ICYMI: Industry News
From Jan. 27–31, 2025
Otis Presents 2024 Awards
Otis Technology presented its 2024 Sporting Goods Sales Awards during SHOT Show 2025. Every year, Otis Technology presents awards to the sales representative and sales agency that have shown initiative, sales growth, outstanding effort and customer service over the past year.
Otis Technology recognized Chris Roody of Simpson Sales Company as the 2024 Sales Representative of the Year and Jeff Robles & Associates as the 2024 Sales Agency of the Year.
“Chris Roody’s ambition and tenacity, coupled with his unorthodox ideas are key contributing factors for his success in securing new business for Otis Technology and Shooter’s Choice,” said Mollie Martin, eastern regional sales manager. “His efforts in 2024 led to the addition of countless new retailers and remarkable growth with our key accounts.”
“Jeff Robles & Associates have once again earned the Sales Agency of the Year Award. They have been loyally representing our brands for 21 years and are our longest-tenured agency, overseeing the Western U.S. and TALO states,” noted Kenda Campbell, VP of commercial sales. “During a challenging economic year, they successfully managed to help us increase sales by over 32%, spurred by private label programs and increased product placement in key accounts.”
Additionally, Otis Technology awarded the 2024 Distributor of the Year accolade to RSR Group.
“Openness to communicate and collaborate has been a key driving factor for our success with RSR Group, with much credit going to our buyer. Because of this dedication, RSR Group achieved impressive growth over the last year. As a long-standing customer, we are proud to award them Distributor of the Year and look forward to many more years of continued partnership,” the company stated in its release.
For more info: otistec.com
Fiocchi Recognizes 2024 Distributor, Independent Retailer Partners
Fiocchi announced Sports South as the recipient of its 2024 Distribution Partner of the Year award. This recognition highlights Sports South’s exceptional dedication, outstanding performance and strategic partnership in driving Fiocchi’s continued growth and success across the U.S.
Fiocchi CEO David Blenker stated, “Sports South exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary partner. Their commitment to excellence, industry expertise and unwavering support of Fiocchi’s mission have been instrumental in achieving record-breaking results. It is a privilege to work alongside a distributor that shares our vision for innovation and delivering unmatched value to customers.”
Shyda’s Gun Shop & Outdoor Center received Fiocchi’s 2024 Independent Retailer of the Year award, honoring Shyda’s for their outstanding commitment to Fiocchi, their customers and the shooting sports industry.
Chris Tinkle, Fiocchi VP of sales, said, “Shyda’s Gun Shop & Outdoor Center is a fantastic independent retailer and a valued partner for Fiocchi Ammunition. Their dedication to representing our brand, educating customers and fostering a strong shooting sports community is unmatched. We are grateful for their hard work, professionalism and commitment to excellence, and we look forward to continued success together.”
For more info: fiocchiusa.com
Global Defense Relocates Headquarters
Global Defense, a U.S.-based provider of Turnkey Export Services and Export Consulting for firearms, components, accessories, ammunition and specialized equipment for commercial, military and law enforcement markets, announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Coral Springs, Fla., effective February 2, 2025. This strategic move underscores the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to delivering exceptional service to U.S. and international customers.
Jordan Young, CEO of Global Defense, shared, “Relocating to a larger facility allows us to expand our operations, enhance our service offerings and accommodate a growing team. By increasing our capacity, we can better support our clients in domestic and international markets, empowering manufacturers and businesses in the firearms industry to expand their global reach.”
The new headquarters, located at 3855 NW 124th Ave. Unit #8, Coral Springs, FL, 33065, boasts several key upgrades, including a spacious, climate-controlled warehouse, state-of-the-art security systems and a modernized office layout to accommodate Global Defense’s expanding operations. This new facility reflects Global Defense’s commitment to operational excellence and efficient service to its growing customer base.
For more info: globaldefense.us
Record-Breaking Year For Kids & Clays
In 2024, the Kids & Clays Foundation partnered with participating Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) chapters and conservation clubs across the country to hold 47 events in 23 states. Through hard work, careful planning utilizing all safety precautions possible, and with tremendous sponsor support, a record amount of funds were raised benefiting tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the country.
The funds generated through 47 sporting clays and other events held in 23 states was a record $4.5 million, directly supporting local RMHC chapters.
Nearly 7,000 shooters participated in Kids & Clays/RMHC chapter events nationwide. More than 750,000 clay targets were thrown in Kids & Clays-supported events in 2024. Kids & Clays also continued its tarpon fishing tournament. It was the largest tournament of its kind in the Florida Keys, raising thousands of dollars to benefit RMHC chapters nationwide.
Foundation sponsors and their products were directly promoted to more than 100,000 people in 2024 with hands-on experience. This not only includes event attendees but also marketing efforts to participating RMHC chapters’ circle of influence and at 18 special marketing event sites that were facilitated from coast to coast. This level of exposure combined with the mission continues to make donations to the Kids & Clays Foundation a great value for companies and individual supporters alike.
For more info: kidsandclays.com
