Sing Second: Leadership, Service, and the Journey of a Veteran Entrepreneur

Speaker Friday, April 4, 2025

At the Army-Navy game, the winners sing second—a tradition that symbolizes the quiet strength of service before self. For Dean Wegner, this moment captures the essence of a life shaped by duty, honor, and perseverance. A graduate of West Point, Flight School, and Ranger School, Wegner has carried those values into every aspect of his journey, from military service to corporate leadership, family life, and founding Authentically American. His message offers more than inspiration—it is a call to action for those who value hard work, respect, and a mission-first mindset. These are timeless principles, relevant whether one leads a team, builds a business, or simply strives to do the right thing.

Join the Green Hills Rotary Club on April 4, 2025, at 7:15 a.m. at the Boy Scout Service Center to hear Dean Wegner, Founder and CEO of Authentically American, present “Sing Second! Inspiration & Lessons Learned from a West Point Cadet and Veteran Entrepreneur.” Wegner will share how the values instilled through military training and service—discipline, character, and resilience—have guided his leadership across industries and throughout life.

Mr. Wegner served seven years as a helicopter pilot and Army Ranger before transitioning into the business world, where he led initiatives in business development, marketing, and strategy with global firms including Procter & Gamble and Mars. In 2017, he founded Authentically American, a premium, veteran-owned apparel brand committed to American manufacturing, patriotism, and giving back. The company donates ten percent of profits to Veteran and First Responder charities and was named the 2024 Tennessee Veteran Owned Business of the Year by the Small Business Administration, selected from over 8,000 businesses.

Under Mr. Wegner’s leadership, Authentically American has gained national media attention, with features in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, FOX News, MSNBC, Nasdaq, Newsmax TV, and SiriusXM Radio. Beyond business, Wegner is a dedicated family man—married to his wife of 30 years and father to four children, including one adopted from Ethiopia. He remains competitive and committed to personal growth, continuing to play men’s league hockey and serving on multiple boards in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. He is also active in his church and community.

Rotarians and entrepreneurs will find value in Mr. Wegner’s reflections on character-driven leadership, building with purpose, and sustaining a tireless work ethic. His story challenges us to live with clarity of mission, treat others with dignity, and lead in a way that honors something greater than ourselves.

For More Information goto https://www.authenticallyamerican.us/

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