On the 26th of July, B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. celebrated a milestone few companies can claim, a half-century of business.
Those 50 years wouldn’t have been possible were it not for the company’s founder and namesake, Bradley Edward Meyers and his bride Nancy. Together, they created a legacy of innovation which currently operates in Washington state and provides critical technology to the United States and allied military and law enforcement activities as well as civilians.
The company celebrated their Founders’ Day* with over 100 family, friends and employees, with games, music and comraderie. In addition to a raffle, party goers were treated to food trucks featuring local favorites. It was also a time to reminisce on where the company had come from, with some considering where it will be in the future. A good time was had by all.
B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business with beginnings in day and night long-range optical and digital surveillance systems for law enforcement, a natural path to their current role as a premier Defense Technology Manufacturer.
Everything they do is a Made In America story, from the initial design concept to delivery of the final product, all takes place at their Redmond, Washington headquarters.
Today the company is known for their innovative work in the field of advanced photonics, but founder Brad’s early endeavors were in an entirely different direction. Born in 1941, Brad sprang from humble origins. He worked with his hands his entire life, applying a keen mind to conceive new products and methods in every field he applied himself to. This led to a variety of experiences, one feeding the next, to establish a rich heritage of innovation. Take for example Brad’s company Controlled Dynamics which combined experience as an explosives technician with commercial diving.
Unfortunately, Brad didn’t get to celebrate the 50th anniversary with his company and family, having passed away in 2017. Regardless, his efforts live on as B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. continues to lead industry. His obituary sums this up well.
“Brads legacy is primarily known by many in the Special Operations community through his products such as the IZLID(tm), DIAL(tm), GLARE(tm), MK Ranger(tm), and GRI2P(tm) series of lasers, as well as the B.E. Meyers Flash Hider line. He cited that his special gift was in finding the right people to help him reapply existing technologies in new ways to help the Warfighter. He was terrifically proud of the tremendous team that helped bring his ideas to life, and his legacy will continue on as the company is propelled by his infectious enthusiasm for the new, the different, and the exciting.”
If you never got to meet Brad, this video entitled “The Optics of Optimism” is narrated by him and gives you some insight into the man behind brand.
* The company’s true Founders’ Day is 29 July, Brad Meyer’s birthday, but they celebrated a few days early this year due to the weekend.