From Mission to Mission:
A Veteran's Commitment to Tactical Innovation

meet the team

our motto

Experience Is The Difference

Tough Stump Technologies, a Veteran-Owned Small Business, merges cutting-edge remote sensing technology with over 150 years of combined expertise in small unit tactics, SUAS operations, and air-to-ground integration. Our commitment to the highest standards of integrity and performance sets us apart.

Our team, with service in all four branches of the U.S. military and Special Operations units, is uniquely positioned to drive your success. We excel in developing and implementing straightforward solutions to complex problems, supporting operations worldwide.

We harness remote sensing and SUAS technology to deliver high-definition imagery and planning products for US Government, DoD, Law Enforcement, and commercial clients. Our services include:

• Unmatched practical expertise in the expeditionary use of drones, laser scanners, and terrestrial photogrammetry
• Secure, in-house data processing that enhances situational awareness through effective exploitation and dissemination
• Deep understanding of targeting and tactical planning requirements



Co-Founder/COO

ben@toughstump.com

Ben Brown

Co-Founder/CEO 

jarrett@toughstump.com

Jarrett "Fish" Heavenston

Key team members

- Headquarters -

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- Executive team -

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Chief Strategy Officer

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Dustin Hillis

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dustin@toughstump.com 

Chief Financial Officer

Erica Martin

e.martin@toughstump.com

- Business Operations -

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Procurement Manager

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Christine Westbrook

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cwbrook@toughstump.com

Logistics Manager

MANNY LOZANO

manny@toughstump.com 

Business Development

JIMMY LARSEN

j.larsen@toughstump.com

- Uncrewed Systems Cell -

Lead Instructor, ARTEMIS

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Rob harley

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robh@toughstump.com

Lead Instructor, Teal Drones

Jesse Schrader

j.schrader@toughstump.com 

Specialized Training Cell Lead

jimbo@toughstump.com

James “Jimbo” Michael

- Specialized Training Cell -

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Specialized Training SME

Jon Kordes

j.kordes@toughstump.com

TST U & Marketing Cell Leader

zebj@toughstump.com

ZEB JAILLET

Marketing Content Manager

christina.i@toughstump.com

Christina Isaacs

- TST U & MARKETING -

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Software Developer

Robby Rivenbark

r.rivernbark@toughstump.com

Co-Founder/COO

ben@toughstump.com

Ben Brown

Co-Founder/CEO 

jarrett@toughstump.com

Jarrett Heavenston

Headquarters team members

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Executive team members

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Chief Strategy Officer

Dustin Hillis

dustin@toughstump.com 

Chief Financial Officer

Erica Martin

e.martin@toughstump.com

Business Operations team members

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Procurement Manager

Christine Westbrook

Cwbrook@toughstump.com

Director of Business Operations

MICKELIE ROY

M.Roy@toughstump.com

Business Development

JIMMY LARSEN

j.larsen@toughstump.com

BUSINESS OPERATIONS TEAM MEMBERS

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Logistics Manager

MANNY LOZANO

manny@toughstump.com 

Uncrewed systems Cell team members

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Lead Instructor, ARTEMIS 

Rob harley

more team members

robh@toughstump.com

UMX Cell Leader

randy.roy@toughstump.com 

RANDY ROY

Lead Instructor, Teal Drones

J.Schrader@toughstump.com 

Jesse Schrader

SPECIALIZED TRAINING CELL team members

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more team members

Specialized Training Cell Lead

jimbo@toughstump.com

James “Jimbo” Michael

Specialized Training SME

j.kordes@toughstump.com

Jon Kordes

TST U &  Marketing team members

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more team members

TST U & Marketing Cell Leader

zebj@toughstump.com

ZEB JAILLET

Marketing Content Manager

Christina.I@toughstump.com

Christina Isaacs

Software Developer

ROBBY RIVENBARK

r.rivenbark@toughstump.com

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JARRETT (Fish) HEAVENSTON

CEO & CO-FOUNDER

Jarrett founded Tough Stump Technologies after identifying a need for “Tactical Mapping.” He applies 25 years of tactical military experience to improve the capacity of righteous organizations to shoot, move and communicate.  
Jarrett is an FAA Part 107 remote pilot.

ABOUT:

Zeb Jaillet

TST U & Marketing Cell Leader

Zeb Jaillet is the Cell Leader for small unmanned aerial systems and tactical networking. After 24 years as an Air Force Combat Controller, he joined the Tough Stump Team in 2019. He crafts tailor made SUAS training courses and can create a communications network where none exist. Zeb has a Bachelor of Information Technology, a Bachelor of Business Administration, an Associates in Airway Management, and is also an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot, and has received a Bronze Star with Valor.


ABOUT:

BENJAMIN BROWN

COO & CO-FOUNDER

Ben is the triple threat, unmanned pilot, business executive and manned pilot, co-found Tough Stump to bring a 3rd dimension to the tactical mapping community.
United States Air Force Academy Class of 2008, Ben has a Master of Military Arts & Science, Joint Warfare.

ABOUT:

JIMBO MICHAEL

SPECIALIZED TRAINING CELL LEADER

Jimbo is the is a TACP turned information leader. He leads training in all things Tough Stump. Master of ATAK, ARTEMIS, ATOS and all things communication. After 25 years of service in the Air Force he shares his leadership and passion for teaching with the world.  

ABOUT:

ARLENE REYNOLDS

I.T. SPECIALIST

Arlene gave the US Air Force 21 years of service where her information tech skills were honed.

ABOUT:

TIM BRAUCH

SURVEY PROJECT LEAD

Tim came to Tough Stump by way of assault zone specialist. A 21-year Air Force veteran and Combat Controller, Tim particular skills add another layer of depth to our already talented cadre.     

ABOUT:

MIKE LANZAFAMA

ARTEMIS Instructor / Operator

A veteran of over 30 years of service in the US Army as an enlisted man, NCO, Warrant Officer, and Commissioned Officer, Master Aviator with over 4600 flight hours and eleven combat tours in an OH-58D, AH-6M, and AH-64D/E. An expert in US and NATO Special Operation Air Command and Control.

- LTC(R)
- BACHELOR OF HELICOPTER
- MASTER OF PALEONTOLOGY ARTS
- FAA PART 107 REMOTE PILOT
- REAL PILOT
- BRONZE STAR 

PERSONAL(ITY):

PROFESSIONAL:

MANNY LOZANO

LOGISTICs Manager

Manny puts the hurt on things misplaced. This versatile Army veteran will keep our stuff straight, then switch hats and assist the ARTEMIS team as an instructor.  

ABOUT:

MICHAEL SMETANA

Software Development Cell Lead

Mike is rockstar ATAK software programmer. His skills and coding prowess have elevated the Tough Stump Team. 15 years working with ATAK programming has made him a force of nature in our world. 

ABOUT:

CHRISTINE WESTBROOK

Procurement Manager

Christine is a powerhouse of skills coming from a diverse background. Being a military brat, veteran, and spouse, she understands the importance of structure and flexibility. Having served four years in the USAF and affiliations with the Special Operations community for 22 years, she understands the importance of service before self and getting the job done. She keeps the team tight and flying true. 

ABOUT:

JIMMY LARSEN

Business Development

His gear box is full of experience. He is an elegant speaker, easy on the eyes and drops smart bombs on the daily. 

ABOUT:

BRYAN GREEN

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Bryan spent time as a pilot and commander in the USAF now brings his sack of tools to the tech world.   

ABOUT:

KEN WOLFE

PROJECT MANAGER

Ken hails from life as a US Army Ranger and business advisor. A powerful force of organization and style leads Tough Stumps most covenanted programs.   

ABOUT:

ROB HARLEY

LEAD INSTRUCTOR, ARTEMIS

After 20 years in the US Army, Rob swooped into Tough Stump from the skydiving world and now enthusiastically shares his experience and knowledge with his students and tactical mapping missions. He is a quiet professional with an operational focused approach in all things ARTEMIS. 

ABOUT:

Emma Michael

Office Manager

After growing up as a military brat, Emma has honed her skills as an office manager with 8 years of sales experience and 5 years of management background. She brings exceptional people skills and organizational prowess to the Tough Stump Team.

ABOUT:

Robby Rivenbark

Software Developer

After acquiring a degree in computer science from NCSU, Robby joined the Tough Stump team. As a problem solving extraordinaire, he greatly contributes to the software development and technological advancements of Tough Stump.

ABOUT:

Jesse Schrader

Lead Instructor, Teal Drones

20-year Air Force veteran and Combat Controller, master of drones and subject matter expert of all things Tough Stump. Lead Teal Drone instructor and FPV drone builder & pilot.

ABOUT:

Christina Isaacs

Marketing Content Manager

11-year Army veteran and joined the Tough Stump team in 2022. Manages the Ghost Robotics Vision60 and integration initiatives. Creator of marketing material and poster of social media content.

ABOUT:

Dustin Hillis

Chief Strategy Officer

Dustin has over 20 years of business experience starting as an entrepreneur and co-founding multiple 7 figure businesses and earning his way to the highest level as CEO of a global conglomerate of over 20 companies. He is responsible for helping the executive team in guiding the strategic business direction of the company, securing financing, forging strategic partnerships, assisting in the hiring of key personnel and helping with many other strategic business needs. For more information go to: www.dustin-hillis.com

ABOUT:

Erica Martin

chief financial officer

With nearly 18 years of experience in strategic business, finance and accounting, Erica joined the Tough Stump Team as the Financial Controller. She is responsible for the management of all accounting operations, financial modeling for strategic decision making, and generally all things finance related. Erica has a Master in Business Administration degree from UMass Amherst.

ABOUT:

Jon Kordes

Specialized Training SME

A 20 year Air Force veteran, Jon spent most of his career in the SOCOM real. He is a valued addition to the Specialized Training Cell with extensive experience and knowledge in RF, SIGINT and TSCM. Proud champion of "Best farmers tan 2022". 

ABOUT: