The Mission to Pay Off $25 Million in Veterans’ Medical Bills

Jason and MDV sit down with Bear Handlon, CEO and co-founder of Born Primitive, to talk about purpose, business, and giving back in a big way. Through Operation Debt of Gratitude, Born Primitive has a goal to pay off $25 million in medical bills for U.S. veterans. Bear shares how the idea came to life, the emotional story behind hand-delivering a check, and what drives him to keep serving the veteran community. They also unpack lessons in leadership and entrepreneurship — from being business partners with your ex-wife to staying mission-focused when critics question your intent. Timestamps: 0:00 Jason got in trouble with Born Primitive 1:10 It all started with some compression shorts 4:45 Being business partners with your ex-wife 7:30 “I would never go into apparel if I could do it again” 11:00 Staying mission-focused (even when people don’t believe it will work) 15:05 Staying true to your mission is not being controversial 17:30 What is Born Primitive doing for Veteran’s Day? Operation Debt of Gratitude — paying off $25 million of medical bills for veterans 21:43 The powerful story of hand-delivering the check 23:40 How do people get into this situation in the first place? (The phone call that made Bear go all in) 27:18 This shouldn’t be happening at a policy level 29:25 Bear is a dangerous man (a man on a mission) 33:10 Building a brand to fit your lifestyle 36:45 Designing an all-purpose training shoe 41:03 Why the BJJ gi needs to be reimagined 42:15 What does Bear’s training look like right now? (done with heavy weights) 45:10 Gas station ready 47:40 Acknowledging risk and picking a course of action 50:00 We’re stronger together!!! SUPPORT HERE: Born Primitive Black Rifle Coffee 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. #JKP Thanks for tuning in to the Jason Khalipa Podcast! 🎥  Follow us on Instagram: ⁠JK Podcast⁠ ⁠Jason⁠ ⁠MDV⁠ 30 days FREE on the TRAIN HARD App ⁠Find your program⁠ ⁠Subscribe to our newsletter⁠