Exploring Life & Business with Steve Cassidy of EOD Gear

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Cassidy

Hi Steve, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From Military Bomb Disposal to Garage to Industry Leader: The EOD Gear Journey

By Steve Cassidy

Starting a business isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when you’re juggling a full-time job and operating in an industry that demands precision and reliability. After serving 10 years in the US Navy as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Diver then exiting the military to work at the world’s largest private bank, finding challenges big enough are difficult to find. If you can’t find what you are looking for, create it.

In 2012, I launched EOD Gear—a tactical equipment company—from humble beginnings, equipped with little more than a vision, determination, and a relentless work ethic. This is the story of how I built EOD Gear from scratch and grew it into a trusted name in the Defense and Tactical industry.

The Why: We Have to Do Better

The inspiration for EOD Gear came from a single thought: “We have to do better.” As I looked at the existing EOD and tactical kits on the market, I saw inefficiencies, lack of customization, and missed opportunities to truly serve the needs of those on the frontlines. I knew I could create solutions that not only met but exceeded those needs. That “why” became the driving force behind everything we’ve done since.

The Beginning: A One-Man Show

The idea for EOD Gear took root during my time working on UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) range at Camp Lejeune. While putting in 55-hour workweeks looking for and digging up unexploded bombs, I started to identify a gap in the market for customized tactical solutions. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

By day, I was on the bombing range or what we call the Grid, ensuring safety and quality control. By night, I was building EOD Gear—quite literally—from my garage. I taught myself how to build websites, optimize SEO, and create effective messaging. I answered emails, built kits, and shipped them out from the local UPS Store. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a start.

The Transition: Drawing a Line in the Sand

January 1, 2014, marked a turning point. I decided to stop traveling for contract work and focus entirely on EOD Gear. It was a leap of faith, but one that I was ready to make. Operating out of my garage, I handled everything—from shipping and invoicing to marketing and customer service. My days were filled with challenges, but each hurdle only reinforced my commitment to succeed.

EOD Gear’s growth was fueled by solid business practices. I invested time in mastering SEO, building a user-friendly website, and creating messaging that resonated with my audience. It wasn’t about flashy gimmicks; it was about delivering value and solving real problems for my customers.

Scaling Up: From Storage Units to Facilities

As EOD Gear gained traction, we outgrew the garage. First, I added a storage unit, then two more. Eventually, we opened our first facility in Nashville, followed by a second location in Huntsville. Each step forward was driven by the same principles that guided me from the start: focus on the mission, deliver quality, and always put the customer first.

Along the way, I was fortunate to bring on incredible team members like Jim, Josh, and Kalie. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in EOD Gear’s success. Today, Josh and Kalie continue to lead the charge, while Jim, now retired, remains a valued part of our story.

Milestones and Achievements

Over the years, EOD Gear has reached several significant milestones:

Awarded GSA Schedule: Demonstrating our commitment to serving government and military customers.

ISO 9001-2015 Certification: Ensuring consistent quality in every product and service.

ITAR Registration: Meeting stringent requirements to support international customers.

ATF Licenses: Securing Type 10 and Type 20 manufacturing licenses for firearms and explosives.

CNC Capabilities: Investing in advanced manufacturing technology to create custom solutions.

SEO Excellence: Ranking over 100 keywords at #1 and achieving more than 400,000 site visitors in 2024.

These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire EOD Gear team.

Lessons Learned

Building EOD Gear has been a journey filled with invaluable lessons:

Skin in the Game: Success requires a personal investment of time, energy, and resources. You can’t delegate your vision.

Focus on Fundamentals: SEO, messaging, and customer relationships are the foundation of sustainable growth.

Hire Smart, Fire Fast: Over the years, I’ve encountered plenty of so-called “experts” who couldn’t deliver. Trust your instincts and surround yourself with people who share your commitment to excellence.

Adapt and Overcome: Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve. Stay flexible and keep moving forward.

Looking Ahead

Today, EOD Gear is more than just a business; it’s a community. We serve those who serve, providing the tools and equipment they need to complete their missions. But we’re not stopping here. As we continue to innovate and grow, our focus remains on delivering value and staying true to our roots.

If you’re a fellow entrepreneur in the tactical industry, know this: the road isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Stay focused, work hard, and never lose sight of your mission.

Here’s to building something great—together.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The only thing in the middle of the road is a yellow stripe and a dead opossum. I wasn’t looking for a smooth road and I certainly didn’t have one. Try going to a bank to get financing for a project that is based on blowing things up. It’s a short meeting. Bootstrapping a business is probably the most difficult thing I’ve done and if you understand what you have to go through to survive the US Navy Dive School and Explosive Ordnance Disposal School, NAVSCOLEOD, you understand how tough that is.

I’ve had people report me to the police as a terrorist because they overheard a conversation of mine with a friend over beers. Fortunately, all of the departments I was reported to, are all now customers. Thank you?

If you’ve had to work with retail customers and thought it was challenging, try working with the government. Working with federal and municipal governments is tough but it is extremely fulfilling. When you can exceed the expectations of government contracting officers as well as meeting the requirements of the men and women in uniform on the front line, you’ve done something special.

If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. When you go through a special operations training and successfully come out the other side, you have friends for life. I believe entrepreneurship is the same with the exception that you always have air to breathe. Go all in when you decide to start your business. It’s the only way to survive the ride.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
EOD Gear is not just a business—it’s a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving those who protect and serve. Founded in 2012 by Steve Cassidy, a former US Navy EOD Technician, EOD Gear specializes in providing tactical equipment and customized solutions for military, law enforcement, and first responders.

At EOD Gear, we understand the high stakes our customers face. Whether it’s defusing bombs, securing critical missions, or protecting communities, there is no room for error. That’s why our products and services are built on a foundation of quality, precision, and reliability. We don’t just supply gear—we deliver confidence and mission success.

What We Do

EOD Gear specializes in:

Custom Tactical Kits: Build-your-own solutions tailored to the specific needs of EOD, tactical, medical, and breaching teams.

High-Quality Equipment: Providing top-tier gear designed to perform in the most demanding environments.

Advanced Manufacturing: With in-house CNC capabilities, we fabricate custom parts and tools using aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and Delrin.

Additive Manufacturing and Laser Marking: Offering cutting-edge customization for specialized equipment.

Training and Support: Ensuring our customers are mission-ready with expert advice and hands-on support.

What Sets Us Apart

Mission-Driven Innovation: Founded by a former Navy EOD Technician, our approach is grounded in first-hand operational experience. We understand what’s at stake, and our solutions reflect that understanding.

Customization: We go beyond one-size-fits-all. From build-your-own kits to custom-manufactured components, we deliver exactly what our customers need.

Proven Results: With over 100 keywords ranking #1 and 400,000+ website visitors in 2024 alone, our marketing and operational strategies are as robust as the gear we produce.

Certifications and Capabilities:

GSA Contract Holder

ISO 9001-2015 Certified

ITAR Registered

ATF FFL Type 10 Manufacturer

ATF FEL Type 20 Manufacturer

Unwavering Commitment: We’re not just here to sell products. We’re here to solve problems, save lives, and make missions successful.

Brand Highlights

We’re proud of our growth, but our greatest accomplishment is earning the trust of the men and women who rely on our products. EOD Gear began in a garage and grew into a multi-facility operation because of one guiding principle: Serve those who serve.

Some of our key achievements include:

Supporting thousands of EOD and tactical professionals worldwide.

Delivering innovative solutions that address real-world challenges.

Maintaining a relentless focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

What We Want You to Know

EOD Gear is more than a supplier—we’re a partner. We exist to equip and empower those on the frontlines with tools that perform under pressure. Whether you’re looking for custom tactical kits, precision-manufactured components, or expert support, we’re here to deliver.

Your mission is critical. Let us help you succeed.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe our industry as well as the global economy will have its’ ups and downs over the next 5-10 years. There will be an even more significant move into unmanned operations and AI backed technology. This will all be balanced with the following risks.

1. Political Risk

The ever-changing landscape of government policies, defense budgets, and international trade agreements poses significant challenges. Changes in procurement processes or trade regulations could disrupt supply chains or alter the way we serve our customers. To stay ahead, we’re monitoring political developments closely and building flexibility into our operations to adapt to shifts as they occur.

2. US Economy Risk

Economic uncertainty, including inflation, potential recessions, and fluctuating interest rates, could affect purchasing power for our customers and increase operational costs. By maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and delivering value through cost-effective solutions, we aim to weather any economic downturns while continuing to support our clients effectively.

3. Banking and Financial Stability

With tightening credit markets and evolving banking regulations, financial stability is critical for sustained growth. By adhering to strong financial practices and maintaining access to diversified funding sources, we’re ensuring that EOD Gear can continue to invest in innovation and customer support without disruption.

4. Raw Material Supply and Shortages

The global supply chain remains fragile, and securing access to essential materials like aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel is a growing concern. To mitigate this risk, we’re diversifying our supplier network and expanding our in-house manufacturing capabilities. These steps allow us to maintain production quality and meet customer demand, even in times of supply chain instability.

5. Global Conflict and War

Ongoing and emerging conflicts around the world can significantly impact the demand for tactical equipment, while simultaneously straining supply chains. As a company dedicated to serving those on the frontlines, we are preparing to scale production and ensure the availability of critical gear under challenging circumstances. Our goal is to remain a reliable partner in times of increased demand.

Our Commitment to Navigating the Future

Despite these challenges, our mission remains steadfast: to provide high-quality, reliable tactical equipment and support to those who protect and serve. By staying agile, innovative, and committed to excellence, we are confident in our ability to overcome obstacles and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers.

EOD Gear is built on a foundation of resilience and adaptability—qualities that are more important than ever as we navigate the complexities of the years ahead. Whether it’s ensuring supply chain stability, responding to economic changes, or supporting increased operational demands, we’re ready to face the future head-on and continue serving those who depend on us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eod-gear.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/eodgear
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EODGearCatalog/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eodgear/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/eodgear
• Other: https://go.eod-gear.com/opt-in-tn