Chris Conrad is a proud Texas‐native and entrepreneur whose unwavering commitment to heritage, craftsmanship, and community led him to co-found Republic Boot Co. in 2011. Rooted in the idea of preserving Texan culture, Chris and his wife invested their savings to launch a small workshop in Houston’s historic Heights neighborhood — the same neighborhood where his family first settled in the late 1800s.

Before boot-making, Chris’s career in the oil and gas industry took him around the globe auditing major companies, gaining a deep understanding of complex systems, supply chains, and cross-cultural dynamics. He brought that experience to Republic Boot Co., applying rigorous process and quality standards to the craft of handcrafted boots and leather goods.

Under Chris’s leadership, the business evolved from a humble workshop into an award-winning custom western brand recognized around the world. The designs reflect both heritage and innovation: premium hides, hand-stitching, vertical control of manufacturing, and a customer experience described as “a blend of museum, saloon, engineering lab, and John Wayne film.”

Chris’s passion extends beyond boots. He believes in preserving culture, elevating craftsmanship, and giving back to community, a purpose that aligns naturally with the mission of Wheelchairs for Warriors. As an Honorary Board Member, Chris brings strategic insight from building an enterprise grounded in values, and a heart for service that honors those who have served.

When he’s not overseeing operations, Chris enjoys exploring Texas heritage, sharing its stories with customers, and planning new growth for his company, including expansion into a Hill Country location in the near future.