Roman Lemar is the founder, President, and Treasurer of Project Hand Warmer, leading the organization’s mission and operations across the Midwest.
A United States Marine Corps veteran, Roman served from 2012 to 2019 — beginning in international supply chain and logistics before moving to the infantry as an 0331 machine gunner with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, out of Lansing, Michigan. It was on long cold-weather training in the field that the idea for Project Hand Warmer took hold: the hand warmers tucked into his gear and sleeping system were sometimes the difference between a miserable night and a manageable one. If a 33-cent hand warmer could get him through a freezing night, it could do the same for a veteran — or anyone living outside with nowhere warm to turn.
He founded Project Hand Warmer in November 2018 to bring that warmth to the people who need it most, distributing hand warmers, warm clothing, and heat sources to homeless communities throughout the Midwest each winter. Giving back has long been part of his life — he has volunteered with the Toys for Tots program since 2014 and mentored youth in and from the foster care system.
Beyond Project Hand Warmer, Roman is an entrepreneur and the founder of Lemar Estate Holdings and BZKNEES. He is an FAA-licensed private pilot and a PADI open-water scuba diver, and he is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor at Cooley Law School in Tampa, Florida, where he is focused on mergers & acquisitions and real estate law. When he isn’t working, studying, or flying, you’ll usually find him snowboarding or traveling. You can learn more about him at romanlemar.com.
“If it saves even one life from a cold-related injury, then it’s worth it.”
Roman Lemar, Founder
PROJECT HAND WARMER 