Our Team
The Talon team brings together law enforcement professionals, experienced software engineers, and product design experts who are passionate about improving officer training. With decades of combined experience in both the field and the classroom, we understand the real challenges officers face and design solutions that truly make a difference. We're driven by a shared mission to build technology that not only trains more effectively but also helps create safer communities for everyone.
Tristan Holmes
Managing Partner
A United States Marine Corps Infantry Sergeant who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he brings over 15 years of law enforcement experience as both a field officer and full-time tactical officer. Throughout his career, he has led, taught, and evaluated several hundred officers ranging from fresh trainees to full-time SWAT personnel, and is a founding partner of TALON Tactical Systems, LLC.
Alex Hesselgesser
Managing Partner
A police officer and military veteran with over 16 years of tactical operations experience, he has trained and mentored over 500 law enforcement personnel and developed more than 50 courses of instruction. He served as a tactical team trainer, field training officer, and Marine Corps Platoon Commander, and holds a Master of Business for Veterans from USC's Marshall School of Business.
Rob Withers
Managing Partner
A United States Marine Corps Infantry Sergeant who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he brings over 15 years of law enforcement experience as both a field officer and full-time tactical officer. Throughout his career, he has led, taught, and evaluated several hundred officers ranging from fresh trainees to full-time SWAT personnel, and is a founding partner of TALON Tactical Systems, LLC.
Cy Bates
Head of Legal
A Patent Attorney with eight years of experience protecting intellectual property, Cy combines deep technical expertise with legal acumen. With a JD from Western Sierra Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UC San Diego, he previously led product development and manufacturing operations at Anchor Audio. Licensed by the State Bar of California and certified as a Project Management Professional, he brings a unique blend of engineering insight and legal strategy.
Keith Coffey
Head of Engineering
An accomplished technology executive with over two decades of IT leadership experience. Keith's career spans roles as Chief Technology Officer at the Port of San Diego, Senior Director at Secureworks, and over 12 years at Philips leading IT initiatives including mergers and acquisitions. He holds dual degrees in Computer Information Systems and Accounting from Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business, bringing both technical and business acumen to enterprise technology strategy.
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Sydney Shaefer
Head of Product
A product leader with over a decade of experience driving growth and innovation across startups and scaling companies. She has a proven track record of building product organizations from the ground up, launching new business verticals, and delivering strategies that have generated millions in revenue across e-commerce, logistics, healthcare tech, and fintech at companies including ShipBob, Clipboard Health, SumAll, and OnDeck. Her expertise spans the full product lifecycle from market research and strategy development to team leadership and revenue-driving execution.