His wife, “wasn’t thrilled about it,” Brandon admits with a small smile, but ultimately decided to support the man she loves because she knows much his dream means to him. This support is something Brandon says is crucial. The entrepreneurial path is difficult. Marriage can be challenging. Combining the two will test a marriage and doing so without dual agreement will introduce strife into your personal life, he says. 

Brandon Busch took ownership of Lift Chocolates in May 2017. 

Lift Chocolates is named as a nod to his military service, where he was a heavy- lift helicopter pilot. It also symbolizes the lift in spirits each piece of chocolate is created to offer the consumer.

There are two gaps in Brandon’s life that he leapt over – gaps that too many others fall through. The first is adjusting to life after full time military service – the loss of camaraderie, the sudden absence of orders and steady pay and purpose can work against veterans. For some, it can create that extra struggle that they buckle under, and fall into the gap between military and civilian life. 

Next is the gap between having a dream and turning that dream into a reality. Brandon knew he was going to serve in the military  and he is proud of his service. But his dream has always been in the culinary arena and chocolate is what called to him the most.

Taking that leap between having a dream and building that dream is no small feat. The gap that awaits to swallow up anyone who stumbles can be terrifying. Only the most committed, consistent, and driven are able to leap that gap. 

Brandon has leapt both, but he knows more gaps will appear and he’s ready to leap those too. He’s also doing his part to help others do the same by supporting efforts to serve the military, law enforcement, and first responder communities. From small gestures like offering them discounts on their chocolates, to larger ones like sending thousands of pieces of chocolates to the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation (CKFF) for its gala and other events, to becoming a Patriot Pass Sponsor for the Great American Summit, Chris does his part to give back. 

The CKFF is run by Taya Kyle, and offers supportive services to heal and strengthen marriages in the military, law enforcement and first responder communities. Taya is the MC of the Great American Summit in April, of which the CKFF is a beneficiary as well as the Gary Sinise Foundation, the Nine Line Foundation, and other select organizations.

Brandon’s support may seem counterintuitive to those who know the struggle of growing a business and understand the financial responsibilities of doing so. But Brandon also understands the demands of service and how those demands impact a marriage, so he’s more than happy to add his support to a cause he believes in. 

He’s also got some advice for those who are preparing to embark on the entrepreneurial path- make sure you are financially prepared to do so. Take a good look at how much money is needed to start a business and be ready to devote your brain power to it all the time. 

There will be problems and challenges every day, he says. It will not be easy. But it’s worth it. 

Brandon Busch is living his own version of the American Dream and also doing his part to give back in the process. To him, the American Dream is all about opportunity, and he’s made the most of his.