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Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Michael Alvis Joins B.E. Meyers & Company as Vice President of Business Development

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

BE Meyers & Company, Inc, manufacturers of the IZLID series of laser designators as well as countless other optics and target designation devices announces the appointment of Michael Alvis as Vice President of Business Development. In his new position, Mr. Alvis will be broadly responsible for strategies and execution leading to market expansion and revenue growth.

Mike was previously with ITT Corporation, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President of ITT Defense International and Vice President for International Development at ITT Exelis. In these positions he led planning and execution of international business development activities, while working with the Exelis divisions to pursue opportunities in emerging markets.

“During his eight years at ITT, Mike engineered a remarkable record of growth in both U.S. and international markets. He has demonstrated strong leadership in developing and implementing innovative strategies and approaches, and an uncompromising commitment to outstanding customer service. His experience will be invaluable in driving our continued growth and success,” said Dr. Gregory Quarles, CEO of B.E. Meyers & Company, Inc.

Before that, Mike served as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for ITT Night Vision, where he was responsible for worldwide strategy, sales, and marketing. He also brings extensive military experience to the brand. He is a retired US Army Colonel whose 26-year career included command of infantry, cavalry and combat aviation units. He also served three tours in the Pentagon, the last as Chief of Congressional Activities in the Office of Chief of Staff for the Army, and has been awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal and holds the Master Army Aviator designator.

“I am delighted with the opportunity to help lead this industry innovator to a higher level of success, here at home and around the world,” said Mr. Alvis. “B.E. Meyers is well known in this market, so I am very familiar with their outstanding product portfolio and commitment to quality and technological leadership. I look forward to the challenges and satisfactions of this position.”

Prior to joining ITT, Mr. Alvis held positions with Thales North America, which specializes in tactical communications, night vision and advanced weaponry; and with L3 Communications, where he directed the Army Strategic Leadership Program. He is a graduate of Tulane University, and holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a master’s degree in management from Central Michigan University.

www.bemeyers.com

In Memoriam – Dave Ruiz

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Over the weekend industry lost a visionary and I lost a friend. In fact, a lot of us lost a friend when Dave Ruiz passed away. There isn’t enough room on SSD for me to say all of the good things that need to be said about Dave. In an effort to do him justice I’ve asked his business partner Brian Abrams to prepare a eulogy. In the comments I invite you all to share your memories of Dave. We are truly diminished by his loss.


David L Ruiz

Sorrow fills our hearts this sad moment, a pain that cuts deep and personal. Dave has silently closed the door of life and has been deployed on yet another mission, somewhere where I know he will continue to make a difference. Our lives will surely be empty in the areas that he had brightened for us.

In one word, Dave is a man who gave. He gave so much to his family, friends, work and his country. Here was a life that demanded notice-a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit.

I have known Dave for twenty years…he was my business partner, but more importantly, he was my friend, a great one at that. He was a strategic thinker, a visionary who was smart, innovative and creative. He generously gave us his knowledge, his expertise, his skills and yes, his sarcastic humor which always kept things light.

Dave was deeply concerned as a Marine with improving the quality of their gear to enhance comfort and increase survivability and he was very keen to pursue innovation and look for solutions outside the box. He initiated and implemented much in this field during his tour of duty that can be still seen today.

Dave was living proof of how fine a person can be. He was a good boss to the people in his charge, a loving husband to his wife, and a devoted father and grandfather. He was also a good friend and colleague to many of us. He was sincere, earnest, humble and loyal. He had a great sense of humor and a gentle way about him. Dave was bright, logical(most of the time) and could converse on so many topics…business, technology, sports, family and religion.

In his career he worked with passion, integrity and energy. By his death, all that knew him will miss a highly intelligent and vibrant guy with a special charm of personality. Our sadness is lessened slightly with the comforting thought that we had the privilege to know him. Dave was my best friend and I’ll miss him dearly.

brian abrams

Mayflower Integrating QuietLoop into Products

Monday, September 10th, 2012

This is an example of a Mayflower Assault Plate Carrier (APC) using MultiCam QuietLoop from Propel. They are starting to implement this into their production over the next several weeks. However, there are still items with standard hook and loop tape in inventory and they will fill orders with those until it is exhausted.

www.mayflower-rc.org

CTOMS Granted US Patent for M-Harness

Sunday, September 9th, 2012

CTOMS just announced that they have been granted a US patent for their M-Harnes. The M-Harness is a class 2 harness built to ASTM Standards. The uniqueness of the system is that it allows the ‘riggers’ style belt to be worn in a pair of pants, or a padded MOLLE belt, to maintain the convenience of a quick release (Cobra) buckle, yet convert quickly into a sit harness without having the leg loops hard sewn to the belt and without compromising the integrity of the main belt in harness mode by capturing the quick release buckle. Even with the main buckle completely undone, in harness mode, it is still completely safe.

Multiple accessories are available for the M-Harness including armor inserts for the padding system as well as the Turtle’s Harness, which is a chest harness that incorporates into a MOLLE based armor/plate carrier without interfering with the attached pouches, and creates a second main tie in point, for vertical operations where packs or working dogs are worn on the back raising the center of gravity. CTOMS is also working on a number of other accessories and products to support their new Tactical Assault Climbing Programs and TRACE Micro Rope Systems.

The M-Harness is currently manufactured under license by CMC Rescue and sold worldwide by CTOMS and under license in the US by North American Rescue and The Peak Inc as well as other international distributors.

To learn more about the M-Harness and accessories at www.ctoms.ca.

SOTECH Debuts New Law Enforcement Line at NTOA Conference

Sunday, September 9th, 2012


Looking at all of the gear from patrol bags to plate carriers, SOTECH has innovated a new line of law enforcement nylon products. We are not calling it tactical or SWAT because the system incorporates elements that can be used by patrol officers to active shooter responders to MACTAC to SWAT. SOTECH designers took the position that law enforcement ideas were taken into military designs during the GWOT, and now those ideas have been refined in the military and SOTECH is applying them back into law enforcement in this line. First SOTECH developed a series of tactical products for elite units in LAPD and LASD. Then they combined them into a modular system mounted in a large backpack/trunk bag and removable as military style go bags. This is a major departure from duffel bags that officers lug out from the locker room to their squad cars. The back pack is also sized to strap to a wheel cart. Once in the trunk, modules such as the Mission Go Bag can be dropped on the passenger seat. Customers can purchase a couple applicable pieces for their mission, or they can purchase then entire set. The main pack is designed to carry standard gear like jackets and gas masks plus the packs pictured. The kit is modeled from SOTECH’s mission pack system which is the basis of the Special Forces Medic’s SOF MES set. Check it out at NTOA on Sunday and Monday in Seattle. Items will be released at www.SOTECHTactical.com over the next month.

Kill Cliff Now Available at GNC

Friday, September 7th, 2012

Make no mistake, Kill Cliff is awesome, and now, it’s available at GNC. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a carbonated recovery drink that has an orange flavor. This isn’t an energy drink that will get you going like a freight train but then drop you like a cheating girlfriend a few hours later. Kill Cliff tastes great and each 12-ounce can of Kill Cliff contains only 25mg of caffeine, 15 calories and no sugar. What further differentiates the product is the combination of electrolytes and a proprietary mix of recovery supporting ingredients including an enzyme blend, green tea extract, ginger root, and milk thistle among other functional nutrients.

It’s now available through GNC stores as well as online for those of you that aren’t near a tactical store carrying this tasty beverage. These include GSS Gear in Va Beach and Grey Group in Fayetteville.

killcliff.com

Powertraveller, Granite Gear, OTE Announce Industry Strategic Partnership

Friday, September 7th, 2012

OTE informed us that they have teamed with Granite Gear here in the USA to design and develop solar and portable power carrying cases and deployment solutions to accommodate Powertraveller products for the outdoor and tactical markets.

Powertraveller CEO and former Royal Marine Commando Jerry Ranger could not be more pleased to work with Granite Gear and OTE to develop and design the next generation of both civilian and tactical cases. “This partnership will only provide more options for the soldier or adventurer who need power solutions on the battlefield or on the mountains and peaks of the world.” He went on to mention, “Since the CEO of OTE comes from the Naval Special Warfare community, it is a pleasure to work together with a team of folks who understand what soldiers and adventurers need to complete their mission safely.”

Powertraveller products are available in 41 countries around the world as well as through numerous retailers here in the USA to include REI, Eastern Mountains Sports, and Cabelas. For you military folks, feel free to stop by Extreme Outfitters at Camp Lejeune or FT Benning and of course GSS Supply in Virginia Beach to see the entire offering of products. I know both Rob and Steve’s staff will gladly assist you! Powertraveller, OTE and Granite Gear told us that they would like to thank the hundreds of military folks worldwide who have helped in the development of these products and carrying solutions.

New Staff Isn’t The Only Thing Happening at Magpul Dynamics

Thursday, September 6th, 2012

Over the past months Magpul Dynamics has added new personnel including Director Duane Liptak Jr and Jon Canipe to join their excellent existing staff. But, that’s not all they have going on. In addition to an updated curriculum, they are also working to close out the popular “Art of” series.

According to the Magpul Dynamics Facebook page, “We will most likely release all remaining material from the “Art of” series in a boxed set/update. That will clear out the vaults and put a close to that chapter of Magpul Training. If you want more of what this series is/was, then this will be everything that hasn’t seen the light of day. What you see in the “Art of” is not what we are currently doing, but that isn’t to say that there isn’t material of value in the “Art of”– we are, however, doing this to be able to move forward.

The next material from us will most likely not be in DVD format…the “Art of” changed what a training DVD was, and the next step will be more revolutionary than evolutionary as well. The next step is in the works currently.”

In the meantime, I’d suggest that you look into some hands on training with Magpul Dynamics.

www.magpuldynamics.com