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Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category
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Thursday, March 7th, 2013Redback One Unveils New Logo
Tuesday, March 5th, 2013Redback One asked us to share the announcement for their new logo.
ANNOUNCEMENT – REDBACK ONE EMBLEM REVAMP!
I’m very excited to give you a first look at the new version of our emblem! The original Redback One emblem which is the diamond/ spider has been revamped by our graphic designer Steve St-Louis of Webtechgear. We’ve been wanting to make this change for a while and we couldn’t be happier, this is definitely more along the lines of our style! We plan to start transitioning from our old emblem to the new one soon, this will also be incorporated into our main logo.
We hope you guys like it! -G
Disruptive Tech – How the US Army REF Works with Industry
Monday, March 4th, 2013This video entitled, “A Partnership for Cocreation: Local Motors & The US Army Rapid Equipping Force” gives a quick look at ways that the Army works with industry to identify and field new technologies. Local Motors CEO Jay Rogers and Director of the Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) COL Pete Newell talk about co-creation and the ability to drive innovation “at the pace of conversation” in order to improve soldier productivity, safety and survivability in the theater of operations.
Racer Mark Llano Faithful to Marine Corps Past
Monday, March 4th, 2013Source One Distributor‘s CEO Mark Llano is a pretty interesting guy. Not only does he run one of the Special Operations TLS contractors and spend a great deal of personal time and resources supporting his fellow Veterans but turns out he’s also a race car driver.
It’s been said that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Veteran and SERKET driver Mark Llano has brought that philosophy from the United States Marine Corps to the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama.
The former Marine decided to pursue the challenge of racing when he heard the roar of the fully throttled engines at the 2012 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.
“I remember Daytona, when I heard those engines for the first time. I remember being inspired by the competition and the camaraderie on the track and how it reminded me of my time in the Marine Corps. Then I thought, this could be a great way to inspire people,” said Llano. “This could be a great way to inspire veterans. And by competing we could help raise awareness and funds that assist those veterans achieve the American dream they have fought for so long to protect.”
If there’s one person who undoubtedly understands the American dream, it may be Llano. He emerged from an impoverished childhood to become a model citizen with countless awards and achievements on his resume. Llano is motivated to influence those who are in need by developing a legacy of hope.
“As a boy growing up in challenging circumstances, I have learned in my life that where you come from doesn’t define where you will end up,” said Llano. “If you aren’t afraid of the challenge of the unknown, you can achieve great success.”
Through a partnership with NGT Motorsport, Llano is determined to accomplish this mission. NGT Motorsport was the recommended race team for Llano because of their professionalism and commitment to racing, as well as their fierce drive to win.
Llano’s drive doesn’t only come from within. His grandfather reminded him consistently “if you believe in who you are, you will become what you believe.” Llano continues to remind himself of that advice daily.
That gift of wisdom has paid off. Llano is now a Marine veteran, race car driver in the largest single-make series in the world, and President and CEO of Source One Distributors, a leading provider of products and equipment to the armed services and law enforcement.
Though military service is an important part of Llano’s business, it’s not just a business for the Gulf War veteran. Llano has held onto his military service through his distinguished Marine Corps bond of Semper Fidelis, a Latin term signifying the transformation to a Marine that cannot be undone. This term translates to specifically mean “always faithful.” Llano has remained faithful to his military cause with a determination to always live by the ethics and values of the Corps.
“I plan on leaving a legacy in the 2013 IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama season through excellence and achievement on the race track translating into an increase in support and awareness for our veterans and their families within IMSA, its competitors and its fan base,” he said.
Llano embodies his passion for military service with his mission to dedicate 25 percent of sponsorship to organizations dedicated to veteran support. The philanthropic partners Llano will represent during the 2013 season include Extreme Couture GI Foundation, Executive Bootcamp for Veteran’s and Operation Homefront. Because of his earnest loyalty to philanthropy, the Florida-native was recently honored with a key to the Village of Wellington, Florida.
With a high and tight haircut and a camouflage-wrapped Porsche Cup Car, Llano is easy to spot in the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge paddock. But both cosmetic details serve a strategic purpose in the former Marine’s pursuit to raise military awareness.
“In 2012, we were very excited to enter into a relationship with Crye Precision who made the MultiCam® pattern car wrap possible,” said Llano. “With their commitment to creating high quality products that keep our soldiers safe in the field, and their dedication to the veterans’ community, Crye Precision embodies the very ideals that SERKET Racing was founded on: excellence and dedication.”
The camouflage Porsche GT3 Cup car is one of a kind and Llano has dedicated its originality to serve an important role in a mission to honor service members of the military.
“For CRYE Precision, the MultiCam camouflage pattern is a source of pride,” said the SERKET racing driver. “The unconventional design and innovation that it was born from has proven to be effective in protecting the lives of our servicemen and women. We want the fans to know that this camouflage represents our military’s sacrifice and that SERKET Racing is an ambassador for their needs.”
Above all, Llano will make his entrance with a statement at the opening race of the 2013 IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge season. With a clearly declared mission for excellence in exchange for military support, expect to hear an “Oorah!” battle cry from the SERKET/NGT Racing Porsche Cup car as the first green flag waves in Sebring for the 61st Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida March 13-16.
Follow the team at serketracing.com.
Fan Photo From The Tactical Pro Shop Grand Opening
Sunday, March 3rd, 2013
Tactical Pro Shop Grand Opening This Weekend in Fabulous Burbank, CA
Thursday, February 28th, 2013Received a note from our friends at Tactical Pro Shop that they are celebrating their grand opening Friday the 1st of March and Saturday the 2nd. In addition to giveaways and in-store discounts, Benchmade factory reps will be on-hand Friday and will laser engrave any Benchmade knife purchased that day for free.
TPS’s Matt Kime relayed that they were incredibly lucky to get a great big space at the corner of two major streets, in one of the most business / firearms friendly cities in Southern California (by comparison).
Their primary brands are Benchmade, First Spear, Ops-Core, Princeton Tec, Surefire, Blackhawk, Camelbak, Safariland, and InForce. They tell us they also offer a few dozen other great brands helping us round out their ability to make sure they are offering the best available solution for a given problem.
In addition to their solid LE customer base, and being a leading provider for the tactical equipment you see on the big screen, Tactical Pro Shop are also welcomes the general public with open arms. Though they do not sell firearms, they’ve pretty much have the rest of the spectrum covered.
To celebrate, they’ve extended SSD readers an additional 10% off, including already discounted items, during their 2-day opening event. If you are there, all you need to do is mention SSD. And, you’d better take some pictures.
Looking forward to visiting you guys next time I am in town.
Tactical Tailor: Ingels on Constitutionality
Thursday, February 28th, 2013This is a guest post from Dave Reeder that is based on a lengthy interview with Tactical Tailor’s Casey Ingels. Casey is an attorney (he’s also a former Army Ranger) and he has an interesting take on the recent rash of restrictive gun legislation being introduced across the country. Casey and I have discussed the issue as well and I agree with his point of view. I am very concerned that these laws not only infringe on our Second Amendment rights but several of these bills also introduce outrageous Fourth Amendment concerns. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, weaken one of amendments in the Bill of Rights and you undermine them all. Thanks to Dave for putting this together and to Casey for his time and expertise.
Tactical Tailor – Ingels on Constitutionality by solsys
Mission Ready Equipment Acquires Grey Group Training
Wednesday, February 27th, 2013It’s finally official. We just received word from Mission Ready Equipment announcing their purchase of Grey Group Training. Both are fantastic companies and I think they are going to compliment one another very well. Congratulations!
Mission Ready Equipment is pleased to announce the acquisition of Grey Group Training.
Mission Ready Equipment recognizes the strength of Grey Group Training’s brand and sales model by committing to the company’s growth.
“Grey Group Training customers will be able to choose great products and training from an expanded assortment of manufacturers and will have more depth of product on the shelves for both the ecommerce store and the retail store,” says Mission Ready Equipment President Jeff Smith.
Grey Group Training’s mission and identity will not change as they seek to grow their retail and training operations by adding new storefronts and expanding their roster of trainers as Mission Ready Equipment’s retail sales and training partner.
“Growing from one location to two locations is not twice as hard; it is ten times as hard,” says Smith, “We are excited to be able to bring our experience in growing other retail brands to Grey Group.”
The move continues Mission Ready Equipment’s growth in the tactical marketplace while allowing it to focus on its core mission as a premier wholesale, online and direct sales supplier to military, federal, state and local government agencies.
In addition to retail, the acquisition adds Grey Group Training’s experience in firearms, combatives and combat medicine education to the current capabilities at Mission Ready Equipment.
Smith says “Eric Page will take over as Grey Group’s Vice President to manage the operation as they align with Mission Ready Equipment’s growth objectives. Eric has been a part of Grey Group from the beginning and is a key figure in it’s future”. Smith added “Grey Group’s own Josh Burmeister worked with us through the acquisition process and contributed to a smooth ownership transition. Josh will be leaving to pursue other projects.”
“The Grey Group staff can’t express how excited we are about becoming part of the Mission Ready family. With their help in logistics and support Grey Group can get to what we do best, giving the best service and products to our Brothers and Sisters in harms way,” says Grey Group Training Vice President Eric Page.
The acquisition closed February 14, 2013.
Mission Ready Equipment was formed in 2010 by a group of dedicated individuals with more than 28 years experience in equipping & instructing individuals and teams, whether Armed Forces, Law Enforcement, Private Security or Fire and Rescue, in layered clothing systems, footwear, packs, tents, sleeping systems, and climbing/high altitude mountaineering equipment.
