

Some careers are built. Some are inherited. And then there are the ones that define an era. ZEV Technologies is searching for the executive who wants to be part of building something extraordinary: a storied brand reborn, a world-class leadership team assembled, and an ownership philosophy that rewards long-term builders — not short-term deal-makers.
This is not a caretaker role. This is a founding moment for the next chapter of ZEV Technologies — and the Vice President of Sales will be at the center of it.
Precision. Performance. Proven — The ZEV Technologies Story
ZEV Technologies is one of the most recognized names in the firearms industry — built on a global reputation for precision engineering, premium craftsmanship, and a fiercely loyal customer following. With a relocation to Salt Lake City, Utah, strong financial backing through Syndicate Group, and a bold new operational foundation, ZEV is positioned at the edge of its most exciting chapter yet.
ZEV's mission: to elevate the shooting sports community through the safest, highest quality products, training, and experiences. Its vision: to become one of the most valued and trusted names in the firearms space — driven by innovation, outstanding customer satisfaction, and an unconquerable spirit.
The Dream Team — Who You'll Go to Battle With
The question every serious executive asks is: "Who am I going to war with?" At ZEV Technologies, the answer is two of the most accomplished operators in the industry today.
Taylor Goode — President, ZEV Technologies
Taylor Goode brings something rare to the boardroom: 25 years of decorated service as a U.S. Navy SEAL, including 12 years with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) — the nation's most elite counterterrorism unit. He led teams in the most high-stakes, precision-demanding environments on earth. Now he brings that same standard of accountability, operational excellence, and mission clarity to ZEV Technologies.
As President, Taylor is not managing a business. He is commanding a mission. His focus is measurable results, strategic alignment between vision and execution, and a culture rooted in ownership, discipline, and performance. He knows what a high-performing team looks like — he has led one in conditions most people can't imagine. And now he is assembling the next one.
"I know what elite performance looks like. I've lived it. I'm here to build a team that brings that standard to every corner of this company." — Taylor Goode, President, ZEV Technologies
Jeff Stawiarski — Senior Business Advisor, ZEV Technologies / Syndicate Group
Jeff Stawiarski is a C-suite business leader with more than two decades of experience transforming distressed organizations others deemed beyond saving. At Anderson Manufacturing, brought in to prepare the company for sale in 24 months, he completed the mission in ten — delivering a 20% revenue increase, 40%+ cost reductions, and a successful $19M sale to Sturm, Ruger & Company.
At L3Harris (EOTECH), Jeff restored brand credibility after litigation, rebuilt culture, and delivered the division's first profitable quarter in five years. At Steiner eOptics (Beretta Holdings), he surpassed plan for the first time in four years while expanding into markets across five continents.
His advisory work at ZEV Technologies has already moved the needle: guiding executive leadership through operational improvement, cultural transformation, and revenue-focused strategy. The foundation he is building is the one the new VP of Sales will stand on.
"We are not here to flip this brand. We are here to build it — the right way, with the right people, for the long term. The VP of Sales we hire will be a cornerstone of that future." — Jeff Stawiarski, Senior Business Advisor, ZEV / Syndicate Group
Built to Last — Not to Flip
The ownership philosophy behind ZEV Technologies is not the Silicon Valley model. There is no 18-month exit ramp. Syndicate Group's approach: build a solid foundation, invest in the right people, create sustainable growth, and own it for the long term. For a VP of Sales, this changes everything. Your strategies will have time to take root. Your team will mature. Your relationships will compound.
The scope of this role:
- Own all revenue targets across commercial, law enforcement, and defense channels
- Architect and execute ZEV's full sales strategy from the ground up
- Build and lead a best-in-class national sales organization
- Drive S&OP, demand forecasting, and cross-functional alignment
- Expand distributor and dealer networks domestically and internationally
- Shape go-to-market strategy for new product launches and market entries
- Represent ZEV at SHOT Show, IWA, and key industry events globally
A Culture Being Rebuilt — With Intention
ZEV Technologies is in the midst of a deliberate, values-driven cultural transformation. The new ZEV culture is built on:
- Full accountability — every person, every decision, every outcome
- Radical transparency and open communication at every level
- Respect, decency, and genuine collaboration
- A relentless can-do attitude and strong sense of urgency
- Recognition that employees are the brand's greatest asset
- Personal and professional growth for everyone who earns a seat at this table
The VP of Sales who joins now will help write this culture — not just inherit it.
Is This You?
- 10+ years of progressive sales leadership, including 5+ years at senior or executive level
- Demonstrated success growing revenue in firearms, defense, or related manufacturing industries
- Established relationships with major distributors (Sports South, RSR, Lipsey's, Jerry's) and defense partners
- Deep familiarity with commercial, law enforcement, and defense procurement channels
- Experience building scalable sales organizations and national distributor networks
- Working knowledge of ATF compliance, FFL requirements, and state/federal regulations
- Entrepreneurial spirit combined with the discipline to build systems that last
This Is the Career-Defining Role You've Been Waiting For.
A brand with a legacy. A president forged in the most elite special operations environment in the world. A business advisor who has delivered the impossible multiple times over. A culture being rebuilt with care. And a VP of Sales seat at the table that is yours to define.
This search is exclusively retained with HeadHunters NW.
All candidates must work directly and exclusively through Shaylene Keiner at HeadHunters NW. No direct applications to ZEV Technologies will be accepted or considered.
Contact Shaylene TODAY — Don't Miss Your Shot
Shaylene Keiner, President — HeadHunters NW
503-551-7114 | shaylene@headhuntersnw.com | www.HeadHuntersNW.com
All conversations are completely confidential. No commitments required for an initial discussion.
Confidential Executive Search — Where Sales Careers Take Flight
