Introduction:
Black Box Safety, Inc. was born on April 8, 2017, blending industrial supplies with tactical safety gear. The company developed a strong partnership with Grainger for industrial supplies. Inspired by the Veterans First Program and fueled by episodes of Shark Tank, Jackson Dalton, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, set out to create a business of his own. With 10 years of experience at 3M, he realized he had the drive and intellect to build something greater, initially expecting the VA to be his main customer. What started as a bold idea quickly evolved into a fast-growing safety solutions provider, proving that with determination and the right support, anything is possible!

Inspiration Behind the Business:
Jackson Dalton was inspired to start a business after learning about the Veterans First Program with the Department of Veterans Affairs and watching Shark Tank, which fueled a strong desire to become an entrepreneur. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he initially expected the VA to be their primary customer. With 10 years of experience at 3M, Jackson discovered his entrepreneurial drive and pursued his dream of business ownership.

Overcoming Challenges with APEX:
In its early stages, Black Box Safety focused on securing government contracts and setting up the necessary structural framework. APEX played a pivotal role in refining the company’s capability statement, identifying areas for improvement, and providing hands-on support. Jackson worked closely with multiple APEX Accelerators, including dedicated time over a weekend to fix their SAM.gov registry. Additionally, Mike Sabellico from San Diego, Orange, Imperial APEX assisted Jackson—who was initially the sole owner and shareholder—in researching Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) status rules and reviewing contracts, ensuring a strong foundation for future growth and the successful integration of a business partner.

The Impact of APEX’s Support:
APEX’s guidance has been instrumental in Black Box Safety’s impressive growth. Since its launch in 2017, the company has skyrocketed to $33 million in annual revenue by 2024. Along the way, it expanded to a team of 15 employees, including three veterans, and became an official DoD SkillBridge provider, offering valuable career transition opportunities for service members. The support and expertise from APEX helped lay a foundation for long-term success and sustainable expansion.

The Most Valuable Technical Assistance:
For Jackson, the 1-on-1 consultations provided by APEX were the most important part of the technical assistance received. These personalized sessions allowed Black Box Safety to address specific challenges, refine strategies, and navigate complex government contracting requirements. The ability to receive direct guidance from experts played a key role in the company’s ability to make informed decisions and accelerate its growth trajectory.

Final Thoughts:
Black Box Safety, Inc. stands as a shining example of entrepreneurial success in the veteran community. Thanks to Jackson’s determination, strategic partnerships, and the unwavering support of APEX, the business continues to thrive, serving both government and private sector clients with innovative safety solutions.

For more information, visit Black Box Safety, Inc..

Business Location:
1950 Cordell Ct Suite 103, El Cajon, CA 92020.