Building the Future with Ed Medina

Embracing Change and Building the Future: A Conversation with Ed Medina on Beer and Bayonets

In a recent episode of Beer and Bayonets, I had the privilege of sitting down with my good friend Ed Medina, a 20-year Special Operations veteran and the CEO of Armored Innovations. We had an in-depth conversation about what life looks like after the military, the importance of innovation, and the challenges veterans face during their transition. Here’s a breakdown of our chat and the key takeaways.

Navigating the Transition: Ride the Next Wave

As Ed and I talked about, the anxiety of transitioning out of the military is something that almost everyone experiences. No matter how long you’ve served, whether it’s four years or 24, the big question always looms: What’s next? Ed had some great advice for anyone approaching that milestone. He said, “You just have to know to change to a new wave. There’s another wave that’s going to come after the one you’ve been riding for a while.”

For many veterans, the idea of leaving military life behind can feel like losing your identity or sense of purpose. But Ed reminds us that change isn’t something to fear—it’s a chance to reinvent yourself. The transition might be tough, but once you embrace that next wave, it can take you to places you never expected.

Armored Innovations: From Concept to Reality

Ed’s company, Armored Innovations, is a prime example of how you can build something from the ground up when you start thinking about what’s next. Armored Innovations focuses on rapid prototyping, helping companies bring ideas to life quickly.

The business started out of necessity. Ed shared that during the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself with some extra time on his hands. What began as a hobby—building and tinkering—soon turned into a full-fledged business. With a background in innovation and problem-solving, Ed naturally gravitated toward drones, a field that he described as the “easy button” of technology.

The Role of Drones in Innovation and Operations

As we dove deeper into the world of drones, it was clear that these machines have applications far beyond just fun and games. Ed explained how drones became a vital tool during his Special Operations career. They gave soldiers an advantage by providing eyes on targets before human entry, reducing risks, and saving lives.

For those new to drones, Ed broke it down into two main categories: racing drones and photography drones. Racing drones are all about speed, while photography drones are built to capture stunning footage. Whether you’re interested in racing or simply exploring the world from a different perspective, drones open up a whole new realm of possibilities.

The Physical Toll of Service and the Importance of TRT

One part of our conversation that really stuck with me was Ed’s openness about the physical toll that years of service can take on your body. Even though he stayed in incredible shape throughout his career, he began to notice that his body wasn’t responding the same way it used to as he got older. At 42, he saw a significant drop in his energy levels and performance.

After seeking medical advice, Ed found out that his testosterone levels were dangerously low. For many veterans, this issue isn’t uncommon. Ed emphasized that it’s important to get checked out if you’re experiencing physical or mental changes. He shared how Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) helped him regain balance and improve his overall quality of life. It’s not about performance enhancement; it’s about restoring what the body naturally needs to function at its best.

As he put it, “Pride is the crutch of the insecure. You stand on that as long as you’re weak.” Ed’s message was clear: it’s okay to ask for help, whether that’s through TRT or any other form of medical assistance. Don’t wait until things get worse—address it early, so you can continue performing at your best.

Key Takeaways: Be Honest with Yourself

The biggest takeaway from my conversation with Ed was the importance of being honest with yourself. Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, starting a business, or dealing with physical challenges, self-awareness is crucial. Ed’s courage to speak up about his health struggles serves as a reminder that there’s no shame in seeking help.

It’s easy to say you’re “good” when you’re struggling, but it takes true strength to admit when something isn’t right and take action. For veterans, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating the post-service world, Ed’s story is a powerful reminder that the next chapter can be even more fulfilling than the last.

If you haven’t listened to the full episode of Beer and Bayonets, I highly recommend it. This conversation packs a lot of lessons and insights that can help anyone looking to navigate change, whether in their career or personal life.