Appointed as President of Valcom Manufacturing Group in August 2023, Howard Tuffnail brings over three decades of leadership experience in finance and operations. His career journey has included various executive roles across multiple organizations, where he honed his expertise in driving financial performance and leading high-performing teams.
At Valcom, Howard oversees the day-to-day operations of the manufacturing group, focusing on ensuring sustained growth, operational excellence, and a collaborative workplace culture. Known for his hands-on approach, he is dedicated to fostering innovation and teamwork, positioning Valcom for continued success in the industry. Howard Tuffnail is one of our December/January Game Changers.
Personal Insights:
How did you start out in this industry and how has it brought you to where you are today?
I began my career in finance and operations, holding various leadership roles across multiple companies. This journey honed my skills in driving financial performance and leading teams, leading to my current role at Valcom.
What is your role at your organization today?
As President of Valcom Manufacturing Group, I oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring continued growth and success while fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
What was your most challenging moment?
Transitioning into the defence and security industry presented a steep learning curve, requiring rapid adaptation to new technologies and regulatory environments.
What was your A-HA moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our reader, tell us that story.
One of the biggest realizations I’ve had in this industry is understanding antennas’ critical role in communication systems. While antennas may not be the most technologically complex component in modern communication networks, they are essential. This became clear to me early on when I saw how even the most advanced communication systems in the defense and security sectors depend entirely on reliable, well-engineered antennas.
Antenna technology, in its basic form, hasn’t changed significantly since its invention over a century ago. The fundamental principle remains the same: antennas convert electrical signals into radio waves and vice versa, enabling wireless communication. Despite this simplicity, antennas are indispensable. They serve as the physical link between devices and the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling everything from secure military communications to global satellite networks.
This realization reshaped how I see our work at Valcom. Even in today’s era of artificial intelligence, satellite communications, and digital encryption, none of these technologies would function without antennas. Their reliability can mean the difference between mission success and failure in the defense industry. This responsibility inspired a deeper commitment within me and our team to improve our products, processes, and technologies continuously.
At Valcom, we’ve embraced this challenge by investing in research and development to refine our designs, improve performance, and ensure that our antennas withstand the harshest environments — from military battlefields to remote global locations. We’ve also doubled down on training and developing our team, knowing that our success depends not just on technology but on the people designing, building, and supporting our products.
Understanding this balance between historical simplicity and modern necessity continues to drive us forward. It keeps our mission clear: while antennas might not be the most glamorous part of a communication system, they are the indispensable link that makes everything else possible.
What is the one thing that has you most fired up today?
What excites me most today is leading Valcom into a new era of growth, innovation, and expanded capabilities while staying true to the legacy that has defined our company for nearly seven decades. In 2025, Valcom will celebrate its 70th year in business—a milestone that speaks volumes about our long-standing reputation, resilience, and the trust we’ve built with our customers, particularly in the defense and security industry where trust is paramount.
In the defense sector, where reliability and performance can determine mission success, trust is earned through consistent excellence over time. Valcom’s seven-decade history has established us as a trusted partner for military and government agencies worldwide. Customers know they can rely on our antennas to perform in even the harshest environments, thanks to the expertise we’ve built over generations of dedicated engineering and manufacturing excellence.
Looking ahead, I’m fired up about how we’re honoring this legacy while positioning Valcom for the future. We’re investing heavily in advanced technology, including new antenna designs and cutting-edge materials that enhance durability and performance. Simultaneously, we’re expanding our capabilities with more streamlined production processes and advanced manufacturing technologies. This combination ensures that we continue to deliver products that meet the ever-evolving demands of modern defense communication systems.
Equally important is our investment in people. We’re strengthening our team through training, development, and recruitment of top talent. By enhancing our internal expertise, we can push the boundaries of what our technology can achieve while creating meaningful job opportunities within our local community.
Reaching a 70-year milestone isn’t just a celebration of the past; it’s a launchpad for future growth. I’m energized by the opportunity to carry forward our legacy of trust and reliability while embracing the innovations that will define the next chapter of Valcom’s success. We’re committed to being a company our customers, team members, and community can continue to rely on for many years to come.
What is the best advice you received?
“Embrace change as an opportunity for growth.” This mindset has been pivotal in navigating the evolving landscape of the defence industry.
What is a habit that contributes to your success?
One of the most important habits contributing to my success is a commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends. In a rapidly evolving industry like defense communications, where technology and market demands change constantly, this mindset is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
For me, continuous learning means more than keeping up with the latest technological advancements. It involves understanding industry shifts, regulatory changes, and global market dynamics that could impact our business. I read industry reports, attend trade shows, and participate in professional forums. These activities help me anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and steer Valcom in the right direction.
This habit extends beyond personal development—it’s ingrained in our company culture. By cultivating a learning-oriented environment, we empower our employees to innovate, improve processes, and stay competitive.
For example, as we prepare to celebrate our 70th anniversary in 2025, we’re leveraging this habit of continuous learning to enhance our manufacturing capabilities, adopt new technologies, and refine our product designs. We recognize that even a well-established company like Valcom must remain curious, agile, and adaptable to maintain leadership in our field.
Continuous learning is not about keeping up—it is about staying ahead. It allows us to make smarter decisions, deliver superior products, and build lasting trust with our customers. This habit has helped us succeed for nearly seven decades and will continue to drive our future growth.
What is your parting piece of advice?
Focus on your team’s growth, embrace change, and stay committed to your mission — this leads to sustainable success.
What people or organizations do you believe best embody the innovation mindset?
Companies like SpaceX exemplify innovation by pushing technological boundaries and redefining industry standards.
Organizational Insights:
How is your organization changing the game within your industry sector?
Valcom has built a global reputation as a leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of military vehicular fibreglass whip antennas and free-standing fibreglass AM broadcasting antenna towers. However, what truly sets us apart is our deep expertise in advanced naval antenna systems and Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) technology, which play a crucial role in modern defense communication and surveillance systems.
Our work in naval antennas has positioned us as a critical supplier for some of the most advanced defense platforms in the world. We are proud to be specified on the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) ships and the Polar Icebreakers—two flagship programs that highlight the trust placed in our products by Canada’s defense sector. These vessels operate in some of the world’s harshest environments, from frigid Arctic waters to turbulent oceans, where communication reliability is not just important—it is mission-critical.
Our antennas are designed to withstand these extreme conditions while delivering uncompromising performance. We achieve this by combining innovative materials with innovative engineering techniques that ensure durability, precision, and reliability. Every antenna we build undergoes rigorous testing to meet or exceed the stringent specifications required for military and naval applications.
Additionally, our expertise in Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) technology exemplifies how we are redefining what’s possible in long-range surveillance and early-warning systems. OTHR systems rely on highly specialized antennas capable of detecting objects thousands of kilometres away by bouncing radar signals off the ionosphere. This allows for surveillance well beyond the line of sight, making OTHR an indispensable tool for national defence and maritime security.
What distinguishes Valcom is not only our technological capabilities but also our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. As we approach our 70th anniversary in 2025, we are doubling down on research and development, expanding our product lines, and strengthening our manufacturing processes. Our goal is to remain at the forefront of defense communications while contributing to Canada’s industrial and technological base.
By integrating advanced engineering, a legacy of excellence, and a forward-looking innovation strategy, Valcom is changing the game in the defense and security industry. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what antenna technology can achieve while maintaining the trust and reliability that our customers have come to expect from us for nearly seven decades.
What are some of the biggest impediments to innovation in your industry sector?
The defence and communications industry operates in a highly regulated environment where stringent government and military standards must be met. These regulatory requirements are essential for ensuring safety, security, and operational reliability but can also present significant challenges to innovation. Complying with detailed specifications, certification processes, and international defense standards often leads to longer development cycles and higher production costs.
Additionally, the rapid pace of technological change creates a constant need to stay ahead of emerging trends. As new technologies such as advanced radar systems, 5G communications, and satellite-based networks evolve, companies must invest heavily in research and development (R&D) to remain competitive. This balancing act between meeting current regulatory demands and pursuing future-focused innovation requires both financial resources and technical expertise.
Another key impediment is the complexity of defense procurement processes. Securing contracts often involves navigating lengthy bidding cycles and demonstrating long-term reliability and performance. While this ensures that only the best technologies are deployed in mission-critical environments, it can slow down the adoption of cutting-edge innovations.
Supply chain limitations can also hinder innovation. Many specialized components used in advanced antenna systems are sourced from a limited pool of suppliers. Any disruptions or delays in the supply chain can impact development timelines and production schedules, affecting a company’s ability to innovate and deliver new solutions.
Despite these challenges, Valcom has built its success by turning impediments into opportunities. We’ve developed a strong internal process that combines regulatory compliance with a culture of continuous improvement. We work closely with defense agencies and industry partners to anticipate regulatory changes and adapt quickly.
Through strategic investments in advanced manufacturing capabilities and a skilled workforce, we’ve created a dynamic environment where innovation can thrive despite the regulatory and technological constraints of our industry. This approach allows us to meet current operational demands while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in defence communications.
How has innovation become engrained in your organization’s culture and how is it being optimized?
We’ve built a culture where innovation thrives through team empowerment, collaboration, and continuous training. This drives our ability to deliver exceptional products while supporting career growth and community contributions.
What technologies, business models, and trends will drive the biggest changes in your industry over the next two years?
The defence and communications industries are undergoing rapid change driven by emerging technologies, evolving business models, and shifting global priorities. Advancements such as 5G, satellite communications (SATCOM), and Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) systems are transforming how military, and defense operations are being conducted. At Valcom, we are looking at how to integrate these technologies into our antenna systems to ensure superior performance in even the harshest environments.
Business models in the defense sector are also shifting toward integrated supply chain partnerships, greater customization, and expanded global exports. Customers increasingly expect suppliers to deliver tailored solutions while maintaining long-term reliability and compliance with strict military specifications. Valcom excels in this space through our engineering expertise, global export capabilities, and track record of delivering high-performance products that meet specialized requirements for mission-critical operations.
Looking ahead, trends such as increased automation in manufacturing, the growing need for secure communication, and sustainability initiatives will shape the future of our industry. Valcom will invest in automation technologies, advanced materials research, and environmentally responsible manufacturing processes. By staying ahead of these trends and investing in our team’s continuous development, we ensure that Valcom remains a trusted partner for defense and communication solutions well into the future.
Valcom Manufacturing Group, founded in 1955 in Guelph, Ontario, specializes in designing and manufacturing a full range of antennas and related products, serving both military and commercial markets.