I would like to introduce you to Clayton Hinchman, a man who believes, “A Life Well Lived Means One Serving Others.” I had the pleasure of meeting Clayton after doing the headshots of Steve Stelk, Vice President of Ignite Corporation, a certified Service-Disabled, Veteran Owned, Small Business, located in Huntsville, Alabama.
Steve was so pleased with the headshots and level of service provided that he bragged about it to the CEO of his company. The CEO, Clayton Hinchman, then reached out to me and asked if I could capture his headshots along with those of the other company executives.
But who is Clayton Hinchman? Mr. Hinchman is a man who believes in family. He is part founder of Black Patch Distilling Company, a company which he and his father founded together. Mr. Hinchman’s wife, Leslie, serves as president of the company. Clayton and his wife have formed a great partnership and do a fantastic job of running the company. As a result of their efforts, Black Patch Distilling Company was honored at the 2019 Madison Chamber of Commerce’s Best Business Awards as a finalist for Start-Up of The Year.
Both of Clayton’s grandfathers were combat veterans in World War II, which inspired his career of service. He was in New York City in September 2001, a weekend before 9/11. The events that took place on September 11, 2001 changed his life forever. That is when he knew his place was serving his country in the military.
After graduating from West Point Clayton was deployed to Iraq as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer. While in Iraq, Clayton was wounded in combat. As a result of the injuries he sustained, he medically retired from the U.S. Army as a captain. But that did not quench his drive to serve others.
Since retiring from the military he has spent years dedicated to public service in the civilian sector. He is a caring advocate for Veterans and their caregivers, which is something that he is deeply passionate about because of his own personal experience.
A committed citizen and entrepreneur he moved to Huntsville, Alabama and became CEO and Chairman of Ignite. While Clayton is very down to earth and approachable, he is also a consummate professional and very hands on in terms of running the company.
Clayton Hinchman is a Purple Heart Veteran who knows what paying a sacrifice to ensure the freedom of Americans means. He lives by his old battalion’s motto from the U.S. Army, “Deeds Not Words.”
It was a pleasure and an honor working with Clayton Hinchman.
