In Memoriam: Stephen C. Hines

Stephen C. Hines, inventor, beloved employer, and founder of Ergo, which has earned an enviable reputation for innovative AR grips, died on June 30 in New Mexico. Operations at the family-owned company will continue under management of his daughter, Mira O'Connell, who has held the position of CEO of ERGO since 2019. Her son, Xavier O’Connell, has been following in his grandfather’s footsteps at the firm since 2020.

Hines’ inventiveness and passion for gunsmithing began at an early age, although his entrepreneurial journey began in 1973 when he opened Steve’s Auto Parts in Canyon, Texas—the city in which he was born. In 1979, while serving an internship at Texas Instruments, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts degree from West Texas State University.

Afterward he worked in the automotive industry, but by 1987, he was operating Meier Works. There he provided gunsmithing service and produced a line of European gun parts.

He later founded Falcon Industries—which does business as Ergo—and, in 1991, moved from Texas to New Mexico. The 26 patents he was granted stand as a testament to his creativity, passion and ingenuity.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Hines was deeply involved in his family and community. He was elected for two terms on the Canyon City Commission and mentored the neighborhood boys and family members in his workshop during the first years of Falcon Industries.

Today, Ergo is based out of a 16,000-sq.-ft. facility in Moriarty, N.M. There, it continues to develop and manufacture American-made, mission-focused products and advanced technology accessories for civilian, law enforcement and government use worldwide.

A funeral service to honor Hines was held at the First Methodist Church Canyon Campus, 1818 4th Avenue, Canyon, Texas, on July 12 at 10 a.m. Donations can be made on Hines’ behalf to the Dementia Society of America.