Doing Your Thing: Why Stories Like Jerod’s Matter
There’s a certain kind of person I’m always drawn to.
Not the loudest in the room.
Not the most polished.
But the ones who have quietly committed their life to something they care deeply about.
That’s what this episode of Doin Your Thing was about.
When we filmed with Jerod Arlich of Boreal Outdoor Supply, it wasn’t about capturing a product or pushing a brand. It was about understanding the “why” behind what he’s building. The early mornings. The long days. The invisible work. The belief that the outdoors isn’t just a hobby — it’s a way of life.
And honestly, that’s the kind of story I want Oak & Glen to tell.
Slowing Down Enough to Listen
When you spend time with someone like Jerod, you realize pretty quickly that the best stories aren’t forced. They’re uncovered.
I didn’t show up with a rigid script. We showed up curious.
I listened to how the wilderness shaped him.
I listened to how community shaped his business.
I listened to how he defines success — and it wasn’t metrics or growth charts.
It was freedom. It was alignment. It was building something that feels true.
As a filmmaker, those are the moments I live for. The in-between shots. The pauses. The way someone’s face changes when they talk about something they love.
That’s the story.
The Real Meaning of “Doing Your Thing”
“Doing your thing” sounds simple. Almost cliché.
But when you really think about it, it’s not.
It takes risk to build something from scratch.
It takes patience to stay consistent.
It takes courage to choose meaning over convenience.
Jerod’s story isn’t flashy. And that’s exactly why it matters.
It’s about choosing the long road. About caring deeply about craft. About building community instead of just chasing customers.
That’s something I resonate with personally — especially in a world that rewards speed over substance.
Why We Tell These Stories
At Oak & Glen, I’m not interested in surface-level content.
I’m interested in the people behind the work.
The artists. The builders. The founders. The ones who wake up every day trying to create something that didn’t exist before. Not because it’s easy — but because it feels necessary.
Filming this episode reminded me why I started doing this in the first place.
Stories like Jerod’s ground me. They slow me down. They remind me that meaningful work isn’t about scale — it’s about alignment.
If you’re building something right now — a brand, a project, a life that feels more like you — I hope this story encourages you to stay the course.
Doing your thing doesn’t need to be loud.
It just needs to be real.
And that’s always worth documenting.