2024 has been a year of significant change for Teamworks: we’ve expanded geographically, acquired new products, and set out to increase our support and presence in the service industries. Our goal is to support the first responder community with an enterprise-wide command center to connect their complex and mobile workforce to drive efficiency and ensure readiness. 

Helping us navigate the evolving needs of those in the tactical performance industry are our two newest teammates: Aaron Burkart and Zach Johnson. Join us as we welcome them to the Teamworks family!

Zach’s background as a former D1 linebacker at Eastern Washington and his extensive experience as a Police Officer and trainer in Defensive Tactics in Washington State uniquely positions him to contribute to our Tactical Performance Teams. Similarly, Aaron brings a wealth of experience as a Collegiate Strength Coach, having honed his expertise at esteemed collegiate sides such as Texas State, James Madison, and Illinois. His four years of service as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group underscore his profound respect for the service community, making him a perfect fit for our mission. As our newest additions, Aaron and Zach embody the dedication and expertise that define Teamworks’ commitment to supporting the first responder community nationwide.

Athletic Grit Meets Tactical Expertise

Aaron and Zach understand the importance of being part of a team, working amongst individuals with essential roles to play for a more significant cause.

For Zach, the similarities between collegiate sports and Police work were vast. They include the need for great leadership, communication, and the ability to focus on what is important and not menial tasks. 

Drawing on their roles as athletes, staff, and trainers in their professional careers, the two emphasize the importance of a system like Teamworks to move through the nuances involved within high-performance environments.

With experience using our Hub product in the collegiate space and Smartabase in the tactical setting, Aaron noted that Teamworks “allowed us to eliminate all of the clunky communication systems we were trying to use that weren’t purpose-built for a team environment. Our athletes were spread out and on various schedules, and Hub offered us a clear view of our organization that was constantly on the go and could change daily.

As I moved into the tactical space, it was evident that we needed a tool like Hub because our force was even more spread out. Our transparency in terms of scheduling and communication was even more challenging to get a handle on.”

Increase Capabilities & Personalize Care 

We want to ensure preparedness at every stage of the life cycle for first responders, which hasn’t always been a seamless process given the nature and scale of pressure involved. 

Zach’s first-hand experience in the Police Force recognized this opportunity to empower first responders globally, where there are constant issues involving scheduling, communication, file management, and quick and secure access to critical information.

With the diversity of the Teamworks product suite, Aaron believes we will allow these segments, which are constantly on the go, to have greater visibility, connectivity, clarity, and purpose. With a product to support each stage: recruitment, training, active duty, and exit from service, he believes, “We will open up the organization’s aperture to allow its full capabilities to run at optimal levels. We will allow the operator, whether in the military or first responder, to focus on what they do best.”

Problem Solving in the Everyday 

Teamworks saves sports professionals around the world time every day. Applying the same fundamental operating system but to tactical performance sides will empower staff, ensuring more time for the more significant priorities. 

As an ex-patrol officer, Zach hopes to solve the main problems facing first responders today, including overall operation efficiency as well as wellness and retention concerns. 

 “I dealt with lack of communication, lack of expectations, and scheduling conflicts. Communicating and scheduling on the fly and accessing critical information and files on a mobile app would have significantly increased efficiency and overall morale and let my team do what was important: serving our community at optimal performance. 

‍Connect with Aaron and Zach and learn how Teamworks supports First Responders.