Host Colin Howe and Aaron Edwards return with a compelling conversation featuring Jay Hart - a man whose path from post-9/11 aspiration to military service, innovation, and global adventure has shaped the armored vehicles standing guard in the world's volatile hotspots. In this revealing episode, Jay peels back the steel-plated curtain on his journey and the evolving landscape of resilience on four wheels. Jay traces his unlikely trajectory, from aspiring actor to the disciplined ranks of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in the wake of 9/11’s world-altering impact. As economic headwinds hit in the 2010 recession, he navigated the abrupt shift from uniformed service to the unknowns of civilian life, learning to adapt with the same resolve that would become a hallmark of his career. In shaping the future of armored mobility, Jay’s joins Jenkle, crafting luxury to operational vehicles trusted to protect ambassadors, royalty, and elite operators. As a field service representative or “flying spanner,” Jay became a global troubleshooter, called on to repair, upgrade, and train forces using bespoke vehicles wherever danger demanded. Jay stepped to the forefront as a consultant and close protection provider. He cuts through the Hollywood myths and marketing hype, explaining the realities of the armored vehicle world. Most vehicles, he notes, are reinforced Land Cruisers—upgraded with strengthened suspension, braking, and bodies, tailored to threats from simple sidearms (B6) up to assault rifles and even RPGs (VR7/VR9). Jay is candid: there’s no such thing as “bulletproof,” only bullet-resistant, an important distinction for those who rely on these machines for their lives. Jay sheds light on how advances in design and catastrophic lessons learned have made today’s armored vehicles safer than ever. He discusses the eternal balancing act of defense procurement, meeting frontline requirements while wrestling with budgets and the constant quest for improvement, driven by user feedback from those who test these vehicles under the harshest conditions. Jay opens up about his extraordinary travels, servicing armored embassies, installing UN fleets in Pakistan, and braving high-risk assignments in regions that never make the headlines. His stories underscore the non-negotiable importance of training, ongoing maintenance, and those small but life-saving engineering tweaks that separate survival from tragedy. His remarkable tally of 56 countries visited only fuels his hunger for new frontiers, fresh partnerships, and a deeper impact in the field of protective mobility. Jay shares vignettes from his most unforgettable projects, offers insights on balancing ever-advancing technology with the human element, and reflects on the enduring appeal of a life spent pushing the boundaries of safety under fire. His passion for growth, mentoring, and constant adventure defines both his personal path and the spirit of military resilience explored throughout the episode.
n this episode of the RiCE Podcast, hosts Colin Howe and Aaron Edwards sit down with Jay Hart—a man whose transformation from aspiring actor to military engineer, and eventually to a leader in the armored vehicle world, is as remarkable as it is inspiring. Jay takes us behind the scenes of his journey—answering the call to serve after 9/11, navigating life after leaving the military, and ultimately finding his purpose in designing and maintaining life-saving armored vehicles used in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones.
Listeners will discover:
Jay’s evolution from REME service member during the 9/11 era to sought-after armored vehicle specialist
The real differences between bulletproof and bullet-resistant vehicles—and why the distinction could be life or death
How Jay’s role as a traveling “flying spanner” turned him into a global troubleshooter, with invaluable stories from over 56 countries
Myths and realities about the armored vehicle industry, breaking down Hollywood illusions
Why ongoing training, reliable maintenance, and user feedback are essential for survival in the field
The technological and human factors shaping the current and future state of armored mobility
Jay shares anecdotes from his most challenging assignments, touching on perilous travels for the UN, protecting diplomats and royalty, and pushing for constant innovation in the industry. He reflects on the importance of resilience—on and off the battlefield—and the power of adaptability, curiosity, and mentorship.
If you’re interested in military stories, innovation under pressure, or the real lives behind the world’s most secure vehicles, this episode is for you.