Grand River Tactical - sad news

Hasgun Willtravel

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 21, 2007
1,405
3
44
Ionia County, MI
It is with a very heavy heart that I make this announcement.

My very best friend and the gentleman who came on board to help me out with my business passed away early Saturday morning. His name was Matt, 30 years old, with his whole life ahead of him

We had worked together at two diferent companies for the past 10 years, watched each others families begin, and spent many nights shooting the shit, fishing, and talking about life in general.

He had had some trying times the past couple years, and died from what had appeared to be self inflicted injuries, wich I just can not, and will not believe. He never once showed any "signs" of depression, and this was out of the blue, but I guess no one ever really knows anyone like they think they do.

He left a wife and two young children behind, who he loved more than anything, wich is why I find it so impossible to believe.

Regardless, Grand River Tactical is shutting down for the next couple weeks, to help out his family and also to figure things out here. He was helping me out so much with the sewing gig, and made it fun again. It hurts just to look at a machine right now, and not sure if I will even continue doing it.

All orders that are currently in will be fullfilled, over the next 3-4 weeks, and by that time, maybe I will have a clearer outlook on the future.

Thanks for your understanding.
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Nick,
My deepest condolences to you and yours and his family. Im sorry to hear that this has happened, if there is anything you need or that i can help you do please let me know.
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Hey Nick,

I am so sorry to hear about this situation. What a terrible loss in so many ways! My thoughts and prayers go out to Matt's wife, kids and his family and friends as a whole, including you!! Stay strong and let us know if there is anything that any of us can do to help out.
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Nick,
My wife and I send you and his family our deepest thoughts. As someone who has also gone through a similar trajedy about a year ago I hope everyone just takes a little time to just ask those around them who may be having a tough go lately how they are feeling and doing. Because just as nick said sometimes there are not outward signs.
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Nick,
wow man.
You were telling me Matt was such a big help and he was showing great potential.
I'm sorry for your loss along with the family's loss.

You have my # please hit me up if you need to.

Also I'll hold package I was going to ship to tomorrow till you tell me to send it out.

Sincerely,
Stu

 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Sorry to hear man. Stay strong.

I had a cabinet business that me and my father started, when he died I closed the doors. I felt like I was in a rut and could not move on. I opened the shop back two years later. Then I seemed to get back on track, it just takes time and faith.
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Our prayers are with you today, Nick. Our condolences. May God be with the family and friends of this gentleman and comfort them in their grief and direct them in the future.
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Nick sorry to hear of the bad news. Our prayers go out to his family and you and yours. Its so sad that sometimes there are no real signs of this. Good luck in what ever you decide.
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Nick Painter,
Our Condolences. To both families. Good one, for manning up and taking charge. You know you are not at fault in any way, for this situation.

Being responsible with your loved ones and the business is one sure way of helping yourself, and those close to you, to persevere through this situation.

Do Not lose sight of the goal.

(I pray these words are re-affirming to you, to keep you positive)

Sean.
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nick,
My deepest condolences to you and yours and his family. Im sorry to hear that this has happened, if there is anything you need or that i can help you do please let me know. </div></div>
Yeah Nick if there is anything you need let us know! So sorry to hear this terrible news. Our prayers are with your family and his.
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Thank you all for the kind words and prayers, it means a lot to his family, and I appreciate it very much as well.

Thanks to those who pm'ed me with words of inspiration or just reaching out. You guys are the best.

Nick
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

It is always sad when a good friend, good family man and just plain good man leaves this world, most especially so when it is too early. i wish his family the best, and send out honest and genuine empathy. there are no words to really say. just that i wish them better times ahead, and that things get better for them, and for you too.

The business will be missed, surely. but we all go where the Lord sends us, and perhaps it is time to move on to a new endeavor. Value above all else, the memories, the milestones, and the accomplishments, be proud of what you achieved as a team, and do what makes you happy in the future.

Truly, i wish all involved the best in the future and wish for all of you that this had not come to pass.

Paulus
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Take all the time you need brother, sorry to hear the bad news.. Focus on your families first then the future.
Good luck
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Well, over the past two weeks, and much consideration, both with talking with my Wife and friends in the industry, I have decided that I just enjoy doing this too much to hang it up.

I have been busting my hump all week, fulfilling orders, tracking down what has went out, and what has yet to. I have everything squared away, and have been shipping out all week.

Along with making gear for donations all around the country, and with regular orders, I am working as hard, as long, and as much as possible to get things caught up. With the loss of my friend, my work load has doubled, and wait times that I have given are going to be slightly longer, due mainly to the fact that I am going at it alone again.

I am looking for some part time help locally, and if I can not find some, then I will take an alternate route to be able to turn product out faster, and ultimately build inventory.

It’s hard to sit down and know what could have been, however, this is something that I love to do, and really enjoy the development of new gear. It has made me new friends, and contacts in the industry that I really thought were unobtainable.

There are a lot of good guys out there and here on the Hide especially. I thank you all for your kind words, and prayers, as well as Matt's family.

So, as of this point, I am running full swing again, with many new products that are going to be displayed in the near future, and some that will be on display for the first time at ASC on the prize table there.

Because of the busy time of year, everyone is looking to update gear for the upcoming shooting season, and the match season that has just started, with commitments that I have made to donations to all of us shooters for prize tables, things will be a little slow for the next couple weeks, but after ASC, I am running out to WA state for a "business" trip to help coordinate a few new products with Stu from RedTac Gear. After the 15th of May, I will be back on schedule, and new products will be into production.

A little hint of what is to come is the Sniper Assault Day Pack. This is ultimately a match style rig that will accommodate a days worth of shooting gear, which will eliminate the need for multiple packs. I believe based on my experience, this is a revolutionary set up, and really look forward to input of the product. Pictures will be coming, but will not be posted in this thread, as it should be laid to rest just as the trying times that are now past.

Thanks again for all your kind words and prayers.

Nick Painter
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Nick, I, for one, am happy to hear that. I don't know you past having ordered a bag from you but your stuff looks nice, and I hate to see someone with an obvious talent hang it up. Times are tough now but it sounds like you have a good wife and good friends. Hang tough man, times heals all wounds, even the deep ones.
 
Re: Grand River Tactical - sad news

Nick, I have watch and listened as many people here on the hide have supported your products. I am sure that this has been a very trying time for all involved and I am so glad you have decided to continue.

the best way to honor your great friend is to do so with great product and continue what you guys loved to do together.