In reality, the origin of Haley Strategic began with Marine Corps Expeditionary deployments. Typically, deployments span six months and require many listless days out at sea with only so many things for a Marine to do for entertainment. Days spent sailing often meant working out, grabbing chow, playing games and getting sleep. Never one for idle time, Travis discovered the hidden opportunities while biding his time at sea. He would barter with the machine shop to learn how to run mills, lathes, and welders, gaining an appreciation for product development in the hard goods space while creating custom solutions for his team's weapons and vehicles. He could also be found sneaking into the paraloft trying to figure out the sewing machines to fix the team's kit and design around the substandard equipment they were issued. One day, while lurking in the paraloft, Travis broke a machine. Instead of getting kicked out after the incident the parachute rigger said, “If you're gonna break our stuff we might as well teach you how to use it.” The rest was history.