INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: Eagle Industries
Todd Kennedy
Vice President of Sales
Eagle Industries
Todd Kennedy is a former United States Marine with over eight years of service. He received a Bachelor of Arts in history from Lindenwood University in 1999. In 2002 Kennedy began his career at Eagle Industries where he quickly entrenched himself as a valuable asset, to not only customers but as a technical advisor to internal employees as well. He currently serves as the vice president of sales for Eagle Industries Unlimited Inc. where he is responsible for all aspects of the entire global sales team as well as maintaining key industry relationships.
Q: Could we start with a little background and history on Eagle Industries?
A: The history of Eagle is a great story. Although Eagle did not incorporate until 1982, production of quality nylon goods started in 1974 when current owner John Carver and his mother, Lorene Pyles, started sewing products in her basement.
The company at that time was known as Scott-John and the product line was intended for motorcycle racing. In 1978, after noticing a lack of quality tactical gear available to the military and law enforcement, Scott-John started producing items to meet those needs. In 1982 Scott-John incorporated to Eagle Industries and redirected its product focus to military and law enforcement gear.
Through more than 30 years of production, we have grown dramatically in size and added over 5,000 high quality items to our product line. We offer an extensive product list that consists of tactical and load bearing vests, assault and airborne packs, tactical and concealment holsters, gear bags, weapon slings and web gear for the professional user.
Q: In a field that sometimes seems very crowded, what does it take to make your products stand out and be noticed?
A: Eagle Industries has built its name on quality and we have a skilled labor force that is trained in-house to meet Eagle’s standards. We continue to look for the best materials available to make our products. We’ve chosen to use Cordura nylon fabric for the majority of Eagle’s products because of its excellent resistance to abrasions, tears and scuffs.
We also use Mil-Spec webbing and hardware with the highest quality stitch patterns. We have an in-house design team that continuously makes improvements on our product line and creates innovative new designs to satisfy market demands. One great aspect of our design department is our ability to supply the end user with a production-grade sample through rapid prototyping. Our quality assurance staff is there to monitor throughout the entire production process and we are working to become ISO 9001:2000 certified by first quarter 2008.
Q: You mentioned making continuous improvements to your product line, with that in mind, what’s the current news from Eagle Industries?
A: Actually, at present we have some very exciting things happening at Eagle. Effective November 5, 2007, we officially acquired the Michael Bianco manufacturing facilities in New Bedford, Mass., and Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. We will be drawing on the skills of the current work force to begin immediate work on the MOLLE II load carriage contract for the Army.
The quality of our products is very important to us. With our industry experience and the skilled work forces of St. Louis, New Bedford, and Puerto Rico, we will continue to provide our soldiers with the highest quality gear.
Another development we’re excited about is our new fabricated structures division. Our goal, with adding this new unit, is to produce the finest, most dependable, high strength/lightweight metal and composite structures for extreme service applications and conditions. Starting off, we’re going to focus on creating items such as: backpack frames, luggage carts, assault ladders, vehicle mounted racks, auxiliary equipment platforms and competitive recreational sports gear.
This new division is intended to expand and diversify Eagle’s product line so we can continue providing our customers with the same high quality products they deserve and have come to expect from Eagle.
Q: Tell me something that people may not know about Eagle?
A: One thing most people may not know is the extensive work we do in the OEM market. We do a number of cases, pouches and accessories that are used to store and carry items from other manufacturers in the industry.
Another aspect most people are likely unaware of is Eagle does in fact have an embroidery department. We see our department as a convenient and fast way for people to customize their gear. We can embroider anything, including nametapes, patches, badges, hats, shirts or even Eagle gear for OEM purposes. Essentially, we are able to embroider on almost any fabric with any design.
Q: Any closing words?
A: We would like to take time out to say thank you to our troops. We appreciate the sacrifice you and your families selflessly make to keep our country safe and want you to know your efforts have not gone unnoticed. ♦