Secrets to Scaling Big: Inside Born Primitive

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the incredible growth story of Born Primitive, the ecommerce brand that has redefined what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. Founder Bear Handlon shares how the company went from selling a single product out of a garage to becoming a multimillion-dollar powerhouse in apparel, fitness, and tactical gear.

We break down the secrets to scaling big, including:

• Creating Unforgettable Products: How solving specific customer problems and staying close to the community led to innovative designs like the Savage One footwear and tactical apparel.

• Building a Brand with Purpose: The importance of authentic storytelling and living out values that resonate deeply with customers, from supporting veterans to launching campaigns with cultural impact.

• Executing Bold Campaigns: A behind-the-scenes look at some of Born Primitive’s most iconic campaigns, such as the Operation Overlord 80th Anniversary Savage One launch, and how it blended storytelling, product design, and charitable giving for massive success.

• Leveraging New Categories for Growth: How expanding into tactical and outdoor gear unlocked new customer cohorts and revitalized growth in saturated markets.

• The Power of a Strong Team: Insights into how Bear empowered his team to execute his bold ideas while he focused on leading with vision and strategy.

Discover why Born Primitive’s approach to combining purpose-driven branding, unique storytelling, and relentless innovation has set them apart from competitors—and how these strategies can inspire your own ecommerce journey.

This is a masterclass in scaling for founders, marketers, and anyone passionate about building impactful, long-lasting brands.

Show Notes:

• Check out Motion’s Creative Trends 2025: motionapp.com/creative-trends
• The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm