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Waldrop displays body armor at White House

Blake Waldrop makes a presentation about his RMA Supply company during a 2012 Tama Co. Economic Development Pitch & Build competition at the Reinig-Toledo Civic Center. (photo by John Speer/Central Iowa Press)

As part of the White House Made in America product expo last week, President Trump hosted manufacturers from all 50 states.

Representing Iowa and with ties to Tama County and Dysart was Blake Waldrop. Waldrop is a former Dysart police officer who now heads RMA Armament based in Centerville.

Waldrop served on the Dysart Police force about one year beginning in July, 2012.

“I’m so excited to see the president recognizing one of our home grown entrepreneurs, Blake Waldrop,” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds commented. “Blake’s commitment to our country and state is rightly being held up as an example for us all. I want to congratulate and applaud him for sharing his time and talent in Iowa.”

“Blake Waldrop is a great example of entrepreneurs working day and night throughout Iowa,” Lt. Gov. Gregg said. “We hope his story will inspire others to choose Iowa as the home for their production and products.”

On Monday, July 17, President Trump said, in in a news release reported by The White House, “In the audience today we have skilled workers, we have business leaders whose American-made goods we are proudly displaying all over the White House and outside.

“I saw fire engines. I saw tractors from Caterpillar. I saw some incredible machinery. Make it right here. We thank you for being here. We’re honored to showcase your creations. And I will say, they’ve really taken on, and some of you have built names that I know of for so long.”

Using His Dysart Garage

Waldrop was working out of his garage in 2012 when he was among 11 contestants in the kick-off “Pitch and Build” competition sponsored by Tama County Economic Development

At that time, Waldrop said his internet business, RMA Supply “Where the Cops Shop”, had outgrown his garage and home. He needed additional space and to hire help.

Waldrop, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, began his business by refining an old Marine Crops formula for gun oil and offering RMA Firearm Lubricant for sale.

Waldrop then lost a close friend who was killed in the Iraq War. This led to him becoming the distributor of protective vests, the RMA Ballistic Level II and Level III Armor Plates. The products are manufactured in the United States and have met with great acceptance, Waldrop said.

In 2012, he said business is so good his front porch is now filled with shipping boxes.

President Trump signed a proclamation declaring July 17, 2017, as “Made in America” day and this week as “Made in America” week. The president wanted to honor the companies who make “Made in America” the world standard for craftsmanship and quality and encourage other companies to manufacture their products in the United States.

All 50 states were represented at the event.

Waldrop displays body armor at White House

Blake Waldrop makes a presentation about his RMA Supply company during a 2012 Tama Co. Economic Development Pitch & Build competition at the Reinig-Toledo Civic Center. (photo by John Speer/Central Iowa Press)

As part of the White House Made in America product expo last week, President Trump hosted manufacturers from all 50 states.

Representing Iowa and with ties to Tama County and Dysart was Blake Waldrop. Waldrop is a former Dysart police officer who now heads RMA Armament based in Centerville.

Waldrop served on the Dysart Police force about one year beginning in July, 2012.

“I’m so excited to see the president recognizing one of our home grown entrepreneurs, Blake Waldrop,” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds commented. “Blake’s commitment to our country and state is rightly being held up as an example for us all. I want to congratulate and applaud him for sharing his time and talent in Iowa.”

“Blake Waldrop is a great example of entrepreneurs working day and night throughout Iowa,” Lt. Gov. Gregg said. “We hope his story will inspire others to choose Iowa as the home for their production and products.”

On Monday, July 17, President Trump said, in in a news release reported by The White House, “In the audience today we have skilled workers, we have business leaders whose American-made goods we are proudly displaying all over the White House and outside.

“I saw fire engines. I saw tractors from Caterpillar. I saw some incredible machinery. Make it right here. We thank you for being here. We’re honored to showcase your creations. And I will say, they’ve really taken on, and some of you have built names that I know of for so long.”

Waldrop was working out of his garage in 2012 when he was among 11 contestants in the kick-off “Pitch and Build” competition sponsored by Tama County Economic Development

At that time, Waldrop said his internet business, RMA Supply “Where the Cops Shop”, had outgrown his garage and home. He needed additional space and to hire help.

Waldrop, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, began his business by refining an old Marine Crops formula for gun oil and offering RMA Firearm Lubricant for sale.

Waldrop then lost a close friend who was killed in the Iraq War. This led to him becoming the distributor of protective vests, the RMA Ballistic Level II and Level III Armor Plates. The products are manufactured in the United States and have met with great acceptance, Waldrop said.

In 2012, he said business is so good his front porch is now filled with shipping boxes.

President Trump signed a proclamation declaring July 17, 2017, as “Made in America” day and this week as “Made in America” week. The president wanted to honor the companies who make “Made in America” the world standard for craftsmanship and quality and encourage other companies to manufacture their products in the United States.

All 50 states were represented at the event.