Episode 392 - Nick Bare: Army, Fitness, Nutrition, Entrepreneur

Cleared Hot Host: Andy Stumpf
Guest: Nick Bare
Release Date: June 23, 2025

In Episode 392 of Cleared Hot, host Andy Stumpf engages in an in-depth conversation with Nick Bare, a multifaceted individual whose journey spans military service, entrepreneurship, fitness, and nutrition. This episode delves into Nick's transformative experiences, the challenges he faced, and the insights he garnered along the way.

1. Launching "Cleared Hot" and Initial Ventures

Andy begins by discussing the launch strategy for his campaign, specifically focusing on a digital-first approach via Amazon.

• Nick emphasizes the importance of digital platforms, stating, "If you look at the people who've done very well with beverage, they've partnered with the distributor, give them 10% of the business and then blow it up." ([00:40])

2. Vision for Brand Awareness Outside Retail

The conversation shifts to the challenges of educating consumers in traditional retail settings like gas stations.

• Nick suggests, "You can build brand awareness outside of retail," highlighting alternative marketing strategies that don't rely solely on in-store promotions. ([01:33])

3. Financial Success and Business Growth

Andy shares insights into the financial benchmarks within the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) market, citing examples like Prime and CC Ford.

• Nick reflects on high evaluations in the industry: "I sold 30% of the business for 800 million. That is not a bad evaluation." ([02:25])

4. Personal Dreams and Lifestyle Choices

The duo discusses personal aspirations beyond business, touching upon dream properties and vehicles.

• Andy shares his dream of owning a pristine 100-acre property with existing trails and wildlife, emphasizing minimalistic yet functional living spaces. ([03:13])
• Nick reveals his passion for classic trucks, specifically a "1974 F250 crew cab, Highboy," showcasing his appreciation for vintage machinery. ([04:35])

5. Family Life and Parenting Challenges

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the joys and trials of parenting.

• Andy talks about managing a clean truck amidst the chaos brought by young children, humorously describing his method of disposing of garage clutter. ([09:25])
• Nick shares heartfelt anecdotes about his children, reflecting on the rapid growth and evolving relationships: "When you start having existential conversations about life and desires, and they're asking you deep questions about what you believe and why. It’s wild." ([14:09])

6. Entrepreneurial Journey and Business Lessons

Nick delves into the inception of his entrepreneurial ventures, particularly focusing on Bear Performance Nutrition (BPN).

• Nick recounts his early days mixing pre-workout supplements in college, highlighting the challenges of scaling the business while fulfilling military obligations.
• He emphasizes the critical lesson of having a clearly defined and communicated vision, inspired by Jim Collins' Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0: "Core values, purpose, and goals must be clearly defined and communicated to ensure alignment across all departments." ([116:34])

7. Military Influence on Leadership and Business

The impact of military training on Nick's leadership style and business operations is a recurring theme.

• Nick contrasts military leadership with civilian business environments, noting the importance of culture and camaraderie over financial incentives: "In the military, it doesn’t matter if you work 20, 30, 40 extra hours a week… There's no additional financial incentive." ([48:14])

8. Endurance and Fitness Achievements

Nick shares his passion for running and endurance sports, detailing his progression from marathons to Ironman triathlons.

• He speaks about the mental and physical discipline required to achieve personal records, emphasizing consistency: "It's better to be consistently good than occasionally great." ([79:59])
• Discussing his nutrition strategy for endurance events, Nick highlights his focus on optimal carbohydrate and electrolyte intake to prevent gut issues: "Our G1M Sport product, with cluster dextrin, digests quickly and prevents the gut rot common in endurance athletes." ([153:25])

9. Future Goals and Legacy

As the conversation wraps up, both Andy and Nick reflect on their future aspirations and the legacy they wish to leave behind.

• Nick outlines his goal to make BPN the most respected endurance consumer brand globally, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling and community building.
• He also touches upon the balance between personal ambitions and family responsibilities, aiming to maintain intentionality in his choices to support both his business and family life.
  • "Every day we’re faced with many decisions… particular decisions can shift the trajectory of our entire life." ([131:57])

Conclusion

Episode 392 offers a comprehensive look into Nick Bare's life, illustrating how his military background has seamlessly integrated with his entrepreneurial spirit. The discussion underscores the significance of vision, consistency, and intentional living in achieving both personal and professional success. Listeners gain valuable insights into building a brand, balancing family life, and pursuing endurance challenges with unwavering dedication.

Notable Quotes:

• Nick Bare at [02:25]: "Thirty percent of the business for 800 million. That is not a bad evaluation."
• Nick Bare at [14:09]: "When you start having existential conversations about life and desires, and they're asking you deep questions about what you believe and why. It’s wild."
• Nick Bare at [79:59]: "It's better to be consistently good than occasionally great."
• Nick Bare at [116:34]: "Core values, purpose, and goals must be clearly defined and communicated to ensure alignment across all departments."
• Nick Bare at [153:25]: "Our G1M Sport product, with cluster dextrin, digests quickly and prevents the gut rot common in endurance athletes."

Resources Mentioned:

• Jim Collins' Book: Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0
• Nick Bare's Business: bearperformance.com
• Nick Bare's YouTube Channel: Search "Nick Bare"

Connect with Nick Bare:

• Website: bearperformance.com
• YouTube: Nick Bare
• Book: Go One More – Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target

This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic vision, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a fitness enthusiast, or someone navigating the complexities of balancing personal and professional life, Nick Bare's story offers inspiration and actionable insights.