Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Schmitz
Hi Mark, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I actually run 3 business. 2 for profit and 1 nonprofit. Our nonprofit WWW.THEFREEDOM13.ORG was founded after our son Marine LCpl Jared Schmitz was tragically murdered in Kabul, Afghanistan during the final days of the 20 year war on 8.26.21 at the Abbey Gate at the HKIA Airport while helping to evacuate over 124,000 people from Afghanistan. Our mission is to build 13 homes in recreational retreat camps for veterans and their families in all 50 states on over 100 acres of land at each camp. We purchased 171 acres in Bourbon, MO as our first Freedom Camp. We already have 2 homes built on the property and will need to build 11 more homes on it before we can open up to the veteran community. These camps will serve as a safe place for veterans to come to for a week and bring their families. Take a knee, fish, hike, bond, meet other veteran organizations. We will have a service dog onsite at all times as well as a permanent veteran and their family living there full time serving as camp directors. We have a $13/month join the mission campaign which enables supporters to be a part of something bigger without breaking the bank.. You sign up once and you can cancel your support at any time . We are actively looking for corporate sponsors and partners.
I also own and run www.wideiphoto.com; a professional photography, videography and drone business. We specialize in architectural and marketing products. This includes: commercial and residential spaces, products, headshots, marketing videos/photos, commercials etc,
I also own www.mobiledrinks.com a mobile bar service called Barley & Vine. Think food truck, but with only booze on board. We cater to very large state fairs, municipality events, corporate events, weddings and private parties. We carry more stock and more variety than any other mobile bar service in the area. Nobody gets made when the Margarita Man shows up 🙂
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As most entrepreneurs will tell you; to be successful takes a lot of hard work and often a huge gamble. You can find yourself working 40-100 hours a week, but when it is your “baby” you don’t mind it and it honestly does not feel like work at all. I probably put in 90-110 hours a week on average combined. The key is love what you do and why you do it,
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am both a business owner and a philanthropist.
Wideiphoto
We saw a dire need for quality improvement over a decade and a half ago; realizing real estate photos needed to be taken to the next level. In 2011 I created Wideiphoto to fulfill that need. To date we have shot more than 25,000 buildings/homes and well over 1,000,000 photographs and over 20,000 videos as well as logging thousands of flight hours with our drones. It has been an amazing experience to work with such a diverse group of clients completing an equally diverse amount of projects.
Barley and Vine Drink Truck
How many moms and dads during the summer have sat around wishing there was a margarita or beer truck that existed like the ice cream truck? Well the dream is a reality with Barley & Vine. We can’t drive around ringing a bell or playing annoying music; we can however, be hired to come cater your next event and eave your guests with a very positive experience.
The Freedom 13
It has never mattered who is running the big show from the White House when it comes to our veterans. They seem to always get the short end of the stick when it comes to support after their service. Don’t get me wrong there are a lot of wonderful organizations out there doing truly wonderful things for veterans, but more should be coming from our tax dollars to honor all of these warriors and heroes. Until that happens civilian organizations like Tunnels to Towers and The Freedom 13 need to be founded and supported. The Freedom 13 has taken a unique approach to helping veterans and their immediate families. We offer year round safe places (Freedom Camps) where Veterans will be able to go and hit the reset button. Regardless if it PTSD or suicide prevention or they just to lean on other veterans to share their stories, their grief; we offer a place all of these things can be addressed. 13 houses at each camp 1 in every state means nationally 650 houses, on over 50,000 acres helping over 32,000 veterans annually. We need your support.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I am going to date myself with my answer, but playing outside with the neighbor kids Games such as kick the can, football, soccer, tag, shooting each other with BB guns until the street lights came on.
Pricing:
- Photography affordable
- Videography affordable
- Drone work affordable
- Drinks affordable
- Helping Veterans….Priceless
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thefreedom13.org | www.wideiphoto.com | www.mobiledrinks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedom13goldstardad/ | https://www.instagram.com/wideirealestatephotography/ | https://www.instagram.com/barleyandvinedrinktruck/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefreedom13 | https://www.facebook.com/wideiphoto | https://www.facebook.com/barleyandvinedrinktruck
- Twitter: https://x.com/Freedom13Camps | https://x.com/wideiphoto1
- Youtube: @thefreedom13USA @wideiphoto
