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.
Doug Hensley
Controller
Doug manages our Finance Department.
Pam Reed
National Retail Services Manager
Pam manages TGD’s strategic accounts with the U.S. Navy Exchange (NEX) and U.S. Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) Headquarters, and supervises TGD’s Field Merchandising Team.
TGD’s field merchandising team provides on-site support to Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard exchanges at locations throughout the continental United States, Hawaii and Japan. As TGD’s primary point of contact to NEX and CGX account managers, Pam introduces new product lines, sets product assortments, schedules special events, and ensures the timely and successful delivery of TGD products and services according to customer needs and objectives.
The Retail Services Team is TGD’s first line of contact with exchange service retail stores to ensure maximum product sales are achieved through effective brand presentation, placement, and product stocking. Pam works directly with her team of on-site staff to rapidly coordinate a TGD response to emergent store needs, whenever and wherever they occur. The local face-to-face service provided by our professional Retail Services Team ensures that TGD remains the vendor of choice for tactical gear departments throughout the MCX, NEX, and CGX systems.
Pam joined TGD in 2006 and has over 18 years of experience supporting military exchange systems. As a 24-yr Marine spouse and now a Marine Mom, Pam is committed to delivering superior products and services to our service members
Priscilla Hamilton
Regional Retail Services Manager
Priscilla manages our Western Merchandising Team and is one of TGD’s top merchandising experts!
She works closely with her team to support the needs of our Warfighters and Military Retailers. Priscilla loves the interaction with the military and takes great pride in the fact that we supply proven gear and tactical apparel to service members to help improve their jobs while defending our country.
Carmelia Sanderson
Buyer
Carmelia is a buyer for TGD and she supports our customers through high fill rates and great customer services on all orders.
She comes to TGD with a BA in Criminal Justice and a certification in Basic Law Enforcement Training. As a buyer, she is always working on building strong relationships with our vendors, while improving the purchasing process with our team.
In her spare time, Carmelia enjoys reading and working on DIY craft projects.
DuVale Dalton
Distribution Manager
Du-Vale brings many years of distribution leadership while focusing on superior customer service.
He leads our Distribution Team with enthusiasm to ensure accurate and timely shipments to TGD’s customers. His experience with advanced e-commerce shipping provides market leading distribution.
We thank Du-Vale for his years of Navy Service.
Ariel Stone
Accountant
Ariel supports our finance department with accounts payable and general accounting functions.
She ensures our vendors are provided with timely and accurate service, while maintaining strong business relationships between TGD and our vendors.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has over a decade of experience in the field of finance and accounting, which she uses to provide accurate financial information and strengthen the finance department.
In her free time Ariel enjoys cooking, reading, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Rasheda Nicholson
Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable Associate
Rasheda provides support to the finance department with accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
She ensures our vendors are provided with timely and accurate service, while maintaining strong business relationships between TGD and our vendors. She also provides services dealing with payments, credit applications, and credit reference increase.
Rasheda comes to TGD with a Certification in Basic Law Enforcement Training. As an Account Associate, she is always working with our vendors and customers to build and maintain relationships with them.
In her free time she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
Madison Hamilton
Accounts Receivable Associate
Commercial Sales
Mark Engelbrecht
Account Representative
Lisa Johnson
Account Representative
Dorothy McGee
Account Representative
Cathy Racine
Account Representative
Ramsay Tucker
Account Representative
Deanna Wolfe
Account Representative
Russ Young
Account Representative
Jason Kernes
Account Representative
Rhonda Fulmer
Account Representative
Sam Rikard
Account Representative
Taft Watson
Account Representative
Greg Royse
Account Representative
Michelle Conley
Sales Coordinator
Shellie Lincoln
Sales Assistant
National Sales
C.J. Yarborough
National Accounts Administrator