My name is Aaron Strickland and I live in the Phoenix area with my wife and our beloved puppies. Our journey with Trident started one night when my 6-month-old puppy and I were attacked by a dog just blocks from our home. It was a terrifying ordeal; my puppy was mauled, and both of us suffered bites as I tried to protect her.  There was no escape because no man can outrun a dog.  We did our best until the dog’s owner came to our rescue.   After that night, I was determined to find a way to ensure our safety.

So, I hit Google, searching for ways to stop a dog attack. The answer was straightforward: carry pepper spray and a stick. That’s when I started building the first version of Trident. It was a hefty tool with double flashlights, an expandable stick, and a pepper spray canister, but it was too heavy and costly for practical use.

That’s where my team comes in. My wife Bree, with her vast experience in marketing and a M.S.L.S degree from Cornell University, Ryan Shaw, my project manager, and Breanna Stone, my social media consultant. And of course, Mark Druecker, the owner of Southwest Plastics and Robotics, who turned my concept into reality.

We need to raise $100k for the injection mold necessary to mass-produce Trident’s durable frame. The mold alone costs $20,000, and with each unit costing over $35 to make, we need to pre-sell at least 1500 units at $70 each to cover our costs.

Trident is more than a mere tool; it embodies a commitment to safety and peace of mind for you and your pets. At its core, Trident features a powerful 300-lumen flashlight, designed to illuminate your path and alert you to potential dangers. Its zoom feature allows you to focus the beam on distant objects or widen it for broader visibility, ensuring you’re never left in the dark during your walks.

But the Trident’s capabilities extend beyond lighting the way. It includes an ASP pepper spray, renowned for its reliability and effectiveness. This pepper spray discharges in a horizontal line, offering a better chance of deterring an aggressive animal or an intruder, while its superior safety latch ensures it’s only used when intended.  It is also a discrete item and will not draw attention.

Additionally, Trident is equipped with an expandable stick, providing an extra layer of defense. This extendable stick can be used to maintain a safe distance from potential threats or, if necessary, deliver a non-lethal but effective strike. It’s a tool that gives you the confidence to handle unexpected situations, all while prioritizing non-lethal means.

In essence, Trident is a multi-functional safety device that offers reassurance and control in unpredictable environments. It’s crafted not just for defense but for responsible, humane intervention – a perfect blend of protection and ethics for the modern dog walker.

 

The Impact

In the U.S., the reality of 4.5 million dog attacks annually highlights a need for better safety measures during dog walks. Trident, which appears to be a first in its category based on my patent search, addresses this need. It combines several tools into one lightweight (one-pound) device, making dog walks more manageable, especially for those walking their pets early in the morning or after work. The design of Trident allows for a free hand, which can be crucial in situations where quick access to other tools or devices is needed. Additionally, the baton includes a glass breaker for emergencies.

 

Risks & Challenges

Long-lasting design

The Trident will be crafted using Super Tough Nylon 66, a material known for its remarkable durability. This choice ensures that the product is not just tough, but nearly indestructible, poised to withstand the test of time. With this high-quality construction, users can trust that their Trident will be a reliable companion for their walks, lasting for decades.

Reusability and recyclability

Beyond the need for occasional replacement of AA batteries for the flashlight and refills for the pepper spray, the Trident is designed to be waste-free. This approach ensures sustainability and longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements or disposals.

Environmentally friendly factories

The components of the Trident, specifically the flashlight and pepper spray, are proudly made in America, emphasizing quality and reliability. Additionally, I am committed to partnering with a factory for the injection molding process that shares our environmental values. This ensures that the production of Trident not only meets high standards of durability and performance but also aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility.

Sustainable Distribution

I’ve secured a robust and reliable distribution network, ensuring there will be no hurdles in delivering Trident to our backers. This well-established system guarantees that once the product is ready, it will reach our customers promptly and efficiently.