Natural State Series: Ben Bardwell

Welcome to the next edition of our "Natural State Series," where we highlight the adventures of Tune M1 owners. Today, we're thrilled to share the story of Ben Bardwell, a professional sailboat racer and avid adventure-seeker that embodies the spirit of what our brand is all about.

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Ben is from Brownsville, VT where he grew up spending a ton of time on boats with his father who worked as a commercial fisherman. He considered the water his playground and felt a deep connection to the sea. 

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Hanging out at the docks as a teenager inspired him to gravitate towards sailing and start competing at the age of 15. From there, he earned the opportunity to compete on the Hamilton College team. After graduation, he began working behind the scenes in the industry for a few years, but eventually transitioned to sailboat racing full-time.

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Three years ago, Ben became a key part of our research on Tacoma owners. His enthusiasm and insights were pivotal for our initial product development work.

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With his innate interest in engineering and construction, Ben saw clear parallels between the durable, lightweight nature of sailboats and the robust, yet agile design of the Tune M1. Having witnessed our growth firsthand, Ben says he feels a strong personal connection to the Tune Outdoor brand.

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For Ben, the Tune M1 is more than just a truck camper — it's his adventure tool and basecamp for play. Whether he's fly-fishing, windfoiling, or mountain biking, his Tune M1 is always ready to take him on his next great expedition. One of his favorite destinations is Baja California, which he plans to hit with his Tune M1 soon.

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When he is not on the water, Ben also works with the organization Vermont Overland to put on cycling and running events. Ben’s passion for bringing people together and creating opportunities for outdoor sports in the New England region is a driving force for his lifestyle. 

Ben's story is a testament to the adventurous spirit that drives Tune Outdoor. We respect and admire his unconventional path from the docks of Vermont to pursuing a career in sailing to working with Vermont Overland. 

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Ready to start your own adventure? Discover the Tune M1 and join our community of explorers.

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