Bryant Livingston has 20 years of federal service and received an honorable discharge from the United States military. In 2016, he joined the Salem VA Medical Center in Roanoke, Virginia, as a purchase agent. In this position, Bryant Livingston is tasked with ordering a variety of medical supplies and related equipment on behalf of veteran affairs (VA) hospitals throughout the region. He is also responsible for managing and tracking all medical orders and ensuring the timely delivery of correct orders.
A business graduate of Virginia Western, Mr. Livingston’s interest in VA affairs extends beyond his work as a purchase agent, as he also spends his time contributing to a number of organizations that support disabled veterans. When he is not working as a purchase agent or volunteer, he enjoys leading an active lifestyle. A few of his personal interests include playing tennis and basketball. He is also a fan of football, having played 5 years of semi-professional football in Darmstadt, Germany, and northern Virginia.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day is I do exercise by walking, lifting weights, and doing pushups. I work Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. Human Resources Recruitment and Placement for the Veteran Affairs – I post jobs and bring on new counselors to the Veterans Centers.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I am a career coach. I bring ideas to life by being social, talking to friends and family, using social media, and I also utilize my past business experiences and personal experiences.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Reading over my work and proof-reading emails before sending has been productive. Helps with grammatical errors.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take advantage of military education and take more college courses.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that there are spirits that exist on Earth, and they are with us in our daily activities.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Have friends and coworkers proofread written work before turning it in – this helps to lower the chances of errors.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a walk and a deep breath. Using breathing exercises will help you through stress and feeling overwhelmed.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy I use is I network with friends and family. I let them know about my product, and I use them to help promote my business, and I also get them to try out the products.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure in my career is that I didn’t get a chance to take advantage of taking more college courses using my Military Education Funding. I overcame it by learning on the job and self-studying from other mentors. The lesson I learned is when an opportunity arises, do everything within my power to take advantage and make myself available.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
The software I use is Big Cartel. It is a site I can post my product, and I can send the links to Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat so others can view my product.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite podcast is Shannon Sharpe’s ESPN podcast. He has athletes on there that had played professionally and have given their highs and lows in their life. I have learned that saving your money while you’re doing good is very important. Use smart investments, as well, which you will value as you get older.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
RoomMates on Tubi is very good. It kept me wanting to know what is going to happen next.