Our People

---

James Powers is a veteran advocate and business leader who brings a deep commitment to service and quality to the snack industry. With 11 years of experience in the US Army and Ohio Army National Guard, James served in various roles, including Small Arms Infantryman and UH-60 Helicopter Repairer, before being medically retired in 2016 due to service-related injuries.

After facing the challenges of transitioning from military service, including a near encounter with veteran suicide in 2014, James turned his focus to advocating for the rights and well-being of veterans. He has testified before the US Senate and Ohio House on crucial issues like veteran suicide, toxic exposure, and VA healthcare, contributing to significant legislative changes that have improved the lives of veterans across the country.

In 2020, James played a key role in advising Veterans for Responsible Leadership, helping them execute successful social media campaigns that reached millions. His efforts also included advocating for the PACT Act of 2022, a landmark piece of veterans' legislation that addressed comprehensive toxic exposure and other critical issues affecting veterans.

Today, as a co-founder of Snacks Ready to Eat (SRE), a veteran-owned and operated company, James applies his leadership and commitment to quality in every aspect of the business. SRE focuses on providing convenient, healthy snacks for people on the go, reflecting James's dedication to excellence and his desire to support the veteran community. Through SRE, James continues to make a positive impact, combining his passion for service with a mission to deliver top-notch products to customers..

Matt Zeller is a co-founder of Snacks Ready to Eat (SRE), bringing a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in the military and his work as a veteran advocate. A US Army veteran and former CIA officer, Matt’s service includes a deployment to Afghanistan, where he served as an embedded combat adviser with Afghan security forces. His firsthand experiences in the field have fueled his lifelong commitment to supporting those who have served.

Matt is also a passionate advocate for veterans and Afghan allies, co-founding No One Left Behind, an organization dedicated to ensuring that America honors its promises to its allies. His advocacy extends to numerous initiatives that have made significant impacts on the veteran community.

At SRE, Matt channels his leadership and dedication to service into providing healthy, on-the-go snacks that meet the needs of today’s active consumers. His vision for SRE is rooted in a commitment to quality and a mission to create opportunities for veterans within the business community.

Matt holds a BA in Government from Hamilton College and both an MPA and MA-IR from The Maxwell School at Syracuse University. His diverse background and passion for making a difference are at the core of SRE’s mission.