Veterans Deserve Better from the VA (with Born Primitive's CEO Bear Handlon)
Nov 6, 2024
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Bear Handlon, a former Navy SEAL and CEO of Born Primitive, discusses groundbreaking initiatives aimed at supporting veterans. He reveals the company’s $2.5 million pledge to eliminate medical debt for veterans, aiming to reach $5 million by Veterans Day. The conversation addresses systemic failures of the VA and stresses the importance of targeted support over general assistance. Handlon shares his personal journey from military life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges faced in balancing service with business growth.
Born Primitive's commitment to veterans is exemplified by their $2.5 million pledge to eliminate medical debt for veterans nationwide.
The podcast highlights the systemic issues within the VA, particularly the long wait times affecting veterans' mental health care access.
Bear Handlon's entrepreneurial journey emphasizes the importance of resilience and staying true to brand values amidst public scrutiny and challenges.
Deep dives
Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
Hurricane Helene has caused widespread destruction in Western North Carolina, displacing many residents and destroying homes. The Sentinel Foundation has mobilized to address the crisis, providing essential supplies to isolated communities. They have successfully delivered over 60 Starlink systems to various local emergency services, enabling better communication and coordination. Thus far, Sentinel has processed an estimated 7 million pounds of donated materials, distributing around 4 million pounds to those in need while also monitoring child trafficking reports in the affected areas.
Born Primitive and Medical Debt Relief
Born Primitive, co-founded by a former Navy SEAL, has embarked on a mission to alleviate medical debt for veterans across the country. The company has pledged $2.5 million, aiming to reach a total of $5 million by Veterans Day through all website sales proceeds. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support those who have served, highlighting the financial struggles many veterans face with overwhelming medical debt. The campaign represents a significant commitment to positively impact the lives of veterans, particularly in their financially challenging moments.
A Journey from Military to Entrepreneurship
The co-founder of Born Primitive started the apparel brand shortly before entering military training, despite it being an unconventional decision. Balancing military demands with running a side business was challenging yet ultimately rewarding, as he navigated both realms simultaneously. He faced moments of doubt, particularly when negotiating the complexities of military life and business ownership. His experiences showcase the importance of persistence and adaptability for achieving success in entrepreneurship while serving in the military.
Addressing Veteran Mental Health
Mental health care for veterans faces significant challenges, primarily due to delays in accessing services within the VA system. Many veterans experience lengthy wait times for appointments, often leading to worsening mental health issues. There is a call for more innovative approaches, including exploring alternative treatments like psychedelics, to address underlying problems more effectively. Emphasizing the need for systemic change, the discussion centers around reducing bureaucracy and promoting a healthier support structure for veterans to alleviate mental health crises.
Defending Brand Values Amid Controversy
During the fallout from the BLM protests, Born Primitive faced intense scrutiny for its support of law enforcement and first responders. The co-founder grappled with public backlash but ultimately decided to remain steadfast in their brand values, prioritizing support for police and first responders. This experience reinforced the notion that a brand should choose its customers based on shared values and beliefs rather than succumbing to external pressures. By staying true to its mission, Born Primitive has carved a distinct identity in a competitive landscape, advocating for freedom and patriotism.
Today on Change Agents, Andy sits down with former Navy Seal and co-founder and CEO of the apparel brand, Born Primitive.
They discuss the company's commitment to veterans and their ongoing efforts to improve support for those who have served. With Veterans Day approaching, Bear dives into Born Primitive’s impactful campaign to raise awareness for the challenges veterans face, while also addressing the shortcomings of the VA system.
About the campaign:
Born Primitive has pledged $2.5 million to wipe out medical debt for veterans across the country, with a goal of reaching $5 million by Veterans Day. From November 8th to November 11th, all sales from their website will go directly toward this mission.
To learn more about Born Primitive and the Veteran’s day campaign, you can shop the cause at www.bornprimitive.com
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