True Patriots Are Cashing In on the Apocalypse

The article explores the booming preparedness ("prepping") industry in the United States, highlighting the significant role played by members of the Mormon faith, who culturally emphasize readiness for apocalyptic scenarios. Tyler Stapleton, a mechanical engineer and chief product engineer at 4Patriots—a leading company in off-grid power solutions—exemplifies this connection. While 4Patriots markets its products as tools for everyday energy independence during grid outages, Stapleton’s personal life, including a modest bunker at his childhood home, reveals a deeper commitment to preparedness. This duality reflects the broader prepping culture, which balances practical utility with apocalyptic anticipation. The prepping industry is rapidly expanding, with a projected market value nearing $300 billion by 2030, fueled by increasing global instability and government advisories encouraging disaster readiness. Two major competitors, 4Patriots and My Patriot Supply, dominate the market with similar product lines—portable power generators, dehydrated food, and water filtration systems—and engage in fierce