American Elements takes a look at Daniel Defense founder, Marty Daniel. He also shares the story of his family, wife Cindy, and son Connor who helped him get where he is today.
Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category
American Elements – Marty Daniel
Friday, January 29th, 2016SB Tactical Announces Expanded Leadership Team
Thursday, January 28th, 2016Saint Petersburg, FL (January 28, 2016) – SB Tactical™, the inventor and manufacturer of the Stabilizing Brace™, is pleased to announce the hiring of Jeffry Creamer as Vice President of Business Development and Amy Pevear as Vice President of Marketing. Creamer and Pevear join the SB Tactical team from the highly regarded firearms manufacturer, SIG SAUER, Inc.
Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for SB Tactical. In 2015, the company completed a critical transition from operating under exclusivity agreements with SIG SAUER, Inc. and Century Arms to selling directly to consumers through the SB Tactical online retail store. The addition of Creamer and Pevear will further empower SB Tactical to aggressively seek new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partnerships, develop platform-specific offerings, expand distribution channels and cultivate a more robust consumer direct sales model. SB Tactical will be announcing several new Stabilizing Braces™ in Q1 2016.
SB Tactical innovates, designs, develops, and manufactures accessories for firearms and personal defense weapon (PDW) pistols. The initial product introduced to market in 2013 was the SB15® Stabilizing Brace, often referred to by enthusiasts as the “SIG Brace.” The product was developed specifically to improve shooting accuracy and reduce felt recoil when firing with one hand. That same year, the SB15 was named the Firearm Accessory of the Year and the Stabilizing Brace has since revolutionized shooting sports for those in need of improved stabilization and assistive devices.
“Jeff and Amy add unmatched experience and market knowledge to the SB Tactical team as we continue positioning the company for future growth and expansion,” said Alex Bosco, Founder and CEO. “Their presence will enable SB Tactical to further expand our market footprint and enhance our ability to develop and deliver innovative products.”
“The entrance of SB Tactical into the market in 2013 reinvented the dying platform of AR pistols, creating an entirely new category of firearms. The company and their product lines have redefined modern shooting sports, which is largely evidenced by the growing number of manufacturers that are developing PDW-style pistols today,” said Jeff Creamer. “Tremendous opportunity lies ahead for SB Tactical as the company pivots for growth and the rollout of expanded product lines in the future.”
“SB Tactical presents a unique opportunity to further develop a world-class accessories company in a fast growing market. Our team is excited to focus on expanding our product line, building a recognizable brand within the industry, and deploying business to business and consumer based market strategies that will drive sales and new product development,” stated Amy Pevear.
Armageddon Gear’s New Facility
Thursday, January 28th, 2016 
This is the new home to Armageddon Gear’s 40,000 sq ft warehouse, manufacturing, and 15,000 sq ft of office space on their 12-acre campus located at 29 Airport Rd in Buena Vista, GA. They continue to grow, rapidly adding equipment and people.
BCM – Vote for the Midwest Urban Dirt Tracker!
Wednesday, January 27th, 2016
The crew at Midwest Industries sponsored a build in the Indian Project Scout Build Off. The result is the MIDWEST URBAN DIRT TRACKER, and it is cool! It is featuring MI accessories from Picatinny, KeyMod, and MLock…
Along with a ton of hand fabricated works of art. The bike was built by Rob of Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee and painted by Jason of Artistimo Custom Design.
Vote early, vote often, vote everyday up until Feb 19th.
Mel Terkla Joins Wolfpack Gear
Tuesday, January 26th, 2016This is fantastic news for an old friend of mine!
Mel Terkla has signed on with Wolfpack Gear in San Luis Obispo, CA to help design a new line of Tactical and Adventure backpacks. Wolfpackgear.com is one of the leading manufacturers of wildland firefighting gear in the country. Mel had been in semi retirement for the last year and a half after being let go from Kifaru, but decided he wasn’t done designing backpacks, and after much research, reached out to Mike Oberndorfer the owner of Wolfpack Gear. It just so happened that Mike wanted to start a new line of backpacks and was looking for a designer, and after meeting up, there was a mutual agreement that fate seemed to bring them together to make it happen.
Mel Terkla was the one that helped start the Tactical division at Kifaru back in 2002 and headed up design and sales for over 12 years. He is accredited with getting the Kifaru brand known and respected in the industry and will be bringing those credentials to Wolfpack Gear. Look for a mid summer launch of the new line that will be announced on the Wolfpack Gear website and Facebook page. There will also be a forum in the future on the website for questions and answers, updates, photos, and feedback. To those that know Mel personally, you know customer service will be second to none and he can be reached now for any questions or discussion about the new gear at mel@wolfpackgear.com .
Dakota Silencer Finds In-State Partnership Beneficial To Business
Monday, January 25th, 2016
South Dakota’s growing firearms cluster offers opportunities for collaboration and industry connections that you just don’t find in other states. Just ask Brandon Maddox, owner of Dakota Silencer and FFL123.com.
Not only is Maddox’s Sioux Falls-based Dakota Silencer founded in South Dakota, but through a partnership with Mack Brothers of Sturgis, the highly popular Class 3 firearm is manufactured in South Dakota as well.
“When I started Dakota Silencer in 2008, we were initially manufacturing our suppressors at a facility in Georgia,” said Maddox. “But then, I met up with the Mack Brothers at an event in Rapid City, S.D. I was working on a new design, and they were able to take the plans and quickly produce a high-quality prototype.”
And, Maddox was impressed.
“I like to shoot prairie dogs, and hunting is so much easier with a silencer because they don’t know where the shot is coming from,” Maddox said. “As a result, a hunter can get a lot more shots in.”
Soon after, Mack Brothers, which was founded in 1997 to meet the CNC manufacturing needs of businesses in the firearms community, began producing all Dakota Silencer product and the businesses continued to grow.
Today, Dakota Silencer has six stores in six states – South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming. Because the process for consumers to purchase a suppressor can be confusing, Dakota Silencer has streamlined and simplified the process and helps manage 100 percent of its customers’ paperwork.
“It is our job to make the purchase process easy,” said Maddox. “Improper paperwork can cause a delay in the purchase, so we have a streamlined process in place that our customers find highly beneficial.”
Maddox noted that suppressors and silencers are the fastest-growing firearm on the market right now, and he expects sales only to increase as more customers realize they are 100 percent legal and have many benefits for the hunter and shooter.
“When it comes to firearms, suppressors are going to take off at an even faster rate, just like scopes have in the past,” Maddox says.
“We feel very fortunate to have started our business in South Dakota – the state consistently ranks as one of the top locations in America to start and run a business,” said Maddox, who moved to South Dakota from Florida. “The residents of South Dakota are strong Second Amendment supporters and so are the local and state governments. We are excited and proud to be based in South Dakota.”
For more information on the firearm industry in South Dakota, visit sdreadytowork.com/Key-Industries/SHOT.
Safariland Announces Technology Sharing Agreement with FirstSpear
Tuesday, January 19th, 2016ONTARIO, California – The Safariland Group today announced a new agreement with FirstSpear™, a manufacturer of exceptional tactical equipment for elite military and law enforcement units, to integrate FirstSpear technology into tactical vests and carriers for the Safariland® Armor collection and Protech® Tactical armor.
The licensing agreement between these two industry-leading armor companies encompasses key technologies such as the FirstSpear Tubes™ and the 6/12™ and 6/9™ pocket attachment systems.
FirstSpear Tubes: These tubes innovate the armor carrier closure system with enhanced solutions for donning and doffing tactical body armor. Manufactured from lightweight, high-performance polymers, the tubes exceed the strength of other molded fasteners currently used on operational gear. This allows field teams to progress beyond cables to the tube system that augments performance and minimizes weight.
FirstSpear 6/12 Pocket Attachment System: The 6/12 is an all-new, design-engineered pocket attachment system that reduces weight by up to 50 percent, is backward compatible with MOLLE and PALS standards and forward compatible with FirstSpear’s ultra-lightweight pockets. From adhesive heat-set backing to laser cut precision attachment points, this system meets the need for modular, lightweight load-carriage platforms and pockets.
FirstSpear 6/12 Modular Pocket Technology: Building on the 6/12 Pocket Attachment System, this companion modular pocket technology condenses weight by more than 40 percent without sacrificing performance.
FirstSpear 6/9 Modular Pocket Technology: The pocket technology developed for the 6/9 is a transitional attachment choice between the traditional MOLLE/PALS system and 6/12 platforms. With pockets that mount closer to the body and conform tighter to the platform, 6/9 offers significant weight reduction from other pockets, offers flexible attachment straps and is compatible with legacy platforms.
“We are extremely excited about this agreement with FirstSpear, advancing our arsenal of technology invested in tactical body armor to be the best available,” said Todd Mackler, Vice President, Armor for The Safariland Group. “Through this partnership, Safariland continues to revolutionize the body armor market with the tactical operator’s safety and comfort in mind.”
This technology sharing agreement with FirstSpear demonstrates Safariland’s commitment to the mantra that, “Together, We Save Lives.”
Ronnie Fowlkes, VP Business Development for FirstSpear stated, “FirstSpear is dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of the professional user, and this agreement will provide flexibility and increased access to proven technologies that have become the standard for those who demand the most from their equipment.”
These new technologies will be on display at SHOT Show, January 19-22 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit booth #12762 to further explore The Safariland Group’s latest products.
Caracal Commits to US Market With Wilcox Partnership
Monday, January 18th, 2016 
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Caracal and Wilcox Industries have announced today a new strategic partnership that will see Caracal firearms produced for the first time in the United States from Wilcox’s world-class manufacturing facility in Newington, New Hampshire.
On the new partnership, Hamad Al Ameri, CEO of Caracal said, “This partnership takes Caracal to the next level, and supports our long-term strategic goals for the United States. Our two highly-experienced teams will be working hand-in-hand, collaborating and sharing expertise on the design and development as well as the manufacturing and testing of new, exciting Caracal products customised for the US market.”
Wilcox is well-known to the industry as an innovation leader when it comes to tactical products developed to support special forces units in the United States and globally, and are highly sought after by many of the top gun makers.
Under the terms of the partnership, Caracal’s US-based subsidiary, Caracal USA will co-locate its headquarters with Wilcox, with its Idaho office serving as its marketing arm. Target weapons for production at the facility include the 5.56mm CAR 814 direct impingement, semi-automatic rifle and the CAR 816 short stroke gas-piston semi-automatic rifle, both of which are designed for the US sporting market. Select-fire variants of these rifles will also be made for the defence and security market. Caracal’s new generation Enhanced F 9mm pistol will also be made in the facility. The production of the CAR family of rifles will also enable Caracal USA and Wilcox to now compete for US government arms contracts.
Speaking on the strategic partnership, Mr. Jim Teetzel, founder and CEO of Wilcox Industries, said, “We are proud to have Caracal working and collaborating alongside our team. This unique partnership represents the future of the industry, where leading experts from around the world unite to develop cutting-edge products for the market.”
The partnership will also provide Caracal with manufacturing and distribution rights for the Wilcox fusion system and the 40mm Grenade Launcher Module (GLM).
Caracal CEO Hamad Al Ameri and Wilcox Industries CEO Jim Teetzel today following their announcement of a new strategic partnership that will see Caracal firearms produced for the first time in the United States from Wilcox’s world-class manufacturing facility in Newington, New Hampshire.
Caracal and Wilcox will be showcasing their latest products at SHOT Show 2016 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 19th to 22nd. For members of the media and industry buyers, Caracal will have live demonstrations of select products at Industry Day at The Range located in Boulder City, Nevada on January 18th.
Wilcox is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of high quality tactical equipment for use by military and law enforcement in the United States. Product lines include Night Vision Mounting Systems, Small Arms Systems, the PATRIOT Hybrid Life Support System and Combat Systems including an accessory line that significantly enhances rifle modularity, all of which present a significant tactical advantage for the end user.
Caracal is the only OEM small arms company in the Middle East, and it is now being backed by a strong industrial parent company, the Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC). This unique arrangement allows for Caracal to receive maximum resources and support in order to drive the next phase of growth for the company, including its new US presence.
Attendees can visit Caracal at its booth 2829 in Hall 1and Wilcox at its booth 7208 in Hall 1 during SHOT Show.
