and we simply do not have the luxury to fail the things in life that need us. Plant the seeds now to feed those who will be impacted by your legacy.
“Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” - Unknown
Wes started his first business, Rogue American in the spare room of his house when he had a six figure Executive Protection job that he worked hard to get. He walked away from the safety and security of full benefits and retirement.
Thank you to EVERYONE who stands with us, shield to shield in this UNBREAKABLE phalanx.
Foundations We Support:
Brothers In Arms Foundation
Total Donations: $46,120.00
https://brothersinarmsfoundation.org/
Navy Seal Foundation
Total Donations: $20,200.00
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit
Total Donations: $16,000.00
https://www.chriskylememorialbenefit.com/
Royal Marines / RE ORG
Total Donations: $4,000.00
https://reorgcharity.com/
Team Some Assembly Required
Total Donations: $5,046.00
https://www.teamsar.org/
The Raider Project
Total Donations: $1,000.00
https://www.raiderproject.org/
22KILL (Now One Tribe Foundation)
Total Donations: $550.00
+ Harley Davidson valued at $20,000.00
https://www.1tribefoundation.org/about/
We Defy
Total Donations: $2,000.00
https://www.wedefyfoundation.org