Stephanie Hayden isn’t your typical reality TV personality. While many fade into obscurity after their time in the spotlight, she carved out a unique identity in the world of firearms and custom gun manufacturing. Born in Louisiana and raised in a family business, she stepped into the public eye as part of the show “Sons of Guns,” where drama, action, and real-life stakes made for compelling television. But her story isn’t just about TV—it’s about family, fame, firearms, and, eventually, legal troubles that changed everything. Whether you're curious about her background, her rise to fame, or what happened after, this article breaks it all down in one place.
If you’ve heard the name Stephanie Hayden floating around online or in true crime discussions, you might be wondering: who exactly is she? Her journey is a mix of entrepreneurship, media presence, and legal controversy, all rolled into one. This article dives deep into who Stephanie Hayden is, her career, and the events that led to her family’s downfall in the public eye. We’ll walk through her background, her role in the gun industry, and how her life took a dramatic turn.
You may be asking yourself why Stephanie Hayden still comes up in conversations today. Part of it has to do with her unique position in the firearms world as a woman who wasn’t just a figurehead but actively involved in the business. Another part is the controversy surrounding her family, especially her father, Will Hayden. So, whether you're a true crime fan, a firearms enthusiast, or just curious about reality TV legacies, this piece has something for you.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Stephanie Hayden
- Early Career and Rise to Fame
- Personal Life and Family
- Legal Troubles and Fallout
- Stephanie Hayden’s Net Worth
- Frequently Asked Questions
Biography of Stephanie Hayden
Full Name | Stephanie Marie Hayden Ford |
---|---|
Date of Birth | December 22, 1984 |
Place of Birth | Louisiana, USA |
Occupation | Reality TV Personality, Firearms Expert, Entrepreneur |
Known For | “Sons of Guns” TV Show, Red Jacket Firearms |
Family | Daughter of Will Hayden, Married to Kris Ford |
Legal Status | Arrested in 2014 (along with husband) |
Stephanie Hayden was born into a family business that specialized in custom firearms. Her father, Will Hayden, founded Red Jacket Firearms, a company known for crafting unique, high-quality weapons. As a child, she was immersed in the world of guns, mechanics, and business. Her early exposure to firearms and the inner workings of a family-run company laid the groundwork for her future roles on and off camera.
Unlike many reality stars who rely purely on personality, Stephanie had real expertise to offer. She worked in the business, managed operations, and even handled firearms herself. That real-world experience made her a standout on the show “Sons of Guns,” which followed the team behind Red Jacket Firearms. The show blended action, drama, and the high-stakes world of gun manufacturing, which resonated with fans of both reality TV and the firearms community.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Stephanie’s career started behind the scenes at Red Jacket Firearms. She worked as the office manager, handling logistics, customer service, and administrative duties. But as the business grew, so did her role. Her presence on “Sons of Guns” helped elevate her profile, turning her into a recognizable figure in the firearms community. She became a go-to source for interviews, media appearances, and even promotional content for the company.
The show ran on the Discovery Channel and followed the daily operations of Red Jacket Firearms. It highlighted custom builds, high-pressure jobs, and the personalities involved in the process. Stephanie wasn’t just a background character—she had a voice, a role, and a visible presence on the show. She was one of the few women in the firearms world to gain such a platform, which made her somewhat of a trailblazer in that space.
Her work extended beyond the TV show. She was often involved in testing firearms, discussing ballistics, and even appearing at gun shows and events. While the show brought her fame, her knowledge and professionalism helped her maintain relevance in a niche but passionate industry.
Personal Life and Family
Stephanie Hayden married Kris Ford, a long-time associate of her father’s. The couple became a public couple after appearing together on “Sons of Guns.” Their relationship was often shown on the show, giving viewers a peek into their lives both inside and outside the shop. Together, they were part of the family business, working side by side at Red Jacket Firearms.
However, their personal lives took a sharp turn in 2014 when both Stephanie and Kris were arrested. The incident was tied to the legal troubles surrounding her father, Will Hayden, who was later sentenced to three life sentences for aggravated and forcible rape. At the time, bail was set at $25,000 each for Stephanie and Kris, though the details of their specific charges were not widely publicized.
After these events, much of the family’s public presence faded. Red Jacket Firearms went quiet, and the TV show ended. The legal fallout from Will Hayden’s sentencing also had a ripple effect on the entire family, including Stephanie and her husband. Since then, little has been heard from Stephanie publicly, though some fans continue to follow her story through fan forums and true crime discussions.
Legal Troubles and Fallout
In April, Will Hayden was found guilty on two counts of aggravated rape and one count of forcible rape. The charges stemmed from incidents dating back several years. The verdict meant he would serve three life sentences without the possibility of parole. This was a major turning point for the Hayden family, especially for Stephanie, who had built much of her public identity around her father’s business and the TV show.
Stephanie and her husband were also arrested in 2014, though the specifics of their legal issues were not as widely reported. According to sources like WWL, bail was set at $25,000 each. Whether they faced formal charges or were released without prosecution remains unclear, but the event marked a major shift in their public lives.
The downfall of the Hayden family business and the end of “Sons of Guns” signaled the end of an era. Red Jacket Firearms, once a thriving business with national exposure, closed its doors. The legal issues surrounding Will Hayden cast a long shadow over the family’s legacy, and Stephanie’s public presence all but disappeared after these events.
Stephanie Hayden’s Net Worth
At the height of her career, Stephanie Hayden’s net worth was estimated to be in the mid-six figures. Her income came from multiple sources: the family business, her role on “Sons of Guns,” and appearances at firearms events. However, with the legal troubles and the closure of Red Jacket Firearms, her financial status likely changed dramatically.
While exact figures are hard to pin down, it’s safe to say her net worth took a significant hit after the arrests and the end of the TV show. The family business was a major source of income, and with its closure, that stream of revenue stopped. Her media presence also declined, reducing any potential earnings from endorsements or appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Stephanie Hayden’s role on “Sons of Guns”?
Stephanie served as the office manager at Red Jacket Firearms, which was featured on the show. She handled administrative duties, customer relations, and often appeared in episodes that showcased the business side of firearms manufacturing.
Is Stephanie Hayden still married to Kris Ford?
Yes, Stephanie Hayden is still married to Kris Ford. The couple has not publicly announced any separation or divorce, though they have both largely remained out of the public eye since the legal issues in 2014.
What happened to Red Jacket Firearms?
Red Jacket Firearms closed after Will Hayden was sentenced to three life sentences. With the legal fallout and loss of leadership, the business was unable to continue operations.
For more information about Will Hayden’s legal case, you can check out the Unbroken Truth Patreon, which offers exclusive content and updates on the case.
Learn more about on our site, and link to this page for updates on reality TV stars and their post-show lives.


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