Vetrepreneur has ‘empowering’ experience at DAV Patriot Boot Camp. Learn how you can, too.

Soon after Marine Veteran Alan Parvis left the military in 2011, he jumped into endurance racing. But Parvis, an alumnus of DAV Patriot Boot Camp for entrepreneurs in the military and Veteran community, soon saw a problem that needed a solution.

"Running a route that goes from pavement to trail, runners must choose from a less-than-durable road shoe or a less-than-comfortable trail shoe that doesn't perform on the road," Parvis said.

That's how GOFASTER Athletic, a multi-terrain, high-performance shoe brand with nods to military service, was born.

In February 2023, Parvis brought his innovative product to DAV Patriot Boot Camp. The three-day boot camp consisted of panel discussions, presentations, workshops, one-on-one mentoring and networking opportunities.

Parvis was also selected as one of three finalists to participate in a virtual pitch competition. The judging panel included famed chef Robert Irvine, a U.K Royal Navy Veteran and DAV supporter. Parvis won the pitch competition and no-obligation funding to go toward his venture.

Applications for the next DAV Patriot Boot Camp, to be held May 15-17 at DAV National Headquarters near Cincinnati, Ohio, can be found at patriotbootcamp.org. The deadline to apply is April 29, 2024. Accepted participants will get the chance to participate in a pitch competition with $15,000 in no-obligation funding up for grabs.

"It feels good," Parvis said of the feedback he received during DAV Patriot Boot Camp and the pitch competition. "When I talk with people about it, they get excited, and that feels really empowering."

With thoughtful, unique technology and positive feedback, Parvis is confident he can help fill a "gaping hole" in the market. He's also created a product that speaks to the Veteran community and honors military service-from toe to heel.

On the tip of a GOFASTER shoe reads "Front Toward Enemy," a reference to the instructions sprawled across the concave face of a Claymore mine. On the side of the shoe, reflective lines mimic the ejection port cover of an M-16 rifle. The special "Quick Response Foam" designed into the shoe is called QRF for short, a nod to the military's "Quick Reaction Force" acronym.

"If we can be an integral and successful part of a larger ecosystem supporting Veterans, then it's a win for everyone," Parvis said. "And with partners like DAV, we can have a broader reach and impact on our community."

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