Meet Jonathan Lindahl | Holster manufacturer and firearm instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Lindahl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, what do you attribute your success to?
When I developed my brand and product, I wanted to make something that was safe, reliable, affordable and comfortable for my customers. What led me to start my own company was I wanted something that met these attributes. Not some but all of them. Just over 2 years ago I purchased a holster from one of my competitors because I had seen their ads all of social media. I didn’t know much about holsters at the time when I purchased mine but when it arrived, I immediately knew it was not worth what I paid for it.

I had some time before I would receive my permit to carry so I began researching how to make firearm holsters. I started making holsters for myself and friends with a toaster oven, heat gun, a coping saw and a small work bench in the corner of my garage. I spent a lot of late-night hours tinkering and perfecting a design that would do the job I needed it to do. I started going to gun retailers and asking them what they didn’t like about the current holsters they sold in their stores. I out together a punch list of things I needed to do better and started making a holster that checked all of the boxes.

Once I had a product I knew would sell and be what potential customers would look for I began selling them to retailers. I sold my first account 100 holsters and they became a local favorite with their customer base. An important part of my brand is our slogan, “Made In AMerica.” This statement was not only important to me but my customer base. I made sure to source all of our materials and hardware from American companies. We manufacture the entire product in house by hand. Our customers can see the quality difference from our competitors and became our biggest advertisers.

We are now in 3 retail stores and are about to sign with one of the largest firearm retailers in Southern California. Our brand has always focused on quality first, function and safety so that our customers who use our holsters can confidently carry their firearms. It is a big responsibility when carrying a firearm. The last thing someone needs to worry about is their holster. We are seeing many repeat customers and people who are starting to recognize our logo and our brand as a quality product that is superior to the competition.

We are so confident in our product that we request to be placed directly across from other competitors at trade shows.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The biggest thing that sets us apart from our competition is our standard to provide a product above the rest. We strive daily to provide a product worth the price tag. We are most proud of the fact that our customers are our biggest marketing influencers. Word of mouth from our customers has been the thing we are most proud of. When our customers are selling our product for us that is the biggest compliment we could ever receive. If it wasn’t for our customers who are out there promoting us, we would not be where we are today and as successful as we are.

One of the biggest lessons we have learned in this whole process is to always do right by the customer. Even when the customer has been wrong we have made it a point to make sure they are happy with our products and service. We have made it a point to never take from or take advantage of our customers. When we have accidently over charged our made any errors in our favor, we have immediately made it right. We never want to compromise our integrity or trust and tarnish our brand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I happen to be within in an hour drive of Big Bear in Southern California. I am probably the only person in California who actually likes to drive up into the mountain while it’s snowing. The first place we would go is to Grizzly Manor for the best breakfast that will leave them stuffed and satisfied. The food is amazing, the atmosphere gives you the small-town feeling, and the staff is always on their game. Depending on the time of the year we would either be on the lake fishing, kayaking, jet skiing or swimming. If its winter, we would be sledding, skiing or checking out a movie in the town center movie theater. We would stop by the homemade cady and ice cream parlor and indulge in the fudge and other treats. For a fun and casual dinner, we would eat at the Big Bear Lake Brewing Company or something more formal at the Peppercorn Grille,

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife is the biggest reason for y success. What started as a hobby quickly took over our garage where she used to park her car. When I started to actually make money and we could see the potential to turn this into something big she immediately jumped on board with my vision. She has been my cheerleader and biggest supporter to allow me to be able to now do this as a career and not just a hobby. She has put her faith in me and the company to provide for our family. I left a 15-year career at Pepsi with benefits, retirement, prestige and so on to follow this passion.

When I travel out of state for trade shows or put in late hours making holsters and running the business, she is right there pushing me to do better. My wife has allowed me to take the necessary risks to build our company and the brand that our customers recognize. We put our faith in God that this was the direction he wanted us to go. She put her faith and trust in me as well to make this a sucess and not a failure.

Website: www.lindahlholsters.com

Instagram: @lindahlholsters

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindahlholsters