Cleared Hot: Episode 381 - Greg Putnam

Released on April 7, 2025

Hosts: Andy Stumpf & Greg Putnam

1. Introduction

In Episode 381 of Cleared Hot, host Andy Stumpf welcomes Greg Putnam, a former Navy SEAL and the current owner of Little Belt Cattle Company in Montana. The episode delves deep into Greg's transformative journey from military service to entrepreneurship, exploring the challenges he faced both in the battlefield and the business world. Their candid conversation offers listeners an insightful look into leadership, resilience, and the interplay between politics and personal ventures.

2. Greg Putnam’s Military Background

Greg Putnam served as a Navy SEAL, primarily in the SDVs (Seal Delivery Vehicles), where he undertook rigorous training and operations. Reflecting on his SEAL experience, Greg shares:

“I'm shocked that I'm still alive on some of the absolutely dumbest I have ever done in my life under the guise of being a special operations.”
— Greg Putnam [32:05]

He discusses the physical and psychological demands of SEAL training, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and the harsh realities that differ significantly from Hollywood portrayals.

3. Challenges in Political Campaigns

Transitioning from military life, Greg became involved in political campaigns alongside his business partner, Tim Sheehy. They faced relentless negative campaigning aimed at undermining their reputation. Greg recounts:

“They launched a systematic attack with tons of funding, like a million dollars a week in negative campaign ads directed at making us look like terrible people.”
— Greg Putnam [08:25]

Andy probes Greg about the emotional toll, to which Greg responds candidly:

“The negative campaigns didn't just attack policies; they went after our families, businesses, nothing was off-limits. It was a scare tactic to deter good people from entering politics.”
— Greg Putnam [10:37]

This relentless negativity not only threatened their business but also served as a deterrent for potential candidates aspiring to bring positive change.

4. Transition to Cattle Ranching

Post-military and amidst political turbulence, Greg shifted focus to agriculture, founding Little Belt Cattle Company. He emphasizes the significance of vertical integration in the cattle industry:

“By keeping all phases of cattle production within our system, we ensure quality from start to finish, similar to how we operated in the military by maintaining control over every aspect.”
— Greg Putnam [85:10]

This approach allowed Greg and Tim to maintain high standards, streamline operations, and build a reliable supply chain that caters directly to consumers and local businesses.

5. Running a Vertically Integrated Cattle Company

Greg details the intricacies of managing a vertically integrated cattle business:

• Genetic Selection & Nutrition: Ensuring cattle possess the genetic traits and nutrition necessary for optimal growth.
• Pasture Management: Implementing rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing and maintain pasture health.
• Market Integration: Partnering with businesses like Black Rifle Coffee to create synergistic marketing strategies.

He shares insights into the operational challenges, such as maintaining consistent supply and managing customer relationships:

“Consistency is key. You can't have a slip in quality because restaurants and consumers rely on us for reliable, high-quality beef.”
— Greg Putnam [117:47]

Greg also highlights the importance of local beef production for food security, asserting that:

“Food security is national security. By producing locally, we bolster America's competitive advantage and ensure a stable food supply.”
— Greg Putnam [124:34]

6. Coping with Negative Campaigns and Business Impact

The negative political campaigns against Greg and Tim had tangible impacts on their business. Customers began distancing themselves to avoid political affiliations, leading to a temporary decline in sales. Greg elaborates:

“We experienced an $8,000 to $10,000 sales decline from businesses that wanted to avoid any association with our political stance. It was frustrating, but we focused on maintaining quality and building new customer relationships.”
— Greg Putnam [138:31]

Despite the setbacks, their commitment to quality and strategic partnerships enabled them to recover and even expand their market presence.

7. The Importance of Local Beef Production

Greg passionately advocates for locally produced beef, emphasizing transparency and traceability:

“Consumers today want to know exactly where their food comes from. By controlling our supply chain, we provide transparency and build trust with our customers.”
— Greg Putnam [117:47]

He contrasts this with the segmented nature of the traditional cattle industry, where cattle are often sold and processed far from their origin, diminishing traceability and consumer connection.

8. Insights on Politics and System Corruption

Greg offers a critical perspective on the political system, suggesting that systemic corruption and negative campaigning stifle genuine candidates:

“The system is so toxic that even good, service-driven individuals find themselves corrupted or overwhelmed by the relentless negativity.”
— Greg Putnam [86:06]

He reflects on the difficulties of maintaining integrity within a system that rewards negativity over positive change, underscoring the need for reform to encourage more authentic leadership.

9. Lessons Learned from Military in Business

Drawing parallels between military service and business operations, Greg underscores the value of discipline, strategic planning, and adaptability:

“Just as in the military, in business, you have to plan meticulously, adapt to changing circumstances, and lead with integrity to build a successful operation.”
— Greg Putnam [125:34]

He emphasizes that the resilience and leadership skills honed during his SEAL tenure have been instrumental in navigating the challenges of the cattle industry.

10. Closing Thoughts

In wrapping up the episode, Greg and Andy reflect on the intertwined nature of Greg's military background and his entrepreneurial spirit. Greg expresses pride in contributing to local food systems and supporting his community through high-quality beef production.

“By focusing on quality and building strong relationships, we’re not just running a business; we’re fostering a sustainable and transparent food system that benefits our community.”
— Greg Putnam [85:10]

Andy commends Greg's dedication and resilience, highlighting the valuable lessons listeners can glean from Greg's journey.

Notable Quotes

• “Don’t go into the military for financial independence.”
  — Andy Stumpf [22:54]

• “Food security is national security.”
  — Greg Putnam [124:34]

• “Consistency is key. You can’t have a slip in quality because restaurants and consumers rely on us for reliable, high-quality beef.”
  — Greg Putnam [117:47]

• “The system is so toxic that even good, service-driven individuals find themselves corrupted or overwhelmed by the relentless negativity.”
  — Greg Putnam [86:06]

Conclusion

Episode 381 of Cleared Hot offers a compelling narrative of Greg Putnam's evolution from a Navy SEAL to a successful cattle rancher. Through his experiences, Greg sheds light on the challenges of combating political negativity, the importance of local agriculture, and the lessons learned from military service that transcend into effective business leadership. Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the resilience required to navigate both the battlegrounds of politics and the rugged terrains of Montana's cattle industry.