10/21/2026
YOU WANT TO KNOW WHO JESSE HANLEY REALLY IS? HERE YOU GO. 👇
I've been thinking a lot about authenticity lately after listening to an episode of The Operator Standard podcast. It got me thinking about my personal brand and whether the person people see on social media is the same person they meet in real life.
I might seem loud and outspoken on social media, but in person, I'm quiet, soft-spoken, independent, and sometimes socially awkward. That doesn't mean I won't speak my mind or stand up for someone when something isn't right. I just don't feel the need to be the loudest person in the room.
I'm an introvert. I enjoy my own company. I'd rather be working on my business, running, rucking, hunting, hiking, shooting my bow, or doing just about anything outdoors than being the center of attention.
Nothing personal. That's just me.
Business is my comfort zone. I've spent nearly six years building Flag Hauling, learning to communicate with customers, solving problems, and building a reputation I'm proud of. I'm still in the early stages of where I want to take this business, and I'm learning every day.
But whether I'm working with a customer or going about my personal life, my core values don't change. I believe in manners, respect, integrity, accountability, attention to detail, and treating people fairly, regardless of our differences. I know when to hold my tongue, and I know when it's appropriate to speak up.
I've turned down opportunities to speak at events and appear on podcasts because public speaking scares the hell out of me. I get nervous in crowds, lose my train of thought, struggle with vocabulary, and sometimes overthink situations before they even happen.
Fear kills opportunities. I've let it hold me back, and I'm not afraid to admit that. I know the only way to improve is to get uncomfortable and put in the reps.
Writing and expressing myself have always been difficult. And yes, I use ChatGPT to organize my thoughts and communicate more effectively. I proofread and edit everything to make sure it represents what I'm actually saying.
The experiences, opinions, and lessons are mine. I'm a blue-collar business owner who values efficiency and making the best use of my time. I'm not apologizing for using tools that help me do that.
I read self-development books and listen to podcasts. A lot of my thoughts come to me while I'm working out or spending time outdoors. I take what I learn, apply it to my own life, and share my experiences.
One thing I've learned is that I don't want to become a success zombie, somebody who spends all their time reading, listening, and talking about success but never takes action. I've caught myself heading in that direction before, and I'm working to change that.
I've learned a tremendous amount from Andy Frisella, David Goggins, Cameron Hanes, Gary Vee, James Lawrence, and plenty of others. I'll always give credit where it's due, but I'm not trying to become any of them. They've provided tools and perspectives that helped change my life. I'm responsible for putting in the work and creating my own path.
Now, here's what you don't always see on social media.
I've struggled with alcohol, anger, depression, and plenty of personal problems. I've made terrible decisions, hit rock bottom, and learned some hard lessons.
October 13, 2020, was one of the biggest turning points of my life. After six months of uncertainty and some of the scariest moments I've experienced, I was given a second chance when my entire future could've gone in a completely different direction.
I'm forever grateful for the people who stood beside me, believed in me, and helped me through that difficult period. I genuinely believe God intervened that day.
Six years later, looking at this photo still gives me chills. It reminds me how fortunate I am and how easily my life could've turned out differently.
That experience became a big part of what pushed me to start Flag Hauling and change the direction of my life. I can't change my past, but I can take accountability for my mistakes and make the most of the opportunity I was given.
Growing up, martial arts also helped me through some difficult times. I'll always appreciate my master, Steve Nesky, for the impact he had on my life.
There was a time when my life revolved around working, drinking, and chasing small materialistic goals without much purpose or direction. My temper got me into situations I wish I'd handled differently.
Sobriety, building a business, and completing 75 Hard have helped me tremendously, but they haven't made my problems disappear.
Recently, I was mentally exhausted, craving alcohol, and didn't want to do my second workout. I'm approaching the halfway point of my second round of 75 Hard, and the physical and mental demands are catching up with me.
I had a battle with myself that night, but I kept my commitment without breaking my sobriety. That's integrity to me, doing what you said you'd do when nobody's watching.
I still deal with stress, health challenges, difficult days, and personal battles most people know nothing about.
I'm not sharing this for sympathy, advice, or a handout. I'm sharing it because social media only shows part of someone's life.
Stop assuming somebody has everything figured out because of what you see on a screen. You don't know what they're dealing with behind closed doors.
I'm grateful for my experiences, including the difficult ones that helped shape who I am. But I'm not satisfied with where I'm at, either.
I'm still working to become a better business owner, communicate more effectively, manage my emotions, develop confidence, build relationships, and find ways to give back to my community.
I grew up old-school, working in construction. I'm stubborn, I cuss, and I've got my opinions. But I believe in respecting others, even when we disagree.
I don't look for confrontation, but I don't tolerate being walked all over, either. I prefer handling disagreements directly and respectfully. I've learned that walking away from unnecessary conflict takes more discipline than reacting out of anger.
If you meet me in person and I'm quiet, awkward, or don't have much to say, don't take it personally. I'm not being disrespectful or acting better than anybody. I'm simply more comfortable keeping to myself.
Your past doesn't have to determine your future.
At one point, I weighed 265 pounds. I was out of shape, struggling to tie my boots, and unhappy with the person looking back at me in the mirror. I had to make the decision to change.
I know people struggle with weight, addiction, mental health, and plenty of other challenges. I've been through my share, and I respect anybody who's genuinely putting in the effort to improve.
But there's a difference between struggling while doing the work and continually making excuses without taking action.
At some point, you've got to take accountability for your own life. Nobody's going to do the work for you.
I still have weaknesses, difficult days, and a hell of a lot to learn. But I'm going to keep showing up whether anybody's watching or not.
I'm building two brands: Flag Hauling and Jesse Hanley. One represents the business I've spent years building. The other represents who I am and the person I'm working to become.
I hope one day to shake hands with some of the people who've influenced my journey, thank them for the lessons and tools they've shared, and go on my merry way. No recognition or pat on the back needed.
I'm not looking to impress everybody or convince anyone I've got life figured out. I'm a blue-collar guy who came from humble beginnings, made mistakes, changed the direction of his life, and is still putting in the work.
So if you ever meet me in person and I'm a hell of a lot quieter than you expected, now you know why.
I'm just Jesse Hanley. Still learning, still improving, and doing my best to practice what I preach. 🤝🫡
