Richie Mitchell

Richie Mitchell is the Founder and CEO of Narwhal Truck Toppers, a Colorado-based startup redefining the truck accessory industry with the world’s first full carbon-fiber truck topper — the Narwhal MK1. Designed and manufactured in the USA, Narwhal combines aerospace-grade materials, advanced engineering, and modular innovation to deliver unmatched strength, weight, and versatility for both work and adventure applications. Responsibilities: Vision & Strategy: Develop and execute the company’s strategic direction, product roadmap, and go-to-market initiatives, including brand positioning, pricing, and market differentiation against major industry competitors. Product Development: Lead the engineering and design of the Narwhal MK1 topper and accessory ecosystem. Manage composite manufacturing strategy, tooling development, and vendor sourcing for aluminum and carbon-fiber components. Marketing & Launch Execution: Direct brand development, creative assets, and social media strategy. Coordinate Narwhal’s SEMA 2025 debut, pre-order campaigns, influencer partnerships, and public relations efforts. Business Development & Partnerships: Build strategic alliances with suppliers, installers, and industry influencers. Manage key relationships across automotive, overland, and defense sectors. Finance & Leadership: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and capital-raising activities. Lead a small, agile team of founders and advisors in scaling operations from prototype to full production. Key Achievements: Led the development of the first carbon-fiber truck topper in the global market. Built a vertically integrated go-to-market strategy combining advanced composites manufacturing with direct-to-consumer sales. Established brand presence and pre-order infrastructure ahead of Narwhal’s official SEMA 2025 launch.

•Manage all Skylotec North American government sales opportunities. •Develop strategic growth opportunities for Skylotec to penetrate government markets such as USSOCOM, DOD, DHS, US Customs and Border patrol, LE agencies, and more. •Perform technical product demonstrations for different units across North America. •Offer insight into product innovation within Skylotec tactical rope access, fall protection, and sport climbing equipment. •Collaborate with Skylotec’s International LEAF (Law Enforcement and Armed Forces) team to enhance product range and offerings constantly improving the capabilities of our products and team. •Articulate the complexities of North American government acquisition processes to upper management to drive Skylotec’s overall success in the space. •Manage all Skylotec North American government sales opportunities. •Develop strategic growth opportunities for Skylotec to penetrate government markets such as USSOCOM, DOD, DHS, US Customs and Border patrol, LE agencies, and more. •Perform technical product demonstrations for different units across North America. •Offer insight into product innovation within Skylotec tactical rope access, fall protection, and sport climbing equipment. •Collaborate with Skylotec’s International LEAF (Law Enforcement and Armed Forces) team to enhance product range and offerings constantly improving the capabilities of our products and team. •Articulate the complexities of North American government acquisition processes to upper management to drive Skylotec’s overall success in the space.

• Managed the development and implementation of a new climbing program that required successful stakeholder management, business planning, and strategic communication. • Led over 300 days of high-risk operations in mountainous environments with a 100% safety record through the development and execution of risk mitigation strategies. • Facilitated the implementation of new technologies across four separate SEAL Teams by utilizing cross-functional relationships resulting in over 300 operators gaining increased capabilities. • Influenced stakeholders from multiple branches of DOD to buy off on a new training program. Presented a bold mission strategy, including risk analysis, to senior leadership to gain approval, resulting in the implementation of a new successful program in Naval Special Warfare. • Presented a plethora of complex curriculum to SEALs on the application of problem-solving skills, qualifying over 300 Operators as Naval Special Warfare Lead climbers. • Demonstrated technical expertise with immense attention to detail mitigating high-risk scenarios resulting in a 100% success rate. • Contributed to overall organizational effectiveness by mentoring junior SEALs in cross-functional skills ranging from technical competencies to communications and leadership, resulting in faster implementation of new programs across Naval Special Warfare.

• Lead reconnaissance expert responsible for complex route planning and navigation utilizing several different advanced technologies. • Coordinated with multiple cross-functional departments including information technology, engineering, finance, and logistics to arrange aircraft support strategy and establish the communications platform resulting in a 100% successful operations project. • Managed and led projects, maintenance, and daily operations for up to 200 personnel and $25M worth of assets. • Managed a new technologies program aimed at improving the effectiveness of the SEAL teams, while working within a pre-defined financial budget. • Engaged with a multitude of military and civilian officials from foreign nations, gaining experience in cross-cultural teamwork.