Johnny The Ogre is a member of the paintball industry and his views do not necessarily represent the views of either The Ford Report or Mr Dale “Furby” Ford, or anyone else for that matter.

In the time of worldwide economic crisis, general drop in sales of equipment
and disappearing paintball companies, PaintballX3 Magazine
(http://www.paintballx3.com) broke news that Gino Postorivo, previous owner
of National Paintball Supply (Kee Action Sports these days), is coming back
into the paintball business after the expiration of his non-compete
agreement.

Having been involved in paintball for a couple years now I can’t help but
frown at the comments coming from some of the paintball media out there.
“The return of the King” and “[...] that the industry and the growth of the
sport was foremost in his plans” were the two that caused me to
dust up the keyboard and start writing.

Mr Postorivo might be a very successful businessman, growing his company
from one small shop into an international distribution company/manufacturer
and then cashing in his check from Angelo, Gordon & Co. after their purchase
of NPS. However in the course of his rule as “Mr Paintball”, his company has
been involved in certain actions that definitely did not result in the growth of
the sport or the industry – quite the opposite.

Since this is not the best place or time to recount everything in detail,
and because there’s plentiful sources out there for those who’d like more
in-depth information, the events that might have stuck in the minds of some
of the people observing the industry will be summarized here in brief form.

1. The 3-year conflict between NPS and Procaps Canada over the use of the
Diablo brand name for paintballs.

2. The Timmygate, which resulted in a sudden parting between Bob Long and
NPS with Mr Long allegating not being paid for product delivered and sold.

3. 888Paintball.com – the existence of that online shop, owned by NPS and
selling direct to the retail customers at prices sometimes lower than
wholesale, has been a thorn in the eyes of paintball dealers for many years.

4. The massacre of ICD, exacted through consequence in driving the brand
name into the mud, blow out sales of newly manufactured Promaster markers
and not presenting the product at trade shows.

These are just a few outtakes from the history of paintball and NPS. I am
certain, that there’s many other stories that could be told on this subject
and many skeletons still hidden in the closets…
Only future will show if these will see the light of day.

“Return of the King” ? More like return of the Hulk…
Thanks, but no, thanks.

Johnny The Ogre