The BLOG: Culture

Businesses Are Talking About Holidays. Ours Is Talking About Christmas.

It’s impossible to avoid the commercials at this time of year. Every business in America wants to tell you why you should buy from them. And ironically, they’re afraid to say Merry Christmas.

Not our team at Bottle Breacher.

We get it – we do.  A third of our revenue and production comes in during the Christmas holiday season. And that goes a long way in helping us provide for our family and the more than 40 families of those we employ during the year. It’s common for many businesses to boom leading into the Christmas holidays.  That’s why they try to make everyone happy and, ironically, are terrified of the word “Christmas.”

But to us it’s about more than the bottom line … the almighty dollar … the commercialization of something so sacred to so many of us.

I’m really looking forward to spending some quality time with my wife and two daughters at Christmastime. Watching their faces light up as they rip open present after present and tossing the paper on the floor. We always try to explain to them that these traditions are fun and endearing but to remember that the real reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

With that celebration comes gratitude and a feeling of obligation to other companies, including those of competitors.

I proudly served my country as a NAVY SEAL, and I know many others who did as well.  They’ve also gone on to create their own companies. My wife and I are extremely passionate about supporting other veteran-owned companies to get as much exposure as possible. We do this because we personally feel that all boats rise with the tide and that our support for one another should continue long after we take off the uniform.

I also know how much I appreciate it when others in the veteran community send opportunities our way. It really makes you feel like the brotherhood is alive and well.

My parents taught me long ago that it was much better to give than to receive. Boy, were they right about that one and so much more.

I have decided for the rest of my life that I will use my God-given talents and gifts to bless my family, my friends, and my loved ones. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to lead and support those that we care for and love.

I hope we all take some time this Christmas holiday season to reflect on how very blessed we all are to not only be alive but to have opportunities both big and small to ensure that those around us feel love and have a very Merry Christmas.

Eli Crane is a patriot, family man, philanthropist and Christian, but is most notably known for being a Navy SEAL turned entrepreneur. Eli and his wife Jen founded the small business success story Bottle Breacher, which started in their garage turning 50-caliber shells into beer openers and is now a multi-million company offering a wide range of products – made in America by American veterans.