Born Primitive: The Story of a Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur

Bear Handlon of Born Primitive

Introduction

In episode #172 of the Soul Summit Podcast, host Heidi Stout dives into an inspiring conversation with Bear Handlon, co-founder and CEO of Born Primitive. Bear’s journey from Navy SEAL to leading a purpose-driven apparel brand is a testament to service, leadership, and creating lasting impact. Yet, his entrepreneurial spirit was ignited long before his days in the military or as a CEO—it all started with a lawn mower and a young boy’s determination to create something of his own.

From Lawn Mowing to Leadership

Bear’s entrepreneurial journey began early, mowing lawns as a young boy. This small business taught him the value of hard work, managing clients, and financial independence—lessons that laid the foundation for balancing ambition with responsibility later in life.

Even while pursuing a rigorous military career, Bear’s entrepreneurial drive remained strong. Balancing the dual challenges of serving his country and running a startup might seem overwhelming, but Bear approached it with a simple philosophy: “If you believe in something, you go for it.” This mindset not only fueled his success but also shaped his approach to leadership, life, and business.

Transitioning from Service to Civility

After his military career, Bear’s transition to civilian life was smoother than most, thanks to his full-time role at Born Primitive. However, he recognizes that this isn’t the norm for many veterans. Bear emphasizes the importance of preparation for life after service, encouraging veterans to invest in education, leverage programs like SkillBridge, and pursue careers that offer both purpose and balance.

As he wisely shares, “Money won’t always make you happy. Choose something that fits your lifestyle and allows you to be present with your family.”

Born Primitive: A Business with Heart

For Bear, Born Primitive is more than just an apparel company—it’s a mission-driven brand committed to giving back. Over the years, the company has become a platform for supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. From raising millions to pay off veteran medical debt to honoring fallen firefighters, Born Primitive’s initiatives exemplify a deep commitment to service and community.

Beyond apparel, the brand seeks to empower individuals and foster unity in a divided world. Whether through innovative products or efforts to support those who serve, Bear and his team are dedicated to making a meaningful impact.

Standing Up for Values in a Divided World

Bear’s leadership extends beyond his business endeavors. He uses his platform to advocate for values he holds dear, from defending the Gadsden flag’s significance to encouraging productive conversations around divisive issues. For Bear, courage is contagious, and he believes in inspiring others to stand up for their beliefs with respect and purpose.

Conclusion

Closing the podcast, Bear offered a message of hope: “The American spirit hasn’t died. If there’s a problem, we’ll find a way to right the ship. We just need to be unified.”

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