History of Taser:

Tom Co-Founded Taser with his brother, Rick, after two major events prompted them to develop a non-lethal method of self-defense. Tragically, two high school friends had been murdered in an incident of road rage. Because of the murder, Tom’s mother purchased a gun to protect herself, and later pepper spray. After having the pepper spray for a short period of time, she accidentally sprayed herself in the eyes.

Trying to find a middle-ground in self defense, Tom & Rick were inspired by their favorite TV show, Star Trek, and always wanted to make a real “Faser”… so they started researching the idea. Taser had actually been developed before – by John Cover in the late 1960’s – who had been producing Tasers as specialty weapons for law enforcement. The two brothers in their 20’s started working with Cover, who at the time was in his 70’s, building prototypes in their basement.

They founded Taser International in 1991, which was a self-funded venture, because no investors were interested… so their father took money out of his retirement fund to invest in the company. Interesting Facts:

Over 11,000 law enforcement, correctional and military agencies in 44 countries deploy TASER devices; of this over 3,500 agencies deploy to all of their patrol officers

Over 260,000 TASER brand devices have been sold to law enforcement since February 1998

Over 136,000 TASER brand devices have been sold to citizens since 1994 (legal in 43 states (TASER ECDs for citizens are prohibited in DC, MA, RI, NY, NJ, WI, MI, HI and certain cities and counties. CT and IL are legal with restrictions.)

TASER International trades on the NASDAQ under the trading symbol TASR

2006 Revenues: $67,718,000