Episode Notes
In this episode, I sit down with Jacob Lockwood, a former soldier in the Coldstream Guards turned founder of Lockwood Clothing, a British-made outerwear brand built on military-grade design and an unshakeable commitment to UK manufacturing. We talk about the dark moment driving down the M4 that made him realize something had to change, the decision to leave the Army with just 12 months to make his business work, and the terrifying week he came four days from losing his house. Jacob shares the discipline and integrity he carried from 15 years of service into business, his belief that "no one has depression, they have feelings of depression," and why he'd rather keep his manufacturing British than sell his products for a third of the price overseas.
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Video Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: soldier, entrepreneur, or fashion designer?
02:32 - Finding your North Star
03:15 - Growing up in a single-parent household in Middlesbrough
04:26 - Falling in with the wrong crowd and being sent to live with his gran
05:38 - The ultimatum that became his saving grace
06:58 - Seeing an Army advert and finding his path
07:34 - Joining the Coldstream Guards and the anti-tank platoon
09:38 - The military values that shaped who he is today, and why your word matters
11:52 - The dark moment on the M4 that changed everything
13:02 - Going home, speaking to his wife Ruth, and seeking help
13:53 - Deciding to leave the Army with 12 months to make it work
14:51 - "Nobody has depression, they have feelings of depression"
16:34 - The failed waterproof jacket that sparked the idea
17:31 - The Falklands story behind his first invention: casualty evacuation stretchers
19:20 - How Covid and the Ukraine war shaped that first business
21:27 - Why military contracts fell apart, and pivoting to clothing
23:41 - Describing Lockwood's products and British manufacturing
24:21 - The functional mushroom brand he launched and sold in 2022
26:19 - How new Trading Standards rules killed the product's core value
27:39 - Why he refuses to manufacture overseas, whatever the cost
30:40 - The debate around what "British made" really means
31:00 - Where he was when the Queen died
34:14 - How signing off from the Army created real urgency
35:43 - Putting his house on the line, and the four days he nearly lost it
37:36 - Asking for help, and getting rescued by his now business partner
39:23 - How to determine who's actually worth asking for help
42:13 - Why coaching matters more in business than in the military
44:01 - How to choose the right coach: four things to evaluate
46:15 - Why coaching, content, and community work best combined
48:50 - Daily habits: cold showers and weekly letters to the King
50:07 - Getting replies from the Palace, and being recognized by name
53:04 - The next 1-3 years, and the goal of becoming a British Ralph Lauren
54:18 - How to connect with Lockwood Clothing
55:11 - Final reflection: the question he wishes people asked him
57:12 - Why business ownership can be lonely, and the value of support groups
58:54 - Closing remarks
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Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations
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Check out Lockwood Clothing: https://www.lockwoodsmocks.com
Connect with Lockwood Clothing on Instagram: @lockwoodclothing
About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!
