Ex-military, engineers, action movie buffs, defense nerds. These are some of the common archetypes many of us encounter working closely within the body armor industry. But what happens when unexpected actors make their way into the industry? TYR Tactical originates from Peoria, Arizona, but founders Jason and Jane Beck are not your average body armor professionals: Jason is the town’s mayor.
In early February, TYR signed an acquisition deal with Floridian Cadre Holdings Inc., which has stirred up some controversy. As with any major cross regional acquisition, the potential for expanded distribution is an obvious benefit. Here, the deal occurs through Cadre subsidiary Safariland LLC, also headquartered in Florida. With the acquisition expected to earn TYR $175 million, it now joins a wider portfolio of companies under the Safariland group. But what to make of TYR’s high-profile founders and the controversy that surrounds them?
When Local Businesses Go National
TYR has been a major source of economic growth for Peoria since its founding in 2010. Considered a fast-growing area, akin to a suburb for neighboring capital, Phoenix, the city has TYR to thank for nearly 500 jobs. It was on the basis of this long-standing career as a successful private employer that Jason Beck secured his victory during the 2022 mayoral race.
As news of the acquisition breaks, the local community seems to raise concerns. It can be challenging to balance the local leadership responsibilities of a mayor with the growth-focused priorities of a business owner. This is especially true when internal restructuring is often linked to job loss at the acquired firm, as new owners search for a new normal.
Mergers are often cited as detrimental to employee satisfaction and performance. The upheaval of known business practices can create a stressful work environment that hinders engagement. But beyond results, there can be a sense of uncertainty due to layoffs that harms morale – this can be greatly exacerbated by the founder’s unique political position and its implications of prioritizing the local community.
National Business Can Still Think Locally
While there is the potential for restructuring at TYR, the picture is not all bad. National companies or groups can and do maintain a solid employee culture that leads to successful business practices. The key, here, is in ensuring a commitment that national or international goals do not overshadow the communities companies are rooted in.
For TYR, the commitment to local expansion is evidenced in real estate projects that center the surrounding community. It remains to be seen whether this commitment will carry forward into their membership of the Safariland Group. Nonetheless, it is clear that there is room for both national and local objectives for body armor firms, so long as they are able to manage this delicate balance.
