Mark Nowak has been in the construction industry for 25+ years. A few years ago, Mark was tasked to cut out a section of 36 inch RCP “concrete pipe” using a 16 inch chop saw. As he was making the cut, the saw kicked back and flew out of his hands. As it propelled out of the ditch, it came across his face and neck. The blade cut Mark's neck and chin down to the bone, ripping out teeth and coming extremely close to his carotid artery. Sorry, the pictures are too graphic to share. 

While Mark was healing, his thoughts went to how could this possibly have happened. With the realization that some of the power tools we use in the field, even though dangerous, there is no replacement for them. They are a necessary evil. With that knowledge he shifted gears, and started focusing on how injuries like his could be prevented. So naturally, he turned to the internet. Striking out, finding nothing available to adequately protect from a kick back injury. Mark decided to try and come up with something himself. Taking into account that most companies have 100% hard hat policies. Mark came up with the Mountain Shield.