Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)
As part of our ongoing mission at RealReviews.net to explore and document businesses that have shaped their industries, we present this retrospective review of Pride Products, a family-owned company that operated from Chatsworth, California throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s. Founded by Kenneth Monahan in the early 1990s, Pride Products carved out a unique niche in the equestrian and western gift market, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials and artistic designs.
Company Origins and Family Foundation
Pride Products represented the best of American small business tradition – a family enterprise where multiple generations contributed their talents to build something meaningful. Kenneth Monahan’s vision extended beyond simple retail; he created a company that bridged the gap between functional equestrian products and genuine artistic expression.
The involvement of the founder’s sons, Brendan and Sean Monahan, illustrates the multi-generational commitment that defined the company. Brendan’s contribution of the company logo in the early 1990s demonstrated how family members brought their individual skills to strengthen the overall brand identity. Sean’s direct involvement in day-to-day operations provided continuity and shared investment in the company’s success.
The addition of John Wheeler from Simi Valley expanded the team beyond immediate family while maintaining the close-knit, personal approach that characterized the business. This combination of family dedication and trusted employees created the foundation for Pride Products’ reputation for quality and customer service.
Product Innovation and Quality Standards
Pride Products distinguished itself through its commitment to quality materials and innovative approaches to traditional products. Their use of Tyvek – DuPont’s spun-bonded olefin fabric – in equestrian and western wear demonstrated forward-thinking material selection that prioritized both performance and durability.
The company’s detailed explanation of Tyvek’s properties showed genuine understanding of their products rather than mere marketing speak. Their description of the material’s durability, warmth, washability, water-resistance, windproof qualities, and lightweight nature reflected actual technical knowledge that customers could trust.
The care instructions provided for Tyvek products – recommending hand washing in cold water for detailed artistic prints while offering machine washing alternatives – showed consideration for both product longevity and customer convenience. This attention to practical details distinguished Pride Products from companies that simply sold products without supporting customers through their use.
Apparel and Textiles Excellence
Pride Products’ commitment to quality in their textile offerings was evident across multiple product lines. Their horse-printed t-shirts used 100% preshrunk, heavyweight cotton, ensuring customers received products that would maintain their appearance and fit through repeated wearing and washing.
The fleece sweatshirts’ heavy cotton-poly blend represented informed material selection that balanced comfort, durability, and appearance. These weren’t bargain-basement products but carefully selected garments that reflected the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
The collaboration with renowned equine artist Kim McElroy for their t-shirt designs elevated the company’s offerings beyond simple merchandise to wearable art. Designs like “Benevolence,” “Brother Earth, Sister Sea,” “Lionheart,” “NightMares,” “Poseidon’s Gift,” and “Promise” brought artistic sophistication to functional apparel.
The availability of these designs in multiple colors and the inclusion of children’s sizes showed market awareness and commitment to serving diverse customer needs. The pricing structure – $17 for adult designs and $15 for children’s versions – represented fair value for quality artistic apparel.
Gemstone Art Collection: Unique Artistic Innovation
Perhaps Pride Products’ most distinctive offering was their gemstone painting collection – an innovative art form that arranged natural gemstones into artistic renderings. This product line demonstrated genuine creativity and craftsmanship that set the company apart from typical gift retailers.
The use of precious and semi-precious stones including rubies, topaz, jade, sapphires, emeralds, and amber created genuine luxury items rather than mass-produced novelties. Each piece came professionally matted and framed under glass, ensuring presentation quality worthy of the materials and craftsmanship involved.
The inclusion of certificates providing information about specific breeds and creation processes showed educational value beyond mere decoration. This documentation transformed purchases into learning opportunities, adding intellectual value to the aesthetic appeal.
The range of sizes – from small 5″x5″ pieces in felt-cushioned jewelry boxes to larger limited edition works measuring up to 13″x16″ – accommodated different budgets and display preferences. This thoughtful sizing strategy made the unique art form accessible to various customer segments.
Functional Art and Home Accessories
Pride Products’ cast iron designs represented another area where the company successfully combined functionality with aesthetic appeal. Items like the Horse Bell and Cowboy Bell (both 16″ x 9″) served practical purposes while adding authentic western atmosphere to customers’ properties.
The Cast Iron Hose Holder (9″ x 10″ x 4.5″) exemplified the company’s ability to transform mundane functional items into attractive garden accessories. This approach reflected understanding that customers wanted products that served practical needs without compromising their aesthetic standards.
The Mare & Foal Doorstop, sized at 10″ x 11″ x 2″ and priced at $42.95, demonstrated the premium positioning of these functional art pieces. The substantial construction required to “hold open the heaviest of doors” showed commitment to actual utility rather than mere decoration.
Fine Gifts and Collectibles
The company’s “Fine Gifts” line showcased diversity in materials and themes while maintaining consistent quality standards. Items like the Guitar & Lantern Bank combined detailed ceramic work with functional savings encouragement, creating gifts with both immediate appeal and ongoing utility.
The Hat & Rifle Bank and Pistol & Barrel Bank represented thoughtful western theming that respected the cultural traditions associated with equestrian lifestyle. The attention to detail in these poly resin and ceramic pieces, all priced competitively at $17, showed commitment to accessibility without sacrificing quality.
The Three Horse Bank at $19.95 represented the pinnacle of this collection, featuring intricate details and colors designed to make the horses “appear real.” The removable stopper for accessing savings showed practical consideration for the product’s intended function.
Automotive Accessories and Practical Innovation
Pride Products’ auto sunshades demonstrated how the company applied their material expertise to solve practical problems. The use of Tyvek for 90% UV protection combined the material’s inherent properties with equine-themed artistic designs.
The engineering features – adjustability for most vehicles, collapse to 1/10 extended size, and quick storage capability – showed genuine product development rather than simple decoration application. At $20 each, these represented exceptional value for specialized automotive accessories.
The practical benefits of keeping vehicle interiors cooler while protecting from sun damage addressed real customer needs, while the artistic designs maintained the company’s aesthetic standards. This combination exemplified Pride Products’ philosophy of functional beauty.
Customer Service and Business Practices
Pride Products’ customer service policies reflected genuine commitment to customer satisfaction rather than mere marketing positioning. Their return policy showed flexibility and understanding, accepting returns for defective items while requiring reasonable cooperation on shipping costs for personal preference exchanges.
The two-week reporting window for damaged items provided reasonable protection for both company and customers, while the willingness to handle size exchanges showed practical understanding of remote retail challenges.
The detailed washing instructions for Tyvek products, international shipping arrangements, and custom order capabilities (minimum 1,200 pieces) demonstrated comprehensive customer support across diverse needs and markets.
The multiple contact options – email, fax, toll-free phone, and physical address – provided customers with convenient communication channels while the specific “Internet-orders Dept.” showed adaptation to emerging e-commerce trends.
Pricing Strategy and Value Proposition
Pride Products’ pricing reflected their quality positioning while remaining accessible to their target market. T-shirts at $17, sweatshirts at $30, and cast iron items ranging from $29.95 to $42.95 represented fair value for the quality and artistic content provided.
The company’s willingness to accommodate orders from a $9 mug to $1,000 in multiple items showed inclusivity and recognition that customers had varying budgets and needs. This approach built customer loyalty across economic segments.
The custom order pricing structure, with lower per-unit costs for larger quantities and pricing dependent on artwork detail and color count, demonstrated sophisticated understanding of manufacturing economics while maintaining fair profit margins.
Innovation in Materials and Manufacturing
Pride Products’ early adoption of Tyvek for consumer products showed genuine innovation in material application. While most consumers knew Tyvek from Priority Mail envelopes or house wrap, Pride Products recognized its potential for durable, lightweight, washable apparel and accessories.
The detailed explanation of Tyvek’s properties – including the observation that it becomes “incredibly soft and supple” with repeated wearing and washing while retaining durability – demonstrated real-world testing and customer feedback integration.
The company’s ability to print detailed artistic designs on this challenging material showed technical expertise and commitment to quality that distinguished them from companies using conventional materials and printing methods.
Market Positioning and Brand Identity
Pride Products successfully positioned itself at the intersection of equestrian functionality, western lifestyle, and artistic expression. This positioning avoided direct competition with purely functional tack shops while distinguishing the company from generic gift retailers.
The company name “Pride Products” reflected both quality commitment and emotional connection to the equestrian community’s values of excellence and tradition. The brand suggested products worthy of pride in ownership and use.
The Chatsworth, California location provided access to both the entertainment industry (with its western movie traditions) and the substantial Southern California equestrian community, while the 1-888-34-PRIDE phone number reinforced brand identity in a memorable way.
Challenges and Market Context
Operating during the 1990s and early 2000s, Pride Products faced the challenge of building an e-commerce presence during the internet’s commercial infancy. Their website at prideproducts.net represented early adoption of online retail while maintaining traditional customer service approaches.
The company’s eventual closure likely reflected the broader challenges facing small specialty retailers during the rise of large e-commerce platforms and changing consumer shopping patterns. The personal service and quality focus that distinguished Pride Products became harder to maintain competitively as the market shifted toward price-driven online commerce.
The specialized nature of their market – equestrian enthusiasts and western lifestyle participants – provided both opportunity and limitation. While this market showed strong loyalty and willingness to pay for quality, its size constrained growth potential compared to mass market alternatives.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Pride Products’ legacy lies in demonstrating how small family businesses could successfully combine traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials and artistic design. Their approach influenced other specialty retailers to consider material innovation and artistic partnerships.
The gemstone art concept, while unique to Pride Products, showed how traditional art forms could be reimagined using new materials and techniques. This innovation inspired other artists and retailers to explore unconventional approaches to familiar subjects.
The company’s comprehensive customer service approach and quality commitment set standards that continue to influence how specialty retailers approach customer relationships and product development.
Final Assessment from RealReviews.net
Pride Products represented the best qualities of American small business: family commitment, quality focus, customer service excellence, and genuine innovation. While the company no longer operates, its approach to combining functionality with artistry, traditional craftsmanship with modern materials, and family values with professional excellence provides lessons for contemporary businesses.
The involvement of multiple family members – from Kenneth Monahan’s founding vision to Brendan’s logo design and Sean’s operational contributions – created a authentic foundation that customers could trust. The expansion to include dedicated employees like John Wheeler showed the company’s ability to maintain family values while growing professionally.
For consumers seeking quality equestrian and western products during the company’s active years, Pride Products offered genuine value through superior materials, artistic design, and comprehensive customer support. The company’s closure represents a loss for the specialty retail industry and the communities it served.
Pride Products earned its rating through consistent quality delivery, innovative product development, and genuine customer care. While we cannot recommend current purchases from this defunct company, we celebrate its contributions to specialty retail and its demonstration that family businesses can successfully compete through excellence rather than merely price competition.
Note: Pride Products operated from Chatsworth, California through the 1990s and 2000s before closing. This review serves as historical documentation of a family business that successfully served the equestrian and western lifestyle communities through quality products and innovative design.
