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McMillan Merchant Solutions Update

Friday, August 9th, 2013

This is so significant, I’ve posted it under Disruptive Tech. We’ve been mentioning McMillan’s move to create a merchant solutions firm after their run in with Bank of America. It’s now one step closer to reality with the launch of their website and a Facebook page.

The site remains under construction www.mmsllc.com but follow www.facebook.com/mmsllc2A to stay abreast of their latest updates.

They also posted this:

Firearms Industry Merchants – Your Current Credit Card Processing is at Risk.
August 8, 2013 at 8:37pm
Some might say the title of this Post/Note is premature and alarmist in nature. We don’t think so and here’s proof. Can you buy/sell online? Click on the link after each choice below:

eBay – http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/firearms-weapons-knives.html
Craigslist – http://www.craigslist.org/about/prohibited.items
PayPal – https://www.paypal.com/webapps/helpcenter/article/?solutionId=38957
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200277700

Do all Merchant Gateways accept transactions from within the Firearms industry…or should I say YOUR BUSINESS?

Square – https://squareup.com/help/en-us/article/5089-prohibited-goods-and-services
Authorize.net – http://www.authorize.net/company/terms/

So what do we do about it?

In April of 2012, Bank of America asked Kelly McMillan to find another bank simply because he manufactured firearms. Conversations with Firearms Industry partners and customers show this is a growing problem. The Firearms industry is under enormous pressure, with many financial vendors covertly AND OVERTLY discriminating against Firearms manufacturers and retailers. Companies are being deprived of the ability to process debit and credit card transactions, often with no notice, simply because they sell firearms, ammunition, or related products and services.

To combat this trend, Kelly McMillan formed McMillan Merchant Solutions (MMS) and our mission is to help strengthen the firearms industry while supporting those organizations that are fighting for our 2nd Amendment rights. We can now provide financial stability for those who accept credit cards as payment and also provide short-term loans to qualified customers.

Let’s be proactive before we have to be reactive! Please help support our collective cause by Like’ing this Page. For more information on our services, and how you can SAVE money while SUPPORTING our Industry, email me at zev@mmsllc.com or call me at our toll free number 855-431-4979.

Tags: McMillan Merchant Solutions
Posted in 2A, Disruptive Tech, Industry | 6 Comments »

Kryptek Announces Jim Erwin As Newest Pro Staff Member

Tuesday, August 6th, 2013

Jim “The Kraken” Erwin is the latest member of Kryptek’s Pro Staff. Man, I knew Jim before he was “The Kraken”.

Jim spent 12 years in the US Army including service with 1st SFOD-D and has an extensive background in industry where he is well known. Congrats Jim and Kryptek!

Tags: Kryptek
Posted in Camo, Industry | 3 Comments »

Katylist Launches

Tuesday, August 6th, 2013

Katylist offers direct-to-customer armor products as well as exclusive items produced by Shellback Tactical.

Katylist is a forward thinking defense product and outdoor gear website. Katylist is comprised of dedicated professionals that have a history in the defense industry. We have developed and launched proven products with other brands and continue to create new ones. Katylist is not only a new site but a new brand to watch. As we grow, expect to see new unique and exclusive products only available at Katylist. We will also offer a full line of Hard Armor products and be adding the best proven unique new products and brands over time. At Katylist you can expect more.

And now, for a limited time, Katylist has Level IV Brand New Victory Tactical Gear rifle plates on Sale for $169.95!

www.katylist.com

Tags: KATYLIST
Posted in Industry | Comments Off on Katylist Launches

5.11 Tactical Now Available in Realtree Xtra

Sunday, August 4th, 2013

5.11 Tactical has made a significant foray into the hunting world with the introduction of their new color option, Realtree Xtra. SGM Kyle E. Lamb (USA, Ret) of Viking Tactics and Robb Wiley from Non-Typical Outfitters are featured in this video which gives you a glimpse of hunting in 5.11.

Offered in limited styles including the Taclite Pro Pant as well as Taclite Pro Shirt in short and long sleeves. There is also the Rush72 Pack and two models of caps. With 5.11’s foothold in several big box hunting and fishing specialty stores, this looks to be a savvy move.

www.511tactical.com/realtree

Tags: 5.11 Tactical, Realtree
Posted in Camo, Clothing, Industry | 1 Comment »

Grey Ghost Gear Announces New Director of Business Development

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Dalton Gardens, ID —31 JUL 13— Grey Ghost Gear is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Lindsey Lea as the GGG Director of Business Development. Lea transitions to Grey Ghost Gear after four years with Tactical Tailor.

In her capacity as the Director of Business Development Ms. Lea will be handling OEM matters, new product launches and overall direction of the development team.She will be supervising new product launches as well as internal procedures, but most importantly will be the liaison between the individuals actually testing GGG’s new products in combat and the development team, integrating the two and ensuring a flawless execution of the changes and evolutions the guys on the sharp end require prior to finalization and commercial manufacture.

“Though Lindsey has been the new Grey Ghost HMFIC only a short time she has already had tremendous impact within the organization,” says Grey Ghost Gear CEO Casey Ingels. “That’s not a
big surprise of course. Harnessing her business sense, rapport with industry partners and work ethic on Grey Ghost’s behalf was a no-brainer.”

Lea actually started working for Tactical Tailor in 2008, where she was initially in customer service. She quickly established herself as The Indispensible Girl however and—in a classic example of “there’s the man in charge and the woman who knows what’s going on” rose to the position of Contract Administration/Government Procurement Executive (or, in insider terms, the XO for JTF GW).

“I’ll just say it is a huge force multiplier to have someone this reliable on hand,” GW Ayers (CC/JTFGW) said. “There’s no substitute for someone you can send forth to conquer without constant supervision and follow-up. Grey Ghost is lucky to have her.” Lindsey enjoys shooting and the occasional bar fight. She is currently awaiting a new Primary Weapon Systems .308, frequently spends quality time with a Knight’s Armament AR15 and has carried on a love affair with a handsome Noveske rifle for almost as long as she was with Tactical tailor. An accomplished equestrienne, she is currently training an American Quarterhorse appropriately named Danger. She advises it was touch and go for a while whether she was going to be showing him or sending him off to the arts & crafts community in the form of glue but thankfully his behavior has improved.

Lindsey will be wandering Outdoor Retail (with a Yeti on her back) if you want to link up. Send her an e-mail at ll@greyghostgear.com to schedule it. Be sure to address her as “Most Imminent Despotrix” or “High Gynarch of Grey Ghost” if you would. Media/industry folks, those who won’t be at OR, please contact her at that same e-mail address if you need anything. For articles and blog posts please direct readers and prospective end users to sales@greyghostgear.com.

Thank you!
The GGG Team

www.greyghostgear.com/

Tags: Grey Ghost Gear
Posted in Industry | 6 Comments »

ArmaLite Acquired by Strategic Armory Corps

Tuesday, July 30th, 2013

Phoenix, AZ July 23, 2013 – Strategic Armory Corps (“SAC”) announced today that it has acquired ArmaLite, Inc. ArmaLite is a leading manufacturer of a complete line of semiautomatic rifles, including the M15 and AR-10 lines, and an expanding line of advanced bolt action rifles in a wide range of calibers from .308 Winchester through .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua, and .416 Barrett to the massive AR-50A1 .50 caliber rifle. Mark Westrom, the seller of ArmaLite, will remain as an investor in SAC and will serve on its board of managers.

The ArmaLite Division of the Fairchild Engine and Aircraft Company was the original developer of what has become known simply as the “AR”. In fact, “AR” actually stands for ArmaLite. There have been many variations of the original rifle, and today’s ArmaLite produces some of the highest quality firearms in the market. ArmaLIte will continue to operate out of its facility in Geneseo, Illinois which houses approximately 90 personnel.

Strategic Armory Corps manufactures precision bolt action rifles under the name Surgeon Rifles, high quality firearm suppressors under the name AWC Silencers, and match grade ammunition.

“ArmaLite is a tremendous addition to our group of outstanding companies and broadens our product line so we can better meet the needs of our customers”, said Mark Johnson, SAC President and CEO. “The history of Mark Westrom over his 19 years of leading ArmaLite will provide a wealth of industry knowledge to our leadership team and allow us to further expand our ability to meet the ever increasing demands for the highest quality products by our customers and the marketplace.”

www.armalite.com

Tags: ArmaLite, Strategic Armory Corps
Posted in Black Rifle, Industry | 1 Comment »

Best Product Label Ever

Sunday, July 28th, 2013

www.extremegearlabs.com

Tags: EGL
Posted in Industry | 11 Comments »

Granite Tactical Gear Purchased By BRZZ Gear LLC

Friday, July 26th, 2013

This is exciting news for Granite Gear. We look forward to updating you on how this will improve what we see from Granite Gear during our coverage of next week’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

Acquisition of Granite Gear Inc. to Bring Brand to New Heights

Two Harbors, MN – Granite Gear LLC (a newly formed division of BRZZ Gear LLC) lead by an investment team of outdoor and luggage industry veterans, has acquired the assets of Two Harbors, MN based Granite Gear Inc. and Granite Tactical Gear. Brand co-founders, Jeff Knight and Dan Cruikshank are excited to stay on board with the new management team to assist in taking the brand to new levels in the Outdoor and Travel Goods Industries.

Bryan Kinsley, CEO of Lake Forest, IL based Granite Gear LLC, has 30 years of sales and operational experience in the Outdoor and Travel Goods markets. Kinsley commented, “In putting together a list of criteria for our initial acquisition, the Granite Gear brand and team fit the bill perfectly. We see tremendous opportunities both domestically and internationally with the superior quality and heritage the brand exemplifies.”

Zee Zhuang will assume role of VP of Operations and she brings over 25 years of global business experience to the Granite Gear LLC team. She will spearhead the daily operations and factory relationships of the newly formed entity.

Rob Coughlin, who will hold title of Senior VP of Sales and Product Development, is a 2010 SGB 40 under 40 honoree. He has 20 years of executive level experience in sales and operations in the branded Outdoor, Back to School and Travel bag industry. He is pleased to join founders Knight and Cruikshank in leading Granite Gear into the future. Coughlin remarked, “We’re incredibly excited and humbled to be associated with an innovative and authentic brand like Granite Gear. In addition, we look forward to growing the brand while remaining true to the values that have kept the company in the marketplace for over 27 years.”

Design and manufacturing will remain in Two Harbors, MN. Knight remarked, “We feel great about the acquisition. After several meetings with the new team, we quickly felt like they were longtime friends. It really sealed the deal for us when it became clear they saw the value of our Northern Minnesota headquarters and our long-term team of dedicated and talented staff. We are all looking forward to continued growth and innovative developments with this influx of new leadership, experience and capital.” Dan Cruikshank added, “Granite Gear has developed a reputation among hard-core outdoor enthusiasts for making rock solid and innovative gear and through the acquisition, we will have the resources to expand and build further on that reputation.” Cruikshank will assume the role of Brand Ambassador, Knight will serve as the company’s Managing Director. Mike Cruikshank, co-owner and CFO will remain with Granite Gear LLC for a brief transition period and then he will retire after a rewarding 20 year career in the outdoor industry.

Granite Gear was born in the Boundary Waters in 1986 and has been bringing innovative products to the outdoor marketplace for 27 years. Our award winning backpacks, extensive variety of storage sacks, lifestyle accessories, dog products and canoe gear offer excellence in design and construction. Granite Gear products are available in over 500 retail locations in 15 countries and worldwide at www.granitegear.com. Located in Northern Minnesota, just minutes from the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior Hiking Trail, Granite Gear has a rugged and pristine product testing ground like no other in the industry.

D.A. Davidson & Co. served as financial advisor to Granite Gear Inc. and Granite Gear Tactical in this transaction.

Tags: BRZZ Gear LLC, Granite Gear
Posted in Industry, Packs | 3 Comments »