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.
• 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
- Business Operations -
Procurement Manager
email
Christine Westbrook
email
cwbrook@toughstump.com
Logistics Manager
MANNY LOZANO
manny@toughstump.com
Business Development
JIMMY LARSEN
j.larsen@toughstump.com
- Uncrewed Systems Cell -
Lead Instructor, ARTEMIS
Rob harley
email
email
robh@toughstump.com
Lead Instructor, Teal Drones
Jesse Schrader
j.schrader@toughstump.com
drone instructor
Simons malson
s.malson@toughstump.com
TST U & Marketing Cell Leader
zebj@toughstump.com
ZEB JAILLET
Marketing Content Manager
christina.i@toughstump.com
Christina Isaacs
- TST U & MARKETING -
email
email
Software Developer
Robby Rivenbark
r.rivernbark@toughstump.com
Co-Founder/President
ben@toughstump.com
Ben Brown
Co-Founder/CEO
jarrett@toughstump.com
Jarrett Heavenston
Headquarters team members
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more team members
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
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
Lead Instructor, Teal Drones
J.Schrader@toughstump.com
Jesse Schrader
drone instructor
s.malson@toughstump.com
simon malson
SPECIALIZED TRAINING CELL team members
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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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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
Schedule a meeting today
to learn more about our team of elite professionals and how we can help you accomplish your mission.
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
Co-Founder/President
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 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:
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 realm. 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:
simon maison
drone instructor
20-year Air Force veteran and Combat Controller with extensive expertise in drones and Tough Stump operations. Experienced FPV drone instructor and trainer, specializing in advanced drone tactics and training. Basically, if it’s got propellers, wings, or looks remotely like a flying object, he’s your guy—just don’t ask him to keep it on the ground for long.