I wanted to take this opportunity to let everyone know that after 15 years, I am no longer with Shellback Tactical. From starting and building the brand, creating demand, designing the products, leading it as the founder and being involved with it for 15 years of my life. It was an interesting journey with its roller coaster ups and downs. But it was also incredibly rewarding.
Building something out of nothing was extremely tough. From hoping that the products you make are bought and used by anyone. To seeing it worn, trusted and proven by military and law enforcement personnel around this great country and around the world. Wow, it’s what you hope and wish for. Some know that the company has been under new ownership/management when it was sold in 2017 to US Patriot. I stayed on for another 2 years as the Founder to help with it. It has been recently sold again. And I will not be continuing on with the company.
Most importantly I wanted to take this time to thank all of the customers over the years. Those who followed the brand, dealers, departments, units and the great people I met along the way. Thank You. I was incredibly lucky to serve and work with all of you. Without all of these pieces, it would have been nothing. And words cannot describe the gratitude I have for you.
Life is a gift and your time on this earth is short. Make it count. Although it may take longer, remember to always keep your character and integrity intact. And do your best to do what’s right, because its right, even when it’s not convenient.
I wanted to also put something out, because I have received several messages on other platforms wondering why I have not answered their emails. And now you know why. I am not leaving the Industry though. I will take some time to work on growing some projects and spend time with family. I will also be looking for other new opportunities to be an asset at another great company. Maybe it’s yours.
Those who still would like to contact me can email me at tacticalgear@gmail.com or DM me on one of the platforms out there.
Thank you again, Michael Wratten
Thanks for everything Mike, Happy Trails!
Always a man of integrity.
Not sure how “OG” we were, but definitely proud to have been one of Mike’s early customers. Consistently solid products from a stand-up guy. – Matt
This all makes sense. I was a fan of Shellback up until I bought a pouch from them and saw it was Made in Mexico. I didn’t realize that the company was sold. I’m always sad to see quality companies close up shop, but sadly, if Shellback thought the way forward was to outsource, then they deserve this outcome.
Best of luck to Michael. It seems to me that he started the company with the best intentions, but was probably overruled by the new owners.
Mike,
Congrats Brother and best of luck in all your future goals and dreams! Keep charging forward. JB
I hate to see such consolidation in the industry, competition breeds innovation. Hope to see your new efforts on the market soon.
Best of luck with your future endeavors, Mike! It was always a pleasure to work with you and get to know you.
WOW, this is a slap in the face and eye opener. I have been a Shellback Tactical Fan from the very beginning and have known Mike for very long time and always knew him to produce quality kit and run an honest transparent company.
I recently bought a Shellback Tactical Defender Active Shooter Kit with RMA Plates. The plates are awesome! The Plate Carrier was MADE IN CHINA!! Are you kidding me Shellback Tactical???? Of course with being MADE IN CHINA the side buckles broke. I was scratching my head the whole time and after seeing this post I understand what happened. Take a quality brand get rid of the founder and make it in CHINA. Very Sad and I will never ever buy a Shellback Tactical piece of gear again. Whoever is at the helm now is steering the Titanic which is doomed to sink and appears to be halfway sunk already.
Mike, I wish you luck with all future endeavors and I have no doubt you will always have success wherever you may land.
This was an interesting way to look for a job?
Bingo, Sheelback Tactical has bounced around from 4 different companies making their product since I became aware of it. The first one where they made their name, then MDG, then T3 Gear, then RMA, and now another one.
Dealers constantly were sent letters saying they weren’t buying from the real Shellback Tactical anymore, delivery was all over the place, pricing changed all the time, and commitments were never kept.
This is a textbook example of how not to manage a brand.
Unique way to beg for a job. Agreed with Jim, probably best for the brand he is gone. Product is great though.
It’s a shame; been a real trail of tears. mostly for the customers.. probably time to go to another space and start fresh. I think he bounced a lot when /if he was on the job. LAPD to a small town kinda different per his posts.
Bounced a alot when / if he was on the job :0 Doughnut