In this episode of From the Dive Shop, FirstSpear’s Ronald Fowlkes joins the conversation to share his journey from Marine Corps service and SWAT operations to driving equipment innovation. Together we explore how user feedback shapes the development of tactical gear – from laser-cut platforms and tube systems to next-generation flotation and modular load carriage. Tune in as we discuss rapid prototyping, solving problems at the operator level, and what it takes to build equipment that enhances performance without getting in the way of the mission.

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• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adsinc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ads_inc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ads-inc/

Connect With This Week’s Host & Guest:

• Patrick Shipp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-shipp-829449a/
• Ronald Fowlkes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-fowlkes/

This podcast, including all discussions and examples, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency or company.

In this episode of From the Dive Shop, Patrick sits down with key members from the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) to discuss how the Guard advocates for modernization, benefits, and readiness across all 54 states and territories. From its origins in 1878, to its role today as a powerful voice on Capitol Hill, the conversation explores how NGAUS drives equipment parity, professional development, innovation, and funding initiatives to ensure the Guard remains ready for both domestic response and the modern international battlefield. It’s an inside look at how advocacy, industry partnership, and state-level innovation shape the future of the National Guard.

Follow ADS:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adsinc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ads_inc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ads-inc/

Connect With This Week’s Host & Guests:

• Patrick Shipp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-shipp-829449a/
• Francis McGinn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francis-mcginn-12b60438/
• Russell Thompson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-thompson-8246561b/

This podcast, including all discussions and examples, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency or company.

In this episode of From the Dive Shop, the team from UTAC joins the conversation to discuss how hyper-realistic training environments are helping operators test technology. From drones and robotics, to medical response and tactical operations, UTAC creates scenario-based exercises that push both operators and technology under real-world stressors. Tune in as we explore how realistic environments, honest after-action reviews, and cross-domain technology integration are helping bridge the gap between innovation and operational readiness.

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• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adsinc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ads_inc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ads-inc/

Connect With This Week’s Host & Guests:

• Patrick Shipp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-shipp-829449a/
• Jen Weir Edwards: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-weir-edwards-3aa28527/
• Ryan English: https://www.linkedin.com/in/englishr/

This podcast, including all discussions and examples, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency or company.

In this episode of From the Dive Shop, Patrick sits down with GlobalMed’s Joel Barthelemy and Sam Price to explore how telemedicine is transforming access to care for veterans, warfighters, and patients in remote and austere environments. Drawing from GlobalMed’s early work with the VA and evolving into today’s applications in operational medicine, telementoring, and disaster response, the conversation highlights how military experience, innovative technology, and trusted partnerships come together to deliver care beyond the walls of traditional hospitals. The result is improved readiness, fewer unnecessary medical evacuations, and more access to quality care wherever patients are located.

Follow ADS:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adsinc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ads_inc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ads-inc/

Connect With This Week’s Host & Guests:

• Patrick Shipp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-shipp-829449a/
• Joel Barthelemy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelebarthelemy/
• Sam Price: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stprice2/

This podcast, including all discussions and examples, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency or company.

In this episode of From the Dive Shop, Patrick sits down with GlobalMed’s Joel Barthelemy and Sam Price to explore how telemedicine is transforming access to care for veterans, warfighters, and patients in remote and austere environments. Drawing from GlobalMed’s early work with the VA and evolving into today’s applications in operational medicine, telementoring, and disaster response, the conversation highlights how military experience, innovative technology, and trusted partnerships come together to deliver care beyond the walls of traditional hospitals. The result is improved readiness, fewer unnecessary medical evacuations, and more access to quality care wherever patients are located.

Follow ADS:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adsinc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ads_inc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ads-inc/

Connect With This Week’s Host & Guests:

• Patrick Shipp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-shipp-829449a/
• Joel Barthelemy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelebarthelemy/
• Sam Price: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stprice2/

This podcast, including all discussions and examples, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency or company.

That's a wrap on Season One of From The Dive Shop! As we head into the busy holiday season, we'll be taking a short break – but trust us, you’re going to want to stay tuned. Season Two will be back in the new year with exciting updates, a brand-new lineup of guests, and even more deep dives into the latest innovations, technologies, and solutions shaping the defense industry.

This podcast, including all discussions and examples, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency or company.

In this episode of From the Dive Shop, Jen puts her co-host in the guest chair to spotlight the dynamic and unexpected journey of Patrick Shipp. From aspiring ski-bum in Summit County, Colorado, to two decades as a Civil Affairs Soldier in the Army Reserves, Patrick’s winding path ultimately led him to ADS, where he now serves as the Sales Operations Manager. It’s an engaging and entertaining look at resilience, adaptability, and carving your own path. 

Follow ADS:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adsinc

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ads_inc/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ads-inc/

Connect With This Week’s Hosts:

• Jen Weir Edwards: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-weir-edwards-3aa28527/

• Patrick Shipp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-shipp-829449a/

This podcast, including all discussions and examples, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency or company.

From Navy helicopter missions over pirate-infested waters to high-pressure courtroom battles, Bill Burke’s career is anything but ordinary. In this episode of From The Dive Shop, he shares how those experiences shaped his approach to solving complex legal challenges, guiding suppliers into government contracting, and keeping ADS mission-ready. His story is a fast-moving, fascinating look at leadership, resilience, and the real work that goes into defense contracting.

Follow ADS:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adsinc

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ads_inc/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ads-inc/

Connect With This Week’s Hosts:

• Patrick Shipp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-shipp-829449a/

• Jen Weir Edwards: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-weir-edwards-3aa28527/

• Bill Burke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-burke-8a88b935/

This podcast, including all discussions and examples, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency or company.

In this episode of From the Dive Shop, Kyle Roelofs, Vice President of Bren-Tronics, joins the podcast to discuss how advanced power solutions are driving mission success across military and defense operations. Kyle shares how Bren-Tronics continues to innovate in battery technology, power management, and energy resilience – helping warfighters stay connected and operational in the most demanding environments. The conversation explores the evolution of portable power, the importance of reliability and sustainability, and the company’s deep partnership with ADS in supporting those on the frontlines.

Follow ADS:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adsinc

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ads_inc/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ads-inc/

Connect With This Week’s Hosts:

• Patrick Shipp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-shipp-829449a/

• Jen Weir Edwards: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-weir-edwards-3aa28527/

• Kyle Roelofs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleroelofs/

This podcast, including all discussions and examples, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency or company.

In this episode of From the Dive Shop, Kate Kinnear, ADS VP of Contracts and US field hockey Olympian, joins the podcast to share her journey from “chasing a ball on a field” to leading critical contract operations to support the warfighter. Kate discusses her athletic career, how the dedication and teamwork shaped her leadership style, and how those principles translate into ensuring service members get the equipment they need. 

Follow ADS:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adsinc

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ads_inc/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ads-inc/

Connect With This Week’s Hosts:

• Jen Weir Edwards: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-weir-edwards-3aa28527/

• Kate Kinnear: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-kinnear-722638184/

This podcast, including all discussions and examples, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any government agency or company.