Company Name: Combined Systems, Inc.
Headquarters: Jamestown, PA
Signature Product: The VENOM® MC
Website: https://www.combinedsystems.com/
Intro: Founded in 1981, Combined Systems, Inc. (CSI) is a U.S-based firm that supports military forces and law enforcement agencies around the world. CSI is a premier engineering, manufacturing and supply company of tactical munitions and crowd control devices to armed forces, law enforcement, corrections and homeland security agencies.
Where did your company name originate from?
The founders of Combined Systems wanted the name to convey the versatility of the company and not limit the company in the future or place it into one specific product category. Upon inception in 1981, there were still questions surrounding what the company would evolve into and what products it would offer. Knowing that there are no limits to what such a company might become, founder Jacob Kravel created the name Combined Systems to show a company that was skilled in many fields.
What was the inspiration behind starting your company?
Founder Jacob Kravel saw a need for high quality products in the less lethal market.
Why do you believe your products are essential to the public safety and security community?
Our products are essential to public safety and security around the world because they provide a level of force options that can help avoid lethal and more violent levels of force.
What has been the biggest challenge your company has faced?
The biggest challenge is managing at a high level of growth while maintaining superior products that consistently meet our high quality standards. Another challenge is trending with the political and global climate, which is unpredictable and ever changing.
What makes your company unique?
Our company is very unique in that we have a large number of trademarked and patented products, which were engineered and developed by our skilled R&D team. We are also unique in that we are able to develop and produce custom products for agencies around the world, which have very specific needs based on their environment, missions, limitations and restrictions, etc.
What do your customers like best about you and your products?
As a whole, customers appreciate our team because we have experienced and credible employees who have worked extensively in the field with our products. Former SWAT team leaders and law enforcement personnel lead our sales team, which gives us unique and invaluable insight into what our customers want and need.
What is the most rewarding part of serving the first responder community?
The greatest reward is, of course, seeing and hearing stories of how our products are being used to prevent escalating violence and essentially preventing unnecessary deaths.
Do you support any charitable organizations within public safety?
We support various tactical associations, including NTOA, NAPED, and several statewide organizations such as NYTOA, TTPOA, CATO, etc. We also support local charities and sponsor community events including Relay for Life.
What’s next for your company? Any upcoming new projects or initiatives?
In 2015 we will continue R&D on our VENOM Non-Lethal Tube Launch Munitions Systems line of products that was expanded in 2014, and continue to improve on our products from a quality, design, and performance standpoint. This is an ongoing effort that we believe is never finished. We will continue to market to countries around the world and expand our reach through training initiatives and marketing opportunities and partnerships.
