Independent, Accredited Testing Facility
Driven by Our Strong Company Values
At OBL, we hold fast to the small business customer-service atmosphere, while maintaining the highest quality standards. Our test directors and their highly skilled and trained technicians diligently work with clients to respond to changing needs and continually improve their experience. It is our hope to establish long-term professional relationships that benefit those we work with.
Get to know our highly-skilled team below.
Our Facilities Include:
3 Ballistic Ranges, 2 Blast Sites, and a Forced Entry Range
Our state-of-the-art facility houses 3 fully equipped ballistic test ranges, as well as a specialized forced entry range. Outside of our Salem, Oregon campus we also have two blast sites.
This set up allows us to offer a wider range of testing services, and can make OBL a one stop shop for all their testing needs.
Our facility is constantly expanding to meet the evolving needs of our clients, delivering rigorous testing to ensure their products perform reliably in high-threat environments.
Exceeding Client Expectations
Since 2004, we have been building a team with a diverse understanding of ballistics, blast, survivability, and engineering. This has allowed us to teach our laboratory technicians how to think on their feet, follow and understand very specific test standards, and produce trustworthy and accurate test results every time.
Our management team brings over 95 years of combined experience, enabling us to collaboratively solve challenges and deepen our expertise in this specialized and critical field. As the ballistic industry evolves, we remain dedicated to anticipating our clients' needs, enhancing our services, and efficiently adapting to new demands.
Meet Our Team
Tom Ohnstad
Owner
Mr. Tom Ohnstad is the Owner/Managing Partner of Oregon Ballistic Laboratories (OBL); formed in 2004. Mr. Ohnstad has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming. He has over 45 years of experience in materials science/engineering, structural design, blast, ballistics, fire protection, forced entry, research and development and destructive testing. Mr. Ohnstad is the registered, responsible person on the applicable explosive licenses listed with ATF.
Brandon Bertsch
President
Brandon has been working at Oregon Ballistic Laboratories since 2008. From 2008 to 2019 he served as the Ballistic, Stab, and FEBR Test Director, followed by the role of General Manager from 2019 until June 2026, when he was promoted to President. Mr. Bertsch collaborates with numerous clients both in the United States and abroad to test hard and soft body armor, vehicle, and structural materials to multiple standards. He also serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the NIJ STC and ASTM E54 committees.
Darius Nuttbrock
Test Director (Ballistic, Stab, FEBR)
Darius has been with Oregon Ballistic Laboratories since 2016 where he started out as a range technician. Rapidly moving up, he now holds the title of Test Director since 2019. Darius possesses a vast understanding of ballistic testing, and is astutely aware of industry standards. He has spent his career devoted to providing a high level of quality service to clients. He is currently apart of NIJ and ASTM committees, investing in the success and advancement of the ballistic industry.
Justin Greeley
Blast Director
Justin is a United States Marine Corps veteran and graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University in 2003. He started at Oregon Ballistic Laboratories in 2005 and is currently the Blast Test Director. His specialty is electronic data collection of dynamic events in extreme environments.
Geoff Miotke
Chief Operations Officer
Geoffery Miotke, is the Chief Operations and Personnel Officer for OBL. He is a retired Command Sergeant Major from the U.S. Army, after 31 years. Possess a comprehensive background in program management, strategic planning, policy implementation, and occupational safety. Managed risk upon multiple lines of efforts to protect assets, property, and equipment. Recipient of multiple awards for outstanding performance and professionalism.
John Mayer
Chief Quality Officer
33 years' cumulative leadership and management experience serving in corporate and military organizations throughout the world with an emphasis on planning, directing, and integrating quality management systems to meet the strategic goals of Oregon Ballistic Laboratories.
Leonardo Maia
Latin & South American New Business Development Lead
Leonardo Maia is a Chemical Engineer and the Latin & South American New Business Development Lead at Oregon Ballistic Laboratories (OBL). During his tenure as a Colonel in the Brazilian Army, he was responsible for procurement and led public tenders for all ballistic materials used by military personnel, including body armor, helmets, and ballistic shields. His deep technical expertise and strategic insight into regional defense needs make him a key driver of OBL's expansion and partnerships throughout Latin America.