We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Devin Long. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Devin below.
Devin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned—both in uniform and now as a business owner—is this: adversity is not the enemy; it’s the forge.
I served 15 years in the U.S. Army, completing multiple leadership schools, deploying, and leading Soldiers through some of the toughest environments imaginable. But the lesson that shaped me most didn’t come from success—it came from failure.
Years ago, I was tasked with leading a critical operation. I thought I had everything squared away: the plan was solid, the team was trained, and the execution seemed seamless—until it wasn’t. A last-minute variable hit us hard, and I had to make real-time decisions that exposed cracks in our process and tested every ounce of my leadership. We completed the mission, but not without setbacks. I took full responsibility, debriefed the hard truths, and owned every misstep.
That moment taught me what no textbook ever could: your response to failure defines your trajectory more than the failure itself. I learned how to lead under pressure, how to stay grounded when things fall apart, and how to rebuild stronger with discipline, persistence, and attitude.
As a business owner, the battlefield is different—but the stakes are still real. You’ll get hit with setbacks: slow sales, failed launches, financial stress. But that same mindset—embracing adversity, learning fast, and showing up with discipline every day—has been the backbone of my growth.
In both the Army and entrepreneurship, there are no guarantees. But if you can endure the fire, you’ll come out forged—not broken.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Devin, and I’m the founder of Freedom Forge Revolution, a veteran-owned lifestyle and apparel brand built on the belief that true strength is forged through adversity, discipline, and the freedom to define your own path. I come from a background of military service, which shaped my perspective on resilience, self-reliance, and the value of community. That experience became the foundation for this brand — a mission-driven movement, not just a clothing line.
Freedom Forge Revolution isn’t just about what you wear — it’s about what you stand for. Our products are American-made, designed to represent strength, grit, and unapologetic individuality. From high-quality apparel to performance supplements, every item we create carries the spirit of forging yourself into something greater.
Our mission is simple: Empower individuals to break limits, take ownership of their lives, and forge their path — physically, mentally, and spiritually. Whether you’re in the gym, on the road, or building your legacy from the ground up, we’re here to fuel that journey.
What sets us apart isn’t just the gear — it’s the values behind it:
• Freedom of choice
• Personal responsibility
• Resilience through adversity
• Pride in American craftsmanship
• Unity through strength
We’re not here to fit in — we’re here to stand out, and to help others do the same. We solve the problem of cheap, soulless brands by offering purpose-driven products with a message that resonates: you weren’t meant to settle, you were meant to forge your own revolution.
What I’m most proud of is the community that’s forming around this vision. The messages from people who’ve been inspired to get back on track, push harder, or finally bet on themselves — that’s what drives me.
To those discovering us for the first time: this isn’t a brand for everyone. It’s for those who demand more of themselves, who thrive under pressure, and who are hungry to evolve. If that’s you, welcome to the revolution.
Any advice for managing a team?
Great question. From my experience in the military and now running my brand, Freedom Forge Revolution, I’ve learned that leading a team isn’t just about giving direction — it’s about setting the tone.
1. Lead from the front. In the Army, we don’t ask people to do something we wouldn’t do ourselves. The same applies in business. Your team will mirror your work ethic, attitude, and commitment.
2. Build purpose into the mission. Whether it’s a unit in uniform or a business team building a brand, people need to feel like what they do matters. With Freedom Forge, I make sure every team member knows we’re not just selling shirts — we’re building a movement rooted in strength, resilience, and American values.
3. Communicate with clarity and consistency. Soldiers function best with clear intent and purpose. Same in business. Be transparent. Set the standard. And don’t leave anyone guessing.
4. Recognize effort and stay human. High morale isn’t about perks — it’s about respect, purpose, and belief in the mission. Acknowledge wins, check in personally, and create a culture where people feel forged, not used.
At the end of the day, leadership is service. You take care of your people, and they’ll go the distance with you.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely — my military experience laid the foundation for my approach to leadership, discipline, and mission-focused execution, which directly shaped how I built Freedom Forge Revolution. A few key resources helped refine that mindset into something I could apply in entrepreneurship:
1. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
This hit home immediately. The idea that everything is your responsibility as a leader mirrors what we live by in the military — no excuses, just results. I applied that same accountability to my business.
2. The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone
This book amplified my operational mindset — take massive action, think bigger, and outwork everyone. It resonated with my military background where intensity, repetition, and precision matter. I’ve applied that same “10X” mentality to how I scale Freedom Forge — no halfway, no Plan B.
3. Stoic philosophy — particularly Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations
The daily reminder to control what I can and endure what I must has been pivotal. It’s how I manage stress, setbacks, and the grind of building something from the ground up.
4. The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
This brought my military resilience full circle — the idea that adversity isn’t just something to overcome, it’s the path forward. In both combat and business, obstacles are guaranteed. How you respond is what defines you. That principle drives everything we represent at Freedom Forge Revolution.
The military gave me the discipline. These resources helped translate that into a business philosophy rooted in resilience, ownership, and purpose. And that’s exactly what Freedom Forge Revolution stands for — forging strength through struggle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.freedomforgerevolution.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomforgerevolution?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571037086431&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: Tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freedomforgerevolution1?_t=ZP-8xi2aYMpi3i&_r=1
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