Garrett Bernardo - Claim Your Crown

Garrett Bernardo is our guest on this episode. He is the CEO of NOVUS (pronounced Novice), a purpose driven athletic clothing apparel company. Garrett talks about his early life being raised in a devout Catholic home. He recalls sharing a bedroom with his brother where his mom put a football poster in their room with the headline “Never, Never Quit with the bible verse: “Blessed are those who persevere under trial, for having withstood the test, they will receive the crown of life for those who love Him”, James 1:12, a verse that follows the brothers throughout their lives.   Garrett went to Maine University his sophomore year and then transferred to Anderson College in South Carolina with his brother, Nick. Garrett and Nick started NOVUS in college as what Garrett describes as a “side-hustle”.  Garrett played college baseball and wanted to play in the pros, but God had other plans for him. Garrett was introduced to a Catholic ministry called FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) which became very important in his life. He became a missionary with FOCUS and talks about how being a FOCUS missionary changed his life.    NOVUS sports apparel is different from competitors because the company not only offers customers customized sports apparel, but with faith, builds meaningful, lasting relationships. NOVUS in Latin means “new” or “new beginnings”. Garrett, his brother Nick, and their friend Scott (who played lacrosse at Rutgers) run the company. NOVUS offers purpose-driven design and team-focused apparel. The company’s logo and mantra “Claim Your Crown” are derived from the poster in their childhood bedroom. Garrett also explains the three pillars of NOVUS:   1. Pursuing their passion through their God-given abilities 2. Being convicted and committed to their work 3. Never giving up on their dreams.   Garrett explains the “1:12 Project” NOVUS created along with their partner, Encounter Travel, that goes to the Dominican Republic and offers employees and customers the experience Garrett had in FOCUS. The 1:12 Project derives its name from the bible, James 1:12, the same bible quote that was in Garrett’s childhood bedroom. They bring a chaplain, celebrate Mass, have Holy Hour, then they hit the field with the kids.   Although great, customized sports apparel with unique customer service is the goal of NOVUS, it is easy to see that there is a supernatural foundation that this company is built on!   NOVUS CUSTOM | Purpose-Driven Team Uniforms & Apparel NOVUS 1:12 Project - Dominican Republic - Baseball & Volleyball in Banica, Dominican Republic What We Do Overview - FOCUS   #catholicsports, #catholicsportsapparel, #novussportsapparel, #novuspurposedrivencompany