A Tribute to Phil Robertson: A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Hard Work

Tonight airs the first episode of Duck Dynasty - The Revival. It had me thinking of growing up in North Carolina, Duck Dynasty wasn’t just a show to me — it was a way of life. I remember sitting on the couch after long days, watching the Robertson family live out a version of the American dream that felt both simple and extraordinary. They built something real from the ground up, and they never lost sight of what mattered most: faith, family, and hard work.

My brother and I on a duck hunt after watching Duck Dynasty

Phil Robertson — or “Phil,” as we all felt comfortable calling him — stood at the center of that life. His quiet wisdom, unapologetic Christian values, and commitment to his family left a lasting mark on me. He wasn’t about flash or fanfare. He believed in staying true to who you are, working hard with your hands, and giving the glory to God.

Those lessons stuck with me.

Years later, when I had the idea to start my own company — The Bullet Block, an easy loader for magazines — it wasn’t Silicon Valley entrepreneurs I looked to for inspiration. It was Phil Robertson.

I wanted my company to reflect the same values I grew up admiring in the Robertson family: honesty, grit, faith, and family. From day one, I made sure that The Bullet Block was more than just a business; it was a family effort. My wife, mom, and the rest of my family, has been involved since the very beginning — from testing new designs to helping package shipments, and even being in my instructional videos. It reminds me so much of how Phil kept his family close, helping his sons and grandkids at Duck Commander.

Phil showed me that you don’t have to separate faith from business, or family from work. In fact, it’s better when you don’t. He proved that a life centered on God and family can also be one of incredible success and fulfillment — and that’s exactly the path I try to walk every day.

I’ve never met Phil Robertson, but in many ways, I feel like I know him. He’s shaped my idea of what a good man looks like — a man who stands firm in his faith, leads his family by example, and doesn’t shy away from hard work or hard truths.

So, this is my tribute to Phil on the debut day of Duck Dynasty - The Revival. Thank you for showing me — and millions of others — that it’s not just possible to build something great while holding tight to your values, it’s the only way worth doing it.

Thank you, Phil.

- Levi Holloman