Xander Gleaton is 31 years old and originally from San Francisco, California. He is a former U.S. Air Force Pararescueman (PJ) who transitioned into a career as an executive protection agent and paramedic. Over the course of a decade, he served within the Special Operations community, operating in high-risk environments where calm decision-making and trust often meant the difference between life and death.
Today, Xander is the founder and CEO of Saints by Day, Sinners by Construct (SDSC), an apparel brand and storytelling platform built around the concept of duality and honesty. The brand is not about perfection or image; it is about truth. Through design, writing, and community, the project creates space for real conversations about identity, addiction, grief, purpose, and suicide prevention for those who feel they are carrying something alone. Its mission is simple: to help people feel understood, give them language for what they are experiencing, and remind them that they are not broken—they are human.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
- That your greatest hardships are actually gifts that can be leveraged into your ultimate mission.
- How to shift your mindset from "Why is this happening?" to "What is this teaching me?" for instant clarity.
- Why radical vulnerability on social media is the most effective tool for building authority and trust.
- How to detach your personal identity from your profession to survive a career transition.
- That focusing on serving others creates business growth and monetary success as a natural byproduct.
- Why the duality of human nature allows us to pursue excellence while accepting our inherent flaws.
- How to build a community-driven brand by solving the core problem of human isolation.
- Why a "Day by Day" philosophy is the only sustainable way to navigate recovery and entrepreneurship.
- That breaking the cycle of generational trauma starts with the courage to tell your truth.
about the show
They served their country, and now they’re building something just as powerful.
They led with discipline, purpose, resilience, and have turned their next chapter into a mission.
But in today’s noisy world, even the most dedicated veterans struggle to get the recognition they deserve.
Operation CEO is a groundbreaking TV series that honors the next chapter of America's heroes.
These entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators have served their country and are now building businesses with purpose.
Each episode highlights a veteran who transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship, showcasing the same grit, discipline, and mission-driven mindset that continues to define their journey today.
From startups to seven-figure brands, these stories prove that the warrior spirit doesn’t fade after service…
It evolves!
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