The kindness that started a company

An idea is born in every business. My inspiration for Bunker 27 was my experience in the United States Air Force during active duty.

One morning, while I was on my way to the base in uniform, I stopped at a store. An elderly man approached me to shake my hand and thanked me for my service to our country. He then pressed a twenty-dollar bill into my hand. I refused, but he insisted that I accept the money.

Later that same day, while I was on base during my lunch break, I saw a retired World War II veteran. I walked up to him and offered my hand.  “Thank you, sir, for your service to our country, “I said and handed him the same twenty-dollar bill I had been given earlier. “Please accept this as a token of my appreciation for your service to our country.” I wanted to pass along that sincere appreciation I had felt early that day. His warm smile and handshake told me my mission had been a success.

Years later, after being out of the Air Force for some time, I was inspired in 2016 to start Bunker 27. I’ve always been fascinated with the Cheyanne Mountain Complex, known as NORAD, in Colorado Springs.  It’s an underground military complex built in 1965 under 2,000 ft of granite within five acres of excavated tunnels, which inspired the name Bunker 27.

In 2017, I traveled across the country to 12-16 airshows a year for the next two years, selling t-shirts and hats and promoting Bunker 27 and my message: Honor those who keep us free.

October 2019, opened the first brick-and-mortar store at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, inside the mini-mall at the Exchange. After a few months of success, I planned to open two more locations on Air Force bases in the first quarter of 2020.

February 2020, the second location opened at Lackland Air Force. Then the pandemic hit, delaying the third opening at Randolph Air Force Base. However, it later opened in August of that year. From there, I continued to open brick-and-mortar stores on military bases. One important lesson I learned from my military career is to be resilient.

April 2022, the opening at Fairfield Commons Mall in Beavercreek, OH. This was our first mall location off a military installation. It was a bold move, but it turned out to be a successful pivot point for Bunker 27.

Today, we have continued to expand stores across the country, spreading our message (Honor Those Who Keep Us Free), giving back to the veteran community, and offering finely crafted clothing and accessories.

THE BUNKER 27 WAY

We take great pride in crafting premium-quality goods and creating a unique brand experience for our customers that evokes nostalgia and authenticity. We ensure quality and trust are felt in every stitch. Providing exceptional customer service is a testament to our unwavering commitment.