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Carman Forbes
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Carman Forbes
Hunter's Specialties' leading lady
Who would've known that a simple roll of camouflage tape could change a person's life? But that is exactly what happened to an Iowa native who, along with her husband, started a small business a decade ago with one product — a roll of camo tape. Now that business produces more than 1,000 specialty products. The company is Hunter's Specialties, and the leading lady at the helm is industry icon Carman Forbes.
Carman Forbes and her husband, David, own one of the most recognized companies in the outdoor industry. As co-CEO, Carman plays an active role in the development and promotion of the company. Her position has garnered a great deal of respect by her peers, but Forbes is more than just a successful businesswoman. She is a wife, mother, grandmother and hunter.
Simple beginnings
Forbes was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, and, despite her travels to hunt and for business, she still calls the area home.
Hunting has always been an important part of Forbes' life. She remembers hunting with her dad as a young child.
"It was my sister and me, and I was my dad's boy," said Carman. "Dad taught me to hunt."
Turkey talk
As an adult, Carman has had an opportunity to hunt a variety of game all over the country, but she loves to hunt the wild turkey best. She has successfully taken the Eastern, Merriam's and Rio Grande, but the Osceola is missing from her Grand Slam.
Turkey hunting has given Carman some of her greatest memories in the field. One of her fondest memories was the time she and David took their daughter, Michelle, out for her first turkey hunt. The excitement in Forbes' voice was obvious as she recalled this special hunt:
"Michelle was pregnant with my granddaughter, Morgan. Dave called in five big gobblers that morning," she said. "This was long before the days of videoing hunts. It was just the three of us facing five big gobblers. On the count of three we all fired our shotguns and simultaneously took down three gobblers at once."
Fast forward a decade and you will find Carman teaching Morgan about hunting. She looks forward to a mother-daughter-granddaughter hunt every fall on the family farm. And there are plenty of Hunter's Specialties cameras and video equipment on hand to capture these special family memories.
Hunting life = happy life
Carman has experienced the endless duties of raising a family, the exhausting grind of work and the added stress of running a business. Most mothers can relate to her busy schedule, often keeping a family going in many different directions. Carman offers this advice to moms looking for ways to reconnect the family:
"There is nothing healthier, nothing that makes for a happier family relationship than to be out in the woods connecting with nature," she said.
One of Carman's pet projects is getting the next generation interested in the outdoors.
"If you have ever witnessed a child get their first turkey or deer, it is an amazing feeling. I would encourage everyone to take a child hunting," she said.
Secret of her success
Carman Forbes' life is full of successes, at home, in business and in the field. Her secret? Get outdoors and enjoy all that nature has to offer. — Lisa Metheny