If you have the means, giving back to your community just makes sense

By Dani Sheehan. 

Every business is a roller coaster ride, but creating new things and giving back each month makes it a rewarding endeavor for this business owner. 

For Dan Cougar, roofing is what he knows best. He is the CEO of Cougar Paws and started the company in 1996 with a simple concept. The way he puts it, “I just put a sponge rubber pad on the bottom of a shoe. A bit of a genius idea.” That simple concept is now a production tool that has taken off in the construction industry. While his favorite part of the job may be the creation of new things, he finds giving back to his community equally important. We recently caught up with Dan to talk about two incredible organizations he donates to and why he feels it’s his responsibility as a business owner to provide charity for others. 

The first organization is called Unleashed and was founded by Brent Henderson. Dan tells us, “He’s a phenomenal hunter who hunts all over the country. He also speaks to hundreds of churches a year as well as other venues.” The mission of Unleashed is to help men recover their identity through their faith and arm men with the tools and training to be the best husbands, fathers and leaders they can be. Not only is Brent a professional outdoorsman and a nationwide speaker, but he is also a published author, certified life coach and ordained pastor.  

The other organization is the Shekinah Ranch Camp, a Christian summer camp for youth that offers adventure, recreation and equestrian camps for kids aged five to eleven. Dan has known the founder since grade school and shares, “It’s a phenomenal camp. They make a huge difference in kids’ lives and it’s been packed every summer since conception. It’s been going on for about 22 years now.” They encourage kids to grow spiritually, mentally, socially and physically in an exciting, outdoor environment.  

When asked what it means to him and his business to give back, Dan says it's easy. “I don’t know how people don’t give when they have a business that makes money. Your community, the people around you, your family, friends. They need a helping hand. And how can you not help them?” 

Dan is a big picture guy and giving back will always be part of the big picture. Look out for some new products by Cougar Paws this fall as Dan continues to focus on innovation and technology in each generation of products.