Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Garcia.
Hi Chris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey began about 30 years ago when I enlisted in the United States Navy. Today, as a retired veteran with close ties to first responders through both family and friendships, I carry a deep understanding of what it truly means to serve others before yourself.
Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed firsthand the quiet dedication of those who step forward in moments of need—individuals who often go unrecognized. These are the unsung heroes among us: our neighbors, our loved ones, and sometimes complete strangers who show up every day to serve people they may never meet again.
In recent years, I’ve seen a shift in how these professions are perceived. The reverence and respect once widely held for military members and first responders have diminished, often overshadowed by negative narratives amplified through media and social platforms. As a result, fewer in the next generation feel called to pursue these vital roles.
That realization led me to create Nada Bystander—not just as a brand, but as a movement. The name itself represents a mindset: a refusal to stand idly by. It’s about stepping in, supporting one another, and contributing to the greater good in whatever way we can. My goal is to inspire people to take action, to stand behind those who serve, and to recognize that everyone has the ability to make a difference.
Nada Bystander is also committed to giving back. We proudly support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, donating 10% of every purchase to help further their mission of supporting veterans, first responders, and their families.
At its core, this work is about restoring respect, building community, and ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to protecting others know they are seen, valued, and supported.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road we are on is tough. Getting exposure and the word out has been slow going. Sometimes I feel like there isn’t a place for my brand and what it signifies, but I refuse to give up and I want to believe that we are stronger together and that this would be a way to bring folks who have been touched by a first responder together in support. Since starting this the only revenue I’ve made to support T2T is through pop up markets where I make custom patches and laser engraved gifts, and my hat bar. But my heart is in the cause and since beginning this my website has only made 2 sales and only one of them was for my First Responder Apparel. I know it’s a worthy cause but I think my biggest struggle is getting the word out and figuring out what steps I should take that I haven’t yet.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I retired from the Navy, I got a job with Georgia Pacific. Luckily, since I joined them back in 2021 I’ve had the amazing opportunity to excel in several roles that I’ve had the privilege of being in. I currently am the mechanical packaging manager for the whole southeast region.. we support the agriculture and the produce businesses Mostly the farmers in their picking and packing endeavors. Georgia Pacific provides the boxes to pack the fruit, the vegetables, poultry, and other items that may come from the agricultural side, and I provide the machines to make those boxes as well as the people to fix those machines and I am in charge of all the maintenance and scheduling of the technicians that service all of our customers as far north as New Jersey and as far south as Miami. My passion has always been and will always be to give the best customer service that I myself can give as a representative of a company or me personally as a business owner. I feel like for any product that is consumed by the public regardless of the quality as long as there is customer service to take care of those people and make things right that is what is the most important part of any business as far as I’m concerned.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I don’t have any specific area that I draw inspiration from. I do watch a lot on photography, craft making, and how to’s since it relates to marketing my brand and products. I have created two podcast in the last couple of months and about to launch a third. The first is Average Joe: Let’s Talk About It, which started out as a personal journal and evolved into Gen X subject matter. The next is The Way In, a psychological thriller. And I am about to start interviewing some first responders and do a show 100% focused on their work and experiences and make it informative for listeners. The title of this show, which I am most passionate about is All In, Always. by Nada Bystander. So I use new AI assisted technology like Riverside, ElevenLabs, ChatGPT. It has been essential for building my brand and content.
Pricing:
- Hats 25-30.00
- Shirts 22-30.00
- Engraved Gifts vary in Price
- Ammo Clocks 120-160
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nadabystander.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/nadabystander
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/nadabystander
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nadabystanderactual
