A glowing campfire built from driftwood on a rocky shore at dusk, symbolizing warmth, community, and the spirit of gathering.

Am I getting this right?

That question runs through the back of your mind more often than you'd like to admit. You’re balancing work, family, and everything in between—trying to be a good husband, a good father, and a man who actually lives by his values.

But in a world filled with distractions, endless advice, and hustle culture telling you to “do more,” it’s easy to feel like you’re spinning your wheels instead of moving forward.

Campfire Gentleman is about cutting through the noise and focusing on what actually matters:

  • Family – Prioritizing your spouse and kids, not just “providing” for them.

  • Purpose – Aligning your actions with what truly matters to you.

  • Growth – Pushing yourself to become better in all aspects of life.

  • Health – Staying physically and mentally strong for yourself and your family.

  • Simplicity – Clearing out the clutter and distractions to make room for what’s important.

Why I Started Campfire Gentleman

In 2020, I got laid off during COVID. It was a wake-up call.

For years, I’d been doing what I thought I was “supposed to” do—working hard, moving up in my career, and checking all the right boxes. But when my job disappeared overnight, I had to ask myself:

Was I building a life I actually wanted?

That season forced me to re-evaluate everything. I started making small but intentional changes—texting a friend every day, drinking a V8, lifting weights, holding hands with my wife for five minutes before bed, tracking little wins in a planner. Not massive overhauls—just small, daily actions that moved me in the right direction.

And over time, those small things made a massive difference.

That’s what Campfire Gentleman is about. It’s not about chasing status, making millions, or grinding yourself into the ground. It’s about living with purpose, clarity, and connection.

What You Won’t Find Here

I’m not here to sell you an impossible version of success.

❌ This isn’t a “10x your income” hustle blog.
❌ This isn’t about shredding down to 6% body fat.
❌ This isn’t about chasing external validation.

👉 Men who prioritize what matters build strong families, create meaningful relationships, and take care of their physical and mental health—not because it looks good online, but because it makes life worth living.

I won’t tell you who to vote for, how to run your career, or that you need to wake up at 4:30 AM to be successful. But I’ll give you a few ideas about how to build a life you’re proud of—one small step at a time.

Where to Start

Explore the Resources

Sometimes, you don’t need another long-winded self-help book—you just need a straightforward tool to help you take action. That’s where our Campfire Gentleman Resources come in.

Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Starter Kit – A simple, no-BS framework to help you define what truly matters and take the first steps toward living with intention.

  • 5-Minute Connection Guide - A practice guide to strengthen your marriage, fatherhood, and friendships—one simple habit at a time.

  • Super Simple Habit Tracker – A visual, no-fuss way to track small, consistent actions that align with your goals.

  • Curated Reading List – Hand-picked book recommendations that align with the five core pillars.

No overcomplicated systems. No gimmicks. Just tools to help you build a meaningful life—one small step at a time.

Read my Perspectives

If this is your first time here, here are some great posts to check out:

Join the Campfire

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Thanks for being here,

–Clay

About Clay
I’m Clay Garrett, founder of Campfire Gentleman—a project built around helping men live with more purpose, connection, and simplicity. I’m a husband, a dad, a lifelong designer, and a guy who’s spent the last few years rethinking what really matters. This project is the result.

Someone once asked if AI wrote this for me—and I get it. Doesn’t it write everything now? The truth is, even when I use tools to brainstorm, organize, or edit, every piece is written, rewritten, and finalized by me. So… does that count as a yes or a no? I’ll let you decide.