What started as three college students selling tank tops and sweatshirts in locker rooms has grown into a nationwide purpose-driven apparel company that's taking the Gospel from athletic fields to international mission trips.
Garrett Bernardo, co-founder and CEO of NOVUS Clothing Company, is part of a new generation of Catholic entrepreneurs whose faith and business are deeply united. And the timing for their unique calling could not be more relevant.
This weekend the Vatican marked the Jubilee of Sport, celebrating all that athletics bring to our world. The mission of NOVUS reveals the goodness of sport in a special way.
Bernardo founded NOVUS in 2011 with his brother Nick and third partner Scott Klimchak. Since then, NOVUS has grown to outfit teams, athletes, and professionals nationwide while staying true to their faith-centered mission. Bernardo told Aleteia:
Built on living a life of passion, conviction and perseverance, NOVUS has grown to outfit teams, athletes and professionals nationwide. It is through these values that we hope to inspire you to discover your purpose and Claim Your Crown.
“Claim Your Crown” is NOVUS’ mantra with powerful meaning. It stems from a poster in the brothers’ childhood bedroom featuring James 1:12:
Blessed are those who persevere under trial, for when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Their Catholic approach goes beyond apparel into active mission work through NOVUS's 1:12 Project, which funds international sports ministry trips. Their recent “Catholic baseball camp” in the Dominican Republic used athletics as a bridge for evangelization.
Bernardo explained how this project began:
I had the opportunity to lead a mission trip to Banica, Dominican Republic 9 years ago and that experience planted a seed in my heart to not only be grateful everyday but to realize how much you learn about yourself through serving others. I want to give young athletes this same opportunity as I don't think there's anything more fulfilling than being able to share your passions for sports while encountering Christ in places you'd never expect.
And NOVUS will host their 15th Annual CAT Volleyball Tournament on June 18. This event began as a backyard neighborhood tournament in high school and has become the company's biggest annual fundraiser, raising over $100,000 for organizations like the American Cancer Society and the 1:12 Project.
Learning to lose -- and win
While sports and faith can be tightly connected, Bernardo encouraged athletes to know their worth beyond their sport:
Being an athlete comes with the pressures of being able to perform when it counts. The reality is that you won't always be successful — and that failure is inevitable.
For a long time, I found myself disappointed when I rode the roller coaster of basing my worth off of my performance. Knowing that my identity is found in Christ and there is nothing I can do to earn His love brings peace to my mind and heart every time I think about it.
It’s a constant reminder that my abilities and talents are a gift from God and it’s my responsibility to use them to glorify Him every way I can.
As Catholic business leaders increasingly seek ways to integrate faith and commerce, NOVUS is proof that authentic evangelization can happen anywhere — even in the competitive world of athletic apparel. Their success proves that being proudly Catholic doesn't limit business growth but can be the springboard for meaningful impact.
