Founders
Jawless Hog Tactical was founded by Nick Shepherd and Chris McGowan, two professionals with a combined 40+ years of military and law enforcement experience.
United by shared experience and a relentless commitment to preparedness, Nick and Chris built JHT to offer training and gear that exceeds expectations in both quality and performance.
Nick Shepherd, JHT’s Founder and Director of Training, served six years in the U.S. Army with deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. As an operational mentor and liaison team member, Nick honed his tactical, leadership, and instructional abilities in high-stakes environments. Upon returning home to Southern Ohio, he transitioned into law enforcement where he has spent over 13 years, including nine as a member and commander of his department’s SWAT team. Nick is also a certified instructor in law enforcement tactics, firearms, and building searches, and sits on the Subject Matter Expert Board for the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission.
Chris McGowan, Co-Founder and Chief Training Officer, brings 19 years of law enforcement experience, 13 of which have been on a SWAT team. Raised in a military household in Germany and later moving to the U.S., Chris pursued a career in public service after a promising athletic career was cut short. Over the years, he has led efforts to modernize his department’s tactical operations, gear, and methodology. Chris has served in multiple SWAT roles—including team leader and lead trainer—and has worked on Joint Task Forces, giving him a broad perspective on tactical threats and solutions.
Our Gear: Built for When It Matters Most
JHT designs high-performance tactical gear built to meet the intense demands of military and law enforcement professionals. Our products are engineered for durability, reliability, and real-world function—made to perform in the moments when failure is not an option. Whether it's on the battlefield, in the streets, or protecting your home, you can count on JHT equipment to stand the test. Every product is backed by our Lifetime Guarantee, because we don't just stand by our gear—we stand behind the people who rely on it.