Maarten Van Ruitenburg: MDT Sporting Goods Increasing the Accuracy and Precision of Rifles

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Maarten Van Ruitenburg

MDT is a manufacturer of precision rifle components, mainly chassis, stocks and accessories developed for sport shooters, law enforcement, and the military.

Tell us about yourself?

I started out after high school in sales to large chain stores. This taught me a lot about marketing, merchandising, and sales in general. After doing this for seven years, I also spent six years in the supply chain.

Both these experiences proved to be very valuable once I got involved in my own business. It helped greatly with increasing our sales and, at the same time, keeping up with the supply chain and operations.

I was introduced to MDT when it was still a very small, one-man operation. I believed there was an opportunity for growth, so I ended up purchasing part of the company and took over as CEO very early on.

If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

Keep focused on the company goals and objectives, and don’t get side-tracked by small opportunities that seem exciting at the time.

What problem does your business solve?

MDT Sporting Goods

We are increasing the accuracy and precision of a rifle. The accuracy and precision of the rifle and the ability it gives a shooter to handle the rifle with ease using a high level of adjustability and ergonomics.

What is the inspiration behind your business?

I didn’t start our business. However, my previous business partner who did wanted to purchase a rifle chassis but was not able to afford it. Being a machinist by trade, he ended up making one himself, which generated interest from other shooters.

What is your magic sauce?

We strive for legendarium. We are always improving and getting better. First is the people, ensuring we have a great work environment, partners, and suppliers, which leads to developing great products.

What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?

MDT Sporting Goods

We will continue to do what we do; make great products and bring new and innovative products to market with a great group of people.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

Hiring people who fit our culture. We move fast and have fun doing it, but we are very careful when we hire new people. We spend more and more time ensuring we hire the right people for the job who also fit our work culture.

How can people get involved?

Visit our website at www.mdttac.ca to see our Canadian-made products, which are shipped to over 40 countries!