Undisclosed Agents Podcast #28 Cody Cavin & Pat Case - BA Shields
Jul 8, 2024
auto_awesome
Cody Cavin and Pat Case, founders of BA Shields, share their journey from EMS to creating firefighter equipment. They discuss the evolution of BA Shields, patent challenges, product testing, and the significance of personalized designs. They also delve into the challenges of starting a firefighter-owned business, navigating the patent process, managing growth during COVID-19, building camaraderie within the firefighting community, and expressing gratitude for customer support.
Innovation and customization drove the success of BA Shields, enabling unique designs and functional products.
Firefighter-owned businesses foster camaraderie, collaboration, and support beyond mere transactions, embodying a true brotherhood.
Upholding core values and commitment to excellence amidst challenges strengthens the foundation of firefighter-owned businesses for long-term impact.
Deep dives
Growth and Problem-Solving in Business
The founders started the business with minimal startup capital, focusing on problem-solving and efficiency to mitigate costs. Their dedication to constantly improving processes and problem-solving has led to continued growth and success without incurring debt.
Innovation and Product Customization
The development of BA Shields involved innovation and customization, allowing customers to express personal or departmental pride through unique designs. By offering adaptable and functional products, the business found success and recognition within the firefighting community.
Brotherhood Among Firefighter-Owned Businesses
The founders highlighted the strong bond and support network cultivated among firefighter-owned businesses. The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect within the community at events like FDIC has led to collaborative efforts, business growth, and lasting friendships.
Community Engagement and Paying It Forward
The founders have actively engaged in supporting mental health initiatives and giving back to the firefighting community. By paying it forward and supporting causes such as firefighter peer support, they have fostered a positive impact beyond their business endeavors.
Significance of Brotherhood and Support Among Firefighter-Owned Businesses
Firefighter-owned businesses unite in a spirit of camaraderie and support, fostering meaningful connections and collaboration within the industry. The camaraderie and solidarity extend beyond mere business transactions, embodying a true sense of brotherhood. These interactions exemplify a supportive network where individuals exchange insights, offer guidance, and empower one another to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. By prioritizing mutual aid and fostering genuine connections, firefighter-owned businesses cultivate a thriving community built on principles of trust, respect, and shared success.
Navigating Challenges and Upholding Values in the Business Landscape
As firefighter-owned businesses navigate the competitive business landscape, they encounter hurdles that test their resilience and integrity. The journey of entrepreneurship involves confronting imitation, legal ambiguities, and industry complexities that challenge the entrepreneurial spirit. Upholding core values, such as doing the right thing for the right reasons, becomes pivotal in maintaining credibility and navigating business decisions ethically. Despite facing opposition or criticism, staying true to one's vision, values, and commitment to excellence strengthens the foundation of firefighter-owned businesses, emphasizing long-term impact over short-term gains.
Hey everybody, thanks for joining us as we crack open another episode of the undisclosed agents podcast. Today on the show, we had a chance to sit down with Cody Cavin and Pat Case the owners of BA Shields. Cody started in the Private EMS world in 2009. In 2012 he dipped his toes into the fire world and began volunteering with Truckee Meadows fire protection district in Reno Nevada. Little did Cody know, 1700 miles away Pat Case was on the same path in Minnesota. Working private EMS for the Mayo Clinic and volunteering as a firefighter as well. As fate would have it these two met in the Fire Academy for the Sparks Fire department just outside of Reno in 2015. There they would forge a partnership that has had a tremendous impact on the fire service
Chances are you have a BA Shield on your SCBA mask right now. If you don’t you should. In this episode we’ll talk not only about the BA Shield and its vast array of benefits, but about the trials and tribulations of starting a firefighter owned business. The up and downs, and the incredible community and brotherhood that Cody and Pat found along the way. This is an awesome conversation with firefighters trying to leave the fire service better than they found it.