WILLIAM JERNIGAN - US NAVY

William Jernigan, a dedicated veteran and entrepreneur, recently shared his life story and career journey in a detailed interview. Born and raised in Palm Harbor, Florida, Jernigan’s path took a significant turn when he joined the U.S. Navy straight out of high school. Despite his initial aspirations to become a pilot, his eyesight prevented him from pursuing this dream. Instead, his high scores in electronics led him to a career as an Electronics Technician (ET) in the Navy, where he specialized in radar systems.

Jernigan’s military career began in 2005, with training stints in Chicago and Pensacola before he was assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman. There, he worked on the AN/SPN-46 radar system, an Automated Carrier Landing System (ACLS) crucial for guiding aircraft onto carriers. This role not only honed his technical skills but also instilled a strong sense of discipline and perseverance. His six-year tenure included two Mediterranean deployments and numerous port calls in Dubai, witnessing the city’s rapid transformation.

After leaving the Navy, Jernigan transitioned to the civilian sector, initially working in the oil industry in Northwestern Pennsylvania. However, the birth of his first child prompted a return to Florida, where he joined Honeywell Aerospace.

Though he found the job stagnant, it provided stability for his growing family. A subsequent layoff turned into an unexpected opportunity when he immediately secured a new position, eventually becoming a self-taught engineer, or “poof engineer,” at Leonardo DRS.

Despite professional success, Jernigan’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to a new venture: Battle Brine Gourmet Pickling. The idea emerged from a personal challenge when his wife, on a health kick, banned his favorite store-bought pickles.

Jernigan began experimenting with homemade pickles, focusing on creating the crispiest, cleanest pickles without preservatives or dyes. His pickles quickly gained popularity among friends and community members, encouraging him to start selling them at local markets.

Battle Brine offers a variety of products, including dill, spicy, and ghost pepper pickles, as well as pickled asparagus, green beans, carrots, and experimental flavors like pickled watermelon rind. The venture has grown rapidly, leading to space constraints and a need for expansion.

Despite these challenges, Jernigan remains committed to maintaining the quality of his pickles, which are never heated to preserve their crispness.

Jernigan’s journey from a Navy technician to a pickle entrepreneur underscores the value of resilience and adaptability. His military background, marked by a relentless drive to succeed and a strong support network, has been instrumental in his entrepreneurial success.

He credits his military experience for teaching him to persist through challenges and always move towards the light, no matter how dim it may seem.

Today, Jernigan balances his night shift job at Honeywell with running Battle Brine, supported by his wife and five children. His ultimate goal is to grow Battle Brine into a significant presence in the organic food market and eventually transition to running the business full-time. Reflecting on his journey, Jernigan expresses gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped his life, from serving his country to creating a product that brings joy to others.

His story is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and community support in achieving personal and professional fulfillment.