Mat Best is a well-known military influencer and entrepreneur. This article explores his journey from military service to becoming a prominent figure in the military community. Best began his career in the United States Army, serving as an Army Ranger and deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving the military, he started a YouTube channel called “MBest11x,” where he shared humorous and relatable content for the military community. The channel gained immense popularity, leading Best to become a symbol of the modern-day military influencer. In addition to his YouTube success, Best also founded Black Rifle Coffee Company, authored a book, and ventured into filmmaking. Through his various endeavors, Best continues to inspire and entertain while advocating for veterans’ causes.
Behind the Camera: The Story of Mat Best, Military Influencer and Entrepreneur
Introduction
Mat Best is a name that resonates loudly in the military community and beyond. Known for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and ability to entertain, Best has become a prominent figure in the world of military influencers. However, there is much more to him than meets the eye. Behind the camera, Best is a multifaceted individual – an entrepreneur, a filmmaker, and a veteran. This article delves into the journey of Mat Best, tracing his path from military service to becoming one of the most influential personalities in the modern-day military community.
The Military Beginnings
Mat Best’s story begins with his enlistment in the United States Army at the age of 17. He served five years as an Army Ranger, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan, and earning the coveted Army Ranger Tab. His time in the military played a fundamental role in shaping his unique perspective and sense of humor, which he later harnessed to connect with others in the military community.
The Birth of the YouTube Sensation
Upon leaving the military, Best embarked on a new journey as a content creator on YouTube. Recognizing the power of storytelling and the need for relatable content, he founded the YouTube channel “MBest11x” in 2012. Best’s initial videos were a blend of humor, military anecdotes, and valuable advice for active-duty military personnel and veterans.
Over time, Best’s channel gained immense popularity, attracting millions of subscribers and views. His unique ability to combine humor, patriotism, and deep respect for the military endeared him to his audience. Best quickly became a symbol for the modern-day military influencer – someone who could reach and inspire millions through the power of digital media.
Beyond YouTube: Entrepreneurial Ventures
While Best’s success on YouTube was evident, he knew that his journey did not end there. As an entrepreneur at heart, he ventured into other ventures to expand his reach and impact.
One of Best’s notable accomplishments is his establishment of Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC). Launched in 2014, BRCC quickly became a household name in the military community and beyond. The company aims to provide high-quality, fresh-roasted coffee to individuals who share a passion for America and its military. With Best as the executive vice president, BRCC has experienced tremendous growth and success, solidifying its position as a veteran-owned and operated business.
In addition to BRCC, Best has also authored a book, “Thank You for My Service,” which delves into his military experiences, struggles with PTSD, and the importance of humor in overcoming adversity. The book received critical acclaim and further solidified Best’s status as a multifaceted individual.
Behind the Camera: The Filmmaker
One lesser-known aspect of Mat Best’s journey is his foray into filmmaking. Not content with just being in front of the camera, Best took on the challenge of creating cinematic experiences that bring the military community together.
In 2020, he released the documentary “Not a War Story.” The film chronicles the making of “Range 15,” a dark comedy that brought together military veterans and influencers to create a truly unique piece of art. “Not a War Story” explores the struggles and triumphs of creating a veteran-led film, shedding light on the challenges faced by veterans transitioning from the military into creative industries.
Building on his success, Best is also co-founder of the movie studio, Article 15 Clothing. The company produces films, documentaries, and entertainment content that tell stories inspired by the military community while also giving back to foundations and organizations that support veterans.
Conclusion
Mat Best’s journey from military service to becoming a military influencer and entrepreneur exemplifies the power of determination, creativity, and passion. His ability to connect with others through humor and relatable content has left an indelible impact on the military community and beyond. Through his various ventures, whether it’s his YouTube channel, Black Rifle Coffee Company, or filmmaking endeavors, Best continues to inspire and entertain millions while advocating for veterans’ causes.
Behind the camera, Mat Best continues to push boundaries and redefine the role of military influencers and entrepreneurs. His story serves as a testament to the fact that anything is possible with ambition, perseverance, and a whole lot of humor.