Business Talk Magazine

“Amat Victoria Curam – Victory Loves Preparation.”

Whether you are in the Military, Law Enforcement or protective detail, proper armaments are quintessential. It provides a significant tactical advantage in any deployment or response to emergent threats. With technical advancements, firearms (pistols, rifles, etc.) have received significant upgrades. The evolution has inspired enthusiasts around the world to build firearm improvements that allow the user to respond effectively in any threatening situation. USA, the #1 Superpower, houses some of the acclaimed brands for firearm modifications and accessories. A Popular name in the pantheon is Devil Dog Concepts™ (DDC). Based in New York, the company provides items that allow firearms to operate at capacity while also allowing the user to be tooled up for any situation.

THE BEGINNINGS

Devil Dog Concepts™ was founded by two former US Marines, Camaron Hillman (President & CEO) and Bob “Charp” Charpinsky (Vice President), who became police officers and SWAT team members.  After experiencing the inefficiency of a standard charging handle and equipment while running drills one day, Camaron sought a change. He pondered how he could make the AR Platform a side charger without having to rebuild or modify the rifle, keeping it sturdy enough for law enforcement or military use. The market items were insufficient; therefore, he came up with the concept of the Hard Charger®. They developed multiple prototypes until the final product exceeded the standards and the Hard Charger® – AR-15 Side Charging Handle System became a reality. The product amazed Camaron and his partner, and they sought to get it out in the market. And that is how Devil Dog Concepts came to light.

The Charging Handle generated a massive buzz with its evolving features. It has three mounting choices, five distinct Pull Handle style and 2 material types for a total of 24 potential permutations. The Hard Charger® replaces the original charging handle on any standard, forged, flat-top AR-15/M-16 rifle platform, converting it to a Side Charger!! The success of this product paved the way for new flagships.  It mainly dedicated the products to patriotic customers (Military and Law Enforcement service), but there is a vast majority of enthusiasts and the Competitive Shooters, too. Every product assures a tactical advantage in a threatening situation. The new product lines are intended to enhance the users’ capabilities and be more proficient at the task at hand.

A WELL-DEFINED PORTFOLIO

The Hard Charger®, as previously said, has been a stepping stone in DDC’s story. Its popularity led them to release the new M-TAK™ Side Charging Handle kit. This includes a complete Hard Charger®, all mounting choices, and five unique designs of Pull Handles, allowing for 15 distinct Hard Charger® combo setups in one package. DDC also introduced CHARPS®, combat handgun sights in its product range. These sights have proven to be extremely useful for Law Enforcement, Military, and Self Defense since they enable quick charging of a pistol off practically any object at nearly any angle. Both of the products (Hard Charger® and CHARPS®) are patented and trademarked by the US patent authority.

DDC has added another product in its portfolio that is the Advanced Armorer’s Wrench. It’s made of 8620 steel that’s been heat-treated and plated, and ergonomically designed to improve efficiency. DDC also has other accessories, like lower receiver accessories, upper receiver accessories, stocks and grips, slings and attachments, shooting accessories, tools & cleaners, and associated services. Simply put, DDC can improve your firearm handling experience while also ensuring long-term efficiency.

A BENCHMARKED QUALITY

Customer satisfaction is the heart of every business. Camaron and Bob formed DDC to necessitate a change, which anchors its growth. Since its inception, customer service and devotion to quality have been its cornerstone. Each product is thoroughly inspected by hand to guarantee that it is fit, functional, and optimized.  Its quality control team oversees this, ensuring the products are always top-notch.  End-to-end customer service is another priority and is headed by Wade Harding (COO). He is a skilled individual dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and keeps the company ahead of the competition by creating innovative customer experiences. Quality and customer service also include creative thinking, which is driven collaboratively by everyone on board. “Being a part of the company gives you pride and a drive to grow the company.” 

THE EXCLUSIVE ROLE OF R&D

DDC’s excellence also accounts for its investment in R&D. Assurance of product capability is extremely essential for growth and sustainability. While developing new products, DDC ensures a continuous R&D on existing products as well. As Camaron says, “Just because you got it right the first time doesn’t mean you can’t improve it.” And being customer-oriented, they heed their advice and strive to improve constantly. 

Camaron also mentions that enhancing the pace and capability of R&D for product development is one of their pressing concerns. Despite being extremely important, the prototyping phases are often long and time-intensive. “We have had products take years just to develop,” he adjoins. Focusing constantly on improving the pace at reduced costs and bringing the R&D process in-house, DDC seeks to increase efficiency, benefiting customers, partners and future stakeholders. 

A BRIEF GLANCE ON FOUNDERS

Camaron hails from the Southern tier of New York and joined the Marines soon after finishing High School. In his tenure, he climbed the ranks to Sergeant and became a Military Police Officer and soon a Military Dog handler in charge of an Explosive Detection Dog.  He’s been on over a dozen operations with the US Secret Service across the country, including protective detail for prominent delegations like the Vice President and President of the United States. He was also deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was involved in missions like Operation River Blitz, the first elections, and the Battle of Fallujah. 

Shortly after, Camaron left the Marines and returned home. He began working on multiple security detail before joining the police force.  After a few years, he found himself in a multi-jurisdiction SWAT team where he served with his business partner Bob for over a decade. Bob is a former Infantryman who served a tour to Iraq before becoming a Police Officer.  Both of them remain as active law enforcement officers. Camaron is a full-time Patrol Division Police Sergeant, and Bob is a Department Training Officer.

PROGRESSIVE BEYOND CHALLENGES

‘Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome,’ as the Marine’s motto goes, is a philosophy that enables them to deal with any physical, mental, or spiritual adversity, even in their personal lives.  And, as a corporation with several Marines and US Army personnel, DDC fared well during novel challenges, like the pandemic. The real challenge was starting the journey. Camaron didn’t come from a business background, and he didn’t know how to develop products, submit patents, or manage a company’s finances. Despite all of it, he started it with no education but only an idea. Now enjoying the fruits of his hard work, he states this kind of beginning is the best.  Sharing his joy, he says, “You are forced to humble yourself, educate yourself, and open the doors to the world yourself.  It is truly amazing when you start learning what is really out there, and you see so many things you never knew existed.”

The endeavors also helped in forming a growing culture.  Everyone enjoys unique freedom that ensures their integrity and trust.  And not just in income, investment and growth potential, but in personal life as well.  “It is very humbling to have created the company, started growing it, and now see so many become a part of it, nurture and take pride in growing it together.”  

AN ASCENDING TRAJECTORY

DDC has risen sharply over the last seven years, which testifies its product and team development. 3 of its products have US Patent, 3 registered trademarks, and 4 more patents in the pipeline. The firm intends to file for more patents, which it is already doing.  Camaron recently completed the SBA (Small Business Administration) Emerging Leaders Course. DDC’s products have been used in the TV Show “Shooter” on the USA Network, and various publications have featured it. From a developer and manufacturer, it has become a distributor to multiple other companies and grown in the e-Commerce Space, too.

Few of the core leaders have even branched off a new venture, Riegel Fine Jewelry™, for buying and selling fine jewelry for every occasion. With the jewelry venture, there are plans to start a franchise, to help small business owners have additional revenue streams. With a clear vision, it’s steadfast and unbridled by any uncertainties or challenges.

WHAT’S NEXT IN THE PIPELINE

DDC has experimented with a variety of revenue streams along the way, not only to diversify its portfolio but also to hedge against market fluctuations.  It aspires to avoid becoming “eggs in one basket” business that comes back to bite so many.  It is meticulous about where and how much it invests in each area. For them, the major opportunity is expanding in the market. And the leaders feel they have barely scratched the surface since their market is huge. “Our innovative products, focus on quality control and customer service, is our recipe for successful growth.” 

DDC is working to reimagine its staple product and create a more efficient Hard Charger® that exceeds expectations. It aspires to provide more functional capabilities across the board than the current ones. DDC is also developing multiple innovative products with the mindset to increase users’ efficiency through equipment. “We are very excited about what is coming and eager to release them,” shares Camaron in an exciting tone. With a progressive trajectory, innovative products and dedication to excel, DDC is sure to attain new heights in the coming years.  

PARTING THOUGHTS FOR READERS

“Continually learn and apply what you learn.  Find mentors to follow, whether they are in person or on social media platforms.  There are quite a few great mentors that give out much of what they learned voluntarily to entrepreneurs, to help them on their paths.  If you stop pushing yourself to grow, the business will stop growing.  But, if you push yourself to grow and expand, the business will follow suit.” – Camaron Hillman, Devil Dog Concepts™

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