Conversations with Jeremy Jonas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Jonas.

Hi Jeremy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The idea for Rock the USA came about during a field exercise while I was in the Army training at Fort Sill, OK, in 2011. I was talking with a few good friends at the time, daydreaming about starting my own company. I kicked around the idea of selling rocks branded with collegiate logos, and it created a little bit of a buzz. Fast forward a few years, after a bit of money-saving, preparation, and courage, I made a few equipment purchases and built out a website to kickstart the entrepreneurial dream.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been bumpy. The competing pressures and priorities are a constant juggling act (marketing, social media influence, managing inventory, brand awareness, shipping, etc.). Hurdles arise that are sometimes difficult to anticipate, but you have to keep your head down and work to overcome them. The hardest thing I’ve come to realize is that the line between personal and professional relationships can quickly become blurred. It’s easy to let the business consume you. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that you have to prioritize your focus on family and friends. It is critical to surround yourself with a strong support system that understands the need for balance and isn’t afraid to provide that feedback.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We specialize in creating an American-made product that will weather the elements and stand the test of time. Our work is crafted and engraved on stone materials sourced here in the United States. We take a lot of pride in that. We’ve worked hard to establish a brand that focuses on Service Academies and the Military while recently pursuing other avenues with select colleges and universities. We allow our customers to uniquely display the passion and enthusiasm associated with what matters to them. We deliver an enduring product with precise attention to detail and the ability to bring a story, memory, or a feeling to life literally set in stone.

The project I’m most proud of came together earlier this year. We were presented with the opportunity to create a memorial honoring SGT Jeremy Wright, a Green Beret that was Killed in Action in Afghanistan in 2005. The memorial stone was dedicated on May 14th, 2021, at Southwestern Junior-Senior High School in Shelbyville, IN, where Jeremy attended high school. He was an elite student, athlete, and warrior, and we are honored to play a small role in preserving his unrelenting dedication to his country and his sacrifice.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My most significant piece of advice for anyone kicking around an idea or an opportunity to pursue their entrepreneurial dream is simple. Don’t wait. I sat on the idea for this business for nine years before finally deciding to make a move. Furthermore, my timing was less than ideal, and I launched in the summer of 2020 (things were a little disrupted at that time). That’s my single biggest regret in my journey thus far. I listened to the little voice of rationalization in my head, “don’t do this now; you need more money; what if you fail” and so on. Instead, surround yourself with people who positively influence you. The journey takes determination, confidence, resilience, and courage. Seize the moment and don’t look back.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@rocktheusa.com
• Website: www.rocktheusa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rock.the.usa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockingthusa