From Passion to Profit: Dan Chumbler on Scaling Tethrd and Navigating the Hunting Industry

When Dan Chumbler first stepped into the world of saddle hunting, it wasn't as a CEO or industry veteran. It was as a curious outdoorsman on a mission to solve a simple problem: how do you get elevated, stay mobile, and hunt effectively without lugging 40 tree stands through the woods?

That question led him to a trade show in Minnesota, a demo tree, and a conversation with Tethrd co-founder Ernie Power. The answer? A saddle, a rope, and a whole new way of thinking about hunting from elevation. Since that day in 2019, Dan's been hooked.

Now, as CEO of Tethrd, Dan isn't just selling gear. He's guiding a movement that's reshaping how hunters engage with the land. And he's doing it with a reverence for tradition, a deep respect for passionate communities, and a sharp eye for operational excellence honed across decades in golf, powersports, and outdoor media.

"This is not just gear," Dan says. "It's a method. It's a mindset. And for a lot of hunters, it's a game-changer."

A Career Forged in Passion

From swinging bats with Louisville Slugger to pushing the boundaries at Callaway, Polaris, and MeatEater, Dan's professional journey has been steeped in what he calls "passion verticals." These aren't just industries. They're identities. Lifestyles. Tribes.

At MeatEater, Dan helped transition the company from a media powerhouse into a gear-driven business model. He led acquisitions, doubled revenue, and learned the delicate dance between creatives and commerce. But more than anything, he learned the value of alignment: getting everyone on the same page, early and often.

That lesson guides his work at Tethrd. "We’re still in the early innings," he says. "But we know who we are. We know who we serve. And we’re building something that lasts."

The Rise of Saddle Hunting

Saddle hunting isn’t just lighter and more mobile—it’s safer, more versatile, and, as Dan puts it, just plain smarter. With a climbing method, a minimalist platform, and a tethered saddle, hunters can shoot 360 degrees, reduce their environmental impact, and stay connected to the tree at all times.

It’s also a gateway for the next generation. Tethrd’s been investing in educational content like "Saddle Hunting 101" and producing series like "Hunting Camp" and the youth-focused "Tagged Out Tour." These aren’t just brand plays. They’re invitations. On-ramps for new hunters of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.

And Tethrd’s growth proves the model works. Since launching in 2018, the company has posted 40% CAGR, expanded into major retailers, and maintained profitability every year.

Facing Tariffs, Staying Grounded

2024 brought a new challenge: tariffs. With some gear categories now facing 145% tariffs, Dan and his team had to pivot quickly. They worked supplier deals, explored alternate sourcing, and absorbed hits to keep price hikes minimal.

"We’re not immune," Dan admits. "But we're committed. We're making smart trade-offs, staying close to our customers, and tightening our belt where it counts."

That commitment to the long view—fueled by Dan’s embrace of EOS and a 10-year vision to create a million saddle hunters—isn’t just strategic. It’s cultural. It's about legacy.

Hunting as Identity

Spend five minutes with Dan and you’ll understand this isn’t a job. It’s a calling. And he knows it’s the same for Tethrd’s customers—from the radiologist in Michigan to the Army captain who drove 400 miles to show off his rig.

"Hunting isn’t a transaction," Dan says. "It’s who people are. They’ll skip the family vacation. They’ll stretch every dollar. Because this is what they love."

That passion is why he believes hunting isn’t in decline—it’s evolving. And it’s why he sees opportunities to build a better, more connected experience. A future where gear, access, and information meet hunters where they are and help them get where they want to go.

Looking Ahead

What comes next? Dan sees opportunity in adversity. He sees upside in digital limitations. And he sees a future where brands like Tethrd, platforms like LandTrust, and storytellers across the outdoor space work together to welcome more people into the fold.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about growth for growth’s sake. It’s about connection. To the land. To each other. And to a legacy worth carrying forward.

As Dan puts it: "This is still a people business. And if we can help one more person fall in love with the outdoors—if we can help them feel confident, capable, and connected—then we’re doing it right."

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