YETI Coolers LLC

Roy and Ryan grew up in Driftwood. Watching their dad—a small-business owner—provide for his family inspired their endeavors, Roy said

Ryan owned a fishing rod business, and Roy had been around coolers as he built and sold premium fishing boats for the Texas Gulf Coast.

"You'd use them as a seat, and that lid would start caving in, and eventually the latches would break, the hinges would break." He realized if he wanted something better, others might, too.

Roy came up with the first YETI Cooler design, and they are made by manufacturing partners in the U.S. and overseas. Features include a hinge system that they claim doesn't break, a gasket that seals around the lid, thick walls and more insulation to keep ice cold longer, Roy said.

Whether customers are taking a YETI to work, hunt, fish or tailgate, they can justify the purchase because of the durability, Roy said.

The average YETI costs between $200 and $400, Ryan said, adding a 400-quart version costs about $1,300. YETI accessories and coolers in team colors are popular with college students, and the company can add custom corporate logos to coolers, Roy said.

YETI Coolers LLC, 3411 Hidalgo St., 394-9384, www.yeticoolers.com