EOD Gear Founder Steve Cassidy Named SBA Small Business Person of the Year for Tennessee

FRANKLIN, TN / HUNTSVILLE, AL — April 2, 2026— EOD Gear, a defense-focused manufacturer specializing in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Special Operations, and public safety equipment, announced today that its founder, Steve Cassidy, has been named the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Tennessee.

Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, EOD Gear maintains a growing operational presence in Huntsville, Alabama, located just outside Gate 9—strategically positioned to support the defense and aerospace ecosystem surrounding Redstone Arsenal.

Cassidy, a former U.S. Navy EOD Technician, built EOD Gear on a clear distinction: most companies resell gear—EOD Gear manufactures it. The company operates under ISO 9001 quality standards, holds ITAR registration, maintains ATF Federal Firearms and Explosives Licenses, and is identified under CAGE Code: 6VW15—delivering mission-critical equipment to military, federal, and public safety customers worldwide.

At the core of EOD Gear’s approach is its “New COTS – Custom Off The Shelf™” model—moving beyond traditional Commercial Off-The-Shelf limitations to deliver rapidly configurable, mission-specific solutions built on proven platforms. This model is powered by in-house advanced manufacturing capabilities, including CNC milling and turning (mill and lathe), additive manufacturing, and laser engraving, enabling rapid prototyping and scalable production under one roof.

“This recognition reflects the work of the entire team and the community that shaped us,” said Cassidy. “From the U.S. Navy EOD Techs who set the standard before us, to the EOD Technicians, Bomb Squads, and Special Operations units we support today—this business exists to serve those operating in real-world conditions.”

EOD Gear is also a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and GSA contract holder, providing government buyers with a streamlined procurement pathway for American-made, mission-driven equipment.

With increasing demand from defense agencies and prime contractors, EOD Gear continues to expand its footprint in Huntsville to strengthen partnerships and support next-generation defense initiatives.

For more information, visit https://eod-gear.com or contact:

Media Contact:
Steve Cassidy
EOD Gear
Steve@EOD-gear.com
877-363-2626

About EOD Gear
EOD Gear is a U.S.-based manufacturer providing specialized equipment for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Special Operations, SWAT, and public safety professionals. Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, with a presence in Huntsville, Alabama, EOD Gear combines advanced manufacturing—including CNC machining and additive manufacturing—with field-driven design through its “Custom Off The Shelf™” model to deliver reliable, mission-driven solutions.