According to most any dictionary available, kindness means “of a friendly, generous or warm-hearted nature.” According to 29-year-old Eric Kowal kindness is more a way of life than anything else, and his business, Semper Fi Marketing & Managerial, is only an extension of that selfless persona. That said, it should be no surprise that his Wind Gap, Pa., business, founded in the spring of 2009, is aimed at helping small businesses gain the recognition Kowal feels they deserve.

“I did marketing and public affairs for the Marine Corps.,” Kowal said about where the idea for his company came from. “I started to see that some businesses weren’t getting the proper press that they needed. Since I was familiar with writing press releases, I decided that I could take my knowledge and help veteran (owned) businesses get the word out in the proper context.”
 

GONE FISHIN’

Over the past two years Kowal spearheaded numerous fund-raising activities that focus on giving back to the military community. Kowal helps coordinate the Marines Helping Marines Fishing Tournament. This year, the competition will be held on Armed Forces Day, May 21, and it will move to the Anchor Marina in North East, Md. The event will feature professional angler Dave Wolak, who most recently competed in the Bassmaster Classic, the largest fishing tournament in the country. In addition to the contest, the day will feature a barbeque lunch and live bands.

“You don’t have to know anything about fishing to come out,” Kowal said. “We are expecting more than 80 boats, but we are hoping for more than 100.”

As for Semper Fi, Kowal admits that he isn’t looking to pursue his business as a career just yet. He notes that having both a family and a full-time job with the U.S. Army makes it hard to expand his business any further. But, he says, that doesn’t mean he isn’t enjoying lending a helping hand to others.

“We really do not care if it takes us seven hours, or 17 hours to cross the finish line,” he said. “We are staying together as a team with one common goal, to provide inspiration and hope to all our wounded military personnel around the globe.”
 

ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT

What: The Marines Helping Marines Fishing Tournament

Where: Anchor Marina, North East, Md.

When: May 21; Registration begins at 4:30 a.m. and boats launch at first safe light.

Contact: Eric Kowal at Semper Fi Marketing at (570) 350-2818.

On the web: www.semperfimarketing.com

Proceeds from the event are donated to the 501(c) 3 charity Marines Helping Marines, which provides support for wounded military personnel and their families.

Comments