Steve Cassidy | Founder & CEO, EOD Gear | U.S. Navy EOD Veteran | Defense Sector Entrepreneur
Steve Cassidy is the Founder and CEO of EOD Gear, a U.S.-based defense manufacturer supporting military, Special Operations, bomb squads, and government agencies with mission-critical equipment and custom-engineered solutions.
A former U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, Steve brings operational experience directly into the design, development, and manufacturing of systems used in high-risk environments where failure is not an option.
From Navy EOD Technician to Defense Manufacturer
Steve served as a U.S. Navy EOD Technician in environments requiring precision, discipline, and accountability. That experience defines how he approaches product development and manufacturing today.
After transitioning from military service, Steve held a senior executive role at UBS Financial Services, where he developed expertise in strategy, risk management, and operations—capabilities that now drive EOD Gear’s growth and execution in the defense sector.
Building EOD Gear
Founded in 2012, EOD Gear began as a response to a simple problem: existing equipment did not meet the needs of the end user.
Under Steve’s leadership, EOD Gear has evolved into a vertically integrated defense manufacturer and government contractor supporting military units, federal agencies, and law enforcement organizations.
Today, the company operates with:
• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management
• ITAR Registration
• CMMC2 cybersecurity practices
• ATF FFL Type 10 Manufacturer
• ATF FEL Type 20 Manufacturer
• GSA Contract Vehicle
These capabilities enable EOD Gear to design, prototype, and manufacture mission-critical components and systems in-house using CNC machining, additive manufacturing, and laser marking.
Mission-Driven Manufacturing
Steve is directly involved in the development of equipment used by EOD technicians, breachers, and tactical teams.
His approach is simple:
• Solve real problems faced by operators
• Build systems that perform under pressure
• Deliver repeatable results at scale
This has led to the development of Custom Off The Shelf (New COTS) solutions—bridging the gap between fixed commercial products and fully custom engineering.
Supporting Modern Warfare and Drone Systems
As defense priorities shift toward unmanned systems and scalable capabilities, Steve is focused on advancing manufacturing and component-level solutions for FPV and drone payload systems.
EOD Gear supports programs requiring:
• Rapid prototyping and iteration
• Scalable manufacturing for distributed production
• Modular, open-architecture systems
• Precision-engineered components for mission-critical applications
This includes the development of Safe and Arm Devices (SAD), Electronic Safe and Arm Devices (ESAD), and systems supporting precision strike, lethality, and operator safety in modern combat environments.
Trusted by Government and Special Operations
EOD Gear supports a wide range of customers including:
• U.S. Military and Special Operations units
• Federal agencies and bomb squads
• Defense contractors and integrators
• International demining and security organizations
Steve maintains direct relationships with procurement officers and end users, ensuring that every product aligns with mission requirements and operational realities.
Leadership and Industry Engagement
Steve actively participates in the defense and tactical community through product development, industry events, government engagement, and the EOD Gear IMPROVISED Podcast.
His leadership is grounded in accountability, speed of execution, and a mission-first mindset.
Recognition
Steve Cassidy was named the 2026 SBA Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Tennessee, recognizing leadership in defense manufacturing, innovation, and support of government customers.
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