Newsmakers - May 2024

Vigilant Gear Welcomes President

Vigilant Gear, owner of Primary Weapons Systems and Lone Wolf Arms, has appointed Ben Fleming president. Fleming will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the companies’ operations, including strategic planning, business development and product innovation.

Nate Treadaway, CEO of Vigilant Gear, said, “[Fleming’s] belief in our goals and shared values aligns perfectly with our vision for the future. We are confident that under his leadership, Primary Weapons Systems and Lone Wolf Arms will continue to thrive and innovate.”

Topple Names Growth Director

Topple Ad Network (Topple), a censorship-free digital advertising platform, announced its expansion into the UK and Europe with the appointment of Alexander Joseph Rock Cooper as the director of growth for the region.

According to a company press release, “Alex has already made his mark on the industry, representing Topple at the recent British Shooting Show (and IWA OutdoorClassics). His presence was well received by publishers and advertisers alike, establishing valuable connections within the community and laying the foundation for rapid growth in these new markets.”

With a family legacy tied to the co-founding of Birmingham Small Arms, he brings a deep understanding of the European business landscape to his new role. Before joining Topple, he worked at Floorplanner, a software company used internationally across various industries.

ThermaSeat Taps National Sales Manager

Samantha Pillsbury has joined ThermaSeat as its new national sales manager. In this role, Pillsbury will drive strategic initiatives, forge strong partnerships and expand market presence.

“Pillsbury’s appointment demonstrates ThermaSeat and North East Products’ commitment to innovation, quality and customer satisfaction,” provided a company press release.

Prior to joining ThermaSeat and parent company North East Products, Pillsbury held key positions at Bemis Associates, Whalen Furniture and United Solutions.

1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group Appoints Product Dev. Director

As the director of product development for 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group, Justin Hoffman will collaborate with vendors, business-to-business customers and consumers to create new and innovative products that meet marketplace and environment needs.

“With his robust background and extensive experience in crafting purpose-built solutions, Justin brings a dynamic approach to innovation that resonates perfectly with our company’s ethos,” shared Alex Toussieh, COO of 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group.

Upon leaving the Navy in 2010, Hoffman became a professional firearms instructor. He then developed holsters and tactical products for military, law enforcement and private citizens.

Streamlight Inc. Advances Directors

Streamlight Inc. announced the promotions of Eric Pike to director of e-commerce and digital shelf architecture, Kevin Burger to director of automotive and hardware and Geoff Evans to sales director, Canada.

Pike will focus on ensuring a consistent shopping experience across all digital platforms as well as Streamlight’s third-party reseller program. He joined the company in 2003 and recently served as the director of the Automotive/DIY division.

Burger is responsible for sales and distribution within the Automotive/DIY division, providing input for the annual sales and operating plans and direction for the market’s national account managers and manufacturer’s representative agencies. He joined Streamlight in 2008 as a national sales manager in the Automotive/DIY division.

Evans will develop and manage sales and distribution tactics and initiatives for Streamlight’s Industrial/MRO, Fire/Emergency Response, Law Enforcement, Sporting Goods, Automotive, DIY and Federal/Military markets. He will work closely with the company’s Canadian manufacturer’s representative agencies, and continue to manage the relationship with W.W. Grainger’s operations in the U.S. He joined Streamlight in 2007 and most recently, served as the Canadian market manager.

Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight’s chief revenue officer, said, “I’ve had the opportunity to work with all three of these sales professionals. Their enthusiasm for the Streamlight brand, their extensive product knowledge and customer service acumen have played key roles in promoting business development within the markets they served.”

Nosler Inc. Announces Promotions

Nosler Inc. announced the promotion of several employees: Tim O’Connor to law enforcement sales and product development manager, Mason Payer to brand marketing director, John Nason to director of business development and Madi Woodward to marketing manager.

O’Connor is now responsible for Nosler’s sales efforts to the L.E. community, as well as honing Nosler’s product offerings to this specialized set of professional customers.

Payer will oversee outward-facing branding, and provide direction on the product development process and Nosler’s market strategy.

Nason is responsible for strategic relationship building public relations, event management and engagement and special marketing projects.

Woodward is managing Nosler’s outward-focused marketing activities, including advertising, social media, trade show and consumer show planning and execution, Nosler-branded merchandise creation and assortment planning and elements of direct-to-consumer sales.

Kryptek Selects International Sales Director

Kryptek Outdoor Group welcomed Eden Palm as the director of international sales. Palm is responsible for expanding Kryptek’s presence on the international stage.

Tim Piver, COO of Kryptek, expressed, “We are excited and proud to have him as part of the great Kryptek team and we are already watching him grow our worldwide footprint!”

Palm’s international career has included roles with Paul Frank, Alpinestars, Red Bull Eyewear and Norton Motorcycles.

FPC Action Foundation Names President & CEO

Constitutional litigation attorney Cody J. Wisniewski was recently named president and CEO of the FPC Action Foundation (FPCAF) by its board of directors. In addition to directing operations and setting the direction of the organization, he will continue to manage the FPC law portfolio and serve as a key advisor to Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC).

FPCAF founder and chairman Brandon Combs said, “We fully expect that Cody will continue to deliver high-impact results for the people we serve and achieve the mission through his leadership, tenacity and strategies across FPCAF’s programs and operations.”

He previously served as FPCAF’s general counsel and VP of legal. In that role, he led efforts resulting in multiple victories, including the first injunction and merits victory in the nation against the ATF’s “frame or receiver” rule (VanDerStok v. Garland), as well as the first injunction in the nation against the agency’s “pistol brace” rule (Mock v. Garland).  

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