Origin Story

"A man who plants an acorn does not see an oak overnight, but through patience, grit, and care, it grows strong—rooted in honor, towering in fatherhood, and sheltering his family and community. Great men, like great oaks, are built through steady, unseen work."

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The seed for Cadre of Men was planted long before it had a name. It began with a simple but profound realization: men thrive when they are sharpened by other men. Alone, we stagnate. Together, we forge ahead, stronger, more capable, and prepared for the challenges of life.

My own journey started within Fraternity of Excellence, a brotherhood of men dedicated to self-improvement and accountability. There, I was challenged, guided, and encouraged by men who saw more in me than I sometimes saw in myself. Through their mentorship and relentless push, I battled my own weaknesses, refined my discipline, and rose to become Man of the Year in the Fraternity of Excellence. That achievement was not just a title—it was a testament to the power of surrounding oneself with strong men who demand more, who call each other to a higher standard.

The transformation began in my body. I committed to building physical strength and resilience. From there, my confidence and self-talk improved, which rippled into my marriage, fatherhood, and businesses. Each step forward was a brick in the foundation of a better life. I saw firsthand what was possible when men committed themselves to growth in mind, body, and spirit with a cadre of brothers beside them.

But I also saw a need. I wanted to take what I had learned and bring it to a more focused, accessible level—a place where men could experience deep brotherhood, not just online, but in person. I wanted to emphasize the power of physical meetups, shared challenges, and real-world action—the kind of camaraderie that can only be forged through sweat, struggle, and shared purpose.

Thus, Cadre of Men was born.

With the help of many friends and brothers from Fraternity of Excellence, we forged a new group built on approachability, real-world action, and relentless accountability. We made in-person meetups a cornerstone—monthly hikes, physical competitions, service projects, and hands-on support for each other’s homes, families, and goals. We integrated these with online discussions, Zoom calls, guest speakers, and deep, meaningful conversations to sharpen our minds alongside our bodies.

This is not just a group. It is a calling. It is a commitment to build better men, stronger communities, and a more honorable future.

I am not an expert. I am a man who has walked this path and knows that no man thrives alone. We rise and sharpen through the presence of other men who push us, hold us accountable, and expect more.

This is just the beginning. Cadre of Men is about brotherhood, grit, and growth—not just for today, but for generations to come. One better man at a time, we build a better community, city, state, and country.

The acorn is planted. Now, we put in the work to grow the oak.

-Mathew Winder (Founder Cadre of Men)