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Interview with 221B Tactical founder, Suresh
When Suresh’s mother came to the United States from south India, she did not have “two nickels in her pocket.”
Now, Suresh owns an incredible successful tactical line that is utilized in 80 countries, and sold in over 250 retail locations. However, the road to success was not without difficulties.
Suresh admits there are still some obstacles faced by minorities in this country, but wants his story to serve as an example that you can always prove the critics wrong through hard work.
Health has long been important to Suresh, who was initially on the path to become a physician, but he felt a calling to serve his community in a different way. Suresh became a law enforcement officer in the state of New Jersey, breaking a barrier that had never been accomplished in that area,
“I was the first black man to be hired by this department,” said Suresh. “Despite all the hard work I did to be there, they still made me do menial tasks, just to degrade and humiliate me.”
This prejudice led to Suresh filling (a later winning) a lawsuit for racial discrimination. Despite this, Suresh felt no animosity to the law enforcement community as a whole. In fact, he began to dedicate his free time to solving a problem he saw faced by fellow officers.
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Suresh created, and patented, a 3D mesh blend designed to increase the comfort and performance of those in the line of duty.
Thus, 221B Tactical was founded to provide high quality gear to first responders. After 13 years of service, Suresh hung up the badge and began a new chapter of his life as an entrepreneur.
This endeavor proved to be fruitful, and Suresh attributes it to his ability to not allow adversity to cast a shadow on his positive mindset. As a continued measure of his success, Suresh has recently confirmed a deal with the UFC to supply their security staff with uniforms, ensuring the event staff are as comfortable and safe as possible.
Suresh (right) with UFC President Dana White (left)
However, 221B Tactical was created to be more than just a retail store. On their website, you can find Suresh’s blog on health and wellness. Through that and his podcast, the 221B founder shares his views on current events, and encourages others to persevere through adversity.
Recently, Grunt Style has also recognized Suresh, throughout their Operation Community program, for his efforts in bettering his surroundings. To read more about Suresh, and Operation Community, click here.
Suresh left us with a few parting thoughts. During our interview, he outlined several of the obstacles he has faced in life, but he also recognizes that barriers don’t inherently make you unique.
Moreover, he points out that everyone has their own set of adversities, specific to them. He believes that the obstacles are not quite as important as your response to them.
Adding, “There is no better country in the world where a minority can make something of themselves than the USA. Your success is a direct reflection of your hard work and no one can stand in your way if you keep pushing towards your dreams.”
