Dan Gluck first got on my radar when I was a partner in an insurance and risk management firm, specializing in consumer products. I was at the beginning of my own personal health and wellness journey and wanted to connect with successful players in the space. Dan’s name kept popping up.
He was a founder and partner at PowerPlant Ventures, which had capitalized and invested in several of the brands I was using, enjoying, and benefiting from. I thought the company had incredible taste and an eye for talent. Dan seemed to be out there living his message, as a husband, father, athlete, investor, and provider. These were attributes that mattered to me and were becoming more important with each passing year.
So I tried calling Dan. I cold emailed him. I even looked for him at various trade shows and events, but no luck. I didn’t know anyone who knew him, and I got nowhere. Case closed, right? Not so fast.
Five years later, as fate would have it, I arrived at Snowbasin in Utah to take on my first 29029 Everesting Challenge. And who is standing in the buffet line when I walk in for dinner? Dan Gluck.
I walked up to him, introduced myself, and thanked him for never calling me back or emailing me – for making it tough. I told him, with complete confidence, that I had no agenda and no interest in selling him anything anymore. That part of my life was over. We talked. We chatted. He said, “Let’s do an ascent or two together.”
And we did. Nothing brings people together like shared suffering. By the end of those ascents, I had his cell phone number. He knew a few things about me. I knew a few things about him. And I knew he was someone I wanted to keep learning from.
Dan’s a winner: relatable, credible, and aspirational. From afar, I’ve watched his career continue to evolve. He rebranded PowerPlant Ventures into GroundForce Capital, embarked on a personal and professional growth mission, and started working with coaches and leadership teams. Our mutual friend Bart Foster and his BusinessOutside program became part of his journey. Dan has also become prolific on LinkedIn and has spoken at places like Stanford, sharing his experiences and perspectives on how he sees it.
As the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of GroundForce Capital, an investment management firm backing branded consumer and B2B companies that improve the health and longevity of people and the planet, Dan plays an active role in all aspects of the firm’s business—deal sourcing, diligence, portfolio management—portfolio companies include Miyoko’s, Zico Rising, Your Super, Thistle, Jot Coffee, and Rae Wellness.
Before GroundForce, Dan co-founded Health Warrior, a plant-based superfood company acquired by PepsiCo in 2018. He previously spent 14 years as a Portfolio Manager and Partner at Weiss Multi-Strategy Advisers, a hedge fund.
Dan lives in Mill Valley, CA, with his wife and two children. He’s a lifelong athlete and endurance competitor, often found running, mountain biking, or hiking with his family. You’re going to love our conversation. Please enjoy Dan Gluck’s ‘How I See It’:
On Positivity:
“When I’m at events like 29,029, I jump at the chance to connect with people who inspire positivity, like Jesse and the founders, to fuel my own drive.”
On Scale:
“Scale matters. You do the same work, but with a larger client base or more dollars, the returns are bigger.”
On Endurance:
“My addiction is the dopamine from sports and pushing my limits.”
On Discomfort:
“I like events that get me out of my comfort zone.”
On Consistency:
“I’ve been all-in on my physical and mental health pretty steadily. Consistency is something I pride myself on.”
On Family:
“Family first. I put a lot of time and effort into my family, prioritizing them as intentionally as I do my health and business.”
On Presence:
“From then on, I decided I’d be home for dinner every night. There are exceptions, but I hold myself to it.”
On Intentionality:
“I think thoughtfully about how I want to show up as a husband, dad, son, and brother.”
On Planning:
“I’m a big planner. I set goals every year. I think in yearly increments.”
On Preparation:
“It was about preparation, daily values, and steps. If I keep doing the right things daily, weekly, monthly—putting the building blocks in place—the score will take care of itself.”
On Passion:
“I love what I do. It’s not just a job. I enjoy showing up, surrounding myself with an amazing team, working with incredible CEOs and founders we invest in.”
On Leveraging Nature:
“Stepping into natural settings can spark deeper connections and boost creative thinking.”
On Balancing Deep Work:
“Focusing intensely for short periods works best when paired with lighter moments.”
On Fostering Vulnerability:
“Opening up in relationships builds trust and drives personal growth.”
On Managing Energy:
“Surrounding yourself with uplifting people keeps your motivation strong.”
On Embracing Change:
“Shifting paths when disengaged can lead to a more fulfilling journey.”
On Risk Assessment:
“Understanding your comfort with risk shapes how you approach new challenges.”
On Self-Discovery:
“Taking time to define your own values provides a clear direction in life.”
In health,
midlifemalmidli
femalemidlif
Greg Scheinman
Founder, Midlife Male
52. Husband. Father. Entrepreneur. Coach.
Follow me on LinkedIn, and Instagram
midlifemal
midlifemale
midlifemal
Join 20,000+ driven men over 40 getting free weekly advice on maximizing their health, wealth, and fulfillment in midlife. Subscribe here.
