Combat Flip Flops, a U.S. veteran-owned small business creating economic, educational and life-saving opportunities for those living in conflict areas, has added another outdoor industry veteran to its line-up; Ned Post, former president of Smith Optics, has joined as an advisor.
For more than 20 years, Ned Post led Smith Optics out of Ketchum, Idaho. During his tenure, Smith and his team transformed a small goggle company into a global outdoor and lifestyle accessories business, adding product lines including sunglasses, optical eyewear, helmets and ballistic military eye protection. Smith sales grew from $15 million to $110 million under his leadership and the brand became recognized as the market leader in winter sports goggles and helmets in North America.
“Post military service, I was fortunate enough to work with Ned in support of Smith Elite,” said Matthew ‘Griff’ Griffin, Combat Flip Flops co-founder and CEO. “His leadership, style, and ability to motivate were inspiring. As an advisor and mentor, Ned will push Combat Flip Flops to the next level and we’re honored to have him help lead the Unarmed Forces.”
Combat Flip Flops added Reebok pioneer Paul Litchfield back in July.
“Since meeting Griff and learning about Combat Flip Flops’ misson, I’ve been inspired. I can’t imagine what it’s like to have your life turned upside down by the impact of war and while I don’t pretend to know what the solution is, I believe in what Combat Flip Flops is doing and can’t wait to join the movement,” said Post.
With a willingness to take bold risks, connect communities, and design impactful products, Combat Flip Flops’ ‘Business, Not Bullets’ mantra is flipping the view on how wars are won. Through persistence, respect, and creativity, the mindful consumer is empowered to manufacture peace through trade. In 2015, Combat Flip Flops has funded over 21 years of school for Afghan girls and cleared 1173 sq. meters of land mines in Laos. For more information and sales inquiries, please contact Matthew Griffin at griff@combatflipflops.com.
