Meet the Founders of 14th Colony Designs

14th Colony Designs was co-founded by two industry professionals, Paxton and Tristan, whose shared passion for firearms and innovative product design brought them together. Our journey began at Sitka Gear in Montana, where we discovered our common interests and set out to create something extraordinary.

Paxton: From Silicon Valley to the Defense Industry

Born and raised in San Mateo, California, just outside San Francisco, I spent the first 15 years of my life in the heart of Silicon Valley. After moving to Colorado, I eventually settled in Bozeman, Montana, where I currently reside. My professional background spans computer science and microbiology, but my career path took an exciting turn into the defense industry, sparked by a great family friend and namesake, Paul Porter.

Paul was an avid gun collector with an impressive collection that ranged from historical pieces like the German MP40 to modern marvels like Knights Armament rifles. His passion and extensive knowledge about firearms ignited my own interest in guns. Growing up in a family where my grandparents were pilots in the Air Force, I learned to shoot at a young age. However, it wasn't until I started hunting in Colorado that my interest in firearms truly deepened, ultimately bringing me to Montana.

Currently, I am a co-partner at 14th Colony Designs alongside Tristan. At our company, I primarily oversee the engineering side of our operations and manage our website. Our journey began at Sitka Gear, where Tristan and I became great friends before deciding to combine our expertise and passion to start 14th Colony Designs.

One of my proudest achievements has been helping to develop innovative firearm accessories designed for precision and performance. Our goal is to provide top-quality products that meet the needs of both civilian and military users. We take pride in our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

Tristan: For the Love of Innovation

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Tristan has moved and lived all over the world and across the nation before settling in North Georgia in early 2012. Raised in a household where firearms were regarded as everyday tools rather than hobbies, Tristan developed a deep interest in customizing, accessorizing, innovating, and building firearms for defensive situations.

Tristan's father, with a background in federal law enforcement, was adamant about making proper selections of products to optimize rifles and handguns for self-defense. This emphasis on practicality and precision in firearm use had a profound influence on Tristan.

The inspiration to explore the defense manufacturing and development industry came from Tristan's uncle, Joel. An electrical engineer based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Central Ohio, Joel worked on high-level government aviation projects, including the infrared detection systems on Air Force One, infrared missile targeting systems on the Predator drone, and radar detection systems and hardware for the F-22 Raptor program. Joel's passing in late 2009 motivated Tristan to delve deeper into this field.

This family history of law enforcement and high-level engineering innovation fueled Tristan's dream of starting a high-end precision parts and accessories manufacturing company in the defensive firearms sphere. His journey reflects a dedication to innovation and excellence, driven by a legacy of practical expertise and cutting-edge technology.

Our Journey

Our paths crossed at Sitka Gear in Montana, a company renowned for its high-quality outdoor gear. During our time there, we bonded over our shared enthusiasm for firearms and the desire to innovate within the industry. Countless conversations and brainstorming sessions led to the inception of 14th Colony Designs.

The Birth of 14th Colony Designs

With a mutual vision and complementary skills, we founded 14th Colony Designs. Our mission is to create exceptional products for the firearms community, combining Paxton’s technical expertise with Tristan’s practical experience. Together, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance the performance and reliability of firearms for both professionals and enthusiasts.

We take pride in the journey we’ve embarked on and are excited about the future of 14th Colony Designs. Our passion for firearms and dedication to quality continue to drive us as we develop products that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to sharing our innovative designs with you.