Meet Gary Wales of MNTAIN OUTLAW

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Wales.

Hi Gary, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I didn’t come from a background where opportunities were handed to me. I grew up having to figure things out early, and that shaped a strong sense of independence and resilience. I dealt with bullying, self-doubt, and the feeling of not quite fitting into the boxes that were expected of me, but those experiences became fuel rather than setbacks.

I found my way into acting and filmmaking because storytelling gave me purpose. It allowed me to turn real emotion and lived experience into something meaningful. Over time, working in creative industries taught me discipline, leadership, and how to build something from nothing — skills that naturally pushed me toward entrepreneurship.

MNTAIN Outlaw was born from that same mindset. I wanted to create something that stood for freedom, grit, and choosing your own path. Not a brand built on trends, but one built on values. The word “Outlaw” isn’t about rebellion for the sake of it — it’s about having the courage to live life on your own terms, even when the path isn’t clear.

Today, I’m still building — learning every day, making mistakes, and staying focused on long-term purpose rather than shortcuts. I’m grateful to be in a position where I can create, lead, and build brands that reflect who I am and what I believe in. For me, this journey has always been about growth, faith, and proving to myself that where you start doesn’t have to define where you end up.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Most of the journey has been about learning things the hard way. I’ve faced financial pressure, uncertainty, and moments where I had to keep going without any guarantee that things would work out. Building something from the ground up forces you to confront your own limits and fears.

One of the biggest struggles has been wearing every hat at once — creator, leader, problem-solver — while still trying to protect the vision. There were times when progress felt slow and isolating, especially when you’re pushing toward something that doesn’t yet exist.

I’ve also had to learn patience. Not everything moves at the pace you want, and some lessons only come through setbacks. But each challenge sharpened my focus and resilience. Those struggles shaped not just the brand, but who I am as a person. Looking back, the difficult moments were necessary — they forced me to grow, adapt, and stay grounded in why I started in the first place.

As you know, we’re big fans of MNTAIN OUTLAW. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
MNTAIN Outlaw is a Western-inspired lifestyle brand rooted in independence, grit, and authenticity. The brand draws heavily from classic Western culture — the spirit of the open road, hard work, freedom, and living by your own code — while reinterpreting it in a modern, wearable way.

We’re best known for our headwear, but what we really specialize in is creating pieces that tell a story. Every design reflects elements of Western heritage: rugged durability, simplicity, and timeless character. It’s not about costume or nostalgia — it’s about taking the values of the West and translating them into a lifestyle people can live in today.

What sets MNTAIN Outlaw apart is that we don’t chase fast fashion or trends. Our Western influence is intentional and respectful. Each piece is designed to feel lived-in, dependable, and authentic — something you can wear on the road, at a rodeo, or in everyday life. The “Outlaw” name represents freedom and self-reliance rather than rebellion for its own sake.

What I’m most proud of is that the brand has been built slowly and honestly, with quality and meaning at the forefront. MNTAIN Outlaw isn’t trying to imitate Western culture — it’s inspired by it and grounded in real values like resilience, faith, and self-belief.

What I want readers to know is that MNTAIN Outlaw stands for more than style. It’s about honoring tradition while forging your own path forward. When someone wears the brand, they’re carrying a piece of that Western spirit — independence, courage, and the confidence to live life on their own terms.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success by impact, growth, and authenticity rather than just numbers. For me, it’s about building something meaningful — a brand, a team, and a community — that reflects real values like independence, resilience, and self-belief.

Success is also about staying true to yourself along the journey. It’s easy to chase shortcuts or trends, but real success comes when you create something that outlasts you, inspires others, and makes a difference in their lives.

With MNTAIN Outlaw, success isn’t just selling products. It’s seeing people connect with the spirit behind the brand — embracing freedom, courage, and the confidence to live life on their own terms. That, to me, is the kind of success that matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mntainoutlaw.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mntainoutlaw
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/mntainoutlaw