“I was a pilot light and we needed a furnace,” Gould said of the recent sale.

Before founding the leatherworks company, Gould began working for a subsidiary of Smith & Wesson in 1979. His first role was a product manager, and later he advanced to the position of marketing planning manager. In 1985, Smith & Wesson was purchased and the new owners decided to focus predominately on the firearms side of things. Wishing to stay in the holster business, Gould and John Goodrich bought the company from Smith & Wesson later that year.

[Pictured from left are Bob Gould and Scott Nelson. They are standing in front of the Gould & Goodrich factory, located in Lillington, N.C.]

Coming up on its 27^th anniversary, Gould & Goodrich offers a wide variety of innovative holster designs, which are made in its North Carolina facility. Worldwide, law enforcement and government agents gear up with these holsters, belts and accessories. Although it has synthetic leather merchandise, the company is best known for its all-leather products, like the Gold Line holsters and the leather duty holsters.

Time for a Switch Up

“I thought, ‘I’ve got to treat these people right,’” he explained. “This is such a good company, so I started looking for a buyer. I kept it really low-key. I thought for the benefit of the employees I need to step aside and let somebody younger take over.”

After some searching, Gould found the man for the job. Nelson was no stranger to firearms. He served in the Army as an intelligence officer in Central and South America. At the end of his service in 1992, he continued to work in Latin America in the crisis management industry.

NEWS STORY: Gould & Goodrich Backup Weapon Holsters

Switching gears, Nelson enrolled in business school ten years later. Upon graduating, he went into the corporate renewal and turn-around management fields. His most recent endeavor included a replica gun company. Upon selling it last year, the Gould & Goodrich opportunity presented itself.

“I’ve always had a passion for the firearms business,” says Nelson. “I felt comfortable in that regard. But what really attracted me to the company was the environment, the culture and the set of values that Bob had set for the company and the manner in which he led it for so long. It really seemed like the kind of place that my family and I could call home for a really long time.”

Continued Innovation, Commitment to Quality

Gould & Goodrich intends to keep on top of industry trends to determine what customers really need. Currently, there are a few its design team is addressing. For example, due to the popularity of weapon-mounted lights it continues to expand and improve its offering of tactical light holsters.

In addition, they strive to make accessories and cases that maximize the efficiency of duty belts. Officers are carrying more and more tools on their belts. While just 20 years ago a LEO might carry only a holster, cuff case and some bullets, today’s cop carries additional gear, such as a flashlight, baton, mace, radio, backup flashlight, knife, phone, gloves and so on. Combination cases that hold multiple pieces of gear, like a magazine and a pair of cuffs are important to making the most of the duty belt space.

[Gould & Goodrich Mag Case & Cuff Holder]

Over the years, Gould & Goodrich has garnered a lengthy list of international buyers due to its reputation for high quality products. They have outfitted the Saudi Arabian Royal Guard Regiment, French police officers, Puerto Rican state police, Jamaica Constabulary, Hong Kong police forces and many other departments. Thanks to the 50,000 square foot facility, the company is able to meet tight deadlines and large order sizes. Its employees were able to produce 20,000 complete police rigs in just 87 days.

“We were able to knock it out because of our capabilities,” said Gould. He will stay on to assist Nelson as he becomes acclimated to the business.

Nelson said there are no major short- or long-term changes in the future for Gould & Goodrich. He describes its foundation as solid and based on providing quality products at an affordable price and excellent customer service.

It’s no wonder that elite military operators wear this surefooted hiker—its sticky rubber sole provides ample traction on a number of surfaces. The Arc Tempo last creates an athletic fit that accommodates a higher arch while providing extra toe room. Especially helpful over technical terrain, this fit promotes agility and speed.

Made of EVA, the midsoles include a TPU plate that ensures stability. While its construction offers solid support, the Juxt is lighter weight; a pair weighs right around two pounds. The suede upper has a polyurethane coating for extra durability and water resistance.

If you want to see this piece of history in real life, it will be on display at the Red Wing Shoe Museum in Red Wing, Minn.

Have you heard of any other types of footwear or gear worn by the Navy SEALs?

Arguably the hottest watch on the market, the Suunto Ambit ($550) is the outdoor athlete’s best friend. It’s packed with tons of features that will definitely take any fitness routine to the next level. Its top functions include a GPS navigation system, altimeter, track logging, barometric sensor and 3D compass. Touted as a true GPS watch, you can plot out your course through Movescount and Google Maps. It sounds complicated, but it’s very user-friendly. In addition, technologies like the Suunto FuseSpeed, Peak Training Effect and the Recovery Time will help step up your workout.

This timepiece can pretty much do it all. For a chance to win it, share your best advice for training in the great outdoors in the comments section below. “Best” can be a tricky word, but really the sky is the limit. Topics can range from your choice pre-run or recovery meal or beverage, athletic clothes, training equipment or locations, proven stretches … if you have found something particularly helpful in your workout tell us about it.

Don’t forget to tell us why this tip works so well for you. It should be easy to understand, accurate and specific. We encourage you to include any links to videos, expert advice or photos if you think it will support your piece of wisdom.

The contest is only open to U.S. residents. TacticalGear.com’s staff will select the winning entry. The deadline to enter is May 31, 2012. The winner will be announced via Facebook and Twitter on Friday, June 1, 2012.

All comments must be approved by the editor; your entry will appear below once it’s been read. 

Luckily, they photo documented the experiment, so you don’t have to take our word for it.

Genuine Gear – An affordable fit

One of the clear winners, Genuine Gear’s tactical pants ($29.99) would easily holster the newest addition to the iPad family. Pictures don’t lie… the iPad 2 fits in not one, but two pockets—the cargo pocket and the front pocket with the flap open. However, if you aren’t paying attention at all times, that pricey Apple investment could come crashing to the ground.

5.11 Tactical – Not even close

The iPad 2 didn’t quite fit in the 5.11 Taclite Pro Pants or the original weight. No amount of shoving will make that iPad 3 slide into either styles’ pockets.

Blackhawk – A good fit is hard to come by

The discontinued Blackhawk Warrior Wear Tactical Pants were proclaimed the best fit. Unfortunately, it’s not an item that can easily found, well, anywhere. Sorry dudes.

Kitanica – Ehhh… Almost

While the more expensive trousers on the list, Kitanica’s tactical pants had two pockets that could carry the iPad. However, the test subject shared that it didn’t feel 100 percent safe for that Apple.

Perhaps in a perfect world without jostles or pickpockets and absolute surefootedness, the iPad could be securely stowed in your fave pair of tactical pants. Sadly, until a pocket is tailored to the cradle that fragile device, we would suggest sticking to that backpack, briefcase or oversized purse (or murse).

What pair of tactical pants would you deem worthy to transport that iPad 3?

Although it is brimming with premium technologies, the Ambit is very user-friendly. “A lot of the software and technology upgrades are performed through Movescount, which is a Suunto-driven social site that we launched a couple of years ago,” says Sammi Johnson, of Outside Media. “It’s just like your iPhone. You just plug this in to charge it up. You transfer data from the watch to Movescount … and you also get your software upgrades that way. So it’s not like this watch becomes obsolete as technology advances.”

Years of research and development went into creating the ultimate watch for the nature-loving athlete. Those dedicated to their outdoor training will find the GPS function especially helpful. Again, they track their progress through Movescount and program their routes through the embedded Google Maps. In addition, they can plug in trackback points while out on the trail.

NEWS STORY: 12 Tactical Resolutions for 2012

Advanced training technologies are packed into the Ambit. The Suunto FusedSpeed functionality provides accurate and responsive speed readings. The Peak Training Effect shows the impact of a training session on the wearer’s maximum aerobic performance. The measurement is relative to the wearer’s current fitness level. The Recovery Time estimates the recuperation period needed after each session.

Beyond durable, its strap is super strong and ergonomically shaped for maximum comfort. In fact, many state that it feels like a regular workout watch when worn. Housed in a robust casing, the watch has an enhanced battery lifetime of up to 50 hours while in GPS mode and 15 hours when in training mode.

Available in black and silver with or without heart rate belt, the Ambit will be released in March 2012.

The only question left unanswered… is your next adventure going to be as ambitious as your watch?

Like what you see? Be sure to share it with your friends. Post a link to your own version in the comments section!

Established in 2007, The Mission Continues has been helping returning soldiers find purpose through service and honor the values of their fallen brothers and sisters. The organization began after Eric Greitens, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, talked with wounded Marines. After sitting with the soldiers at Bethesda Naval Hospital, he found each and every one of them wished to continue serving their nation. “One young Marine even said this: ‘I lost my legs—that is all. I did not lose my desire to serve or my pride in being an American,’” reads The Mission Continues website.

Called to a different kind of duty, Greitens took his combat pay and started to form the nonprofit. Two of his friends also put in their disability checks to ensure that the dream became a reality.

To help continue the reality, TacticalGear.com has recently launched a special feature that offers the opportunity to make a donation. It’s easy to contribute. After you’ve completed shopping at TacticalGear.com, you’ll see The Mission Continues option during checkout. This will be visible upon entering your payment information and will be located at the bottom of the checkout menu. From here, you will be able to choose your donation amount.

Other Ways to Help

Tailored for post-9/11 veterans, the fellowship program usually includes 28 weeks of volunteer work. The participants receive a living stipend throughout their time of service.

“To date, we have engaged nearly 200 post-9/11 veterans in six-month fellowships in local nonprofit organizations, mentoring at-risk youth, training guide dogs for disabled Americans, coordinating housing builds or doing disaster preparedness work,” states the website. “We have seen these communities improve as a result of their efforts and seen those veterans grow and successfully transition to meaningful careers, further education or an ongoing role of service.”

The Service Projects Program allows volunteers, veterans and on-duty personnel to work together on community-based projects. In an effort to honor fallen servicemen and women, more than 16,830 volunteers have completed hundreds of service projects. These projects also support fellows who are serving in their communities.

Image via Flickr

Designed specifically for on-duty use, the patrol bike can take on any terrain. Both lightweight and tough as nails, it has a Shimano 30-speed drive train, which especially comes in handy when police officers are pursuing suspects. When it’s time to slow down, the hydraulic disc brakes provide superior stopping power.

The patrol bike is available with 29-inch wheels that add stability and allow for officers to roll over obstacles like stairs. For long flights of stairs, the featherweight bike can effortlessly be shouldered and carried down the stairs.

There is not a hanging cable in sight—the bike boasts internal cabling. The longer, padded sloping tube will make those long shifts more bearable for officers, while the tapered oversized headtube provides improved stability, durability and overall riding performance. Additionally, the bike has ergonomic grips for added comfort.

Other features include:

• Integrated rear rack
• RockShox high-performance forks
• Heavy duty kickstand
• 26-inch wheel alternative available
• 7005 aluminum tubing shape, wall thickness for durability

When ordering the bike, siren and LED lights can be added to the bike. The name of the department can also be added to the bike.

Orders can be placed now at your local bike shop. Patrol bikes are expected to start shipping out in May.

What’s do you think is the most important feature of a patrol bike?

While there are undoubtedly scores and scores of cool kit there, we’ve previewed a couple of new products that will be featured on the Sands showroom floor. Most of the listed items will be more extensively covered in following posts, but we thought you earned a little sneak peek. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for daily updates.

[Let us at that tactical goodness! We'll be as excited as this kid... but for gear of course. Not taffy. Scratch that. We want taffy too.]

Clothing

Blackhawk will be debuting its new women’s line at the show. Tailored to the needs of female operators, the apparel includes antimicrobial and compression technologies to provide exceptional training options for the gym or that next training session. Stylish and functional, Blackhawk will be producing these pants and tops in wrinkle-resistant and moisture-wicking fabrics.

Hyde Definition will be featuring its Snowdrift camouflage. Specifically made for snow-covered terrain, it uses a three-color variant of the PenCott family of patterns. It has a naturalistic omni-directional, multi-scalar fractal geometry pattern and a unique 3-in-1 pattern design for superior blending and disruption performance. It’s now in production and will be available in early 2012.

Smith & Wesson will be unveiling its first try at consumer apparel. Embracing the idea of the rugged American heritage, the men and women’s lines will provide a functional and stylish way to conceal carry. Jackets will have internal pockets that could carry a firearm or an iPhone. The pants have wider belt loops specifically positioned for a holster. They will be teaming with Wild Things to bring style, function and innovation to conceal carry clothing.

[All Terrain Tiger pattern by Tiger Strip Products from the Tru-Spec line.]

Tru-Spec will debut a full line of products in the new All Terrain Tiger (ATT) pattern from Tiger Stripe Products. Products will include TRU Jacket, TRU Trouser, Ranger Cap, Boonie Hat, Combat Shirt, Extreme Tru Jacket, Extreme Tru Trouser and Extreme Combat Shirt.

Footwear

Original S.W.A.T. will be launching its new product line: Chase Series of Tactical Footwear! The line features the latest technology with an outsole that is more slip-resistant, durable and comfortable. Every boot in the Chase Series incorporates PORON cushioning pads for all day comfort and a quieter, more stealth outsole.

Rockport Works will be showcasing its First Advantage tactical boots. The boots are engineered with adiPRENE, which is a performance technology that helps absorb shock and provide more energy rebound. Featuring a composite toe, the boots are available in an eight-inch and six-inch version. These will be purchasable by early 2012.

[Pictured is the Hybrid Hiker.]

Wellco will be featuring three boots—the Hot Weather Combat Hiker, the Hybrid Hiker and Hot Weather Gen II Jungle Boot.

• The Hot Weather Combat Hiker is constructed for harsh environments and built to maneuver easily through mountainous terrain. It features a custom Vibram multi-terrain outsole and a breathable upper to ensure feet stay dry.
• The Hybrid Hiker can take a beating; it has a Kevlar-based nylon upper and sharkskin toe cap and heel counter for added durability. Waterproof, yet breathable, it also has a Vibram multi-terrain outsole with rugged lightweight midsole.
• Wellco’s Hot Weather Gen II Jungle Boot provides a well-balanced, lightweight and breathable footwear option. Similar to the original Jungle Boot, it is constructed to withstand intense hot weather climates while providing superior comfort.

Gear / Weaponry

Benchmade’s new Adamas features D2 blade steel and is available as a folder or fixed blade.

• 275 Folder ($195) has an AXIS locking mechanism and ambidextrous thumb studs. The blade is .16 inches thick 3.82 inches long (overall length of 8.70 inches). It weighs 7.70 ounces. The  optional sheath adds 1.5 ounces.
• 375 Fixed ($140)has a skeletonized handle construction with drop-point blade style with serrations on the spine. Measuring an overall length of 9.03 inches, the blade measures 4.20 inches long. It weighs just 5.60 ounces (5.77 ounces with injection molded sheath).

Gerber will be previewing both the Remix Tactical ($37) and the Sight Tool ($95), which will be available for purchase in February 2012.

• The Remix Tactical has a blade that is three inches long, with an overall length of 7.86 inches. An ideal candidate for everyday carry, the tip-tip pocket carrier is tactically designed. The newly designed thumb lift provides stability and safety while cutting and allows for easy one-handed opening. The handle is made of lightweight G-10 composite.
• The MP600 Sight Tool (or MP600 ST) features the same one-handed opening technology as the original MP600. However, it includes a longer Phillips driver, a combined serrated and fine edge blade, a carbon scraper for weapons maintenance and a newly designed, super-durable front site adjustment tool for M4 / M16 variant firearms. The multi-tool has a closed length of 5.04 inches and weighs 8.2 ounces. It comes with a Berry Compliant sheath with MOLLE and belt attachment.

STORY: SHOT Show 2011 Day Three Videos + Tweets

Luminox will be showcasing a number of its popular tactical timepieces. Among them will be models: A.3001.BO, A.8821.KM, A.3041 and A.3042.

• The A.3001.BO (Original Navy SEAL 3000 Series) has a 43 millimeter diameter. It’s water resistant up to 200 meters, has a battery life of 50 months and is PC carbon reinforced case.
• The A.8821.KM (Recon Pointman Series) has a 45 millimeter diameter. Again it’s water resistant up to 200 meters and has a battery life up to 60 months. Its face is made of sapphire glass with an anti-reflective coating.
• Boasting a constant glow for up to 25 years, the A.3041 (black/green on green) and A.3042 (green black on green black) each have a 44 millimeter diameter. The face is made of a hardened mineral glass. It has a water resistance up to 200 meters. These two watches come from the OD Military 3040 Series.

Condor Tool and Knife‘s new products will include the Dynasty Dadao Sword and the Garuda Knife. The Dynasty Dadao Sword is made of 1075 high carbon steel with a natural blade finish hardwood handle. Measuring 21¼ inches long, the blade easily fits in its leather sheath. A bit smaller, the Garuda has a five-inch long carbon steel blade topped with an epoxy black powder coating. It comes with a ballistic nylon sheath.

What’s the word on the street? What tactical gear delights are you most looking forward to at SHOT Show 2012?

Without further ado, we bring to you (in no particular order) 12 tactical resolutions for 2012.

1.) Blindfolded Field Strip

 So you know how to break down your choice gun… Can you do it blindfolded? Only a true maestro of all that is badass can pull this off (or someone with a lot of time on his hands).

2.) Learn Karate

Yeah, if you want to top the tactical charts, you’ll need to have some killer hand-to-hand combat skills. Not so fond of the karate? We suppose you could learn another style of H2H combat, but none are as Chuck Norris approved.

3.) Get Pumped About Protein

Ok, so you’re a one man (or woman) army. To ensure that machine of a body stays well-oiled, chow down on eggs, lean meats or other foods high in protein. Consuming this particular food group is well advised for those looking to get pumped up.

4.) Time on the Range

Make more time for the range. We know you’re busy, but take a day here and there to practice shooting. Become one with your blessed firearm, kemosabe.

5.) Maverick It Up

Nothing quite puts people at ease than the Maverick thumbs up. A weak, halfhearted hand signal can lead to doubt and possibly even bouts of pandemonium. Spend five to ten minutes a week perfecting your own in mirror.

6.) Importance of Pockets

You need tons of pockets for storage. Buy pocket-friendly pants, vests and shirts. This particular resolution will make more sense at number 10.

[Image via AP]

7.) Master Rappelling

Some days you rappel and some days you don’t. Yet, every supremely tactical gentleman and gentlewoman should master the art of climbing down the side of a building.

8.) Rosetta Stone or Bust

English is a popular language. However, that doesn’t mean that you should remain monolingual. Brush up on that high school knowledge or learn an entirely new one. Did James Bond only know one language? No, he was fluent in tons. Check and mate.

STORY: 13 Awesomely Tactical Movies

9.) Simplify Equipment

Is that tactically overloaded rifle slowing you down? Your modifications shouldn’t cost more than your beloved AK-47 (or that AR-15). Stick with the essential add-ons in 2012.

[Image via The Everyday Carry Blog]

10.) EDC Like a Boss

We might have mentioned going the simple route with gun mods. Yet, your everyday carry needs might need some expanding. We can’t all be MacGyvers. If your pockets can hold it, pack it unless it’s explicitly forbidden by any laws.

11.) Prepare

The Mayans predicted 2012 to be the end of days. Honestly, we don’t subscribe to all that calendar mumbo jumbo… but we do believe in the impending virus/plague outbreak. Hello, the Black Death was a thing. That bountiful canned good and bottle water supply can go a long way. Also, a secret safe room will come in handy.

[Image via Yell Magazine] 

12.) Conquer a Fear

Stare down a fear or three this year. It doesn’t have to be as magnanimous as saving an old lady from a burning building or crazy as climbing a rope ladder in shark-infested waters. Although those are pretty cool, it can be something small like not wearing flip flops in the gym shower. No, don’t do that—that’s just nasty. Well, we think you get the point. Sally forth!

What’s your most tactical resolution for 2012?