Work Experience

• Owner
  3DLink

  Jan 2023-Current

  We are a print on demand company.

• Head Instructor
  JL2 Tactical Online School

  Jan 2018-Current

  On online school environment offering courses in Emergency Response, Medical, Navigation, Security, Survival and Tactical Training for the beginner and advanced learner.

• Owner
  JL2 Designs, Pahrump NV

  Jul 2016-Current

  James Larsen is an armor-systems designer and defense technology developer specializing in advanced ballistic protection, composite armor, and lightweight protective structures. His work encompasses the design and development of next-generation armor systems for personnel, tactical vehicles, shields, and other protective applications. Larsen's technical focus includes the integration of advanced ceramics, ballistic fibers, polymeric and composite materials, structural materials, and energy-absorbing architectures to develop protection systems with improved performance, reduced weight, and enhanced manufacturability. His experience extends from conceptual armor architecture and materials selection through engineering design, prototyping, manufacturing-process development, production optimization, and program management. He has also contributed to patented and patent-pending armor technologies, including flexible composite armor and ballistic barrier systems. Within the defense and armor industry, Larsen's role is that of an armor technology innovator and systems developer—bridging materials science, ballistic protection, engineering design, manufacturing, and commercialization to move advanced protective technologies from concept toward deployable products. In one sentence: James Larsen's value to the armor industry is his ability to design, engineer, develop, and help industrialize advanced lightweight ballistic protection systems using modern composite and multi-material architectures.

• Independent Consultant
  JL2 Consulting and Design Services, Four Oaks NC

  Jun 2015-Nov 2017

  Specializing in helping small business improve their web presence and marketing of products/services using a proprietary methodology to increase ranking status on Google, Bing, Yahoo and other third party search engines. We are not a SEO but a core group of individuals versed in making the most out of the internet for small to medium sized businesses.

• Web and Software Developer
  GooRoo, Inc.

  FEB 2014-MAY 2015

  Software development for client applications including database driven ERP/CRM software, hardware driver builds and general software support. Web Development for 60 plus clients in the local region utilizing up to date programming languages and responsive design.

• Director of Engineering - Armor
  Diamondback Tactical, LLLP

  DEC 2010- FEB 2014

  Director of Engineering
  Design, prototype, test and approve new hard and soft armor systems for production and sale to Law Enforcement, Military, Security Forces and Private Security Sectors. Designs include Level III and IIIA Man Portable Shields, Small Arms Protective Inserts (SAPI) Plates for personnel, Ballistic Resistant Helmets, Rolling Bunkers for Security Checkpoints. Utilizing non-woven fabrics, composites (Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber and other high performance materials). Process engineering for production of products. Ballistic testing with Diamondback’s indoor three lane ballistic range with fixed receivers, spike and knife testing with calibrated equipment. Mechanical testing and evaluation of new materials utilizing infrared mass spectrometers, Instron, climate controlled chambers and various other mechanical testing equipment. Responsible for maintaining National Institute of Justice compliance on all certified armor.

  Director of Information Technology
  Administer Windows Server 2012 Enterprise network for 60 users on LAN and 15 remote users, PolyPM/PolyGon ERP software management, SQL 2012 Management, Network Security and related hardware, network scripting, data management, telecommunications (VOIP) installation and maintenance, SSL VPN roll out. Responsible for improving the services on the network and remote access as well as implementing tighter security protocols and scripting to secure company sensitive documents and software.

  Hazardous Materials Training Instructor
  Instruct company wide on safe handling, OSHA compliance, Storage, management and spill response for volatile chemicals used in the manufacturing of military and law enforcement products.

  Industrial Lift Truck Instructor
  Train and educate the employees on safe operation, handling and care of powered lift trucks, certify qualified employees for operation of lift trucks within the facility.

  Chief Security Officer (CSO)
  Developed and implemented security in depth countermeasures to protect both employees and sensitive documents within the corporate environment. Designed entry and exit point security screening and control measures. Security protocols modeled from the Department of Defense; National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).

  ISO Officer
  Responsible for ISO audits, compliance and operations within the facility.

  Quality Control Director
  Oversee ten quality control inspectors for inline and final inspections, wrote and implemented quality standards based on US Government contracting guidelines.

  Director of Safety
  Ensured that equipment, personnel and processes are within OSHA 1910 standards. Interfaced with OSHA inspectors to ensure compliance during random inspections.

• Manager - Armor Systems
  3TEX, Inc.

  SEPT 2007- SEPT 2010

  Manager – Armor Systems
  Oversee product development and engineering, client relations, business administration, government contract administration and execution

  Export Compliance Officer
  Responsible for all export and import regulated activities. Organized, designed and implemented company-wide export compliance program.

  Alternate Facility Security Officer / Anti-Terrorism Officer
  Responsible for implementation and safeguarding Department of Defense classified technical data and information. Manage PCL’s and FCL for the company, implementing perimeter and internal security, risk assessment and counter-intelligence.

  Government Contracting
  Work directly with Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSOC), Marine Systems Command (MARSYSCOM) and contracting offices to include Small Business Development offices to administer contracts, SBIRs and STTR’s. Managed, negotiated and executed RFPs, RFQs and Appropriations contracts associated with integrated armor systems on Ground Combat Systems.

  Prime Contractor Relations
  Established and maintained research and development, sales and program oversight with Prime OEMs (General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Raytheon Missile systems, Boeing Phantom Works, Lockheed Martin and AM General)

• Consultant
  Delta Elite, Inc.

  JUL 2007 - SEPT 2011

  Provide professional consulting services to the armor industry in process planning, cost reduction, manufacturing insight, facility operations, technical instruction, product design, rapid prototyping, modeling, research and development.

Education

• Keiser University
  Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

  2006-2008

  Business Administration – Focus on Management, Phi Theta Kappa, Studies focused on management supported by scheduling and budgeting.

• Dunlop-Stone University
  Phoenix, Arizona

  2008

  Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms regulations (ITAR).

• S2 Safety and Intelligence Institute
  Clearwater, Florida

  2009

  Certified Anti-Terrorism Officer, Human Intelligence for Law Enforcement, Bomb Security for Executive Protection and Accessing Terrorism Related Risk

• Defense Security Service Academy
  Linthicum, Maryland

  2009

  Essentials in Industrial Security Management, Protecting Secret and Confidential Documents, Marking Classified Information, Insider Threat Counter-Intelligence, Information Security Systems, Anti-Phishing, DOD Information Assurance Awareness, Information Systems Security Awareness, Risk Management for DOD Security Programs, Anti-Terrorism Level 1 Awareness Training, Personally Identifiable Information Level 1, Transmission and Transportation for Industry, Business Structures in the NISP Developing a Security Education and Training Program, DOD Physical Security Measures, Lock and Key Systems and Derivative Classification.

• ISO Thermal Community College
  Spindale, NC

  2009

  Forklift Safety Instructor

Certifications / Accreditations

Saving lives has been the driving force of my career, which in turn has been the motivation to educate myself within a variety of fields to ensure I maintain a holistic view. This certification path has lead me to a high degree of security for sensitive information, large-scale emergency management, physical and virtual security as well as methodologies in project/program management to tie all of these fields together.

Download Certifications File

• Export Administration Regulations Certified
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations Certified
• Certified Anti-Terrorism Officer
• Human Intelligence for Law Enforcement
• Bomb Security for Executive Protection
• Accessing Terrorism Related Risk
• Certified in Homeland Security (CHS Level IV)
• Sensitive Security Information Certified
• Certified Crisis Response Coordinator
• Essentials in Industrial Security Management
• Protecting Secret and Confidential Documents
• Marking Classified Information
• Insider Threat Counter-Intelligence
• Information Security Systems Certified
• DOD Information Assurance Awareness
• Information Systems Security Awareness
• Risk Management for DOD Security Programs
• Anti-Terrorism Level 1 Awareness Training
• Personally Identifiable Information Level 1
• Transmission and Transportation for Industry
• Developing a Security Education and Training Program
• DOD Physical Security Measures
• DOD Lock and Key Systems Certified
• Derivative Classification Certified
• HazMat Transportation Security Certified
• Certified Industrial Lift Truck Instructor
• Community Emergency Response Team
• Ground Team Leader
• Mission Radio Operator
• Mission Staff Assistant
• Urban Direction Finding
• Skills Evaluator

Recommendations

Andrew Bair - Partner, Sway Ventures

"James Larsen has requested that I provide a letter of recommendation on his behalf, and I am very pleased to do so. I worked with James from 2013 to 2015 when I served as the CEO of Diamondback Tactical, which was a portfolio company of Torch Hill Investment Partners where I was an Operating Partner. James served as the Director of Engineering at Diamondback Tactical, and he was responsible for all facets of the engineering and hard-armor product development and manufacturing functions at the company.

James possesses a keen set of advanced skills in composite design, hard armor development, and mechanical engineering, and he managed hard armor product department very professionally, which resulted in significant advancement in the company’s hard armor applications. James is a skilled leader who manages teams of engineers and mechanical fabricators, and he produces object-oriented results. He has a well-developed ability to take a project from concept to commercialization, and he incorporates project management skills and teaching that allow production teams to generate manufactured products effectively based on design, costs, and engineering requirements.

I am very pleased to highly recommend James Larsen, and I am confident that he will contribute well to any organization or company that is fortunate to have him on its staff."

Charlie Byrd ~ Sr. Sales Exec. M2 Optics, Inc.

"James and I have worked together on many projects ranging from armor technologies and weapon systems, to textiles. I have always found James to be an outside the box thinker, highly intelligent with a burning passion for innovation. I would not hesitate for a moment to undertake the most difficult projects with him at my side. I am sure that he and I will have an opportunity to pursue innovation again together at some point and I look forward to that moment."

Ben Raviv ~ Director at Logistics a Group

"James has an incredible understanding of armor systems, a deep knowledge of advanced materials, and the energy and excitement to take a complicated engineering project from the boardroom, to the development lab, and onto the production floor. Working with James has been a great pleasure. When we were working together on various projects, I trusted James' capability to scrutinise unhealthy engineering designs and process, and strive for the best possible technical solution required by the project. Besides from being a highly capable technical team leader, James is also a humble, hardworking and polite person that is a great asset to any team."

Joe Gragg ~ President/CEO at Gragg Resources

"James has always impressed me with his continual passion for increasing the survivability of the soldier in the field. He accomplishes this through his extraordinary industry knowledge, in depth business knowledge and motivation to continually improve. James is an individual I look forward to working with again and again. He is a valuable professional and personal friend."

Donald Akers ~ Owner at Kairos Partners

"James is an exceptional talent. I find his capabilities above the norm. He is a team player and always helps his comrades and partners. He has a vast knowledge of the defense marketplace and is very succesful in manuvering its opportunities. James is someone I count on and enjoy working with him."

Robyn Welch ~ Inside Sales/Account Manager

"James Larsen is a one of a kind sales engineer, armor systems manager, ITAR/EAR officer just to name a view of the many hats James wears on a daily basis. An entrepreneur type personality. He is a genius in spearheading new enterprise, ventures or ideas, and assumes significant accountability and leadership skills for the inherent risks and the outcome. James, is an ambitious leader who combines various tasks at hand, yet he is so down to earth in explaining every detail to his fellow colleuges, and to our customers. I cannot say enough about James Larsen he is a pleasure to work with on any task at hand, or project. James brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and has a pro-active team player approach and shines within our Team at 3TEX. The customers love working with James. Why because he has been instrumental in developing and creating new innovative solutions, and/or to customize a product to meet the customers specific standards or requirements. James, can be counted on to exceed all expectations and go the extra mile to make things happen."

Charles Gaylor IV ~ Director, Wayne Community College

"James takes great interest in the people around him. His ability to note reactions and decipher organizational behavior is a great and useful tool. His strengths in this area will make him a solid leader when the opportunity presents itself. He is a talented engineer who will continue to grow and become a major asset for any company."

Stephen Andersen ~ Director of Product Development at Beretta USA

"I have been working with James as a partner with UD on several large-scale government programs for nearly two years. His attention to detail is exemplary. He is always willing to lend a hand in any area, and is extremely resourceful whether in finding answers to difficult questions, or finding sources for "unobtainium" supplies and materials. His technical capabilities and experience in the field of personal protection are impressive. He is a pleasure to work with!"

Jeremy Akers ~ Gov't Business Development

"James is an energetic, motivated, hardworking professional, and excels when attention to detail and the ability to multitask count the most. He can continuously be counted on to exceed expectations and go the extra mile to make thing happen. He is dedicated, personable, and has a burning desire to please. James is an inventive mind with a drive for creative and collaborative material development. James’ expert knowledge of the woven composite and advanced protective material marketplace were showcased when James played an integral role in developing new passive armor approaches to increase protection and reduce weight for Army ground platforms, resulting in the development and delivery of several lightweight cost effective passive armor solutions. He provided an effective bridge between the program requirements and industry capability. James is a genuine self-starter and meticulous in his approach to solving difficult problems. James consistently demonstrates an “out of the box” approach that has resulted in significant advances in his field, and its forward vision. He is a completer - finisher and an asset to any organization."

Lisa Hamilton ~ Pattern Maker at General Sportwear, Inc.

"James Larsen is one of most professional yet down to earth people I have met. He is very detail-oriented with any given task. James also has great work ethic and has the ability to make people at any level feel comfortable. I would highly commend him for any undertaking."