Mike Force Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Navy SEAL to Business Owner at Narwhal
Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Mike Glover
Guest: Richie (former Navy SEAL, founder of Narwhal)
Theme: A deep dive into Richie’s transition from SEAL Team life to launching Narwhal, a company creating innovative carbon fiber truck toppers. The conversation explores Richie's military background, transition challenges, the origins and engineering of Narwhal, and key lessons in entrepreneurship and purpose.

Overview

This episode explores Richie’s journey from spending nearly a decade as a Navy SEAL to founding Narwhal, a company producing carbon fiber truck toppers—introducing cutting-edge technology to the overland market. Mike and Richie delve into SEAL culture, the challenge of leaving the military, entrepreneurial lessons, and the technical innovations that set Narwhal apart.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Navy SEAL Career and Transition to Civilian Life

• Richie spent almost nine years as a SEAL, with a career focused on mountain warfare, reconnaissance (recce), and sniper operations.
• His Navy career ended with a transition through “trade at” (training detachment), a key step that allowed knowledge transfer and career reflection.
• The decision to leave the SEALs was shaped by decreased operational tempo, the prospect of family life, and questions about mission relevance (18:44, 19:06).

Quote:
“I know what the next 10 years is going to look like if I commit to a marriage and stay in the teams. I’ll be gone 300 days a year. That’s just the reality of the job.” – Richie [19:12]

2. Values and Culture of the SEAL Teams

• Richie emphasizes the unparalleled camaraderie, mutual commitment, and relentless self-improvement among operators.
• The loss of defined purpose and top-tier teamwork was the hardest part of leaving.

Quote:
“Every single guy you work with would put their life on the line for you without hesitation.” – Richie [20:37]

3. Transitioning to the Private Sector

• After leaving, Richie entered the defense industry, working with a company supplying tech for vessel boarding and urban climbing, which allowed a “softer” transition while still connected to the community.
• This phase taught him business fundamentals, self-redefinition, and the value of mission adaptation (24:48-25:05).

Quote:
“I’m Richie. I’m not a SEAL, you know, so it was really good in that sense because I didn’t have to, like, totally leave the community behind.” – Richie [25:05]

4. Entrepreneurial Spirit and Early Business Lessons

• Richie’s entrepreneurial streak started in high school, showing a knack for spotting opportunities and learning early from inventory/business mistakes (27:02-28:31).
• Those formative lessons in inventory risk and quality control directly inform his approach to Narwhal.

Memorable Story:
High school headphone resale gig: “Eventually I got a bad batch…all these kids are coming up like, dude, my headphones aren’t working…I can’t give you your money back.” [28:31]

5. Genesis and Mission of Narwhal

• Narwhal fills a gap in the truck topper market—premium, ultra-lightweight, carbon fiber toppers designed for performance, security, and modularity.
• The idea emerged from Richie’s experience with subpar toppers, his background in composites, and discussions with his father, a veteran automotive executive (30:03-31:48).

Narwhal’s Mission Statement:
“To build the best topper in the market…and establish NARWHAL as the premium segment of carbon fiber functional applications.” – Richie [33:54]

6. Technical Innovation: Why Carbon Fiber?

• Narwhal’s toppers weigh just over 100 lbs fully assembled (shell weighs as little as 62 lbs), yet can support 600 lbs of dynamic roof load.
• The design outperforms fiberglass and metal alternatives, which are heavy (up to 400 lbs) and offer weak load ratings.
• User-focused innovations include removable hinge panels and a unique “turret hatch” for access or observation (39:20).

Quote:
“You don’t even notice it’s on the back of your truck… the performance aspect of the truck hasn’t changed.” – Richie [38:09]

7. Business and Manufacturing Challenges

• Carbon fiber manufacturing is rare in the overland aftermarket; finding skilled partners and scalable, US-based production was a critical challenge.
• Richie’s team blends aerospace and automotive expertise, using advanced vacuum-assisted resin techniques for strength and finish (42:54-46:33).
• Strict “made in USA” policy underpins their premium brand positioning.

Quote:
“We want to build things here and we want to bring American manufacturing back at the scale that we can.” – Richie [53:27]

8. Market Launch, Roadmap and Future Vision

• First production slated for Ford Ranger, followed by F150, Tacoma, and Jeep Gladiator models.
• Vision extends to industry-leading rooftop tents and any products where Narwhal can deliver the lightest, strongest solution (49:38-51:14).

Quote:
“We want to make sure that when you see a Narwhal product, it’s a performance oriented brand that will continue to expand upon, which is pretty exciting.” – Richie [51:14]

9. Family and the Narwhal Team

• The core is a family operation: Richie, his father, and brother, augmented by engineering and composites experts with pedigrees from top automotive and aerospace firms.

10. Engagement and Early Adopter Community

• NarwhalTruckToppers.com is live, with detailed FAQs.
• Social media (Instagram) is their most active engagement channel.
• Early reservation holders receive a free turret hatch (a distinctive military-inspired feature).

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• On SEAL Team Camaraderie:
  “Every single guy you work with would put their life on the line for you without hesitation…” – Richie [20:37]

• On Transitioning Out:
  “I’m no longer an operator. I’m a representative of a private organization.” – Richie [25:05]

• On Narwhal’s Mission:
  “Our focus is to build the best topper in the market…establish NARWHAL as the premium segment.” – Richie [33:54]

• On Innovation & Driving Force:
  “We’re solving a problem that most people don’t even know exists. And it’s going to be on us to do a good job of educating the market.” – Richie [52:28]

Notable Moments & Segment Timestamps

• [09:19] – Richie’s experience with injury and BUDS selection process
• [16:29] – SEAL training at Trade AT and curriculum development
• [19:06] – Weighing marriage, operational tempo, and leaving the SEALs
• [25:05] – Learning to transition identity from SEAL to business
• [28:31] – Early entrepreneurial failures in high school
• [30:03] – The origin story of Narwhal’s founding
• [33:54] – Defining the mission and unique selling point of Narwhal
• [38:09] – Performance benefits of lightweight carbon fiber
• [39:20] – Turret hatch and military-inspired features
• [42:54] – Manufacturing and scaling challenges
• [53:27] – Emphasis on American manufacturing
• [55:41] – Getting involved, pre-orders, social engagement

Conclusion & Tone

The episode delivers an in-depth, authentic conversation—rich in technical details, personal anecdotes, and honest assessment of life after elite service. Richie’s tone is reflective and confident, while Mike’s questions balance veteran understanding with entrepreneur curiosity. The dialogue is mission-driven, direct, and infused with practical lessons and optimism for American innovation.

Resources

• Website: narwhaltrucktoppers.com
• Social: Instagram (@narwhaltrucktoppers) – active for questions and reservations
• YouTube: Mike Glover’s channel for video content on the topper

“Everybody’s got a business idea and to actually go out and execute…is where you see the drop off. Being able to put a team together… executing on everything... is kind of what I’m most proud of.” – Richie [56:56]