About XO Armor
At XO Armor, we are redefining human protection through the powerful convergence of 3D printing, software innovation, and injury science. Our advanced technology and deep engineering expertise allow us to serve not only sports at every level, but also the medical and rehabilitation industries, military personnel, and first responders across the globe. We specialize in rapid, precise, and data-driven solutions that transform how protective gear is designed, delivered, and worn—whether it's a high-impact brace for an elite athlete or a recovery aid for someone returning to duty. Using state-of-the-art 3D body scanning, adaptive modeling software, and in-house additive manufacturing, XO Armor delivers custom-fit devices that are engineered for performance, comfort, and speed. We don’t just build products—we build confidence, mobility, and resilience when it matters most.
Our History
XO Armor was founded by Dr. Michael Zabala, a Mechanical Engineering Professor at Auburn University. Dr. Zabala was approached about a customized protective device for a football injury, and through his work, XO Armor was born! With a focus on developing a fully personalized and immediate solution, XO Armor has taken the nation by storm, growing to support all different types of sports, medical facilities, and military teams.
Learn MoreOur Business
XO Armor offers rapid and customized 3D printed devices for Athletes, Patients, and First Responders. Our subscription based model allows for clients to print unlimited files, have access to our engineers for support, create their own guard designs, and print on-site in their facility. We provide printer installation and staff training to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
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Leadership Team
Joseph Bingold
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Cooley
Chief Marketing Officer
Erik Sjolseth
Chief Operating Officer
Jeff Klosterman
VP Sales & Business Development
Jacob Larson, PhD
Cofounder, Director of Engineering
Michael Zabala, PhD
Founder, Chairman & Chief Research Officer
Joseph Bingold
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Cooley
Chief Marketing Officer
Erik Sjolseth
Chief Operating Officer
Jeff Klosterman
VP Sales & Business Development
Jacob Larson, PhD
Cofounder, Director of Engineering
Michael Zabala, PhD
Founder, Chairman & Chief Research Officer
Board of Directors
Michael Zabala
Dr. Michael Zabala is the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council Endowed Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University. He is also the Director of the Auburn University Biomechanical Engineering (AUBE) Lab where his research focuses on human performance and injury prevention. Dr. Zabala graduated from Auburn University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and from Stanford University with a Master’s degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2010 and 2013. He has extensive experience obtaining Institutional Review Board approval for human subject testing and has received millions of dollars in federal (mostly DOD) and private funding for his research in the AUBE Lab. Dr. Zabala founded XO Armor out of his lab in the fall of 2019 as a response to a need by Auburn Football and led the first two rounds of investment totaling over $1M, and now serves as the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Research Officer for the company.
General Ron Burgess
Ron Burgess retired from the US Army, as the 17th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and joined Auburn University from 2012-2023. Burgess served as a key player within the national security arena, called upon by the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Congressional leaders for his opinions, advice and expertise. LTG Burgess was commissioned in Military Intelligence through the Auburn University ROTC Program in 1974. Burgess earned a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Military Arts and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He was awarded two honorary Doctorate degrees in Law and an honorary Doctorate degree of Strategic Intelligence. General Burgess was inducted into the United States Army Military Intelligence Hall of Fame in 2015 and into the Army ROTC National Hall of Fame in 2016.
Carter Burleson
Carter Burleson is the Director at Bonaventure Capital. Before joining Bonaventure, Carter was a venture fellow with DigitalDX and also worked as an operator at a FinTech startup. Additionally, he serves as an advisor to OneAscent Capital and supports two of its funds. Carter also sits on the board of VeroSkills and is a board observer of Biome, Branch Technology, and Sweater. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and an MBA from Auburn University.
Ruann Ernst
Dr. Ernst is a three time graduate of The Ohio State University (OSU). She worked in industry with Hewlett-Packard (HP), as general manager of the Financial Services Business Unit and as a General Manager with General Electric (GE) in Information Services. She has also served as director of the Medical Computing Services Division and assistant professor of Medicine and Computer Science at The Ohio State University, and as a congressional fellow in the Office of Technology Assessment. Dr. Ernst has served on several corporate and non-profit boards.
Lauren Osbourn
Lauren Osbourn leads JPMorgan’s partnership with Healthcare, Higher Education and Not-for-Profit institutions in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to her client work, she manages a team supporting clients throughout the West, and also serves as the Chair of the National Leadership Council. She has worked for J.P. Morgan since 2013 in a variety of roles based in New York, Chicago, London, Oregon, and Washington. Before joining JPMorgan, Lauren spent six years expanding access to finance for the poor in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. She worked on mobile phone banking and value chain finance projects and spent a year in Venezuela with a microfinance organization. Lauren has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Stanford University.