Meet Will Lu, Sandra Ambotaite, Joe Cave | Veterans Beer Club San Diego Chapter Leads

We had the good fortune of connecting with Will Lu, Sandra Ambotaite, Joe Cave and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Will Lu, Sandra Ambotaite, Joe Cave, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

Our continued success is due in part to our commitment to our three core goals.

1. Assist transitioning service members through networking, discussions of important events, introductions to industries across the region, and ensuring service members are personally introduced to leaders in aforementioned groups.

2. Translate our military service to community service, ensuring we continue our leadership into non-profit, volunteer, and civil service organizations.

3. Continue our sense of camaraderie, thus safeguarding the bonds established during our military service and ensuring there is a safety net of resources for Veterans.

All our decisions and partnerships are in line with these core values. Through this decision-making process, we maintain a high level of trust with all our members.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

For many people, networking can bring a sense of dread. Service members who never had to practice this skill while in service can feel that same feeling. Imagine joining the military right out of high school and after 20 years of service being told that you now need to network for the first time. The process can be very daunting.

We are the bridge for those attending their first networking event. Our events are informal, with the goal of bringing together like-minded individuals. Each event we host is an opportunity for service members to meet others who have successfully transitioned and explore what careers are available to them. There is no sales pitch, admission fee or requirement to attend. The only ask is to stay for the toast and group picture.

This past year we have increased the number of joint events. We have partnered with alum associations from USD, Stanford, MIT, USNA, and USC. This year we have expanded the number of pro sports teams we work with to include SD Wave FC, SD Legion, SD Seals, SD Strike Force, Padres and the SD Loyals. Seeing all the support from the local community has been inspiring, and we’re excited to continue these partnerships.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Day 1

Coffee at Trident Coffee

Day 2

Morning hike at Torrey Pines

Visit La Jolla Cove, Scripps Memorial Pier or Mt Soledad
Lunch at Ding Tai Fung
Visit UTC Mall and Convoy area
Drinks at Protector Brewing
Dinner AYCE Korean BBQ at Taegukgi Korean BBQ

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We have to give credit to our founders. The Veterans Beer Club was created in collaboration between three retired Marine Corps Veterans Phil Kendro, Brian Grana, and Kevin Cortes. The concept of keeping in contact with fellow Veterans and bringing Veteran-friendly civilian workforce members together was a recurring topic of conversation between them. Since its founding, the Veterans Beer Club has expanded nationally with 15 chapters. We are very grateful to have their mentorship as we continue to grow the San Diego chapter.

Website: https://www.theveteransbeerclub.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbc_sandiego/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veteransbeerclub/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VeteransBeerClub

Image Credits
Dave Elrod – https://www.ellrodimages.com