The R2P Legacy
R2P Innovations builds the World’s most advanced classroom door systems. Our patented ballistic and fire-rated doors are engineered to stop over 100 rounds of assault-rifle fire while maintaining the appearance and usability of a standard school door. Every unit is built in South Carolina and tested to the highest national standards for ballistic and fire safety.
Mission-Built to Save Lives.
Backed by a team of engineers, educators, and veterans, R2P builds every door with one goal in mind—protect what matters most.
The R2P Leadership
TONY DEERING
CEO & FOUNDER
Tony Deering began his career in a South African steel yard before serving as an officer in the elite Airborne Forces. He later launched Pegasus Steel, growing it from a small fabrication business into a 260-person operation in Charleston, South Carolina. Tony studied Business Management at Damelin School of Business and is an experienced pilot, parachutist, and endurance athlete. He lives with his wife Renee and their growing family in South Carolina.
PORTIA SISK
CHRO
Portia Sisk is the Chief Human Resources Officer and Vice President at R2P Innovations. As the company’s first employee, she brought a strong background in HR, safety, legal review, and customer service from the automotive, medical, and telecom industries. She holds three degrees from Indiana Tech and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources. Portia serves on several local boards, including as Chair of the Greater Charleston YMCA Board. She enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.
ERIK BENGAARD
CFO
Erik Bengaard is the Chief Financial Officer at R2P Innovations with over 20 years of financial and international business experience. He previously served as CFO and EVP at greymatter.io, where he helped scale the company’s revenue and team. Earlier in his career, Erik spent 13 years at SAIC, including as Director of Treasury. He holds a BBA in Finance from William & Mary and an MBA from Virginia Tech. Outside of work, Erik enjoys golf and traveling with his wife.
SAMUEL HAVELOCK
CSO
Sam Havelock is an American venture developer and former Navy SEAL with deep experience in technology commercialization, advanced manufacturing, and defense innovation. He has founded or restructured multiple companies, including Blast Talent, SOFX Media, Cyber Chronica, and Zeriscope. Sam previously served as Commanding Officer of Naval Special Warfare Special Reconnaissance Team 1 and as a DoD Program Manager overseeing technology portfolios valued over $1 billion. He holds an MBA from Duke and has led operations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Balkans. Sam lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife and children.
TAD DAVIS
BOARD ADVISOR
Tad Davis is a former U.S. Army officer who later held senior civilian leadership roles at the White House and in the Departments of Defense and State. He most recently served as Director of the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations, overseeing 290 diplomatic posts. He also served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, managing infrastructure valued at over $1 trillion. Tad holds a B.S. in Engineering from West Point and an MPA from Harvard. He is also a National Security Fellow and an Assistant Professor of Security Studies.
BOB MERRILL
BOARD ADVISOR
Bob Merrill is a 38-year veteran of the building products industry with leadership roles at Weyerhaeuser, CMI, and JELD-WEN. He served as CEO of CraftMaster Manufacturing and EVP of Sales and Marketing at JELD-WEN North America, where he restructured key functions across marketing, product, and customer service. Bob began his career as an Army Corps of Engineers officer and holds a BA from UCLA and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. He has served on multiple industry boards and lives in Illinois with his wife, Maureen.
MICHAEL MOODY
BOARD ADVISOR
Michael has over 30 years of senior business management experience in the U.S. and abroad. After moving from Australia in 1985, he founded a Los Angeles-based investment bank and later led multiple business turnarounds. He served as Chairman and CEO of a company that supported U.S. military forces with Buffalo and Cougar MRAP vehicles. Michael has served on several civic and advisory boards, including MedTrust Holdings and the Medical University of South Carolina. He holds a BA in Economics and Finance from Macquarie University in Sydney.
PATRICK O’NEILL
BOARD ADVISOR
Patrick O’Neill previously served as the Chief Strategy Officer at Founder Sport Group, where he led M&A and growth, doubling company size. His background includes private equity at CCMP Capital and investment banking at Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong and Tokyo. He holds a BA in Business Entrepreneurship and Environmental Engineering. Patrick also co-founded a horse racing syndicate whose horse, Hot Rod Charlie, placed second in the Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup.
KATHERINE SCHWEIT, J.D.
BOARD ADVISOR
Katherine Schweit is an attorney, former Chicago prosecutor, and retired FBI special agent. After the Sandy Hook tragedy, she led the FBI’s response to major active shooter incidents and authored its landmark study on 160 active shooter cases. Katherine is the author of Stop the Killing and How to Talk About Guns with Anyone, and previously directed security training for a Fortune 300 company. She holds a journalism degree from Michigan State and a law degree from DePaul College of Law, where she now teaches as an adjunct professor.
COL JOSEPH SCHWEITZER (RET.)
BOARD ADVISOR
COL Joe Schweitzer served 23 years as a U.S. Army Engineer, with assignments in Germany, Iraq, West Point, and across multiple U.S. bases. He commanded troops in combat and retired in 2006. Joe then served as President of AICI-SP, leading over $750 million in U.S. Embassy and classified construction projects worldwide. He holds multiple graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the U.S. Army War College. Joe currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia, and serves on the board of R2P Innovations.
