Dean Wegner is a former Army Ranger, a West Point graduate, and now the CEO and co-founder of Authentically American, an apparel brand rooted in purpose. But more than that, he’s a husband, a dad of four, and someone who truly understands what it means to lead with heart.
We started this episode by connecting over something very personal. As many of you are aware, my son is currently attending the U.S. Naval Academy. That journey has opened my eyes to a whole new level of respect and awareness regarding military service, patriotism, and what it means to serve something greater than oneself. So when a listener suggested Dean as a guest, the timing could not have been better.
Dean shared how his leadership journey began long before building a business. It started at home, and it was shaped by the values he learned in the military, including putting others first, leading by example, and building character when no one is watching. He discussed what it means to transition from focusing on personal growth to genuinely supporting and developing the people you lead.
We also explored his pivot from a corporate career to entrepreneurship. Like many of us, he faced moments of doubt and unexpected challenges, especially during the early days of the pandemic. But Dean’s story is an excellent reminder that hard work, faith, and staying true to one’s mission can carry you through even the most challenging seasons.
If you’ve ever questioned whether leading with heart is compatible with ambition and business success, this episode will encourage you. Dean is proof that you can grow a brand, serve a cause, and stay grounded in your values.
About Dean
Dean is the Founder & CEO of Authentically American, a Veteran owned, American made premium apparel brand that was founded in 2017. They are a company that celebrates patriotism, believes in the American worker, and honors our American heroes by intentionally donating 10% of profits to Veteran and First Responder charities. A West Point graduate, Dean served 7 years as a helicopter pilot and Army Ranger. The majority of his business career was spent in business development, marketing, and strategy with Mars and Procter & Gamble. Dean and Authentically American are riding a wave of national media exposure having been featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, FOX News, MSNBC, Nasdaq, Newsmax TV, and SiriusXM Radio. In 2024, Authentically American was selected by the Small Business Administration (SBA) from 8000+ businesses in the state of Tennessee as the Veteran Owned Business of the Year.
Dean is happily married to his bride of 30 years and they have 4 children, with the youngest being adopted from Ethiopia. As a former Division I ice hockey player, Dean is highly competitive, possesses a tireless work ethic, and he still plays in a Men’s “Beer League” every week. Dean is active in his church and has served on the boards of many for-profit and non-profit companies and organizations.
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About Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP
Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP is a highly sought-after speaker, 2x-TEDx speaker, diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, and contributor to leading news outlets. She is also the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm. After over 25,000 employee engagement surveys and years of working with organizations to transform employee engagement, here’s what Heather has seen over and over: When you know how to listen, employees will tell you exactly what they need to bring their full selves to work. Book Heather to speak at your event or organization.
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