Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Gowen.
Hi Chris, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was an LAPD Detective assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. I started my company by patenting some safety innovations for Football Helmets and it grew from there.
I envisioned a lifestyle brand that would inspire people to Find Their Inner Athletes and to keep their minds and bodies moving toward their desired goals. I’ve always motivated myself to motivate others. It makes me really happy when I can inspire someone to have confidence in themselves and their ability to achieve.
The Directional Force core ethos is “The culture of Perseverance.” You can’t fail if you don’t quit.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have had struggles and setbacks since the day I started. People would doubt me and always remind me that I wasn’t an engineer. I have been awarded five patents since I started so never let someone tell you that you can’t do something.
Anytime you start something where the vision is grand, it will seem impossible to your friends and family. You will most definitely face major setbacks and ridicule from time to time. Anything beyond mediocrity takes a tremendous amount of faith and fortitude. Stay the course.
The main lesson I have learned is the power of perseverance. You may have to tactically redeploy on your journey, but if you persevere, you won’t fail.
I try to be present and grateful for everything that I experience as I continue to build the brand, even on the bad days.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a former police officer who founded an Athletic Lifestyle Brand called Directional Force. I’m proud that I have and continue to build an international active lifestyle brand that inspires people to “Find their inner athlete” and to motivate themselves to motivate others.
I’m proud of the fact that without major backing I have been able to grow our brand and have a core message that resonates with so many people including professional athletes from the NFL, UFC, U.S. Olympians, and MLB.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Be honest and follow through with what you say you’re going to do. I have been told so many lies from people in powerful positions that it’s hard to count. If you have honesty and integrity you will build solid relationships in your life and that will eventually translate into success in your chosen field.
The great thing about building a network of solid people is that you can use the power of that network to do good and help make a positive impact for people and animals that are in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.directionalforce.com/
- Instagram: @cdgowen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1chrisgowen
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/cdgowen
- Other:linktr.ee/cdgowen
