Meet the Team

Edward Chen

President

San Jose, California

•  Engineer – University of Rochester

•  Specialist in Offshore Purchasing & Design

•  Development of global business relationships

•  Chen family has generations of experience in int’l trade

•   Experience: active in flotation industry for over 20 years

Helmut Siepmann

Design and Flotation Gear Specialist

Burlington, Ontario

• Designer  of  FirstWatch technical gear

• Development of gear for marine, military, law enforcement, polar expeditions and power sports clients

• Experience: Tech-Vest, Nautilus, Irvin Parachute

John Hotz

Business Development Adviser

Denver, North Carolina

• Government sales specialist

• International sales development advisor

• Product design input

• Extensive network into US law enforcement community

• Experience: Safe Boats, Boston Whaler and Law Enforcement

Ross Johnston

General Manager

Kitchener, Ontario

• Responsible for sale, marketing and product configuration of FirstWatch

• Voting member of Canada/US flotation standards harmonization panel

• Experience:  Department of National Defence, Bauer Hockey, Mustang Survival, Protexion Products, Helly Hansen and FirstWatch

Anne Palopo

Administration Specialist

San Jose CA

• Management of Pacific Quest administrative functions.

• Customer Service Support

Dr. Brian Farnworth

Human Survival Expert , Specialist in heating & cooling

Kelowna, British Columbia

• Science specialist and advisor

• Experience: Department of National Defence, Mustang Survival, Pacific Body Armour, Gore-Tex and Helly Hansen

• PhD

Jeff Johnston

Communications Specialist

Grimsby, Ontario

• Specialist in digital and print media

• Videography

• Product graphics/print support

• Educated in Communications and Journalism

Doug Geddes

Business Development Canada

White Rock, British Columbia

• Managing introduction of FirstWatch to Canada

• Specialist marine, sports and public safety markets.

• Experience:  Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Blue Jays, Protexion Products, Shimano and Helly Hansen.