A Day in the Life of the Co-Founder & Chief Advocate of Focus on Your Abilities (FOYA)

Hook & Barrel Magazine's A Day in the Life series showcases the wide variety of career paths available in the outdoor community. From charter fishing boat captains to digital marketing experts to wildlife photographers and everything in between, Hook & Barrel wants to shed light on the many ways a person can turn their outdoor passions into a profession.

For this edition, we interviewed Morris Earnest Jr., Co-Founder & Chief Advocate of Focus on Your Abilities (FOYA).

HB: To start, can you give us some background on what you do in the outdoor/shooting industry and how long you've been doing it?

ME: At FOYA, which stands for Focus on Your Abilities, we focus on empowering veterans by connecting them to the outdoors through guided hunting trips, fishing outings, and other outdoor adventures. I founded FOYA to provide a supportive community where veterans can heal, bond, and rediscover their strengths. My passion for the outdoors started when I was a young man growing up in a small cow town in Florida in the 80s/90s and was further fueled when I joined the Marine Corps in 2000. I spent nearly 21 years in the Marine Corps and learned the value of camaraderie and precision—both of which naturally carry over into the outdoor and shooting industry. While FOYA is a newer organization, my personal connection to outdoor traditions spans decades. Throughout my many “moves” while in the military I could always count on finding a friend and a mentor familiar with hunting and fishing tactics for the species that were the most popular for the area I was stationed. Hunting and fishing in Okinawa, South Carolina, Virginia, California, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Hawaii.??

H&B: What does a regular workday look like for you?

ME: Every day is different, but it usually involves a mix of planning upcoming trips for veterans, connecting with potential sponsors or partners, and sharing the FOYA mission. A lot of time goes into logistics—coordinating locations, gathering gear, and making sure each trip is tailored to the needs of our participants. There’s also a creative side, where I develop content to share our experiences and advocate for conservation and community building. My favorite part, though, is being out in the field with the veterans, ensuring they have a meaningful and memorable experience.

H&B: What would you say is the most challenging aspect of your job?

ME: The biggest challenge is balancing funding with the demand. There are so many veterans who could benefit from FOYA’s programs, but resources are often limited. It’s also a challenge to raise awareness about how outdoor activities can be life-changing for veterans. Translating the depth of these experiences into something donors, partners, and the community can connect with is an ongoing effort.

H&B: What would you say are some “tricks of the trade”?

ME: One of the most important things is building relationships—whether it’s with veterans, landowners, or sponsors. Being transparent, showing appreciation, and maintaining those connections are key. Another is adaptability: every trip is different, and being prepared for unexpected weather, equipment issues, or personal needs ensures a seamless experience. Finally, leveraging storytelling is essential. Sharing the real-life impact of FOYA’s work—how a hunting trip or fishing outing can provide hope and healing—helps others understand the importance of what we do.

H&B: Being that we’re an outdoor lifestyle publication, we have to ask—what do you like doing in the outdoors?

ME: Duck hunting and upland bird hunting is my personal favorite. It’s not just about the hunt itself but the whole experience—being out in nature, feeling the camaraderie with friends or family, and embracing the challenges that come with it. I also enjoy exploring new hunting locations, which gives me a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts and the landscapes we enjoy. I also enjoy beekeeping and working in my garden and introducing veterans to these hobbies as well.

H&B: Why do you like working within the outdoor community?

ME: The outdoor community is built on shared respect—for nature, traditions, and each other. It’s a space where people come together over a common passion, regardless of their backgrounds. For me, working within this community also means creating a bridge for veterans to reconnect with civilian life. The camaraderie, sense of purpose, and teamwork found in the outdoor world are things veterans often miss after leaving the military, and FOYA helps bring that back for them.

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Be on the lookout for more interviews with various professionals within the outdoor community!

Are you an outdoor industry professional that's interested in being interviewed? Send an email to [email protected] and we'll be in touch!