In this installment of Gal Gab, Cerus Gear’s owner and operator Carrie Newman answers our six standard questions. Cerus Gear is the #1 provider for custom gun cleaning mats; as Carrie puts it, her company makes mats that are essentially “mouse pads on steroids.” Cerus Gear provides custom products to big names like: SIG, Walther, Staccato, Palmetto State, SDI, H&K and so many more.
Carrie is part of a power couple in the shooting industry. Her business, located in a small town in Utah, is steadily growing. She remains committed to always impacting her employees and customers in a positive way. Carrie’s husband, Cory, is a firearms designer for Primary Weapons Systems (PWS). Carrie touts that his latest project, the UXR platform, will revolutionize the firearms industry.
The Newmans met and quickly fell in love. They were engaged after only knowing each other for two-and-a-half weeks, and haven’t looked back since. They recently celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary, and are busy raising their sons while building their careers and businesses. Carrie credits Cory’s support over the years with allowing her to be a great mom and CEO.
1. Describe a typical day in your work life:
My everyday adventure begins with a whirlwind drop-off of the kiddos at school, and then it’s off to my business, Cerus Gear! We help companies stand out and increase sales through wholesale and custom gun cleaning mats. We manufacture these in Utah and ship them all over the world. Once there, I always have a variety of tasks to manage. My least favorite being business administration tasks (I mean, does anyone truly like accounting?), but then I get to do two things that I really love. First, I enjoy working on the vision of the company. Decision making on what needs to improve within the business, establishing our goals, and breaking down on paper what it will take to accomplish those goals. Second, the highlight of my day is when I get to mix and mingle with our amazing customers! I feel incredibly fortunate to work with incredible people in the firearms industry, ranging from charming mom and pop shops to the big, bold players in firearm manufacturing. Building these connections within the industry and keeping my finger on the pulse of what’s happening on all levels is an absolute blast! Finally, my day ends with picking up my boys from school and entering mom mode. I love being a mom and my business is just the icing on the cake.
2. #1 piece of advice you would give other females who want to break into the industry?
Ladies, if you’re wanting to enter the firearms industry, my advice is simple: jump right in! Don’t be held back by preconceived notions or feeling like you have to fit a specific mold. This industry is diverse, and it’s all about your passion and dedication. Embrace the opportunity to educate yourself; knowledge is power in this field. So, immerse yourself in learning, from firearm mechanics to safety protocols, and stay committed to expanding your expertise. Networking is key; connect with like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm. Be confident, be yourself, and enjoy being part of the most incredible industry on Earth – where empowerment, skills, and friendships flourish.
3. What motivates you?
I draw my motivation from a higher purpose deeply rooted in my family values and faith in God. I firmly believe that someday, I will be held accountable for how I treat not only my family but also my employees and customers. This conviction drives me to work tirelessly to ensure that anyone who engages with my brand leaves with a sense of positivity and improvement in their lives. Whether it’s our team members, our loyal customers, or my own family, I strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered. This commitment to leaving a positive impact fuels my dedication, reminding me daily that our actions ripple through the lives of others, and it’s our responsibility to make those ripples as positive as possible.
4. Most unexpected thing you’ve learned, while working in this industry?
I think the most unexpected thing I have learned while working in the outdoor shooting sports industry is the quality of people. They truly are a remarkable bunch, and they’ve got a unique approach to life. They don’t take themselves too seriously, and are always ready to have your back offering unwavering support. It’s heartwarming to witness competitors, readily lend a hand to each other. This is a breath of fresh air in a world that sometimes feels loud, critical, and divisive. Instead of tearing people apart, these incredible folks in the shooting sports industry prioritize lifting each other up, creating a tight-knit and uplifting community that’s truly inspiring.
5. Favorite product in the outdoor or shooting market right now?
I will admit that I am super excited for the Primary Weapon Systems (PWS) new UXR rifle. This cutting-edge technology allows users to swiftly and safely swap barrels, bolt heads, and magazines to seamlessly transition from one caliber to another. Out of the gate, it has three caliber conversion kits available in .308 WIN, 5.56 NATO, and 300 BLK. I am absolutely thrilled to see this enter the industry because my husband is the engineer behind the project. I have personally watched it develop from concept all the way to hitting the market. I attended industry shooting events and seen the excitement people have for this new cutting edge platform. It shoots like a dream and is so much fun!
6. Let’s have some fun … what weapon would you use to battle a giant?
When it comes to taking down a giant, the choice of weapon is a tough call for me! I have a deep love for anything I can shoot! Archery is what I love doing for fun, as well as training with my pistol and AR-15, so it makes this decision quite a challenge. However, when facing a giant, I’d want something with more takedown power. In this scenario, I’d opt for either my AR-10 chambered in .308 or my Browning X-bolt in 6.8 Western. These firearms combine precision and stopping power, giving me the confidence to tackle a giant head-on.
If you’re not doing so already, be sure to follow Cerus Gear on Instagram / Facebook. Carrie’s profile can be found here at LinkedIn. Her posts are a lot like her responses to our questions – positive and inspiring, with a dash of humor. Carrie is a force to be reckoned with in the shooting world, and we are so impressed by her priorities: faith, family and always striving to do the right thing. We look forward to following her career in the years to come.
Jackie Baird Richardson is an interior designer, editor at The WON and avid junker. Watch for her design tips and occasional crafting ideas, bringing the outdoors indoors. View all posts by Jackie Richardson
