Newsmakers
March 2023

Henry Repeating Arms Promotes Chief Engineer, VP

Henry Repeating Arms announced the promotions of Geoff Ader to chief R&D engineer and Daniel Clayton-Luce to VP of communications.

Ader is responsible for positioning the company as a leader in product innovation through the research and development of designs previously unseen.

He joined Henry as an intern in 2017 and graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in mechanical engineering.

Clayton-Luce has worked for Henry in various roles for a decade, most recently as director of communications. As VP, he will help formulate and implement the company’s marketing, media and PR strategies.

Burris Appoints Sales Manager

As U.S. regional sales manager, Phillip Harding IV will focus on training representatives and dealers on Burris product knowledge and sales strategy, in addition to targeting key growth opportunities with dedicated support.

Todd Vulton, VP of sales at Burris/Steiner, stated, “His technical knowledge adds depth to our sales team. I’m confident Phil will communicate at a high level to assist any customer needs.”

Harding joined Burris in 2014 as a technical support representative.

Redding Reloading Equipment Names Sales & Marketing VP

Reloading Equipment to serve as its VP of sales and marketing.

“Dennis’s leadership will be integral in marketing and sales support for our line of reloading equipment,” stated Richard Beebe, president and CEO of Redding.

Previously, Racine was with Textron Systems Unmanned Systems as the senior director of military sales and strategy.

Racine earned master’s degrees in international business and marketing from Bryant University, and a bachelor’s in marketing from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. He also is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt and Green Belt.

Creedmoor Sports Advances Merchandising Director

Creedmoor Sports announced the promotion of Brent Books to director of merchandising, where he’ll serve as a driving force within the new product identification and selection process.

“We’re excited Brent will be the driving force behind our merchandising,” said John Teachey, Creedmoor VP of operations and marketing.

For more than seven years, Books has been instrumental in building out the capabilities and robust product portfolio the company currently offers.

Davidson’s Inc. Taps Manager

Davidson’s Inc. selected Matt Bellitti for the position of Arizona call center sales manager.

Mike Massimo, VP of sales for Davidson’s, stated, “We look forward to seeing [Bellitti’s] leadership capabilities further energize and strengthen our account executives as well as develop sound strategies to help our dealer base continue to succeed.”

Prior to joining Davidson’s, Bellitti was the general manager-turned-president of a firearm accessory manufacturing company.

Maxim Defense Industries Announces Sr. Sales Director

Bobby Plowfield is the new senior director of distribution sales for Maxim Defense where he is tasked with accelerating the company’s growth and strengthening its presence throughout the distribution and dealer channels.

David Farrell, VP of commercial sales for Maxim Defense, said, “Bobby is a highly passionate, action-oriented professional with years of supply chain management and industry knowledge.”

Before joining Maxim, Plowfield enjoyed a successful career as a buyer for the RSR Group.

He earned a B.S. in finance from the University of Central Florida and is a Certified Professional in Supply Management from the Institute for Supply Management.

O.F. Mossberg & Sons Inc. Welcomes L.E./Military Sales Manager

Jeremy Stafford has joined Mossberg as its law enforcement (L.E.) and military sales manager. In this role, Stafford will have responsibility for all the company’s sales operations in the L.E. and military markets.

“Jeremy’s deep understanding of L.E. and military professionals will be instrumental in aligning Mossberg to meet our goals of better serving the L.E. and military communities,” shared John MacLellan, Mossberg’s VP of sales and marketing.

Stafford has over three decades of L.E. and military experience.He also worked as a writer, host and contributor for the Outdoor Sportsman Group.

Streamlight Inc. Selects Sales Manager

Brice Silveria was named regional sales manager for Streamlight’s Federal/Military Division. He is responsible for the sales development of the company’s products to the federal, military and government markets, as well as maintaining relationships with distributors and sales agencies.

Streamlight Chief Revenue Officer Michael F. Dineen stated, “[Silveria’s] extensive … experience will be very helpful in responding to the lighting needs of the various U.S. military divisions, as well as recognizing new opportunities for Streamlight.”

Silveria previously served as government accounts manager at Quantico Tactical following a 10-year career in various roles with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Nosler Inc. Advances Managers

Nosler announced the recent promotions of Madi Woodward to the role of brand marketing manager, and John Nason to senior business development manager.

Woodward assumed the new role after holding several different titles within the company’s marketing department.

Nason joined Nosler in the spring of 2022 to lead industry relations and assist in the implementation of a business development division within the organization.

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies Promotes Sales VP

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies promoted Keith Arnold to VP of sales. He will manage all functions of the sales operation within TenPoint. 

TenPoint President and CEO Phil Bednar said, “[Arnold’s] 30 years of experience in the archery industry, both from a selling and buying perspective, and his unmatched passion and excitement for the outdoors makes him incredibly valuable to the organization.”

Arnold joined the company in 2019 and has served as national sales manager and brand manager over his tenure. Prior to joining TenPoint, he held roles at Plano Synergy, Kinsey’s Archery Products and French Creek Outfitters.

Can-Am Sales Group LLC Names Outdoors VP

Ray Jeffery is now serving Can-Am Sales Group’s VP Outdoors, a newly created position. Jeffery will lead the sales team members responsible for customers in the Outdoor & Sporting goods categories, while continuing to manage key customers.

Can-Am Sales Group President Scott Makway shared, “With over 20+ years of sales, retail and merchandising experience, I am confident Ray will do a fantastic job leading our sales efforts.”

Jeffery joined the company in 2021 as senior account manager. His experience stems from a variety of retail and senior account management positions.

SK Guns Names CCO

SK Guns has named Peter Grillone its chief creative officer. Grillone will be responsible for leading a team of designers, historians and copywriters on the rapid growth of the SK brand.

Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns and SK Customs said, “With his unique style and extensive experience in photography and creative services, I have no doubt he will contribute greatly to the growth of SK Guns and SK Customs.”

Grillone most recently served as the commercial photographer for a variety of brands in the firearm industry such as Wilson Combat and Nighthawk Custom.

Orchid Taps Chief Firearms & Explosives Officer

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) senior executive Andrew Graham has joined Orchid’s team to serve as chief firearms and explosives officer.

Attorney and Orchid VP of Regulatory Services Philip Milks stated, “[Graham] will play a key role in assisting clients with complex inspection matters, firearm classifications and strategic matters related to firearm industry mergers and acquisitions licensing and sunsetting. Of significant value will be Andy’s expertise of Firearm & Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET).”

Graham most recently served as the deputy assistant director of enforcement programs and services during his 37-year ATF career. 

Prior to joining the DOJ, he studied at George Mason University and Harvard University. He also served in the U.S. Air Force and both District of Columbia and Tennessee Air National Guards.

Franklin Armory Appoints Brand/Product Director

Franklin Armory Inc. announced the appointment of Dan Dement to brand and product marketing director. In his new role, Dement will oversee Franklin Armory’s brand development, product marketing, advertising, social media and media relations.

Dement joins the company with more than 20 years of experience in multiple industries, including firearms, internet technology, higher education and publishing. Most recently, he managed marketing communications for Firearms Policy Coalition, a Second Amendment advocacy group.

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