President and Founder, Epic Canning and Bottling Inc.

Chairman, SBCC Board of Directors, Founder

Brigadier General (retired), United States Air Force

Gerald V. Goodfellow is the founder and owner of Epic Canning & Bottling, bringing decades of executive leadership, operational excellence, and strategic vision to the industry. A highly accomplished entrepreneur, military veteran, and business leader, Gerald has built a distinguished career centered on innovation, performance, and helping organizations achieve growth in highly competitive industries.

Before founding Epic Canning & Bottling, Gerald founded the Small Business Consulting Corporation (SBCC). As Chief Executive Officer, he developed strategic partnerships with the U.S. Air Force to identify and connect cutting-edge companies with critical national defense missions. Under his leadership, SBCC became a hub where entrepreneurs, startups, industry leaders, and investors collaborated to accelerate technology, manufacturing, and business development opportunities.

Gerald also served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Tech Research Institute and Director of Technology Innovation at Louisiana Tech University, where he worked to bridge research, commercialization, and economic development initiatives.

A decorated 30-year United States Air Force veteran, Gerald retired after serving in senior leadership roles, including Director of Strategic Plans, Programs, and Requirements at Air Force Global Strike Command. In that role, he was responsible for planning and resourcing key national defense assets, including the Minuteman III missile force, B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, Nuclear Command and Control systems, and other strategic capabilities vital to national security.

Gerald’s military career includes extraordinary achievements. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in combat, the General Ira C. Eaker Award for Outstanding Military Airmanship, and the prestigious Mackay Trophy for the Most Meritorious Aerial Flight of the Year. He also holds the world record for the fastest non-stop flight around the world in a B-1 Bomber.

He has earned three master’s degrees, including studies in Strategic Leadership, Military Operational Art and Science, and Aeronautical Science, along with advanced executive education from some of the nation’s most respected institutions.

Today, Gerald applies his leadership experience, disciplined execution, and commitment to excellence at Epic Canning & Bottling, where he continues to drive innovation.

Kevin P. Kippie

Chief Executive Officer, Epic Canning and Bottling, Inc.
Colonel, United States Air Force (Ret.);

Former Vice Commander, 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base

Kevin P. Kippie serves as Chief Executive Officer of Epic Canning and Bottling, Inc., where he leads the company’s strategic growth, operational excellence, and commitment to innovation within the beverage manufacturing industry. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Colonel Kippie brings more than two decades of leadership experience managing complex, high-stakes operations, building high-performing teams, and delivering mission-critical results on a global scale.

During his distinguished military career, Kippie served as Vice Commander of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, where he helped lead one of the Air Force’s premier B-1 wings, responsible for combat-ready aircraft, aircrew, and global strike operations. His background spans operational command, nuclear deterrence, global strike planning, and advanced weapons and tactics, including key leadership roles at Barksdale Air Force Base, Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, and the Pentagon. He is a Master Navigator with more than 3,200 flight hours, including extensive combat experience.

At Epic Canning and Bottling, Kippie applies that same disciplined leadership and mission-focused execution to the private sector. Under his leadership, the company continues to expand its capabilities as a premier co-packing partner, delivering high-quality, compliant, and scalable beverage solutions to clients across the country. He is known for fostering a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement while positioning Epic at the forefront of innovation in emerging beverage categories, including hemp-derived products.

Kippie’s leadership philosophy centers on building strong teams, embracing calculated risk, and driving forward-thinking solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. His ability to translate military-grade operational excellence into commercial success has made him a cornerstone of Epic’s growth and a trusted partner to its clients.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and advanced degrees in Aerospace Technology and Strategic Studies, along with extensive professional military education, including the Air War College.

As a veteran-owned and operated organization, Epic Canning and Bottling reflects Kippie’s enduring commitment to service, leadership, and excellence.