Bruce Hamilton studied biology and chemistry at Vanderbilt University from 1964-1968, and from there he began working at The North Face, where he served as the VP Manufacturing and CEO for nearly 20 years. During his time with The North Face, he participated in the creation of the revolutionary Oval Intention, a tent with a geodesic dome structure. The geodesic dome was pioneered by the architect R. Buckminster Fuller, who met with The North Face staff during the final product design and made a number of subsequent visits to the company.

After leaving The North Face in October 1989, Hamilton worked as the CEO of Yakima Products for eight years, where he took over most of the day-to-day management of the company.

In 1998, Hamilton left Yakima Products to work as the CEO of Wing Inflatables. After eight years, he decided to retire.

Since 2007, Hamilton and his wife Cathy have owned and operated Wildwood Manufacturing, a company that produces made-to-order electric guitar and bass bodies and necks. Hamilton and his family live in Arcata, California.