Strain Guard was invented by Matthew, a US Navy veteran, and Valerie Putman, both avid recreational camper enthusiasts. Experiencing a power failure firsthand, they came up with the idea for Strain Guard. Strain Guard is committed to being MADE IN MICHIGAN and MADE IN THE USA.

​

​

Matthew Putman — Co-Founder

Matthew was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan. His father was an RV Master Technician, and Matthew grew up traveling. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1985 to 1990 as an AEGIS Weapons Systems Technician aboard the USS Ticonderoga, maintaining the computers behind a shipboard weapons system. He worked as a technician after his service until becoming disabled in 2013.

In 2019 the Putmans’ RV caught fire at the shore power inlet. They found it in time. The failure mode was one Matthew already understood from his Navy work — a connection carrying load it was never designed to carry — and after two years of looking for a product that addressed it, he designed one.

​

matthew.putman@strainguard.com

 

 

 

Valerie Putman, Co-Founder

Valerie Putman was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan. She has enjoyed outdoor activities and traveling throughout her life. She has had a career of Customer Service, Special Projects and Transportation Management. Her extensive experience and love for travel are irreplaceable in the Strain Guard family. Valerie married Matthew in 2015 where they began their travels together. Valerie's input to the design of the Flag Memorials as well as the Strain Guard have proven to be invaluable. Her dedication to quality and customer service is unrivaled.

In addition to Strain Guard, Matthew and Valerie dedicate their time to preparing and delivering flag memorials for recently departed veterans and their families. Strain Guard is committed to being a service-disabled veteran owned business.