Empowering Heroes
Safeguarding Lives
The Invictus Shield stands alone as the only wall-mounted ballistic shield of its kind, seamlessly blending with its surroundings while offering unmatched, instant access in emergencies. Its design prioritizes safety without disrupting the learning environment, fostering a sense of security that allows students and staff to thrive — redefining safety for critical environments.
The Invictus Shield stands alone as the only wall-mounted ballistic shield of its kind, seamlessly blending with its surroundings while offering unmatched, instant access in emergencies. Its design prioritizes safety without disrupting the learning environment, fostering a sense of security that allows students and staff to thrive — redefining safety for critical environments.
Invictus
The Invictus Shield is a revolutionary safety solution designed to enhance school preparedness and protect lives during emergencies, such as active shooter incidents. Inspired by the need for superior protection at an affordable cost, The Invictus Shield offers a blend of safety, functionality, and adaptability.
- Unmatched Ballistic Protection
- Rapid Deployment
- Seamless Integration
Shielding Innocence
The Invictus Shield is designed to blend effortlessly into any setting, making it a practical and discreet safety solution. Doubling as a whiteboard, it seamlessly fits into classrooms and hallways, serving as a functional part of daily life.
Whether displaying fire escape maps, school logos, or motivational messages, the shield integrates naturally into its surroundings while remaining strategically placed for rapid accessibility during emergencies.
Technology
Our Mission
At LE1R, we bring over 50 years of combined experience serving U.S. Federal and State Law Enforcement agencies. Our mission began with a clear objective: to support law enforcement departments often overlooked by larger distribution channels.
Over time, LE1R evolved into a company dedicated not only to serving underutilized agencies but also to pioneering ballistic defense systems through cutting-edge research and development.
Today, our mission extends to delivering innovative, strategic solutions that empower heroes worldwide — Law Enforcement and First Responders alike. With Invictus, we have created a groundbreaking solution that not only strengthens and protects those who serve but also safeguards the future of our children’s education.
At LE1R, we remain committed to our motto: “Strategic Solutions that Empower Heroes.”
Leadership
Ricardo Mendez
Founder & CEO, LE1R Distribution
As the founder and CEO of LE1R Distribution, Ricardo Mendez has focused his career on developing practical solutions that support safety and security in key areas. While LE1R provides uniforms and essential equipment to law enforcement and federal agencies, Ricardo’s deeper motivation lies in addressing the safety challenges faced by schools.
Believing that protecting children in their learning environments is a responsibility shared by all, Ricardo has devoted significant effort to designing solutions aimed at enhancing security within educational institutions. This commitment led to the development of Invictus, a product specifically created to improve emergency response and safety measures in schools.
With Invictus, Ricardo seeks to offer practical tools that empower educators and create a safer atmosphere for students. His approach is grounded in a genuine desire to make a difference where it matters most—protecting the next generation.
At the core of Ricardo’s work is a belief that innovation, when thoughtfully applied, can contribute to a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.
Daniel Huerta
COO, LE1R Distribution
As the Director of Operations and Business Development at LE1R Distribution, LLC, Daniel Huerta leads a team dedicated to equipping law enforcement agencies with essential tools for their critical roles. From uniforms and duty gear to firearms, ammunition, and body armor, Daniel ensures officers have the necessities to perform their duties safely and effectively.
With over five years in the firearms industry, Daniel has cultivated extensive expertise in both firearms and sales, establishing a reputation for knowledge and reliability in a demanding field. However, their most significant achievement to date is the development of the Invictus Shield—a revolutionary innovation redefining safety.
Daniel is driven by an unrelenting commitment to fostering a world where safety is never an afterthought, especially in schools. Their work on innovative solutions like the Invictus Shield reflects a belief that every child deserves a secure environment to learn and thrive. Guided by this mission, Daniel Huerta channels their expertise and vision to create tangible change, helping communities move closer to a future where protection and peace of mind go hand in hand.
Samuel Vester
Chief of Training, LE1R Distribution
Samuel Vester has been a passionate firearms enthusiast for as long as he can remember, turning his interest into a lifelong pursuit of excellence. Remarkably, Sam began competing in local IDPA matches at just nine years old, showcasing his skills and dedication from an early age.
Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, Sam developed a deep connection to the outdoors, spending countless hours honing his expertise in pistol shooting, long-range marksmanship, and firearm maintenance. His hands-on experience expanded further through advanced armorer courses and a variety of other specialized training programs.
In 2016, Sam took his passion to the next level by founding Ronin Armory, a business dedicated to delivering exceptional firearm customization and services. He is also the proud Co-Owner of the Arena Gun Club, where he continues to contribute to the firearms community by fostering a safe and professional shooting environment.
Sam is a highly skilled armorer certified by industry leaders such as Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, and more. Additionally, he is an advanced Cerakote applicator known for his precision and artistry in firearm finishes. As a firearms instructor, Sam shares his extensive knowledge
and technical expertise, empowering others to handle firearms responsibly and confidently.Today, Sam is thrilled to bring his expertise to the LE1R team, where he contributes to the mission of enhancing safety and innovation.
Todd Hodnett
Chief of Production, Accuracy1st
Accuracy1st was founded in 2004 by Todd Hodnett as a military sniper training company. It quickly expanded into designing and patenting advanced reticles, including the H58, H59, and the Tremor series. Todd also patented a ballistic “wiz wheel” to enhance small arms ballistics calculations.
In collaboration with Applied Ballistics and Kestrel, Todd contributed to refining ballistic engines, focusing on truing muzzle velocities and improving subsonic portions of algorithms. Accuracy1st has since partnered with numerous companies, offering consulting services to meet evolving military requirements. This includes assisting Kestrel with interface design (“buttonology”) and working with firearms manufacturers to optimize weapon systems. Todd’s early work on bullet stabilization, particularly through transonic and subsonic ranges, significantly impacted twist rate standards. He has also collaborated with optics companies to develop scopes tailored to military needs.
In 2017, Todd Hodnett received the prestigious Carlos Hathcock Award, recognizing his contributions to the field. Over the past 20 years, Accuracy1st has trained military groups worldwide, with many adopting Todd’s points of instruction (POI) and trademarked formulas to achieve faster and more accurate long-range shooting. When Todd met the owners of LE1R, he was eager to contribute to the development of their revolutionary product, further solidifying his legacy of innovation in the field.
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