AEGIS ARMOR® TEAM
Dr. Cyle Metzger, Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Inventor
|
I'm Cyle ("Kyle"), and I am the inventor of AEGIS ARMOR® and founder of AEGIS ADAPTIVE®. For me, this product is personal. I was born after my brother became disabled at 3 years old, so I've spent my entire life around adaptive equipment and learned early how inaccessible the world can be. When I became a wheelchair user myself in 2022 due to chronic illness, I quickly realized just how poorly most systems meet the needs of wheelchair users—especially when traveling.
I fly every couple of months for my day job. Before my first flight as a wheelchair user, I scoured the internet for advice. What I found was story after story of damaged chairs, stranded travelers, and airlines refusing or delaying repairs. I knew I needed a way to protect my chair. Damage to wheelchairs during flights is so rampant, I was surprised to find that no such product exists. With a background in art, design, and building, I created the first AEGIS ARMOR® prototype. After more than two dozen flights and five design versions, I refined it to be durable, lightweight, and compact enough to fold and carry between flights. It does require bending at the waist, so I do enlist the help of airline staff.
|
Several airline staff, flight attendants, and pilots have asked where I bought AEGIS ARMOR®. When I tell them I made it, I usually hear "you should go on Shark Tank!". This encouragement pushed me to first file a patent application then start turning my prototype into a product for other wheelchair users to use. I don’t have a business background, nor did I know anything about how products are developed and brought to market. However, I do know that to do anything, I have to build relationships with people who have more knowledge and experience than me, ask lots of questions, and keep my eyes open for the next indicated step. That's precisely what I'm doing.
I have had a TON of help in this process. Big kudos go out to:
I have had a TON of help in this process. Big kudos go out to:
Ben Hafele, Sales Advisor
|
"As an entrepreneur and growth-focused leader, I specialize in guiding startups and smaller companies through the challenges of scaling—especially in environments of extreme uncertainty. I thrive in the early and often chaotic stages of business, where vision, alignment, and execution are critical to success. My approach is rooted in clarity of purpose: I articulate a compelling vision, align stakeholders around shared goals, and drive relentless progress toward achieving that vision. With deep expertise in entrepreneurship, leadership, product development, innovation management, and lean startup principles, I bring both the mindset and the skill set needed to build and grow resilient, high-impact companies. Whether launching a new venture or helping an existing one pivot and scale, I lead with curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning." |
Ben Watts, Turner School for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Social Media Intern
|
AEGIS ADAPTIVE® is thrilled to welcome Ben Watts to the team! A dedicated Bradley University student, Ben’s position is generously funded by the Turner School for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, allowing him to bring his unique blend of creativity and drive to our growing brand.
When he isn’t in the classroom, Ben is likely capturing the world through his lens as a talented photographer or competing out on the course as a skilled competitive disc golf player. His sharp eye for visual storytelling and competitive focus make him a natural fit for building a brand from the ground up. In this role, Ben is taking ownership of our social media channels—managing our weekly content and leading the way as we build our social media presence. I am grateful to have his talent driving the AEGIS ADAPTIVE® story forward! |
