DeShawn Johnson

DeShawn Markus Johnson was born in Chicago, IL and grew up there until middle school where he and his family moved to Mississippi. DeShawn joined the Mississippi National Guard as a food service specialist his senior year in high school. Upon graduating basic training and AIT Military training, DeShawn had a desire to serve his county full time. He joined the US Army as a motor transporter and was stationed at Ft. Hood, TX. While stationed there, he attended junior college part-time.

Upon separation from the military due to a military-related disability, DeShawn moved back to Chicago and attended DeVry University while caring for an elderly loved one. DeShawn accepted a job in the auto collision industry as a porter where he advanced very quickly within the industry. Within five years, he earned the promotion of General Manager of an auto collision repair shop. There he began to learn the day-to-day operations of running a business.

An internet search about veterans starting their own business that brought DeShawn to Dog Tag. He became inspired by Dog Tag’s mission and purpose. He hopes to gain more insight and education on starting and running a successful business while broadening his network in an effort to achieve his long term desire of owning his own restaurant and bakery.

DeShawn's favorite baked good is sweet potato pie.