YETI Co-Founder Involved in Border Wall Construction in Texas
Ryan Siders, co-founder of the globally recognized lifestyle and outdoor brand YETI, is among the owners of a substantial ranch in West Texas that has been engaged in activities related to the Trump administration’s proposed border wall in the Big Bend region. Public records accessed by Marfa Public Radio confirm this development.
Founded in 2006 by Ryan and his brother Roy, YETI has grown into a billion-dollar company based in Austin, Texas. Although the brothers have since sold their controlling interest and do not participate in daily operations, they continue to represent the brand publicly. YETI’s inception stems from their upbringing in the Texas Hill Country and a passion for the outdoors, leading to the creation of durable coolers designed for hunting and fishing enthusiasts.
The company emphasizes its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Its website claims, “At YETI, we believe that what’s good for the planet is good for business.” The brand adopts a science-based approach to sustainability that spans the entire lifecycle of its products.
The Big Bend region frequently features in YETI’s marketing initiatives, with brand ambassadors showcasing local landscapes and activities, such as photographing the night sky. One of YETI’s drinkware lines pays tribute to Big Bend National Park.
Moody-Bennett Ranch at the Forefront of Border Wall Efforts
The Moody-Bennett Ranch, situated along the Rio Grande, has already begun its involvement in the federally funded border wall initiative. Recently, Barnard Construction, which received a multi-billion dollar contract for the project, has started using the ranch as a pivotal site for construction preparation.
Located at the end of Chispa Road—a vital access point for border wall projects—Barnard Construction has reportedly commenced moving heavy machinery along this route to the ranch, where it has negotiated to source sand and gravel for the construction.
Presidio County Commissioner Deirdre Hissler, who has conversed extensively with Barnard, highlighted that the ranch’s owners are actively engaged with contractors on various aspects related to the wall’s construction, including potential worker housing.
Ownership and Business Records Link Siders to West Texas Ranch
The co-ownership of the ranch by Siders is substantiated through various property and business documents obtained by Marfa Public Radio. County property transfer records reveal that Trans-Pecos Ice LLC acquired the Moody-Bennett Ranch in 2023. The Texas Secretary of State’s records indicate that Siders, along with three others, are members of this LLC.
Among the records confirming Siders’ connection to the ranch is the “Certificate of Incorporation” for Trans-Pecos Ice LLC, which identified him as the original registered agent and manager. Although a 2023 report excluded him from these roles, he remains listed as the company’s manager in subsequent public information filings.
Recent filings indicate that an entity named RRS ICE LP is the current owner of the company, with Siders still recognized as the proprietor in Texas Secretary of State records. Beyond his engagement with YETI, Siders has interests in several other LLCs featuring “Ice” in their names, implying a diverse portfolio of real estate holdings across Texas.
Hissler noted that the Moody-Bennett Ranch currently contains operational infrastructure, including a mud pit and storage areas for construction materials. Additionally, there are plans to house construction workers on-site, facilitating upcoming building efforts.
Marketed at $5.7 million, the Moody-Bennett Ranch boasts a significant amount of border frontage—approximately 12 to 15 miles—along with vital water resources crucial for wall construction and dust control. The ranch’s location above an unregulated aquifer further underscores its importance in this project.
Despite potential conflicts of interest, Siders also serves on the advisory board for the Borderlands Institute, a land conservation program at Sul Ross State University. While the institute is not directly involved in the border wall discussions, its director has discussed concerns regarding the wall’s impact on local wildlife populations.
As of now, public records from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission do not verify Siders’ current stake in YETI, with no mention of his shares since 2020. His prior ownership of 5.9% of YETI stock remains unconfirmed, raising further questions about his involvement with the company.
