For decades, fitness training in the Special Operations community has set the benchmark for athletes and sports enthusiasts worldwide. Army Rangers stand out for their knowledge of rigorous training and unparalleled discipline. Harrison Lewis, a former Army Ranger and Nightstalker, embodies this elite standard. With his brand, GRND, Lewis offers exceptionally comfortable fitness and streetwear wear to those passionate about rigorous fitness training.
As an entrepreneur and the founder of the fitness brand GRND, Lewis has embarked on a new journey to inspire and empower his community. GRND, a black-owned and veteran-operated clothing brand, prides itself on producing high-quality, functional athletic wear with a culturally rich street aesthetic.
From the battlefields to the boardroom, Lewis’s journey is quite motivational. A second-generation Army Officer, he grew up in a family dedicated to military service. His father and two brothers served as Army Officers, paving the way for Lewis’s own remarkable career. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2015 after playing division 1 football, he pursued his passion and became an Army Ranger, completing the grueling 62-day Ranger School in 2016.
After his honorable discharge in 2022, Lewis turned his focus to his education, pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Puget Sound. During this time, the concept of GRND was born. Reflecting on his journey, Lewis realized that the traditional notion of “grind” didn’t resonate with him. He redefined it, removing the “I” to emphasize community over individuality. As a result, there is no I in his brand’s name, “GRND.”
Lewis’s inspiration for GRND stems from his personal battles and triumphs. As a young black kid struggling with his weight and depression, he became committed to health and fitness, waking up at 5 a.m. to train before school. This determination carried him through college and his military career. Despite the rigor of military service, he continued to compete in bodybuilding, endurance training, and CrossFit, constantly pushing his limits.
However, launching GRND was not easy for Lewis. Hailing from DeRidder, Louisiana, a small town with a population of just 9,000, he faced a scarcity of resources and guidance. Balancing entrepreneurship with his graduate studies added another layer of complexity. Yet, his military background provided a foundation of resilience and discipline.
Lewis’s unique story sets GRND apart in the saturated fitness market. From a small-town kid to a D1 athlete, Army Officer, and now a Doctor of Physical Therapy, his journey embodies the brand’s mission. GRND aims to inspire others to give 100% and then some in sport, fitness, and life. It’s more than a clothing brand. It is an emotion, a daily pursuit of purpose that resonates with everyone, whether you are a student chasing a degree, a nurse on a 12-hour shift, or an athlete, GRNDing to make the roster.
Going forward, Lewis envisions GRND establishing a state-of-the-art facility. This facility will offer strength and conditioning programs, a private practice for sports-related rehabilitation, and serve as the home for GRND apparel. Lewis also plans to create programs to benefit black youth and veterans, providing educational resources, rehabilitation through sports, and mentorship. Through GRND, Harrison Lewis will continue to inspire and empower others to rise and GRND daily to give 100% and then some in Sport, Fitness, and Life.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
