GORE-Tex Professional

Archive for the ‘Whiskey 5’ Category

Whiskey 5 with US Elite Gear

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Who
We are a team of dedicated professionals here to serve your tactical and outdoor gear needs. We have a GSA contract and we are a Service Disabled Veteran Owned and Operated Small Business. We were born and raised in the SOF Community and although we have pursued a variety of different endeavors we maintain that ethos.

What
We serve our customers with high quality outdoor and tactical gear solutions and logistics. We also own, operate and train at CrossFit SOAR.

Where
Our home base is outside New York City in Hawthorne, NJ; we have representatives at key military posts, and operate internationally. APO / FPO / DPO locations are an important part of our business.

When
US Elite Gear was founded in 1999. The new Team took over in 2009.

Why
We view this as our second act of service and treat each customer equal or better than we would like to be treated. We recognize that gear can play a vital role for safety, performance and comfort and we continually raise the bar on our customer service.

www.us-elitegear.com

Whiskey 5 with Kwikpoint

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Who
Need to communicate with someone that doesn’t speak the same language you do? That product you’re using not working the way it should and you need to fix it? Can’t quite remember what comes next from the training you had a couple of months ago? You need Kwikpoint, the leader in visual translation, visual instruction, and visual reference publications.

What
Kwikpoints are used by our military in a variety of settings, particularly the combat theaters of Iraq and Afghanistan. Kwikpoint Visual Language Translators (VLTs) simplify communication between individuals who do not speak the same language. Kwikpoint Visual User Guides (VUGs) and Visual Reference Guides (VRGs) allow people to better understand products, systems or processes with visual language rather than complex text and illustrations. Kwikpoint’s visual language content increases the effectiveness and efficiency of how people understand and retain information. Kwikpoint VUGs and VRGs offer an alternative to wordy, confusing, and oftentimes ineffective tech manuals and reference material. They contain easy to follow visual instructions; accurate, colorful illustrations with brief, supplemental text; come in a handy pocket sized form factor which can be conveniently stored and used during combat operations. With over 7 million in the field, Kwikpoint supports not just the military but also law enforcement, homeland security, the medical community, and first responders

Where
Kwikpoint, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, is a world-leading publisher of innovative, inexpensive, powerful visual instructions, visual language translation and visual reference publications. We sell our products directly through our web site (www.kwikpoint.com), GSA, and through a select group of Prime Vendors and key distributors.

When
Kwikpoint opened the doors in 1991 after our Founder and CEO, Alan Stillman, returned to Virginia after a two and a half year, 15,000-mile bicycle trip through 28 countries. His bike bogged down with phrase books and language dictionaries so he began cutting pictures out of magazines to communicate his needs visually. It was a simple concept that was the genesis of Kwikpoint over 20 years ago.

Why
Kwikpoint is committed to improving the quality of life for all by using visual language as a fast, clear, effective way to learn, understand and communicate. We are passionate about Increasing safety for our troops – whether collecting intelligence from civilians that don’t speak English, or making sure the protective vest is properly assembled and worn. Having a conversation with people that don’t speak your language is essential. Most instructions are frustrating. Training and understanding have a shelf life and quick recall can be critical in the field. Kwikpoints are easy to use and get the job done. Let us develop a custom publication that meets your needs. Call us and we’ll get to the point, Kwikly!

www.kwikpoint.com

Whiskey 5 with Hyde Definition

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

Who
Hyde Definition Ltd

What
Our team has a combination of over 60 years of camouflage expertise and we develop innovative, leading-edge camouflage solutions. We are particularly known for the PenCottâ„¢ Multi-Environment Camouflage Pattern Family. PenCott is the first commercially developed, advanced, hybrid camouflage pattern family to be available on multiple fabrics – including 50/50 NyCo ripstop, 35/65 Poly-Cotton ripstop, 500D Cordura and 1000D Cordura (coming in September).

In addition to the PenCott family, we develop bespoke camouflage patterns for clothing on behalf of clients. We also develop concealment solutions for land vehicles, watercraft, and structures.

Where
Founded and Headquartered in the UK, Hyde Definition established a US base on the 1st of August with the relocation of Lawrence Holsworth, Hyde’s Director of Marketing and Business Development, to Westport, Massachusetts.

When
A good camouflage pattern is not a fashion statement nor a popularity contest. It’s about reducing the risk of being detected, which can mean the difference between mission success or mission failure – and even between life or death That’s why we call the PenCott family of patterns Mission-Critical Camouflageâ„¢.

PenCott is the culmination of more than 5 years of pattern research, analysis, testing and development and is superior to other patterns because it features:
• a hybrid, naturalistic, omni-directional, multi-scalar, fractal-based pattern geometry
• an optimized color palette synthesized from real-world shades and tones
• high-difference boundaries and hypoacuitive color dithering that creates false edges and the illusion of 3D
• a micro-pattern for close quarter concealment, a midi-pattern to foil detection at mid-range and a high contrast macro-pattern for long distance disruption

The result is a truly unique pattern that effectively enables you to literally disappear into the background “noise” of the terrain and avoid detection for longer.

What Else
Our Director of Marketing and Business Development, Lawrence Holsworth, will be in attendance at the Soldier Equipment and Technology Exhibition at Fort Bragg, 30/31 August. Contact Lawrence at Hydedefinition.com for further info.

Whiskey 5 with Duro

Friday, August 19th, 2011

Who


Duro Textiles, LLC

What
Duro is a textile technology company that specializes in printing, dying and coating “troop protecting” fabrics for the US military. We are also very proud to be the exclusive commercial and international distributor of MultiCam™ woven fabrics.

Where
We are located in Fall River, MA. We are very active in the military, tactical, and hunting markets.

When
Duro started in 1947.

Why
These days, the only way to stay competitive as a textile manufacturer in the United States is to focus on technology. At Duro we pride ourselves on our diligence and search of the newest and greatest products that will protect our soldiers, law enforcement as well as our civilian users.

www.duroindustries.com

Whiskey 5 with Adventure Operations Group

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

What
Tactical Adventure Courses, Adventure Travel, Specialized Consulting and Low Profile Protective Security. AOG’s Tactical Adventure Courses are designed to develop and enhance mission focus and performance and are perfect for corporate groups, military and law enforcement teams and adventurous individuals. AOG’s consulting services range from conducting staff and operations assessments to providing highly adaptable, low visibility security and executive protection teams.

Where
Adventure Operations Group is based out of the Hampton Roads area near Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Our Tactical Adventure Courses can be held at Private Training Facilities, Urban and Rural areas, Military Bases and US Government facilities. AOG staff can travel to your facility, office or city to consult with your group. AOG’s low profile protective specialists can deploy on short notice for special events, domestic and international travel or any occasion that requires adaptable security specialists.

When
Adventure Operations Group was founded in 2009.

Why
Adventure Operations Group is a company that is focused on our client’s missions and goals. We follow many of the same principles and imperatives that guide our nation’s special operations forces and other elite teams. We continually innovate, communicate effectively with our clients, listen to their needs and seek to deliver services that exceed expectations, every time. Contact AOG today to see which of our services are right for your organization.

www.adventureoperationsgroup.com

Whiskey Five with Blackheart International

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

Who
Blackheart International, LLC (BHI)

What
The primary objective of Blackheart International is to provide one-stop logistics support and procurement services to U.S. Government organizations, DoD (and its members), law-enforcement agencies, emergency services and private clients. BHI is an industry leader in supporting the special operations communities. In addition to our own manufactured products, we provide gear and equipment from over 400 tactical product manufacturers. From pencils to pistols, Band-Aids to BGAN SATCOM terminals, sleeping bags to sniper rifles, Blackheart International is the one-stop source for all of your equipment and logistics needs.

In support of the broader BHI mission, the company operates Blackheart International Training under the Blackheart International umbrella. The primary mission of BHI Training is to provide top-level tactical training to select U.S. military units and certain security personnel. BHI Training courses comprise both classroom instruction and hands-on training covering foreign (former Soviet Bloc) and NATO weapons familiarization, sniper shooting, armorer, hostage rescue, and surveillance detection and avoidance, to name a few of the course offerings.

Where
BHI’s corporate headquarters is located in Philippi, West Virginia, but provides sales and logistics services to national and international clientele. The company is a GSA-contract holder (Contract #: GS-07F-9416S), ATF-licensed Destructive Devices Manufacturer, NFA Firearms Manufacturer, Ammunition Manufacturer and Firearms Importer. We are registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) to conduct business around the globe. Blackheart International abides by all ITAR regulations, and we are licensed to sell and export ITAR-related items. In addition, we have over 150 products and 23 Tactical Training courses on our GSA Schedule (also available through DoD eMall). Blackheart International Training manages all training courses at its private facilities. The company has an expansive outdoor range where it conducts live-fire training (including a converted 5-story hospital) for everything from defensive pistol and close-quarter battle, to crew-served machine guns.

When
Blackheart International is owned, and was started by, Erik Lawrence. After serving in the U.S. Army Special Forces (as a member, sniper and instructor on Special Forces Close Quarter Battle teams operating in the Asian theater) and as a contractor for the U.S. government, Lawrence started BHI in 1999 out of his garage in Pennsylvania. He moved the company to West Virginia in 2005, where it has grown to be an internationally recognized leader in supplying special operations tactical gear to the DoD and its member agencies. Blackheart International Training is one of the leading tactical training operations in the U.S., and is now the leading operation in the eastern U.S. for foreign (former Soviet Bloc) weapons training.

Why
While every company strives to better serve its customers, shareholders, employees and investors, Blackheart International and Blackheart International Training are also guided by a simple, yet fundamentally important, philosophy: “Help good guys kill bad guys.” This philosophy is reflected in everything from inventory acquisition and manufacturing to customer support. The company principals use their past experience to provide their clients with the support they need to succeed in their missions. BHI prefers to guide its clients to wise decisions that meet their needs rather than settle for an easy sale. Many of the company’s employees are also military veterans, who remember how it was, and are dedicated to getting their customers what they need, when they need it.

www.BHIgear.com

Whiskey 5 with Wild Things

Friday, August 5th, 2011

Who
Wild Things® is a technical outerwear and gear manufacturer founded in 1981 by two accomplished alpine climbers, John Bouchard and Marie-Odile Meunier. Wild Things® has been referred to as the “Tin Shed” of alpine climbing in the United States, introducing generations of climbers to the Light is Right philosophy of mountaineering and clothing design. Under the WT Tactical™ brand, Wild Things® brings this experience to a line of gear tailored to the needs of the Military and Law Enforcement communities.

What
Wild Things designs and manufactures two lines of technical outdoor clothing and gear: Wild Things® for the alpine climber and backcountry enthusiast, and WT Tactical™ for the Military and Law Enforcement communities. Our WT Tactical™ line of technical apparel for the U.S. Military is Berry Amendment compliant. We offer a range a high quality product including a multi-layer technical clothing system designed for the SOF user as well as the USMC Happy Suit and the GEN III Level 7 (Parka and Trousers) for the U.S. Army’s ECWCS. Wild Things is also licensed to manufacture clothing under the M&P® by Smith & Wesson® brand, leveraging its WT Tactical® designs for the greater LE market.

Where
Our HQ is Newport, RI and we have a product design and development studio in North Conway, NH. We also maintain a short-run and prototype manufacturing facility in Gorham, NH. We sell our products directly through our website (wttactical.com), our retail store in North Conway, NH, and through a select group of Prime Vendors and other key distributors. We have recently expanded our reach to include the international military community.

When
Wild Things was founded in 1981 with a set of designs that were considered by many to be the first look at specialized gear and clothing for Light is Right alpine climbing in the United States. From 1981 through 1990 nearly every big climb was done with at least some items from Wild Things gear. In the late 1990’s, Wild Things attracted the attention of the U.S. Military, designing customized gear for the SOF community. In 2000, Wild Things began winning contracts to design and produce gear for the U.S. Army and the USMC, and later wrapped all of these efforts into a new brand, WT Tactical™. Today, WT Tactical™ has fulfilled over 29 U.S. Military contracts and is poised for growth with new products and through our expansion into international military markets. Wild Things will also launch a new line of alpine outerwear in time for the 2011 winter season.

Why
We perceive a need in the alpine climbing and backcountry community, as well as the Military, for durable, high-quality, lightweight gear and clothing. Our mantra, Light is Right, has been part of Wild Things since its inception. We focus on creating clean, simple designs and make them with world-class fabrics. Our purpose-built products do not have unnecessary features that add cost and weaken a garment. We believe, simply, that our approach to design and manufacturing helps our users complete their missions – granting them the freedom to move over terrain in a fast and light way, with a high degree of protection from the elements, in worry-free gear that is built to last for many years of abuse.

www.wttactical.com

Whiskey 5 – ADS Ventures

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

This is the first of a new feature on SSD called “Whiskey 5” for the five “Ws”. It asks “Who, What, Where, When, & Why” of industry leaders. It is intended to give you a more in-depth look at the individuals and firms that make our industry unique. We have found that these basic 5 questions are the most basic keys to understanding. We hope you enjoy this first installment featuring ADS Ventures.

WHO

ADS Ventures is an independent government relations, public policy and business development firm with offices in Boston, Massachusetts and Washington, DC.

Our mission is helping companies and institutions, large and small, understand how public policy decisions can impact their business. We leverage subject matter experience and deep knowledge of government process to help clients identify strategic growth opportunities, form critical partnerships with Legislative and Administration stakeholders and manage the risks inherent with a constantly changing political landscape.

WHAT

ADS Ventures was founded in 1993 by a former Member of the US House of Representatives, Chet Atkins and his colleague Alan D. Solomont (“ADS”), the current US Ambassador to Spain. The Firm has grown consistently since then into a full service bi-partisan consulting firm. David Costello, the former Business Manager for Malden Mills Industries (now Polartec, LLC) joined ADS Ventures in 2003 and has been responsible for developing the firms’ defense practice.

In 2010, Gen. David McKiernan (USA-Ret.) and Vice Admiral Barry Costello (USN-Ret.) joined the ADS Ventures team to provide clients with strategic counsel on issues of defense, homeland security and crisis management. The ADS Ventures team is comprised of public policy, business development and communications specialists with deep knowledge of Capitol Hill and the Defense industry.

The ADS Ventures team has a strong track record of helping companies grow their business in the warfighter protection and tactical equipment industry, by working closely with manufacturers and distributors across the supply chain with an emphasis on incorporating real world feedback from end users.

In short, our job is to understand the increasingly complex structure of legislative policy and Department of Defense acquisition procedure and apply that knowledge to help our clients identify and seize opportunities.

WHEN ­

ADS Ventures was formed in 1993. In 2003, Managing Director David Costello joined ADS Ventures after having served as Business Manager for Malden Mills Industries (presently Polartec, LLC). Gen. McKiernan and V.Adm. Costello joined the firm in 2010. ADS Ventures opened its Washington, DC office in 2011.

WHERE

ADS Ventures is based in Boston, MA. The firm now also has an office and a permanent presence in Washington, DC.

ADS Ventures represents companies from across the country and has a deep understanding of the issues they face when trying to compete in the domestic manufacturing sector. We work to build coalitions, forge partnerships across sectors and amongst competitors, and leverage developments in public policy to their benefit. ADS Ventures specializes in business development strategies that include:

• Public policy strategy development and execution.
• Federal and state government relations.
• Product Development.
• Coalition building and grassroots advocacy.
• Strategic communications.

WHY ­

ADS Ventures is proud of the role it plays in raising awareness of warfighter needs on Capitol Hill and working to improve the environment for domestic manufacturers. It is a constant challenge to compete for the resources necessary to develop and field mission-critical equipment for US service members. This situation will become more difficult, as the Department of Defense and the federal government in general look for ways to create efficiencies and save money. Budgets will be scrutinized and resources will be constrained. There is a significant risk that without the necessary levels of awareness in Congress, programs for tactical equipment and warfighter clothing could be underfunded or ignored amidst the clamor to sustain much costlier weapons and vehicle platforms.

The industry our clients occupy is a fragmented industry made up of many small companies that dedicate their hard work and innovation to support the evolving needs of the warfighter. ADS Ventures has great respect for the entrepreneurs and workers who choose to do their business here in the United States and choose, despite the many challenges, to build them for the protection of American service members.

www.adsventures.net