CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE
MOMENTS & MILESTONES
MARTIN BANUELOS
The Safariland Tijuana team recently honored Martin Banuelos for his 22 years of dedicated service Having worked across various business units, Martin served as Duty Gear’s superintendent in his final years. A farewell event organized by the recognition committee, leaders, supervisors, and HR featured mariachi music, special food, dancing, cake, and gifts. Colleagues and managers joined him for a final tour of the plant Martin was deeply respected and loved by all, leaving behind a lasting legacy of commitment to the organization
We are immensely grateful for his contributions and we wish him the best in this new chapter of life!
ERICK NUNEZ
The Tijuana plant recently bid farewell to Erick Nunez, as he embarks on an exciting new opportunity at the Corporate office in Jacksonville, Florida This transition marks a significant milestone in Erick's career, and we are immensely proud of his achievements and the growth he has demonstrated during his time in Tijuana
We wish him all the best in this new chapter of his professional journey and have no doubt that he will continue to excel and make a meaningful impact in his future endeavors.
CADRE HOLDINGS CELEBRATES
c H R I S T M A S
�� Finance Team Proves Holiday Fun is in the Budget! ��
Who says finance can’t have fun? This holiday season, our Finance team hosted a sleigh-full of festive activities, from ugly sweater contests to workstation decorating showdowns and spirited team competitions
The energy was contagious as associates embraced the holiday cheer, laughing together and celebrating the season. Whether rocking their tackiest sweaters or decking the cubicles, the team showed that spreadsheets and celebrations go hand in hand.
A huge shout-out to everyone who participated and made this year’s festivities unforgettable
c H R I S T M A S CADRE HOLDINGS CELEBRATES
Less Lethal Business Unit (BU) traded their tactical gear for tinsel and tacky knits, hosting a full day of holiday fun in Casper, Wyoming. The mission? A Christmas-themed team building extravaganza centered around the Ugly Sweater Contest of the Year, and the results were as merry as they were memorable!
Teams arrived decked out in their most outrageous holiday attire, showcasing everything from light-up reindeer sweaters to sequined snowflakes and even a few "Santa’s Workshop Gone Wrong" masterpieces
Beyond the glitter and garlands, the event underscored the BU’s commitment to camaraderie.
“We work hard, but we also know how to laugh together”
A special shout-out to the organizers for crafting a holiday event that blended playfulness with purpose.
Raffle and Traditional Mexican Pastry
On December 20th, the Tijuana plant hosted its annual Christmas raffle This year, the event featured an impressive collection of over 115 gifts, all thoughtfully selected for our associates As in previous years, the raffle was broadcast live via Facebook, allowing associates to participate in the excitement and festivities, regardless of their location. The event was skillfully hosted by HR team members, Irma Gomez and Frida Gonzalez, who guided the raffle with energy and enthusiasm
In addition to the main raffle, all associates were received with traditional Mexican pastry and hot chocolate. The Recognition Committee took the opportunity to honor those associates who demonstrated exceptional commitment with perfect attendance throughout the year They also acknowledged the hard work of the members of the various committees who contribute to the plant's success.
More Fun Raffles
At Jacksonville airport location, the team also organized a set of events to celebrate with production associates
�� Spin & Win with Matt Riggi (HR): Matt brought the fun to the floor with a high-energy prize wheel event Associates took turns spinning for surprises, and the excitement (and laughter) was contagious!
�� Safety Raffle by Dolissia Robinson (EHS): Dolissia added a creative twist to safety awareness with a holiday-themed raffle Prizes were up for grabs, making safety reminders both engaging and rewarding
Employee appreciation
Service Awards in Tijuana!
On December 4th, the Tijuana plant held the Service Awards event to honor associates who have reached significant career milestones at Safariland, celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of dedicated service. A total of 93 associates were recognized during two ceremonies, with Human Resources Manager Salvador Hernandez, QA Manager Isela Vargas, and Production Manager Juan Ruiz leading the acknowledgments. Each honoree was individually celebrated for their commitment, and as a token of appreciation, they received a valuable gift. We are proud to have such dedicated associates and look forward to continuing to support their professional journeys in the years to come.
Employee Appreciation Luncheon at Faye Road, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hard work, dedication, and contributions of each member of the team. This event is a wonderful opportunity to come together, reflect on their achievements, and express gratitude for their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Employee Appreciation luncheon at Jacksonville, Faye Road
A Taquiza to Remember!
In January, the Tijuana plant hosted a vibrant taquiza to celebrate their exceptional results from 2024 Associates enjoyed delicious Birria tacos, refreshing drinks, and delightful cupcakes while connecting with colleagues across departments. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the event and the active participation of our leadership team. This gathering not only highlighted their achievements but also reinforced the commitment to teamwork and collaboration Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this celebration a success!
Mexican Sign Language Workshop
On December 5th, the Tijuana plant had the honor of hosting a workshop led by a skilled interpreter of Mexican Sign Language, who provided valuable instruction on basic words and expressions. This initiative was thoughtfully organized by the Inclusion and Diversity Committee, reflecting Safariland’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for all associates. The workshop successfully engaged approximately 95 associates across multiple sessions, demonstrating a strong interest in enhancing communication skills and promoting understanding among our diverse workforce
By facilitating this learning experience, they aimed not only to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing but also to cultivate a culture of respect and collaboration within our organization. The positive response from participants highlights the significance of such initiatives in empowering associates and reinforcing our dedication to inclusivity. We are excited to continue exploring opportunities for growth and education in the future, ensuring that every member of our team feels valued and included.
CELEBRATING OUR COMMITTEES: A YEAR OF IMPACT AND DEDICATION
During the month of February, the Tijuana, Mx team got together to honor and celebrate the incredible efforts of our employee committees in that location These four committees, Social Responsibility, Diversity and Inclusion, Wellness, and Employee Recognition, are made up of dedicated associates from various areas, departments, and levels of the organization Each committee is guided by a Senior Manager sponsor, who provides invaluable support and direction throughout the year.
The event was a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the countless initiatives and achievements these committees have driven From fostering inclusivity to promoting wellness and recognizing outstanding contributions, their work has made a lasting impact on our workplace culture During the celebration, sponsors presented diploma recognitions and shared inspiring words of appreciation these
Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation, and making a difference!
VALENTINE’S
Celebrating Team Connections Across Sites! ��
Duty Gear, Faye Rd
Jacksonville
This Valentine’s Day, teams across our sites showed some love and creativity! From donuts and photo booths with coworkers in Tijuana to sweet cookiedecorating contests in ICOR Canada, the day was full of camaraderie
The Duty Gear, Faye Road team (Jacksonville) shared tokens of appreciation while keeping the gratitude rolling
Whether silly or sentimental, these moments reminded us that strong teams are built on connection.
ICOR, Canada
Tijuana, Mx
St. Patrick’s Day - March 17th
Teams across our sites showed up in their greenest outfit, bringing the spirit of the holiday to life. You may have even noticed a few themed treats to go along with it!
St. Patrick’s Day reminds us that even small traditions can bring people together. Here’s to finding the “gold” in each day, in great teamwork, positive energy, and shared successes.
Global Giving Back Month
Global Giving Back Month
14 organizations supported in 5 different countries
Several causes supported; hunger, poverty, homelessness, orphans, cancer treatment and disaster relief
5 sites performed 2 activities each in addition to the disaster relief campaign. Airport, Tijuana, PSP, Ottawa Med-Eng, and Faye Road.
Activities Highlight
15of17sitesParticipated
Cyalume, West Springfield: 85% of associates donated supplies and packed 180 backpacks with socks, toiletries, and handwritten cards and delivered to shelters, including Friends of the Homeless and Springfield Rescue Mission.
Mexico: 250+ volunteers supported a foster home through three impactful actions: Spending their day off with children (60 volunteers), sponsoring gifts for children (40 volunteers), donating over 200 kg of groceries. A third activity was acquiring hoodies from Castro Limon, an Organization supporting Cancer treatments for kids with low income families, 135 hoodies were sold.
Florida, Wyoming, Distribution, California: 250+ people gave 13 pallets, 17000+ pounds of water for hurricane Helene relief in collaboration with Convoy of Hope.
Canada; 120+ employees supported Hunger through shopping and donating non-perishable food items to local food banks; St Joseph's Food Bank, Arnprior and District Food Bank and Ottawa Food Bank. They also hosted lunches for a donation to further support local food banks as well as Teachers Against Poverty
Europe: In the United Kingdom (Armor), employees donated items to the Padgate Food Bank, which provides free essentials like food and toiletries to the local community In Italy (Duty Gear-Radar), employees and the company donated money to Meyer Hospital, a local pediatric hospital near the Radar site The donation helped purchase gifts and toys for children undergoing serious medical treatment
The latest Leadership Development Program (LDP) cohort recently launched their journey in Ontario, CA, engaging in a dynamic blend of leadership training, self-reflection, and practical learning experiences. Participants enjoyed deep discussions and personal growth opportunities, complemented by friendly competitions such as bridge-building and car racing. This exciting kickoff not only fostered valuable connections among participants but also set the stage for an enriching and transformative experience ahead
LeadershipDevelopment Program
In January, the SEEDs program (Skills Enhancement, Engagement, and Development for Supervisors) officially launched in Jacksonville, Florida, bringing together teams from the Airport facility, Alpha, and Faye Road. The program, designed to strengthen leadership skills and drive engagement, offered an exciting and collaborative learning experience from the start.
Adding to the momentum, several participants from Canada attended the sessions as part of a "train-thetrainer" initiative. Their mission: to absorb the program’s best practices and bring SEEDs to life across our Canadian sites later this year
Building on the success of the Florida sessions, February saw the delivery of the second module in Springfield, MA, at Cyalume
Participants embraced the opportunity to reflect on their leadership styles, enhance communication strategies, and apply realworld solutions to everyday challenges
Throughout both sessions, the energy was inspiring. Associates shared experiences openly, learned from each other’s journeys, and left with practical tools to better support their teams.
Our leadership-centric way of operating helps us create more value for our customers and stakeholders. The big takeaways? The power of clear communication, the importance of building trust, and the value of leading by example — all essential seeds for growing strong, empowered teams
As the program continues to expand, so does the commitment to investing in our people and building a workplace where leadership thrives at every level.
The morning of Saturday, February 22nd, the spirit of wellness and community came alive in Tijuana, Mexico as more than 50 associates laced up their hiking boots and joined the Wellness Committee for a day in nature Lead by Esteban Palma, the event offered more than just a walk, it was a chance to move, connect, and recharge surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.
With clear skies and fresh air setting the perfect backdrop, participants of all ages and experience levels came together, encouraging one another along the trail. The hike wasn't just about physical activity; it was about creating memories, building relationships, and taking time to focus on well-being
In the same spirit of promoting health and wellness, associates at the Cyalume site showed their support for Heart Health Awareness by wearing red Their display of unity highlighted the importance of taking care of our hearts, and ourselves, through simple, powerful actions.
Thanks to the Tijuana Wellness Committee, Esteban’s leadership, and the enthusiastic participation across our sites, these activities were a resounding success, and a great reminder that sometimes, the best way to recharge is simply to step outside, move, and support one another
We assess leadership effectiveness across our global locations annually through the engagement survey, the Q12®, in partnership with Gallup. This tool measures employees' perspectives on the most critical elements of our workplace culture and the Cadre Operating Model.
We believe that tracking and strengthening engagement, driven by leadership effectiveness, is essential for the success of both our associates and our organization.
Thanks to your participation and commitment, this year we achieved a 95% participation rate, an increase from 92% last year. Our overall engagement mean also rose, from 3.85 to 3.93. None of the Q12 elements declined, and the number of teams in the Top Quartile, meaning teams whose results rank among the best compared to other organizations, increased from 22 to 28.
We encourage you to review your site’s results and your team’s specific outcomes. Participate actively in the conversations and action plans with your team
Together, we can continue building an even better place to work.
2025 Engagement Survey
