Virginia Beach, Virginia – October 8, 2020 – Decorated Navy SEAL, podcast host, and BASE jump record-holder Andy Stumpf is excited to announce that he is Blackhawk’s newest brand ambassador. He’ll also star in the next episode of Blackhawk’s new film series No Fail, in which Blackhawk tells the story of elite men and women and how their own No Fail Mission shaped them to become the people they are today.

In his 17 years in the United States military, Stumpf executed missions around the globe, fighting the war on terror as a member of some of the most elite combat units in the world, including SEAL Team 6. Today, Stump hosts the hit Cleared Hot podcast and is a frequent guest on the Joe Rogan Experience. He’s also an elite skydiver and has held a BASE jump world record for traveling more than 18 miles in a single wingsuit flight. He also commands a following of more than 162,000 Instagram followers.

“I view brand partnerships as an extension of who I am, and I am always looking to partner with brands that fit not only my lifestyle but my philosophy on life,” Stumpf explained. “I search for relationships that are meaningful, thoughtful, and most importantly, purposeful, just like the gear that Blackhawk designs and produces.”

The new No Fail film, due to be released later this month, was shot on location in Montana, and features Andy discussing his own inspiring No Fail insights.

“I am actually not a fan of ‘my story,’ but I do believe in passing on knowledge and honoring those that came before you,” Stumpf said. “My career was successful due to the time, energy, and effort that others put into my training and education, and their careers were successful due to the same efforts from generations prior. I feel obligated to continue passing the knowledge from one generation to another. My story is a microscopic part of a much larger story, but I hope that it can be told, and that the telling helps others.” 

Stumpf explained that with their emphasis on top-quality gear and cutting-edge design and technology, partnering with Blackhawk was a natural fit.

“In 2005 I was stationed at a military command that essentially had no budget restraints. We could purchase the highest quality equipment, regardless of cost, with performance as the gold standard and metric. The night that I was shot I was wearing a Blackhawk belt, and I still have it to this day. I was wearing it because it did the job better than any other belt, because it was designed with the end-user in mind, it was designed with a purpose. Coming full circle years later seems like the perfect end to the story, and I can’t think of a better brand that parallels my philosophies.” 

For Blackhawk, it’s Stumpf’s emphasis on excellence that makes him such an important partner.

“When I initially heard Andy’s story, I knew that he would be the perfect addition to the Blackhawk team. His story is an excellent example of the importance of having quality gear when it comes to saving your life and he reminds us why quality gear is a non-negotiable,” Blackhawk’s Brand Manager Kendell Palmquist said. “Outside of that, we wanted to work with Andy because he is someone that people look up to, he is well respected in the industry, and he is genuinely a nice guy and a good person.”

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI, October 2020 – Darley is pleased to announce Bill Alm as Dealer Development and Municipal Sales Manager for the Southeastern United States.  Bill will begin his training October 12th and is looking forward to proactively developing relationships and cultivating opportunities with fire departments, manufacturers, and dealers in the Southeast region.  

Bill brings a breadth of experience and expertise in fire apparatus sales. He has served in numerous sales and management roles within REV Group’s E-ONE brand and owned an E-ONE/Horton dealership, Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus, in Florida.

“Bill’s experience at so many levels of the apparatus industry, in addition to the significant amount of relationships Bill has developed, not only in these roles, but in his time spent with several organizations in the fire industry, make Bill a natural fit for this position, ” said Jason Darley, Darley’s North American Sales Manager.

In his leisure time, Bill enjoys spending time with his family, fiancé Tracy, and three children, Tyler, Joey, and Savanah. They enjoy the outdoor activities Florida has to offer, such as hunting, boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and a personal favorite, camping with his grandchildren, Jason, Anthony, and Kimber. Additionally, Bill is a veteran and volunteers for several charitable and community organizations.

In the role of Dealer Development and Municipal Sales Manager, Bill looks forward to expanding the significant relationships he has in the Southeast and educating customers on the range of product offerings and solutions Darley has to offer, as well as providing the legendary Darley customer service he experienced as a customer himself.

“We are excited to be adding Bill to the team, he truly emulates the Darley principles in his customer approach and professionalism. He will be another awesome addition to Team Darley.” Jason Darley, North American Sales Manager added.

Bill will be working out of his home office in Crystal River, Florida and will be servicing AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, and WV representing our pump, equipment, and other fire and emergency product lines. He will also be supporting the Defense and Ohler Divisions to represent Darley and Ohler pump brands to defense customers and manufacturers.

The Dealer Development and Municipal Sales Team was designed in 2017 as an initiative to develop regional customer outreach and brand awareness of the Darley pump, fire, and emergency product portfolio. The mission of the team is to continue earning market share gains and to support Darley’s partnerships and products throughout the North American fire industry.

You can contact Bill Alm via cell phone at (352) 572-5390 or email BillAlm@Darley.com.

Company also announces the appointment of Joe Kuhn as its Chief Financial Officer

ARLINGTON, VA, September 30, 2020 – Armor Express, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance protective solutions for the Domestic and Federal Law Enforcement markets, Department of Defense and First Responders, announced today that it has closed a new asset-based credit facility and secured term loan with CIBC Bank USA (“CIBC”). The credit facilities have a 60-month term and provide the Company with material additional capital to fund current operations and future growth initiatives, while reducing its cost of capital.

Jim Henderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Armor Express stated, “Over the past two years, following the acquisition and subsequent merger with KDH Defense Systems, we have seen significant growth in our business. While we had the financial resources needed to support our customers and enjoyed a strong working relationship with our former lender, the asset-based credit facility provided by CIBC provides more than twice the borrowing capacity with more favorable terms. With contracts in place with the U.S. Department of Defense, and many new multi-year awards from both Federal and Domestic Law Enforcement, improving liquidity and enhancing financial flexibility will help us scale and invest in our business and better support our customers and partners. We look forward to a long and beneficial relationship with CIBC.”

The Company also announced today the appointment of Joe Kuhn as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). Mr. Kuhn joined Armor Express in July 2020 and he oversees all of Armor Express’ financial, accounting, IT, and compliance operations, in addition to banking and financing relationships. He brings over 25 years of financial and operational leadership experience across a number of industries and previously served as CFO at DATUM LLC; Cross Match, Inc; IntelliDyne LLC; Fishbowl, Inc.; NextPoint Networks, Inc.; Sybase 365; OPNET Technologies, Inc.; Ciraden, Inc.; and Alaris Medical Systems, Inc., among others. He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and was a senior manager.

Henderson continued, “Joe has been a great asset for us since he joined, and we’re excited to have him onboard as part of our leadership team. He was instrumental in helping us secure these new facilities with CIBC and his knowledge, skillsets and relationships will be a bonus for Armor Express. This is especially true as we move into the next growth phase and invest in our foundation to enhance the customer experience.”

SWANSBORO, N.C., Sept. 18, 2020 – High Speed Gear® kicked off a second manufacturing shift at its Swansboro, N.C., headquarters on Sept. 8 to increase production and meet the growing demand for its American-made gear.

Within the facility, HSGI® increased its overall headcount, as well as continued to invest in equipment and new technology. The company is also working with multiple county officials to stand up another facility to further expand production.

“The High Speed Gear brand has grown substantially over the last six years and we have experienced a significantly higher level of demand since July of last year”, explained Bill Babboni, HSGI Vice President of Sales and Operations. “Though we’ve increased our manpower and capabilities, we’ve also faced the same challenges this year as the rest of the industry, and we will continue to stride forward each day.”

High Speed Gear has a history of producing some of the most versatile tactical pouches & platforms in the industry. A proven performer, HSGI continues to show tremendous popularity in the law enforcement, military & shooting sports markets worldwide. HSGI’s lengthy list of top tier operators includes U.S. & allied special forces, state & local tactical units, & federal agencies. All HSGI products are Berry Compliant.

www.highspeedgear.com