Episode 415 - Bear Handlon - A Navy SEAL on a mission to erase 25 Million in Medical Debt

Bear served 7 years as a Naval officer in the Special Operations community as a Navy SEAL. He founded Born Primitive in his garage in 2014, the same year he earned his commission. Bear balanced being active duty while building what would become a global brand with zero outside funding.

Prior to his service, Bear played Division I football at Yale University and also competed at the CrossFit Games. Bear became hell bent on creating Born Primitive Tactical after seeing the shortfalls in the gear he was being issued as an operator, while also seeing many apparel brands in this industry that did not actually support those who serve.

Born Primitive

Today's Sponsors:

Black Rifle Coffee:

LMNT:

[00:00:00] Construction war stories and design challenges

[00:08:49] From DTC to retail storefronts

[00:22:01] Building tactical and outdoor gear

[00:26:59] Big goals, HQ build, and origin story

[00:35:01] CrossFit rise, training, and early competitions

[00:44:01] BUD/S realities, training design, first-day attrition

[00:55:26] Mindset, selection outcomes, and combat validation

[01:10:04] Leaving the Teams and title use post-service

[01:24:03] Biggest business mistake: inventory and taxes

[01:34:14] Made in USA realities and supply chains

[01:55:10] Policy and politics: shutdowns, insider trading, cities

[02:00:01] Veterans Day initiative: paying veteran medical debt

[02:08:21] Scaling impact and VA improvements

[02:24:02] Store performance, footwear roadmap, contracts, and closing