Built for Legacy
Built for Legacy (previously The Nichols and Dimez Show) is the podcast for high performers navigating major transitions and building work that lasts. Hosted by Chris Nichols, this show features candid conversations with athletes, veterans, and entrepreneurs who have boldly shifted from peak careers into purpose-driven ventures built to leave lasting impact. Whether stepping off the field, leaving the military, or walking away from a corporate ladder, our guests share how they embraced their next chapter to grow, lead, and build with intention. Each episode dives into the mindset shifts, strategies, and lessons they used to move beyond their first chapter — from launching a business to scaling a personal brand. Built for Legacy offers actionable insights, inspiring stories of reinvention, and a playbook for those determined to make their next move the most meaningful yet.
Built for Legacy
Eric Johnson | Sailor to CEO: Trident Coffee’s Nautical Journey in Craft Cold Brew
Eric Johnson is CEO and Founder of Trident Coffee, a craft cold brew coffee company based in San Diego. Eric spent eight years serving in the U.S. Navy before founding Trident. In this conversation, we discuss Eric’s background and time in the Navy, what motivated him to pursue entrepreneurship upon transitioning out of the Military, and the market landscape of cold brew coffee. We also talk about Trident’s branding, marketing, and its influence from health, wellness, and nautical themes. We also cover distribution and product strategies, what it means to “Craft Your Legacy” and its influence on the veteran community, and lessons learned throughout Eric’s entrepreneurial journey.
Partners:
LEGACY KAPSULE: https://www.legacy-kapsule.com/ - Request a video podcast to cherish the memory of a loved one
JNGL ATHLETICO: https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 15% off
TROOV: https://drinktroov.com/discount/nicholsanddimez Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 50% off your first order
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
03:46 - Bringing Cold Brew to San Diego
08:38 - Eric’s Background, Military Service, & Motivation to Found Trident Coffee
15:53 - Making Cold Brew During Deployment
21:23 - Business Model, Risk, Planning, & Products
28:23 - Health & Wellness Influence
37:00 - Marketing & Branding Strategy
40:50 - Scaling, Growth, & Challenges
46:59 - What’s Next?
Follow Eric Johnson:
Trident Coffee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tridentcoffee/
Trident Coffee Website: https://tridentcoffee.com/
Eric's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craft_your_legacy/
Follow Chris Nichols:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez/
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast/
Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005/
Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com
