MARSOC Veteran, Derek Mensen, Joins the Tribe!

By: Isabel Smith

Behind every successful business is a great team and here at Trident we have one of the most hardworking and creative teams in the coffee industry. Our Director of Operations, Derek Mensen, works hard day in and day out to ensure Trident runs as smooth as our coffee tastes.

Derek Mensen was born in Manchester, Iowa and spent most of his childhood working on his family’s farm feeding hogs, picking corn, bailing hay- you name it. Derek was a natural born leader and always dreamt of something more for himself. He loved playing war as a kid and felt inspired by traditional war movies, such as “Platoon” to pursue a career in the military. After graduating from high school early, on his 18th birthday he found his way to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD- San Diego, CA) where he enlisted in the Marine Corps.

Derek continued on to serve as a Marine Raider, with the Marine Corps Special Operations Command, retiring after 20 years of service.He also earned his masters from USC Marshall School of Business. He aims to develop others, so they may transmute their growth into purpose, and continue building the storied legacy that is Trident Coffee.

 

Keep reading to learn more about Derek and how he became a part of the Trident Tribe!

 

I met Eric (CEO/ Founder) during a University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business (Master of Business for Veterans) networking event, and that connection led to my taking on an internship with Trident Coffee through the USSOCOM, Warrior Care Coalition Program during my last 5-6 months of active military service. I was immediately attracted to the vision of Trident and the pillars established, which have been set to grow from the connection of individuals through something simple as coffee. 

My favorite product changes often, however, my current go-to is Damn the Torpedoes from the Peru Cajamarca Region w/ MCT Oil.

I’m a big fan of functional fitness, such as KettleBells. Strength training and high-intensity cardio workout, giving you a full-body workout that can be done in 30 minutes or less.

Leading by example; never ask/ task your teammates to do something that you’re not willing to do yourself. 

Yes, I continue to work with and volunteer for the following two nonprofits.

The Honor Foundation (THF) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transition program specifically designed to serve Special Operators in transition from a SOF community to their next adventure in the private sector, extended education or entrepreneurship.

Master of Business for Veterans Foundation (MBVF) is a nonprofit organization that connects and supports USC, MBV students & alumni (all military veterans), so they may use their strengths to inspire, and impact in their communities. 

Overall, I enjoy getting out and spending time with friends and family. My hobbies are plenty, as I enjoy sporting events, nature, anything around water, hiking and traveling to new places and experiencing what life has to offer. I recently started to learn how to fly-fish and tie my own flies, so I’m excited to get out and do that!

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