The Entrepreneurial Journey of Chad Myers' Wife: From Holsters to a Million-Dollar Business

Chad Everett Myers is an American meteorologist and the severe weather expert for CNN. Myers, a native of Buffalo, New York, earned a bachelor's degree in meteorology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1987. He joined CNN in October 1999, moving up from working as the morning weather analyst at WXYZ-TV in Detroit.

CNN Center in Atlanta, where Chad Myers works as a meteorologist.

Beyond his career in meteorology, Chad Myers and his wife, Shawndalyn, embarked on an entrepreneurial venture that led to unexpected success. In December 2015, they identified a need and set out to solve a problem.

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Identifying a Need in the Concealed Carry Market

Chad and Shawndalyn both wanted to carry concealed handguns, but many of the holsters designed to hold the guns were notoriously unreliable. This personal need sparked an idea.

From Problem to Product

The key advance in their holster was that it works via magnets, to hold a much as 18 pounds firmly on the waistband of an article of clothing. They liked the holsters so much that they decided to file for patents, buy inventory for gun shows, and put up a web site. “I had my doubts, but I prayed a lot,” said Chad.

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A concealed carry holster, similar to the product developed by Chad and Shawndalyn Myers.

A Million-Dollar Success Story

By the end of 2016, they had $1 million in sales. The Myers, it turned out, tapped into a growing market.

The Growing Market for Concealed Carry

In 2011, the Government Accountability Office estimated that there had been 8 million concealed carry permits issued. Other sources suggest the number has climbed into the 12 million range since then. The laws vary a lot, so that someone licensed to carry a concealed weapon in Texas might not be in San Francisco, but have generally been growing less restrictive across the country.

A reciprocity map showing states that recognize concealed carry permits from other states.

Proponents of concealed carry laws say that in a society where guns are already common and sometimes fall into the hands of criminals, citizens need to be able to protect themselves with guns. The Myers carry guns out of safety concerns for their family -- they want to be prepared if something ever happens - and know others who want to do the same. “We’re running to the grocery store.

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The Holster's Unique Features

Different sizes and versions of the holster cost from $49.95 to $94. They are made from Hermann Oak leather (Hermann Oak is a storied St. Louis-based tannery). “This holster wasn’t built to be on the market, so it was built right,” said Chad.

Making the Leap: From Meteorology to Entrepreneurship

Chad quit his job in December 2016 - before that, he had been working nights, six days a week. Shawndalyn still works at the nonprofit, New Horizons.

The Rewards of Success

They bought a truck, to take them to the NRA convention, among other places, and - they feel particular satisfaction in this -- they’ve bought a new home. “We were just working people,” Chad said. “But it’s been a fun experience. It’s changed our lives.

Year Sales Key Events
2015 N/A Identified need for reliable concealed carry holster
2016 $1 Million Reached $1 million in sales, Chad quit his job

Key milestones in Chad and Shawndalyn Myers' holster business.

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