Episode 183-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, presented by Optiline Enterprises, we sit down with two dynamic entrepreneurs who are reshaping the future of workplace safety—Hilary Gallin and Kaitlin McCarthy, the founders of ARX PPE. What started as a bold idea to challenge the outdated, one-size-fits-all approach to personal protective equipment has grown into a movement that’s not only protecting workers but also redefining what it means to design with inclusivity, comfort, and innovation in mind.

Hilary and Kaitlin share their journey from recognizing a critical gap in the market to launching a company that prioritizes people over products. For too long, PPE has been built for the “average worker,” often leaving women and individuals of different body types with ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and unsafe gear. ARX PPE was born out of the conviction that safety should never be compromised by poor design—and that everyone deserves access to equipment that actually works for them.

Throughout the conversation, Hilary and Kaitlin talk about the real-world impact of PPE that doesn’t fit, from the risks it creates on job sites to the message it sends about who belongs in the workforce. They explain how ARX PPE is turning that narrative around with products engineered to empower, protect, and perform—proving that innovation isn’t just about new technology, but about listening, observing, and rethinking the status quo.

We also dive into the challenges of building a startup in a space that hasn’t seen much disruption, what it takes to advocate for change in industries resistant to it, and the lessons they’ve learned as co-founders navigating entrepreneurship together. Their story is one of grit, vision, and an unwavering belief that progress starts by asking simple but powerful questions: Who is this for? Who is being left out? How can we do better?

Whether you’re a business leader, a trades professional, or someone curious about the intersection of safety and design, this episode will leave you inspired by Hilary and Kaitlin’s passion for creating solutions that serve everyone. Their mission with ARX PPE is clear: safety is universal, and it’s time the equipment we rely on reflects that truth.

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://optiline.com

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://www.gwgci.org

To learn more about ARX PPE check out their website: https://www.shoparxppe.com/pages/about-us

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