How Special Operations Veteran Jason Marks Is Redefining Outdoor Gear Through Entrepreneurial Grit
- Security Halt Podcast
- Apr 19
- 3 min read
For many veterans, the military-to-civilian transition can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. For Jason Marks, a retired Green Beret with deep Special Operations experience, that transition led not only to personal growth but also to an entrepreneurial mission—one that’s transforming the outdoor gear industry from the ground up.
In this episode of the Security Halt Podcast, host Deny Caballero sits down with Jason to explore his journey from combat zones to the world of outdoor equipment manufacturing. The conversation delivers more than just entrepreneurial insight—it’s a blueprint for building a purpose-driven business rooted in quality, integrity, and community support.
From Tactical to Practical: A Military Mindset Meets the Outdoor Industry
After retiring in 2018, Jason leaned into hunting and the outdoors as a way to stay active and focused. But what he quickly realized was that the market was flooded with overpriced gear—or worse, cheaply made products that wouldn’t hold up under real pressure. “My first tripod was like $34. I remember thinking, ‘Why did I buy this junk?’” he recalls.
That frustration was the catalyst for launching Team Easties, a veteran-owned outdoor gear company committed to quality equipment at fair prices. With firsthand knowledge of what gear needs to survive extreme environments, Jason engineered his own line of tripods, trekking poles, and shooting equipment that reflects the same standards he relied on in the field.
Building a Brand Through Resilience and Innovation
Team Easties isn’t just about gear—it’s about building a brand that stands for something. Drawing on his Special Forces training, Jason applied the same mission-focused discipline to his business: solve problems, lead with integrity, and outwork the competition.
Rather than chase huge markups, Jason made a conscious decision to keep his products accessible to everyday users. “I want guys like me, just getting out in 2018, to be able to afford my stuff,” he explains. His products routinely outperform pricier competitors—and he puts that claim to the test by posting videos of himself stress-testing the equipment in brutal conditions.
Veteran Entrepreneurship and Overcoming Business Challenges
Like many veteran entrepreneurs, Jason encountered significant financial hurdles when trying to scale. “I still can’t get a bank loan,” he says candidly, underscoring the barriers many veterans face when transitioning into the private sector. But his perseverance never wavered.
That mindset—refined through years in Special Operations—is what continues to drive Team Easties forward. “You never know when your hit is going to happen,” he says. “Just stay smart, stay focused, and keep creating.”
Lifting Others as You Climb: Mentorship and Community Support
Jason’s story isn’t just about personal success. He’s passionate about paying it forward to fellow veterans in the entrepreneurship space. “I’ve definitely had plenty of dudes that I reached out to and got a shitty response,” he notes. That lack of support only fueled his desire to be more approachable, more collaborative, and more available to veterans launching their own ventures.
With plans to expand into manufacturing and create more veteran employment opportunities, Jason sees a future where veteran-owned brands don’t just survive—they thrive together. “If we actually helped each other more, we could take over,” he says.
Why Team Easties Matters
Team Easties reflects what’s possible when military values—discipline, problem-solving, teamwork—are applied to entrepreneurship. It’s about more than trekking poles and tripods. It’s about reshaping an industry through community-driven leadership and a refusal to compromise on quality.
Whether you're a backcountry hunter, a weekend hiker, or someone who just values gear that works when it matters most, supporting veteran-owned companies like Team Easties helps fuel a larger mission—one rooted in resilience, innovation, and service.
Stay tuned for more veteran business spotlights by following the Security Halt Podcast on your favorite streaming platform. Like, subscribe, and share to help amplify the voices of those who continue to serve in new and powerful ways.
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