"Lead Bob" Bobby Holland, Navy SEAL and entrepreneur, discusses his exemplary leadership in the military and the challenges faced in SEAL training. The conversation also covers childhood sports, Aikido training, vehicle maintenance in the military, and the importance of breacher training. They reflect on the emotional journey and micro decisions in their lives, as well as the bond formed through golf and their experiences as fathers. The chapter ends with a discussion on creating a business and the untapped market of non-stereotypical golfers.
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Quick takeaways
Preparation and mental fortitude are key to getting through Navy SEAL training.
Setbacks and challenges can be overcome with determination and focusing on strengths.
Intense physical and mental challenges lead to personal growth and determination in BUD/S.
The platoon excels in their role as breachers during combat missions in Iraq.
Adaptability and problem-solving skills are crucial in high-tempo deployments.
Caddy School for Soldiers provides employment opportunities and emotional support for veterans in the golf industry.
Deep dives
Preparation and determination for joining the Navy SEALs
The speaker recounts his journey of preparing to join the Navy SEALs, starting with his interest sparked by movies like Navy SEALs and Under Siege. He shares how he trained intensely for months, running, swimming, and doing aikido. He signs the SEAL contract and goes through boot camp and training in Virginia. He shares his experiences in first phase and how he excelled in most tasks but struggled in swimming. He finishes Hell Week and moves on to second phase.
Overcoming setbacks and continuing the journey
The speaker faces setbacks during his training, including a knee injury and a perforated eardrum, which causes him to get rolled back into a later class. Despite these challenges, he remains determined and continues his training, focusing on his strengths and pushing through. He completes first phase successfully and reflects on how preparation and mental fortitude are key to getting through the grueling training.
Highlights from BUD/S experience
The speaker shares some memorable moments from his time in BUD/S, including being in the 'smurf' boat crew during Hell Week and falling asleep hiding underneath his bed to get more sleep. He also recounts a training drill where he and his swim buddy got too comfortable and fell asleep, getting caught by the instructor staff. Overall, the speaker's BUD/S experience is characterized by intense physical and mental challenges, setbacks, but also personal growth and determination.
Deployment and Training
The platoon, consisting of the narrator, Chris, and Jeremy, returns from their previous deployment and quickly begins training and preparing for their next deployment. They undergo various schools, including breacher training, and feel more confident and competent as team members.
Intense Combat Missions
The platoon is deployed to Iraq and immediately engages in numerous direct action missions. They excel in their role as breachers, participating in roll-up assaults and conducting successful missions with immediate results. They navigate the challenges of combat, while maintaining a high level of performance.
Bonds, Lessons, and Triumphs
Throughout their deployment, the platoon solidifies their bond and overcomes personal challenges. They learn valuable lessons, such as the dangers of complacency in breaching operations. Despite the tough experiences, they come out stronger and more skilled as a result of their intense training and combat encounters.
Op Tempo and Adaptability
The deployment to Ramadi was characterized by a high operational tempo and the need for adaptability. The team had to quickly adjust to the challenging environment and constantly figure out new ways to operate. They took on missions that they had not trained for, such as urban sniper overwatch positions. The team showed resilience and problem-solving skills, making the most of the resources and skills they had to accomplish their objectives.
Bonding and Leadership
During the deployment, the team went through intense experiences together, leading to strong bonds and a shared sense of purpose. The leadership, particularly Tony, was praised for their ability to build relationships and inspire trust, even under challenging circumstances. They created a culture of accountability, where every team member worked to be dependable and reliable.
Injuries and Sacrifices
The deployment to Ramadi was not without its difficulties and sacrifices. The team faced injury and loss, with some members getting wounded and one team member, Mark, ultimately losing his life. The email correspondence highlights the challenges they faced, ranging from injuries and medical procedures to the emotional toll of being away from loved ones and witnessing the impact of combat. Despite the hardships, the team remained committed to their mission and to supporting one another.
Launching a New Venture in Golf Apparel
After retiring from the Navy, the speaker decided to pursue a new venture in golf apparel. He enrolled in an entrepreneurship program and developed the concept for Hooly Golf, a brand inspired by Navy SEALs and designed for a non-traditional golf audience. The speaker assembled a team and conducted extensive research, ultimately expanding the concept to include golf apparel. The journey allowed him to explore his priorities, discover his passion for designing and building things, and embrace the challenge of being an entrepreneur.
Finding Purpose in Golf and Entrepreneurship
Through self-exploration facilitated by the Honor Foundation, the speaker gained clarity on his priorities and goals. He realized that he enjoyed designing and building things, and felt compelled to pursue entrepreneurship. The speaker's journey led him to create Hooly Golf, clothing and accessories inspired by Navy SEALs and tailored for a unique segment of golfers. By aligning his passion for golf and his entrepreneurial spirit, the speaker found purpose and fulfillment in his post-Navy career.
Challenges and Rewards of Building a Brand
The speaker faced uncertainties and challenges in launching Hooly Golf, such as limited industry knowledge and the impact of COVID-19. However, his perseverance and commitment allowed him to overcome obstacles. By targeting a specific niche within the golf market, namely non-traditional golfers who align with the Hooly brand's values, the speaker found an enthusiastic and loyal audience. The combination of his personal passion, team collaboration, and an understanding of the target market propelled the growth of Hooly Golf and solidified its potential for success.
Caddy School for Soldiers: Empowering Veterans through Golf
Caddy School for Soldiers is a program that flies a group of veterans to Scotland for a month-long period. The program aims to provide veterans with a supportive and empowering environment to share their experiences, connect with golf, and find employment opportunities as caddies. Through this program, many veterans have successfully transitioned into caddy roles, either working their way up or finding employment in resort towns. The program offers a unique and beneficial experience for veterans to connect with each other, the sport of golf, and potential career paths.
The Impact of Golf and Service at Caddy School
Caddy School for Soldiers not only aims to provide employment opportunities for veterans but also emphasizes the importance of emotional support and strategy on the golf course. The program offers training on golf fundamentals, tactical knowledge, and managing emotions and ego. Caddies play a crucial role in helping golfers have their best day by providing assistance in decision-making and tactical aspects. Through this program, veterans have gained valuable skills in golf, strategy, and leadership that can potentially be applied in various aspects of their lives. Overall, Caddy School for Soldiers offers a unique blend of support, skill-building, and job opportunities for veterans.
