Wholesaler of Performance Firearms, Ammunition and Tactical Gear

Meet Our Amazing Team

Chris Means

President

A life member of the NRA, I’m passionate about shooting, hunting and fishing. I’ve had the great fortune of spending an entire career (31 years) in shooting sports distribution, which has given me incredible insight into the wild fluctuations of demand in our industry and how best to take advantage of the peaks while preparing for the inevitable slow down.

Nine years in outdoor retail prior to that led to the “gut feel” I get for new products and a strong understanding and appreciation for brick and mortar retailers, the backbone of our industry. I hope to serve those retailers well at Tactical Gear Distributors.

When not in the office, in the woods or on the water, I can be found at the gym or in the garden.

Matt Hodges

Vice-President National Sales

I really enjoy supporting the four Exchange Systems and making them successful by providing superior tactical and shooting sports products and military targeted marketing programs my personal priority.

I am always focused on each customer and the varied needs of AAFES, NEXCOM, MCX and CGX stores, and want to increase the value they provide to the Military Exchange Customer, to whom I have devoted my entire career to.

I began my work with TGD in 2005 with over 23 years of experience as a buyer and manager in the Marine Corps Exchanges. I use the professional skills gained through this experience to deliver superior service in managing TGD’s Military Exchange relationships and helping them all meet their business goals. In my free time, I am an avid Deer and Turkey hunter and enjoy driving Dodge muscle cars through the country roads of North Carolina!

Sharif Mathews

Director of Purchasing & Ops

Sharif manages our purchasing department with a focus on high quality merchandise selections that meets the needs of our customers.

His vast experience with quality merchandise came from his days in retail management with the Marine Corp Exchange at Camp LeJuene. Sharif has a Bachelors Degree in Business Management and focuses on purchasing process improvement while achieving our 95% fill rate goal. Managing strategic relationships with suppliers provides profit producing opportunities for TGD customers

Kermit Lewis

Director of IT

Kermit directs our Information Technology department.

Kermit has over twenty years experience implementing technology and operational solutions to support and exceed customer’s expectations. He has a Bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems. Kermit enjoys spending time with his family boating and supporting the many activities of his two children. He also enjoys riding his Harley with his motorcycle group.

Lynne Peterson

Marketing Manager

Lynne manages our marketing and creative services and is responsible for supporting our Tactical Zone® marketing program.

She has over 30 years graphic design & marketing experience and uses her knowledge to effectively support TGD’s marketing goals and strategies.

In her free time, Lynne enjoys spending her time as a Dog Trainer for Puppy Kindergarten and Handling Classes and showing her Labradors in conformation.