Mr. Ernst Hiestand
With a rich background spanning management, international diplomacy, and innovative security solutions, Ernst Hiestand is a seasoned leader dedicated to advancing safety and technology. A Swiss-trained professional with a Federal Diploma in Office Procedure and Management, Ernst’s career has encompassed military service, hospitality, diplomacy, and entrepreneurial ventures across North America, Europe, and beyond.
In 1964, he founded the Swiss Canadian Mountain Range Association, transforming a 40-acre property into a renowned international shooting range. His diplomatic role as a Special Envoy in Cuba and extensive travels—including a six-month stint in the Soviet Union—demonstrate his global perspective.
Ernst’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish and grow several successful ventures, from a cattle ranch in British Columbia to pioneering one of North America’s first flat-rate telephone companies. As founder of Defense Technologies International and Passive Security Scan Inc., he champions the development of groundbreaking, zero-radiation walk-through weapons detectors—bringing innovative security solutions to the world.
His integrity, leadership, and international experience continue to drive his mission to enhance safety, especially in educational environments worldwide.