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ASGARD Partners & Co Sells Wild Things, LLC to National Safety Apparel, Inc

Friday, August 21st, 2020

NEW YORK, August 20, 2020 – ASGARD Partners & Co. (“ASGARD”), an investment firm based in New York, announced today that it has sold Wild Things, LLC (“Wild Things” or the “Company”) to National Safety Apparel, Inc. (“NSA”).

Wild Things is a leader in the design and manufacture of highly technical outdoor apparel and gear for the military and law enforcement communities across the globe.

When ASGARD acquired Wild Things in 2018, the Company was struggling with limited liquidity and had suffered years of underinvestment in both the brand and the infrastructure of the business. Immediately post close ASGARD brought on an industry leading management team, led by CEO Amy Coyne, to drive the Wild Things transformation, through the revival of its highly respected legacy brand and the renewal of its reputation for exceptional design, quality, and performance.

Under ASGARD’s ownership, the Company reinvigorated customer relationships with key industry distribution leaders, diversified its customer base, introduced new sales channels, re-established relations with key military agencies and influential end user groups, expanded sales infrastructure and new sales representation, and recruited top industry talent. Wild Things also went through training in ASGARD’s frameworks of operational excellence, centered around both culture and execution.

Karan Rai, Managing Partner of ASGARD, stated, “Wild Things exemplifies ASGARD’s operationally focused investment strategy and intention to be in service of great companies through true partnership. We congratulate Amy and the entire Wild Things team for their passion for excellence and impressive execution. Additionally, we’d like to congratulate NSA on the acquisition of a great company.”

“We are proud of the extraordinary transformation of Wild Things under our ownership. Our goals of stabilizing the Company, re-establishing the Wild Things brand in the marketplace and end-user community, and achieving material growth metrics were incredibly successful. We are excited for the Company’s next stage of growth under NSA’s ownership,” said Christian Cantalupo, Partner at ASGARD.

“Working in partnership with ASGARD, Wild Things has become a business with a clear strategic vision and a focus on execution. NSA is now the perfect steward and strategic partner to help advance the Company’s strategic objectives and maximize its growth potential. This acquisition will enable Wild Things to tap into a world class organization where it can leverage existing manufacturing resources and supply chain partnerships, expand its capabilities, and achieve long term growth. I am truly excited for the team and the future that lies ahead for Wild Things. We thank our customers, suppliers and employees for their contributions to our success,” added Amy Coyne, CEO of Wild Things.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 6 Comments »

Digital Concept Engineering Wins UK Map the Gap Competition

Thursday, August 20th, 2020

Hinckley, 13 August 2020 – Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd (DCE) has won a contract in the UK government’s Defence and Security Accelerator’s (DASA) Map the Gap competition to develop a semi- autonomous reconnaissance and survey system that will help troops safely and stealthily advance into enemy territory over water.

DCE will lead its part of the Map the Gap industry team with a vehicle based on their rugged X series of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which incorporates DCE’s Marionette robotic vehicle architecture, the heart of the Map the Gap solution. Other organisations and technologies supporting DCE’s bid are Jacobs’ 6th Sense data analytics, drones & autonomous routing provided by Frazer-Nash Consultancy and Eijkelkamp Geopoint SoilSolutions’ ground sampling expertise. Map the Gap ground surveys will be carried out using a submersible ROV carrying data sensors, soil sampling tools and sonar equipment, while the surrounding area will be scanned from the air by drone.

The Map the Gap competition was run by DASA on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The programme covers two phases for the development and demonstration of a number of system demonstrators able to tackle the key issues of gap crossing survey. The total funding for Phase 1 of the Map the Gap programme is approximately £1.2m, with a further £2.5m anticipated for Phase 2 activities.

Robert Hammond-Smith, DASA Delivery Manager for Map the Gap, said:

“Our vision is to ultimately remove personnel from these dangerous tasks with a remote system that allows more crossing locations to be surveyed, increasing the choices available to commanders and giving an opportunity to surprise the enemy.”

Lionel Nierop, DCE’S Business Development and Operations Director, commented:

“We are delighted to have won a contract on DASA’s prestigious and technically demanding Map the Gap competition. DCE’s successful bid with our X-4 ROV and our Marionette universal control system builds on our previous work in defence and nuclear applications.”

“This win demonstrates the opportunities presented by long-term collaboration between a wide range of innovative companies, working alongside the government, and we are looking forward to successfully meeting the Map the Gap challenge together.”

www.dconcepts.co.uk

Image credit: UK MOD © Crown copyright

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Digital Concept Engineering Wins UK Map the Gap Competition

5.11 Partners with Offensive Marketing Group on RUSH – Alpha Team

Thursday, August 20th, 2020

Irvine, CA (August 19, 2020) – – 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, released a video collaboration this week in partnership with Offensive Marketing Group. The video, RUSH – Alpha Team is an action-packed, science fiction cinematic experience comprised of a joint effort with some of the most noteworthy brands within the tactical industry.

The premise of the video is the presence of hostile creatures beneath the Earth’s crust revealed after a series of earthquakes across the globe and the Special Forces teams engaged to eliminate the threat. Rush – Alpha Team is the video portrayal of the Alpha Team, dispatched to the North Atlantic ‘Hot-Zone’ to battle the first emergence of hostiles. This video highlights OPERATION RUSH.

OMG worked alongside 5.11 to carefully select key pieces of apparel and gear – including 5.11’s GEO7 Camo, RUSH100 Backpack and Field 2.0 Watch – that fit the film’s narrative and would also be mission-specific to the characters in the story.

“When OMG approached us about this project, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with such a passionate group of individuals and like-minded brands,” said 5.11’s Vice President of Marketing, Jennifer Glover. “It was OMG’s cutting edge cinematography, visual effects and highly credentialed personnel that were able to showcase our purpose-built apparel and gear in an exciting, entertaining, technically accurate, and innovative way.”

The Offensive Marketing Group was equally excited about the final product, cohesiveness of the project, and overall synchrony of the brand partnerships throughout the process. “Pushing boundaries and leading the charge into a new era of content creation and storytelling with kindred spirits and collaborators is what it’s all about for us. Like 5.11, we are always innovating and riding along the bleeding-edge of craftsmanship in all that we produce.”

In addition to 5.11, OMG engaged several other brands to build authenticity and create a unique viewer experience. Additional partners include Eotech, OpsCore, Arisaka Defense, Heckler and Koch, Geissele, Silencerco, Core Survival, AMG Global Vision, Revision Military, LAG Tactical.

Posted in Industry, Media, Press Release | 1 Comment »

The Wing Group Announces Scott Williams as VP Defense, Business Development

Thursday, August 20th, 2020

Lafayette CA, The Wing group (Wing Inflatables, Inc.) announces the appointment of Scott Williams as its new VP Defense, Business Development. Expanding its team to deliver exceptional innovative inflatable solutions to maritime professionals.

No stranger to the mission of building confidence and saving lives, retired Master Chief SEAL Scott Williams joins the team after a distinguished active career in the service spanning 24 years.

After retirement Scott moved into program management for USSOCOM, Program Executive Office, SOF Warrior in Natick, MA working on projects for the warfighter. He ran six programs, from cold weather clothing to backpacks, culminating with his most significant program, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). The program was developed from the ground up, testing and fielding a “doc-in-the-box” system that could be air delivered around the world.

The TCCC program was awarded the Better Buying Power award for Defense – the most prestigious acquisition award presented by DOD.

Moving into consulting for maritime and aerospace, Scott then led a specific effort to build and deliver an inflatable wall system to military and law enforcement worldwide. Allowing them to train for active shooter in their own backyard.

“I met Scott when he began consulting and knew straight away that it would be a privilege to have him on our team. It would be a matter of opportunity and timing. Those two aligned this year, after the acquisition of Mustang Survival. We’re excited to have Scott join us and his background and experience will enable us to focus on aligning our business development efforts across all elements of the Wing Group” – Andrew Branagh, CEO The Wing Group

“The Wing Group of companies are best in class at providing innovative inflatable and safety solutions for those who lead the fight both here and abroad. Being part of a team that provides the highest quality gear required to complete missions safely and return each night to their loved ones is a role I’m proud to be a part of.” – Scott Williams, VP Defense – Business Development.

Scott Williams – swilliams@winggroup.com

www.inflatablesolutions.com

Posted in Industry, Maritime, Press Release | 2 Comments »

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Honors U.S. Military Teams for Excellence in Foodservice Operations

Monday, August 17th, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC – August 14, 2020 – The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced today that it will honor the winners of this year’s Military Foodservice Awards with a Facebook Live virtual event presented by Computrition on Wednesday, September 16th at 1800 EDT (6 p.m. EDT). The Virtual Military Foodservice Awards (VMFA) is a key part of the NRAEF’s commitment to help members of the military, military spouses and veterans through training and post-duty opportunities.

This year’s keynote speaker is Leon Panetta, Former Director of the CIA and Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and Chairman of The Panetta Institute for Public Policy. During the live event, individuals and teams will be honored for their commitment to foodservice excellence in management effectiveness, force readiness support, food quality, employee and customer relations, resource conservation, training and safety awareness.

“We are honored welcome our U.S. service members and veterans into the restaurant industry each year,” said Rob Gifford, president of the NRAEF. “Typically, we celebrate the best of the best in military foodservice during the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, which was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we miss hosting them in person we are just as excited to cheer them on virtually.”

Winners for these prestigious awards are chosen by distinguished judges from the NRAEF, the National Restaurant Association and the Society for Foodservice and Hospitality Management – judges who travel annually with military foodservice experts to installations around the globe to evaluate foodservice operations.

“As an executive for Sodexo, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s largest sponsor of military foodservice programming, and a member of the NRAEF Board of Trustees, I am in a unique position to see firsthand the tremendous impact the organization has on military foodservice professionals. I also served as a judge for this year’s award program, which gave me an even deeper appreciation for the talented service men and women being honored,” said Brett Ladd, CEO, Sodexo Government, North America. “I commend all military foodservice professionals for their unwavering dedication to both their country and their fellow service members and I congratulate those teams being recognized with Military Foodservice Awards. You are the best of the best and you make us proud!”

Sponsors of the Military Foodservice awards include Sodexo, Ecolab, Hormel, HMSHost Foundation, Computrition, Aramark, Sysco, BJ’s Restaurant, Butterball, Seaboard, PenFed Credit Union, SHFM Foundation, Sack Family Foundation, Hobart and Trinchero Family Estates.

For more information and to sign up for the virtual event, visit the NRAEF’s Facebook page.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Sustainment | Comments Off on National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Honors U.S. Military Teams for Excellence in Foodservice Operations

Viridian Weapon Technologies Kicks off Marketing Partnership with REAL AVID

Monday, August 17th, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – August 13, 2020 – Viridian Weapon Technologies is pleased to announce a marketing partnership with the firearm accessory and tool experts REAL AVID. The two companies will combine forces to give consumers and retailers exciting, make-sense packages and special offers.

REAL AVID, the leader in DIY for Guns®, continues to expand on its impressive line of cleaning tools, bench tools and multi-tools that make working on guns easier, quicker and more precise. REAL AVID offers model and platform-specific tools that reflect a deep understanding and passion for firearms.

“REAL AVID offers high quality, gun-specific tools and accessories,” said Brian Hedeen, President and CEO at Viridian. “The brand and product line is chock full of specialized offerings for designated models and categories of firearms. We take a similar approach at Viridian. This shared focus on improving firearm performance is an exciting cornerstone of this partnership. We can’t wait to get some special offers out to our customers and consumers.”

Like REAL AVID, 2020 has been a busy year for Viridian. Several key products have been introduced—including an all-new Green Laser lineup in the E-Series and grip lasers for North American Arms’ .22 Mag revolvers. Viridian’s latest innovation is the HS1—the world’s first hand stop laser.

“Viridian makes great products and has some excellent partnerships in the industry,” said Chief Innovation Officer Howard Tripp. “We love Viridian’s ability to generate new products that people want and the team’s ability to work with so many top companies—often before anyone else is even aware that they are coming. I’m excited for our customers and consumers because there are going to be some great offers that come out of this partnership.”

Customers and consumers will receive more information on this partnership—including great initial offers and promotions—in the near future. Fans and followers should stay tuned to Viridian or REAL AVID’s social media channels and websites for the latest.

More information on Viridian can be found here.

Posted in Industry, Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

Buck Knives Announces Appointments for Marketing and Business Development Leadership

Wednesday, August 12th, 2020

Post Falls, ID — Wednesday, August 12, 2020–Buck Knives, leader in sports cutlery, is pleased to announce key organizational appointments that reinforce and position the company for a dynamic approach to marketing, product development and business development in the modern arena.

Chris Bourassa will assume the role of Director of Marketing and New Product Development, where he will be responsible for delivering Buck Knives’ voice, vision, and product range into the market.

“Buck Knives has a story to tell. Over a century’s worth of legacy, innovation, craftsmanship, and trusted reliability define who we are. I couldn’t me more pleased to help tell that story and contribute to the product line that will further build on everything Buck Knives exemplifies,” said Bourassa.

Having spent the past eight years with Buck Knives as National Sales Manager, and most recently Director of North American Sales, Bourassa is innately suited for this role and prepared to implement this new phase of growth and excitement in Buck Knives.

“Chris is a consummate strategist with a passion for planning and execution,” said Joe Piedmont, COO of Buck Knives. “This move is very fitting for him, as he is a great driving force for our organization.”

Furthermore, Chris Brooks will assume the role of Director of Business Development in an effort to more fully realize Buck’s position in ancillary markets. Brooks will be focusing efforts in the tactical, military, and government sectors, as well as furthering commitment to the culinary side of the product range.

“Having been in this industry for a while, I’ve met a lot of great folks and brought them alongside us to create some amazing products. It’s an honor to work here at Buck, one of the world’s most reputable knife companies. I look forward to securing and growing these sectors outside of our normal day-to-day business,” said Brooks.

Brooks has spent the past two decades in the cutlery industry logging time with Kershaw Knives, Southern Grind, and nearly three years with Buck Knives.

“Since joining us at Buck Knives, Brooks has played a key role in developing products and relationships that solidify our position in the tactical and culinary markets. His vision behind the launch of the Ground Combat knives revitalized our reputation for developing military grade products. I look forward to seeing the expansion of our non-traditional product lines and market growth through Brooks’ new role,” said CJ Buck, CEO and Chairman of Buck Knives.

Combined, these roles allow Buck Knives to proactively deliver superior service and products to all segments of the market, and will enhance their commitment to building the most trusted knives and tools in the industry.

Posted in Industry, Knives, Press Release | Comments Off on Buck Knives Announces Appointments for Marketing and Business Development Leadership

Gunfighter Cast Now “The Mag Life Podcast”

Wednesday, August 12th, 2020

August 08, 2020 (Coppell, TX)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For inquiries: Daniel Shaw DShaw@gunmagwarehouse.com

It’s the longest-running “gun-related” podcast still publishing new episodes. It’s had well over 3 million downloads and maintains an unmatched, encyclopedic archive of material relevant to the responsible armed citizen. It is equally significant to military personnel, peace officers, and anyone interested in awareness and personal defense. It has featured guests the like of Ken Campbell, Rob Leatham, Dave “Boon” Benton, Byron Rogers, Kerry Davis, Steve Fisher, Varg Freeborn (now the co-host!), and many more.

You knew it as Gunfighter Cast. Now it is The Mag LifePodcast ? and the latest episode is one of the best yet.

The most recent installment, Episode 165, is about thinking beyond the 4 firearm safety rules. It’s about advanced safety, we mean safety in the context of fighting the gun.

Not just the 4 Rules of Gun Safety, but rather the 4 Rules of Gun Safety as taken to its most exigent extreme: the moment when deadly force is called for.

“That’s what separates the rockstars from the groupies,” says Host and Founder Daniel Shaw. “It’s weapon handling and weapon safety under extreme, life-threatening conditions.”

? Can you safely move through and around other people who are themselves moving unpredictably with your weapon out ? without sacrificing your lethality in relation to the threat?

? Are you confident you know when drawing your weapon is appropriate and when it might make the situation worse, even during an event that might make unholstering seem to be the obvious choice?

? Can you make confident, fluid transitions from one method of moving with the gun to another to mitigate safety problems in your fighting environment? Position Sul, temple index, high port, low ready…none of them are a one-size-fits-all technique.

? Can you balance what’s personally safe for you vs. what’s safer for those around you while maintaining effective lethality for your threat?

? Are you aware of your own skill deficits? Are you at least aware that you do have some?

The four rules of gun safety are far less likely to stand up to real-life use if there is no clear understanding of contextual relevance in the face of environmental constraints. The phrase “keep your muzzle pointed downrange” and “keep your weapon pointed in a safe direction at all times” are both good in principle, but they should actually be replaced with Keep your muzzle pointed in the relative safest direction for your situation.

That’s why we hope you’ll listen to Beyond the 4 Rules of Gun Safety. Episode 165 on The Mag Life Podcast (formerly Gunfighter Cast).

Look for new episodes every Thursday.

Know someone who would be a good guest? Contact host Daniel Shaw, DShaw@gunmagwarehouse.com.

Posted in Industry, Media, Press Release | 1 Comment »