Corporate Bios

Matthew Griffin - Chief Executive Officer

“Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.”

 

Matthew "Griff" Griffin co-founded Combat Flip Flops in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Griff specialized in developing solutions for companies growing business in "difficult" locations.  

A Graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Engineering Management. Griff served in the 75th Ranger Regiment as a Rifle Company Fire Support Officer with three tours to Afghanistan and one tour to Iraq.  Post military, Mr. Griffin moved to the private sector as the Director of Military Sales for Remote Medical International and the director of Special Operations for Protect the Force.  Griff currently serves as a logistics officer for Team 5 Foundation.

In the off time, you can find Griff slaying powder on skis, dirt on bikes, or big game with carbon fiber arrows.

Donald Lee - Chief Marketing Officer

"Ride or Die.  I got you."

Lee co-founded Combat Flip Flops in Kabul, Afghanistan. After 3 combat tours as an airborne Ranger Lee returned to his roots in the online space. Prior to joining the Army in 2002 Lee was a digital ninja. Lee specializes user acquisition / monetization and direct response marketing.

In the off time, you can him find coaching his sons travel baseball team, churning out savory treats on a BBQ, or crafting digital pranks on the rest of the Combat Flip Flops crew.

Andy Sewrey - President

"Everything sounds easy until you do it."

Andy "The Wookie" Sewrey co-founded Combat Flip Flops in Kabul, Afghanistan.  With a background that involves slaying bass in a metal band about Montana, big mountain snowboarding, custom paint, production, and design.  At 6'6", his nickname is "Wookie" and confidently flies the fastest hunk of junk in the flip flop galaxy.  

In the off time, you can find Andy launching potatoes with a purpose, playing bass at church, dusting his coworkers on snow, and flailing through the woods on a mountain bike.  

 

Jill Doherty - Customer Service

"Kill'm with Kindness"

Jill is on the front lines of Combat Flip Flops Customer Service -- filling in as the dude at times.  With her positive attitude, she works to ensure you have what you need, when you need it, and  works diligently to solve any problems that arise in the process.

Jill is a kick ass mom to two kids, spouse to an amazing husband, and the life of any room she enters.  When she's not cranking out emails or slaying boxes in the warehouse, she cruises Issaquah on her bike, contemplates gear for her 4x4, and works to convince the executive team in bad decisions.

 

Casey Stenzel - Chief Financial Officer

Casey Stenzel is directly responsible for the financial management and reporting of TA Group's investments. In addition, he manages all corporate finance, acquisitions, financial forecasting and financial/risk management analysis. Casey joined TA Group in October 2012 after spending the majority of his career with Microsoft and Arthur Andersen LLP. With his 22 years of accounting, finance, and consulting experience in several companies and industries, Casey will be responsible for analyzing the financial feasibility of the company's growth strategies and corporate acquisitions. Casey will also serve as the CFO of TA Group's portfolio companies and manage all accounting staff located in Washington and California.

Casey earned his Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance in 1990 from the University of Washington, and his CMA in 1997 while working ten years in Big 6 Accounting. Casey serves on the National Exam Review Committee for the Certified Management Accountant Exam, and is the Treasurer of the Issaquah Soccer Club. He is married with three children, and enjoys competitive soccer and softball, and coaching youth sports.

 

John Sercu - Board Member/Advisor

"Like to go fast with those who go fast."

Since John didn't send us anything on his bio, we get free creative license with his writeup.  John is a former Ranger from the early 80's and continued to slay it since.  Check out his LinkedIn profile.  Hitter.  John came onto the crew and brought his team with him.  He mentors, drives, and pushes business and people to be better, do better, and live bigger.  Stoked to have John on the team.

In the off time, you'll find John on water.  Paddleboard, fishing boat, or on a floatie with a cool drink.

 

Advisors

Paul Litchfield

Paul Litchfield is one of the most influential product creation experts working in the athletic footwear, performance apparel, and sporting goods industry. He holds over 160 granted patents and patents applications pending, and has long been regarded as one of the leading innovators in the field.

Paul began his career at Reebok in 1985, where he held roles in product creation and product marketing while also founding the Advanced Concepts Team. He and his team were responsible for numerous production innovations over the years, including The Energy Return System; The PUMP; DMX Moving Air; Insta-Flate, ZIGTECH, Easytone, Realflex and Z-Pump Fusion. With the 2013 launch of CHECKLIGHT, a sports and activity impact indicator for the head, he and his team made significant strides in the field of wearable electronics and safety equipment.

Ned Post

For over 20 years, Ned Post led Smith Optics out of Ketchum, ID as its CEO. During his tenure, Smith and his team transformed a small goggle company into a global outdoor and lifestyle accessories business, adding product lines including sunglasses, optical eyewear, helmets and ballistic military eye protection. Smith sales grew from $15 million to $110 million under his leadership and the brand became recognized as the market leader in winter sports goggles and helmets in North America.

 

Interns

Joseph Suh

"Think like men of action. Act like men of thought. Live life with intensity and a passion for excellence."

Joseph Suh is a senior at the University of California, Irvine where he is studying both
sociology and education. He plans on serving in the United States Marine Corps as an officer upon graduation, with aspirations towards the infantry.

In the off time, you can find Joseph training for triathlons, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions, or hoarding bodacious amounts of fried chicken.