Newsmakers - May 2025

Shadow Systems Names CRO

Brandon Roper has joined Shadow Systems as the company’s chief revenue officer. In this role, Roper will lead all sales and marketing efforts.

Trevor Roe, CEO of Shadow Systems, said, “Brandon is a proven leader in the firearms industry who will be an integral part of the growth plan for the upcoming year.”

Roper brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in sales, marketing and revenue growth within the firearms industry. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of Camfour Inc. He also held key leadership roles at Smith & Wesson, Vista Outdoor, Nightforce Optics and Remington Outdoor Company.

Savage Arms Strengthens Leadership Team

Savage Arms announced key promotions as part of its ongoing commitment to growth and excellence. Casey Diefenbach is now serving as the senior director of sales and Trisha Barkyoumb is the new director of international business.

Diefenbach will expand his leadership responsibilities into additional channels including distribution and buy group networks, and he will continue to streamline communication within the organization. He joined Savage in 2022 as the director of retail sales after nearly a decade of financial planning and buying experience at Bass Pro/Cabela’s.

With nearly two decades of experience at Savage, Barkyoumb will manage ATF regulatory compliance and licenses, all imported and exported sales, imported products, licensing and international compliance regulations as well as international sales, including Canada and global sales support.

 “These promotions are a testament to the outstanding leadership and expertise demonstrated by our team members,” said Chris Bezzina, CEO and president of Savage Arms and Bowtech Archery Group.

Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. Names Sales VP

Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. announced the promotion of Chad Patrick to VP of sales.

“Throughout his career, Chad has worked closely with every customer segment and has earned an outstanding reputation for his dedication to Smith & Wesson, his deep knowledge of the firearms industry and his passion for shooting sports and the outdoors,” said Mark Smith, S&W president and CEO.

Patrick has been a member of the Smith & Wesson sales team for nearly 19 years. He joined the company as a district sales manager in 2007, then promoted to national accounts manager in 2012 and was promoted again in 2016 to national sales director.

Daniel Defense Appoints COO

Daniel Defense appointed James Baltzegar as its COO. He will play a critical role in enhancing operations, strengthening supply chain capabilities and ensuring top-tier quality and customer service.

Baltzegar brings extensive experience in operations leadership, business transformation and continuous improvement from roles at Aramark, WestRock and other industry-leading companies. He is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

Streamlight Inc. Taps Regional Sales Manager

As the regional sales manager of the Industrial/Fire Division at Streamlight, Kevin Dineen is responsible for collaborating with independent sales representatives and distributors with a strong emphasis on building end-user relationships to increase revenue and expand market penetration.

“Kevin’s combination of marketing acumen, communications expertise and experience with Streamlight makes him a great fit for this role,” said Allen Lance, Streamlight VP of sales.

Dineen most recently served as associate producer for CBS Newspath in New York City.

He previously served as a marketing intern at Streamlight where he supported the company’s product marketing and brand initiatives.

Rinehart Targets Hires Sales/Marketing Director

Rinehart Targets welcomed Dan Schultz as the company’s new director of sales and marketing. 

James McGovern, president of Rinehart Targets, said, “[Schultz’s] extensive experience in the outdoor industry combined with his expertise in sales and marketing leadership makes him the perfect fit to help drive our continued growth.”

Schultz joins Rinehart after serving as VP of sales and marketing at Cuddeback. He has also held leadership roles at Wild Communications and Fujifilm Graphic Systems.

The Headrest Safe Company Names Bus. Dev. Advisor

The Headrest Safe Company has named Marc Glasser as its business development advisor for the recreational vehicle (RV) market.

Louis Tuck, COO/CFO of The Headrest Safe Company, shared, “Being prepared, a key element of risk management, has been a consistent pursuit throughout Marc’s 30+ years of U.S. government service … We are certain that he will be a key asset to our company.”

Glasser has held a prominent position as a federal leader in various disciplines, including law enforcement, VIP protection and safeguarding three U.S. Secretaries of State.

Outdoor Warrior’s Alliance Welcomes Board Member

The Outdoor Warrior’s Alliance Inc. (dba Licking River Outfitters [LRO]) announced Jim Curcuruto has joined its board of directors.

LRO founder, Robin Gassett, noted, “We are excited to welcome Jim into our organization and look forward to having him help expand our efforts to provide as many quality outdoor experiences as possible.”

Curcuruto’s career in the outdoor industry began in 2009. He is currently serving as the executive director for the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation.

Sierra Bullets And Barnes Bullets Selects Marketing Manager

Colby Adamek joined Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets as marketing manager where he will focus on the Sierra Bullets’ side of operations to expand the brand’s visibility and reach.

Sierra Bullets’ and Barnes Bullets’ VP of Marketing and Business Development Andrew Sparks, said, “[Adamek’s] experience, technical knowledge, work ethic and ability to communicate is exactly what we’ve been looking for. Colby is going to hit the ground running and continue our focus on building brand awareness.”

Adamek previously served as the product line manager and brand manager for Stone Glacier.

 He earned a degree in finance from Montana State University.

Swanson Russell Announces Promotions

Swanson Russell announced the promotions of Will Folsom to public relations counsel, and Sam Larson to account director.

Folsom will lead PR strategy, content strategy and media relations for brands in the outdoor industry.

“We’re excited for [Folsom] to make an even bigger impact for clients in this new role,” said Finnegan. 

Folsom has served on the public relations team at Swanson Russell since early 2021.

Larson will continue to manage and lead marketing strategy for key accounts in the outdoor industry, as well as lead new business development efforts. 

“Sam’s ability to build and foster strong relationships with clients is truly impressive,” said Patrick Finnegan, EVP/group account director at Swanson Russell.

Larson has more than 10 years of experience in the outdoor industry, serving in various account management roles and most recently as an account supervisor.

Hawke Optics Adds Regional Sales Manager

Hawke Optics’ new regional sales manager to cover the Northwest region of the U.S. is Ryan Holt. He will support sales efforts in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana and Utah.

Holt brings over 14 years of experience in sporting goods sales along with more than 10 years of experience as an entrepreneur.

CzechPoint Taps National Sales Manager

Dave Biggers has joined CzechPoint as the national sales manager.

He has more than 25 years of experience in the firearms industry from various sales, marketing and training positions. Biggers also served as an airborne infantry officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.

FMG Publications Mourns Loss

John Taffin, longtime writer for GUNS Magazine and American Handgunner, passed away on March 10, 2025. 

Widely regarded as an authority on revolvers and magnum cartridge load development, he authored several books and countless articles over several decades. 

He was the founder and first chairman of The Shootists and past chairman of the Outstanding American Handgunner Awards Foundation, served on the board of the Handgun Hunters Chapter of SCI and was an NRA Life Member. He also spent nearly 30 years as a math teacher.

Taffin graduated from Kent State University and earned a master’s from the University of Montana.

FMG Special Projects Editor Roy Huntington shared, “He was a true living legend — and I’ve never called anyone that before. He was also even more decent a fellow as you could ever imagine. They broke the mold for sure after John, honest.” 

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