‘‘We started the business after an active shooter situation at a mall by our house. We had two young kids at the time who would frequently go to the mall. Also, our niece was a freshman at Stoneman Douglas. So that was when we really started to think about body armor for everyday concealment for everyday people just having it,’’ says Angela Ross who, together with her husband Damian, runs Bodyguard Concealed Armor Systems.
When talking about the products, frequent words that come up include ‘insurance’ or ‘just in case’, but also ‘labor of love’. For this couple, the goal is to help people feel safer and protect those who are victims. In particular, it was their kids and stories about school shootings that strongly impacted the idea to launch the brand. Currently, Bodyguard Concealed Armor Systems provides everyday protection that is discreet, easy to deploy, and effective. It supplies border patrol, law enforcement, but most importantly, it is dedicated to civilians: schools and students.
How Does It Work?
The product offer is simple but universal and very flexible. Bodyguard Concealed Armor Systems patented the jackets that Angela and Damian designed in neutral colors and in a popular quilted-like style. While the jackets look quite ordinary, the inner layer of the apparel have pockets to insert ballistic plates. Another feature allows easy access to the holster while carrying a gun; one can easily reach for it without unzipping the jacket due to the magnets mechanism. At Bodyguard Concealed Armor Systems, the idea for this and other products is to use them in everyday situations where the risk is moderate but not impossible:
‘‘You know, we’re from the New York-New Jersey area. There’s a lot going on there in the subways. It’s just nice for somebody to have something where you feel like you have a way to take care of yourself and protect yourself and other people.’’
Another product line designed with these thoughts in mind are backpacks that contain a storage pocket for ballistic plates that one can pull out and deploy in seconds. With triple stitched seams and high-quality metal buckles, these systems strive to protect from stabs and bullets. As Damian admits, these backpacks are still mostly purchased by first responders and law enforcement, but he would love to reach more civilians with these products.
Any standard plate should fit in jackets and backpacks. One can use ballistic plates that they already have and instead of keeping them in their closet collecting dust, actually use them in everyday life. What Damian highlights is that carrying concealed protection is and should be easy; eventually, the inserted ballistic plate in the backpack does not weigh more than a textbook.
Is Body Armor a Solution to the Problem?
The debate about second amendment rights and restricting gun laws is ongoing in the U.S, and has been a topic in the recent decades. Since 1999, more than 338 000 students have experienced gun violence at school. While this remains an issue, many focus on looking at the problem from another angle, focusing on increasing safety rather than endlessly waiting for changes in the regulations. Especially, when there is even disagreement about whether the gun law is the root of this problem.
‘‘We do get people who get annoyed at us for what we sell,’’ admits Angela, but she also quickly adds: ‘‘Do you have a fire extinguisher in your house? Are you mad at them for selling you a fire extinguisher? It’s an added level of protection and an added level of peace of mind, just in case. I know I feel better with my son in college.’’
As the school shootings keep occurring, and clashing opinions about access to guns seem like an impossible debate, the only solutions for individuals like Damian and Angela Ross is to take care of their loved ones and protect themselves. As they highlight, neither their products nor body armor in general is dedicated to kids. However, the company is open to selling its jackets and backpacks to the high schoolers, college students, or the school guardians.
‘‘When there’s an active shooter response, all they do is put on a backpack. They’re not scaring the hell out of everybody,’’ says Damian.
Is This Our Future?
Bodyguard Concealed Armor Systems is currently focusing on growing its brand both domestically by trying to reach more concerned citizens, and abroad, if there is a market for it. Statistically, there is a higher chance of being attacked with a knife in England than with a gun in the U.S., and as the crime in Europe increases, there might be potential for products like concealed armor to gain in popularity. As Damian says, more people are waking up to the need of taking more responsibility and measures of protection:
People will complain about the times. And yeah, times have changed, but this is the reality we live in.
Whether it’s a college student walking to class, a commuter navigating a crowded subway, or a parent thinking about their child’s safety, their products offer an option—one that, like a fire extinguisher or a seatbelt, is meant to be there “just in case.” The conversation around gun violence is complex and ongoing. Addressing the root causes and staying engaged in political discussions remain critical and, obviously, seem reasonable. But for Angela and Damian Ross, as well as many other regular families, waiting for change isn’t an option when safety is at stake. Their mission is simple: give people a way to protect themselves in the world as it is today, not just as we hope it will be tomorrow.
