Title: Director of Business Development
Company: Forge Relations
Location: Crozet, Virginia, United States
Chase D. Welch, Director of Business Development at Forge Relations, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in Business Development.
Mr. Welch has established a distinguished career, currently serving as the director of business development at Forge Relations since 2025. In this capacity, he oversees a comprehensive suite of client services, including direct communication to understand tactical and strategic visions, the development of go-to-market strategies and marketing plans, and research and development initiatives. Mr. Welch’s responsibilities extend to manufacturing efficiency, materials science, and product research and development before market launch.
Among other tasks, Mr. Welch is responsible for assessing product functionality and viability, managing all aspects of marketing, including messaging, communications and social media management, and running a full content-creation studio. He also creates content for clients and related projects while collaborating with individual account managers to ensure seamless service delivery. Managing approximately a dozen clients full-time, Mr. Welch also leads a team of account managers in providing tailored solutions.
Before his current role, Mr. Welch was an account manager at Forge Relations from 2022 to 2025. During this period, he honed his expertise in client relations and project management, laying the groundwork for his advancement within the organization.
As the creative director at High Threat Concealment (HTC) from 2017 to 2019, Mr. Welch led creative initiatives focused on product innovation and brand development within the tactical equipment industry. Notably, HTC specializes in designing low-profile tactical gear that gives plainclothes military and law enforcement professionals immediate access to the life-saving tools they require.
As the former owner of Recom Actual, Mr. Welch spent 2016 to 2025 demonstrating entrepreneurial acumen by managing all facets of the business. His leadership contributed to the company’s growth and reputation in its sector. Mr. Welch also co-owned and served as an instructor at Blue Ridge Tactical Training from 2011 to 2020. In this role, he provided specialized instruction in tactical skills, drawing on his military background to deliver high-quality training programs. Additionally, Mr. Welch spent 10 years as a contractor with Signature Science, LLC, beginning in 2013. His work involved supporting government and commercial clients.
Early in his career, Mr. Welch worked as a gunsmith and sales representative at Albemarle/Fluvanna County Firearms LLC from 2011 to 2012, gaining valuable experience in firearms sales and maintenance. His professional journey began with four years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps as an E4 corporal with the 0311 infantry from 2007 to 2011. Stationed with 16 Charlie Company out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mr. Welch participated in two significant operations that stand among his most notable achievements. The first was in 2008 as part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, where he was involved in retaking the historic British fort of Jugroom in southern Helmand Province, a site that had challenged coalition forces for seven years. The second took place in 2010, when Mr. Welch took part in Operation Satawasa during the assault on Marja, which was the largest ground offensive of the Afghanistan War involving multiple coalition units. Following active duty, he worked with the 22nd Human Intelligence Battalion in Quantico, Virginia, in inactive reserve status, participating in monthly engagements focused on intelligence analysis and human intelligence collection.
Mr. Welch earned his high school diploma from Miller School of Albemarle. He later completed college coursework at several institutions, including George Mason University, Piedmont Virginia Community College, Bridgewater College and the College of DuPage. Despite not completing a college degree after six years of study across four majors, Mr. Welch credits these academic pursuits with broadening his perspective and enhancing his professional adaptability.
Civically engaged, Mr. Welch is a life member of the Boy Scouts of America, the Order of the Eagle Scouts and the National Rifle Association. He remains active today by participating in both the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America. Moreover, Mr. Welch is a member of Gun Owners of America and has been affiliated with the Federal Law Enforcement Association since 2020.
Throughout his career, Mr. Welch has developed a reputation as an expert in business development. His early success earned him the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America in 2002. He was also awarded a Good Citizenship Medal by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in 2003.
Attributing his success to several key influences, including being raised to value meaningful conversation and genuine curiosity, Mr. Welch also learned discipline through hard work on farms in rural Virginia. Grateful for the support of his wife, Megan, and for his faith, he remains committed to achieving a healthier work-life balance while continuing to grow Forge Relations for the benefit of its employees.
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