Dayton Technology Company Sets Sights on Growth
In the heart of Dayton, Ohio, Battle Sight Technologies is a veteran-founded business that is redefining innovation in military technology. Nick Ripplinger is the driving force behind Battle Sight Technologies and is no stranger to challenges. His military journey began with a deep commitment to serving. He had planned for his career in the military to be lifelong. However, that path was altered after he was injured during his military service.
Ripplinger was forced to accept the painful reality that he could no longer serve in the same capacity. After a medical board evaluation, the transition to civilian life came abruptly. With no plan, no home, no job, and a wife expecting a baby, the shift was overwhelming. Reflecting on this period, Ripplinger admits it was a daunting and disorienting time. He described it as “losing the old mission,” where the structure and the camaraderie he had come to enjoy were instantly gone. However, the never-quit mindset instilled in him by the military became his guiding principle during this critical period of uncertainty.
Ripplinger encountered a familiar challenge faced by many veterans: translating military experience into civilian employment. Although he carried significant responsibility during his military duty, employers were looking for him to have a college degree and civilian work experience. Despite having neither, Ripplinger persevered. He credits his long-standing mentor, who helped guide him to his first role as a contractor. He also went back to school for a college degree and then continued on to earn a master’s degree in business administration.
The seeds of Battle Sight Technologies were first planted during his time as a contractor. Mentorship played a pivotal role during this period. Ripplinger’s journey into entrepreneurship began somewhat unexpectedly after his contracting job ended. Again, Ripplinger sought advice from his mentor. It was during this meeting that his mentor suggested starting a business in which he could pair his military background with a product line that he could manufacture.
His military experience shaped the first product Battle Sight Technologies would eventually offer. During patrols, room-clearing missions, and tactical operations, Ripplinger understood the importance of specialized tools for communication and safety. This insight became the foundation for Battle Sight Technologies’ first product, CrayTac®, a photoluminescent writing device that can only be seen through night-vision goggles. The concept was designed to provide service members with a better, more efficient way to communicate in low-visibility environments. They translated that type of technology to other types of infrared photoluminescent materials, such as patches and targets.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) played a crucial role in Ripplinger’s entrepreneurial journey. His first connection with the SBA came through Saint Joseph’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, which offers veterans a crash course in business management and growth strategies. This program opened doors for him and connected Ripplinger with other veterans in similar situations, further solidifying the sense of community that had been so vital in his life.
Ripplinger is a firm believer in the idea that relationships are more valuable than resources. Through these connections, he gained access to a vast network of veteran entrepreneurs and business leaders who supported him in growing his business. During an interview with SBA, he stated, “Through networking events and working with like-hearted fellow companies, I can probably trace back tens of millions of dollars and deal flow that has happened from that network.”
Since opening his company in 2017, Battle Sight Technologies has experienced significant growth. The company has secured numerous contracting opportunities, including partnerships with the Department of Defense and other government agencies. Battle Sight Technologies has grown from a single-product company to a pipeline of more than 30 products, with four more in the commercialization phase. Through the SBIR program, Battle Sight Technologies earned the freedom to innovate and eventually patent different products. America's Seed Fund is coordinated by the Small Business Administration and funded through 11 participating federal agencies that fund innovations through the SBIR/STTR programs.
Ripplinger’s journey from military service to entrepreneurship serves as a beacon of hope for other veterans and aspiring business owners. His advice to those considering starting their own business is simple: “I would encourage future veteran business owners to leverage those skills instilled into you during your time of military service, and don’t be afraid to reach out and utilize the resources available to you externally. None of us have all the answers, but thankfully, there are organizations such as the SBA with resources to help us get to where we're going.”
For Ripplinger, Battle Sight Technologies is more than just a business—it’s a new mission. Through perseverance, creativity, and the support of programs like the SBA’s, he has shown that with the right mindset, the skills learned in the military can translate into success in the business world.
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