June 28th 2024.
Harrison Lewis has had a unique journey, from serving in the military as a combat veteran to pursuing entrepreneurship and now working towards becoming a physical therapist. But one thing that has remained constant throughout his life is his passion for sports and athletics. As a child, Lewis played sports and that love for the game stayed with him even as an adult. He found ways to keep up with his passion during his time in the military and is now completing his doctorate to become a physical therapist. For him, sports is not just a hobby, it's a way of life and the drive to be the best version of himself never stops.
Lewis's clothing brand, GRND, is more than just a clothing line, it's an emotion that we all experience every day. It represents the sacrifices we make for our families, communities, and our personal goals. In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Lewis shared, "Our mission is simple, to give 100% and then some, in all we do, not only on the field and in the gym, but also in life." This mission was inspired by his late comrade, Captain Connor Bendarzyk, who lost his life during a training incident while serving together in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Lewis sees GRND as a way to honor his comrade and encourage others to use their losses as motivation to push harder.
Lewis's vision for GRND goes beyond just creating athletic wear. It's about inspiring and empowering individuals to be their best selves. He explains, "It's why there isn't an 'I' in GRND. We've never done the things we have to do for ourselves, because there's always a greater reason for our efforts." Whether it's a 13-hour shift as a nurse, preparing for deployment as a soldier, or trying to make a sports team, everyone can relate to the feeling of giving 100% and then some.
As Lewis works towards his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, he is also planning to launch a state-of-the-art training facility. His goal is to not only provide access to strength and conditioning programs for Black youth and veterans, but also to offer support for those dealing with mental health illnesses. Having experienced anxiety and depression himself after leaving the military, Lewis understands the importance of mental health support and wants to make it more accessible for others. He explains, "As a physical therapist, my dream is to treat young Black athletes who don't have access to sports rehab. I want to provide critical and necessary care to our youth so they can continue to GRND towards their dreams."
With plans to earn his doctorate in May 2025, Lewis is determined to make a positive impact in his community. His ultimate goal is to empower and uplift others, and his clothing brand GRND is just one aspect of his grander vision. He wants to create a space where Black youth and veterans can thrive and have access to resources that will help them reach their full potential. As Lewis continues his grind towards his dreams, he hopes to inspire others to do the same.
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