Coolfire Solutions is a St. Louis-based software company known for creating the Ronin Platform, a real-time situational awareness delivery platform. The Ronin Platform was originally developed for the U.S. Military who needed to deliver sensitive data to special operations troops deployed in remote areas. Limited to hand-held radios for communication, these soldiers relied on Coolfire Solutions to receive mission-critical data from aircraft flying overhead. This data provided what the military calls situational awareness, a complete understanding of one’s surroundings relative to the mission at hand. At Coolfire Solutions, we create, design and innovate at the edge because we thirst for progress. The kind of progress that transforms life and business in a meaningful way. We embrace ingenuity to get the job done. We sprint for milestones to quickly show returns. With the right information in the right hands right now, action can be taken, and innovation can be spurred.

Andy Sheppard is a principal consultant with KapKom LLC. Andy has a valuable blend of experience at executive level in global channel sales and business development within a diversity of companies, industries and technologies; Defense, ISR, Security, Humanitarian and Mining. A proven track record in business turnaround through formulation and implementation of effective product plans, value proposition, sales programs and market strategies.Andy specializes in analyzing international industries across different market verticals and understanding the complexities of strategic planning and business development processes. He has particular expertise in developing client market strategies and emerging technologies for diversification into new and adjacent verticals.

Created, led and executed market strategy. Daily management and supervision of sales, marketing, engineering and operations staff reporting to board level with responsibility across multiple time zones. P&L responsibility for revenue, cash flow, contribution and expenses budgets.• Turnaround & transition of Minetec from its legacy services and distributor/reselling business model to the manufacture and supply of its own products and technology to the mining industry• Increased market share and global presence through creation of an international dealer and distributor network• Executed an aggressive and successful market strategy through recruitment of a world class team and clear understanding of industry/customer needs. Through this strategy, Minetec is acknowledged as providing the world’s best underground and open pit mining technology and has established contracts with many of the world’s biggest miners

Led Codan's radio communications business in North America, Latin America, Europe and Middle East regions. Responsible for global US Government Foreign Military Sales (FMS), United Nations, UN Peacekeepers and NGO business• Created, led and executed sales, business development and marketing strategy• Formulated strategic business partnerships, joint ventures and acquisitions to expand core competencies and adjacent market diversification.• Successful execution and implementation of an integrated sales strategy plan to exploit new markets and create growth in adjacent markets in excess of $76M USD and 680% increase in annual revenue over 4-years

Responsible for leading Linkabit’s international marketing and sales strategy for its range of products and services. These products included Military Combat Net Radio (CNR), Electronic Warfare (EW), Satellite-based Dual-Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) and Satellite-based Net-Centric Warfare (NCW) communications systems.

Created from the ground up, McDowell's international business through a dealer and distributor network. Successful introduction of new products and system-based solutions to global customers through an aggressive sales strategy and marketing campaigns to build credibility and competitive differentiation. McDowell Research was acquired by Ultralife Corporation in 2006.

Responsible for the definition, design and delivery of systems-based solutions to US Government Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and international customers. Led multi-disciplined project teams from initiation to commissioning within timeline and budget for C2, C4I and ISR integrated capabilities. Managed all aspects of proposal efforts in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and led capture strategy to design and implement win strategies for the creation of new business. Instrumental in evolving Harris to a total systems solutions provider and successfully led and won a $14.5M USD Integrated Tactical Area Communications System (ITACS) to a South American customer (Largest Latin American contract in division history).

Successful career in the British Army as a communications officer spanning nearly 20-years, serving in many operational areas.