Today we’d like to introduce you to John Goodwin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story began in 2016, during a time of major personal change. After my parents’ divorce, my mom who was working as a food rep for Ben E. Keith, had the opportunity to buy a restaurant. She asked me to come on board to help with social media, photography, and videography.
We took a leap of faith and opened what would become Maverick Grill and Saloon. It was a long road getting the restaurant back on its feet and building a name for ourselves, but it’s where I found my first passion for branding, content creation, and business.
At 18, I joined the Army, but was medically discharged due to a back injury. After returning home, I became a part-time firefighter, a role I’ve proudly held ever since. While doing that, I continued running the restaurant and doing photography for local small businesses.
About a year ago, I dove deeper into photography and media with the creation of Branded Maverick Photography. That passion led to the creation of Branded Maverick Co., our embroidery, design, and screen-printing business. The goal was simple: give small businesses access to affordable, quality merchandise without the inflated costs. I strongly believe that every small business deserves a chance to be seen and heard and that belief is what drives everything I do.
Most of the photography work I do through Branded Maverick Photography is either discounted or donated. I’ve traveled the world for it—recently returning from Switzerland where I photographed Team ResQtex, a group of firefighter rope rescue specialists competing on the world stage.
Today, I juggle a lot: I’m a full-time police cadet with the La Vernia Police Department, a firefighter, a business owner, a photographer, and a family man. My wife and our beautiful two-year-old daughter are my biggest supporters. None of this would be possible without them.
At the heart of it all is the mission to keep building the Maverick brand, not just for us, but for all the other small businesses we help shine along the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road far from it. Like most entrepreneurs juggling multiple roles, I’ve had my fair share of obstacles. Balancing a full plate, running businesses, working in public safety, building a brand, and being present for my family can take a toll. There have been moments of burnout, stress, and mental fatigue.
In the beginning, it was especially rough. Starting out meant learning on the fly, making sacrifices, and staying up late to get things done. There were doubts, financial hurdles, and times when things just didn’t seem to click.
But I’ve learned how to manage the weight of it all, thanks to the support of my wife, my daughter, and the people around me who believe in what we’re building. That foundation keeps me grounded.
Now, things are running more smoothly. I’m seeing more smiling faces, more businesses thriving because of what we offer, and that makes all the tough moments worth it. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been rewarding and we’re just getting started.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Branded Maverick Photography, Branded Maverick Co and Maverick Grill and Saloon?
Let’s start with Maverick Grill and Saloon. This is where the journey really began. It’s an award-winning restaurant in Wilson County, known for serving up the biggest chicken fried steaks around. The building is full of rich local history, and turning it into the welcoming, vibrant place it is today has truly been a blessing. It’s a family-owned and operated restaurant that brings people together over great food and hospitality. We’re open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone who walks through our doors is treated like family.
From there came Branded Maverick Co, our embroidery and design screen printing company. This business was created out of a desire to give small businesses affordable access to high-quality merchandise and promotional products. We specialize in embroidery, screen printing, leather patch hats, sewn-on items, and all types of custom gear including pens, tumblers, and shirts. What makes us different is that we have little to no minimums on orders. We want every small business, no matter the size, to have a chance to represent themselves proudly and professionally through custom merchandise.
And then there’s Branded Maverick Photography. I’m a freelance photographer with a focus on helping small businesses and public safety agencies. I understand tight budgets, which is why I offer flexible pricing and often do work at little to no cost especially for fire, police, and EMS departments. Being in public safety myself, I know how to capture those authentic, action-filled moments that matter. I’ve even had the opportunity to travel internationally, most recently to Switzerland to shoot for a firefighter technical rescue team competing at a world event. My only ask when traveling is to cover the basics, hotel, airfare, and transportation.
What ties all of these ventures together is one goal, supporting others. Whether it’s through food, branding, or photography, everything under the Maverick name is about helping people tell their story, grow their business, or simply enjoy a great meal. What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on our community and the connections we’ve built along the way. This brand was built from grit, heart, and a deep love for seeing others succeed.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that nothing meaningful comes without sacrifice, and consistency is everything. There were times when giving up would’ve been easier times I was overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure if any of it was going to work out. But I’ve learned that showing up, even on the hard days, is what separates a dream from a reality.
I’ve also realized the power of community. You can’t do it alone. The support of my family, my team, and the people who believed in what we were building has been everything. It taught me to lead with gratitude, to keep my word, and to always stay rooted in why I started in the first place.
Most of all, I’ve learned to be patient with the process. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes the slowest seasons end up teaching you the most. Keep showing up, keep serving others, and eventually you’ll look back and realize just how far you’ve come.
Pricing:
- Mavericks Grill and Saloon: pricing varies we do offer lunch specials at $10.99 that includes a tea
- Branded Maverick Co: lots of choices but our Richardson hats start at $8,99 blank and $16.99 with embroidery
- Branded Maverick Photography: no set price. Would love the opportunity to make money however traveling the world and making small business and individuals smile is priceless
Contact Info:
- Instagram:
- Maverick Grill and Saloon: https://www.instagram.com/maverickgrillandsaloon
- Branded Maverick Co: https://www.instagram.com/brandedmaverickco/profilecard/
- Branded Maverick Photography: https://www.instagram.com/brandedmaverickphotography
- Facebook:
- Maverick Grill and Saloon: https://www.facebook.com/share/12Jzi1pVVQ9/
- Branded Maverick Co: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BW3x72iQj/
- Branded Maverick Photography: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DTbLUKWW4/
- Yelp: Maverick Grill and Saloon: https://yelp.to/X1tqbfBamH
- Other: Branded Maverick photography portfolio: https://johntgoodwin.myportfolio.com/work
