July 2023 Veteran of the Month: Brandon Mills
Army Vet - Owner, Total Promotion Company
Lifelong entrepreneur and businessman Brandon Mills is the Owner and CEO of Total Promotion Company, which offers promotional apparel and merchandise for the Las Vegas area and even beyond. You might know them as the company that provides fantastic, expertly crafted apparel for Veteran Social Club.
Before his venture with Total Promotion Company, Brandon was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Southern Nevada. He got his first taste of entrepreneurship in high school when he and a friend began a computer repair business. He graduated high school in 2000 and enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno, to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.
After receiving his degree in 2005, Brandon strongly desired to explore and experience new cultures. He traveled all over Asia and saw Russia, China, Mongolia, and more. He eventually settled for a time in Thailand, obtaining a teaching certificate and teaching English to the students there.
After a time, Brandon returned to his passion for entrepreneurship. He founded a thriving speedboat charter business in the Gulf of Thailand. With his business, he provided tourists with unforgettable snorkeling and fishing experiences. He also met his then-wife and began building a family during this time.
Brandon, who wished to give his wife and son a brighter future, returned to the United States with his family. In 2009, he enlisted in the U.S. He attended basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The newly qualified 19K, M1 Abrams Crewman reported to Camp Casey, Korea, accompanied by his family. During his three-year tour in Korea, he welcomed his second child, a daughter, into the world.
Following his service in Korea, Brandon reported to Fort Hood, Texas. He trained his entire company on new weapon systems before deployment to Korea. He remained behind to begin his separation from the Army. Brandon concluded his military service in 2013.
Brandon worked in the oil industry in Texas for the next five to six years and found camaraderie working alongside a fellow veteran from his days in Korea. The job, however, meant he spent much time away from his loved ones.
In 2019, Brandon left the oil industry and Southern Nevada to be able to spend more time with his wife and children. During this transition, he discovered an established business, Total Promotion Company, available for purchase and jumped on the opportunity to flex his entrepreneurial muscles again. As the new CEO and owner of Total Promotion Company, Brandon has spent the last three years transforming and modernizing the company into the thriving business it is today.
Throughout his journey, Brandon has established himself as a respected figure in the business community. He has become an influential presence within the veteran community. He takes great pride in providing his expertise and services to businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals alike, eager to contribute to their success.