Company name: Dutyman
Headquarters: Maxwell, Texas
Signature Product: Leather line of duty gear
Website: https://dutyman.com/
1. Where did your company name originate from?
The name Dutyman originally came from the concept of the “man on duty.”
2. What was the inspiration behind starting your company?
In the early 90s, Dutyman saw a niche for competitively priced leather duty gear that met the high standards and specific requirements of public safety professionals. At the time, our founding team already had 30 combined years of leatherwork experience, which led to our success and expansion into product lines like ballistic nylon for first responders.
3. What is your signature product and how does it work?
Dutyman’s signature product is our leather line of duty gear. As most competitors move to bonded leather or synthetic leather, we uphold the tradition of using genuine leather. Our leather belts and holders don’t split or delaminate, and our customers continue to say to this day that our product has lasted them over 10 years of active-duty use.
4. Why do you believe your products are essential to the police community?
First responders can equip themselves without compromising their budgets. We believe that by supporting these professionals with reliable and affordable gear, we’re also contributing to the safety and well-being of the communities they serve. It’s about supporting the recruitment of officers and departments with a quality product that is competitively priced, so they get more value for their money.
5. What has been the biggest challenge your company has faced?
Our biggest recent challenge was during the COVID years of supply-chain disruption, but with our strong supplier relationship, we have already returned to regular inventory levels and supply chain lead times on orders last year.
6. What makes your company unique?
Our company is unique in that very few manufacturer suppliers are still using full grain leather like we do. Most of the law enforcement accessory brands use split grade leather with some products using top grain leather and, because of this, you hear complaints about leather gear which are not true. I guess you could say we’re unique in that we believe in using genuine, full-grain leather due to its comfort, durability, longevity and eco-friendly nature.
7. What do your customers like best about you and your products?
Our customers appreciate the big Texan service that comes with Dutyman. They trust in our commitment to work together as partners. We are a family-owned and operated business that has been built on a foundation of listening to and understanding the needs of our customers. Customers like the quality finish and durability of our leather line, which is always in high demand. Years ago, we even had an officer tell us our garrison leather belt stopped a bullet ricochet from penetrating the belt!
8. What is the most rewarding part of serving the first responder community?
The most rewarding part is knowing that our efforts at Dutyman contribute directly to the safety and efficiency of these crucial professionals and the communities we are a part of. Every product we create is designed with the intention of supporting those who commit their lives to serving and protecting others. We take immense pride in the knowledge that our gear plays a role in their daily routines and critical operations.
9. Is there any fun fact or trivia that you’d like to share about you or your company?
One fun fact is that being in Maxwell, Texas, we have the land to raise several Dutyman cattle. A bull named JJ, and seven cows, named Boo, Rhonda, L E, Winnie, Mary, Sarah and Cookies and Cream that we nickname CC.
10. What’s next for your company? Any upcoming new projects or initiatives?
A Narcan pouch. Recognizing the critical importance of this lifesaving drug in emergency scenarios, we are designing a pouch that ensures ease of access.
Additionally, we are in the process of creating a new line of K-9 gear, which includes a leash and collar set designed to meet the specific needs of law enforcement K-9 units.
We are also developing a holder for Pepperball Blast, which will offer a reliable and accessible means of carrying non-lethal options on a duty belt and vest.