Rising Tides Live: Cutting Edge Technology In The Military

Interview Takeaways

Purpose Is a Competitive Advantage – Valor isn’t just a discount app—it’s a mission-driven tool born from lived military experience. Grant’s success reminds us that when your business is rooted in purpose, it resonates deeper, sells faster, and builds trust with every touchpoint.
Build First, Validate Second – With 10,000 users and 40 partner restaurants, Valor is still early—but Grant didn’t wait for perfect metrics to start. He built the tech, asked for feedback, and showed up in communities like this one to pressure-test the model. Progress beats perfection.
The Hardest Part Is Asking – Whether it’s a discount at checkout or advice from a stranger, asking can feel vulnerable. But as Grant’s journey proves, everything—from funding to friendships—starts with one honest ask. Don’t underestimate the power of putting yourself out there.

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community rallied around a powerful idea: technology should serve those who serve us. The guest was Grant Vermeer, a former Navy cryptologic warfare officer turned tech founder, who is now building Valor—a military discount app designed to eliminate the awkwardness of asking for appreciation. What started with a DM has grown into a mission to better connect local businesses and the military community. From verified discounts delivered passively at the point of sale to a growing user base of 10,000 in San Diego, Grant’s story sparked a rich conversation about purpose, partnerships, and how one idea can bridge two worlds—hospitality and national service.

Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed community service and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard

Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tides Live room streaming with Riverside on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.

The Big Quote

Homework Assignment

Ask one veteran, active duty member, or military spouse you know what kind of support or recognition means the most to them—then listen.

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Episode Links

Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/
Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/
Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/
Grant Vermeer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-vermeer/
The Vermeer Group: https://www.thevermeergroup.com/

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About Cali BBQ Media

Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.

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