Newsmakers - November 2024

SureFire Welcomes Marketing VP, PR Manager

SureFire recently welcomed Tom Scott to its team as the VP of marketing, and Brenna McCoubrey as the public relations manager.

Prior to joining SureFire, Scott served as the VP of marketing and product management for Real Avid; senior director of marketing and product management for Kimber; and director of marketing and communications for FN America.

He earned a B.S. in marketing from the University of Florida, and an MBA in marketing from Case Western Reserve University.

McCoubrey joins the team after serving as the marketing manager for Yankee Hill Machine Co. Her prior experience included developing marketing plans and brand strategy for White Birch Armory, an NSSF 5-star rated range and serving as a subject matter expert at SHOT University and Range-Retailer Expo on brand strategies, event planning and social media.

McCoubrey earned a B.S. in marketing from Suffolk University.

SAR Firearms Appoints CEO

SAR Firearms, the exclusive distributor of Sarsilmaz products in the USA, has named Tony Pignato as CEO.

“Building a community around an amazing company that has been a pioneering and innovative brand for nearly 150 years is exciting,” said Pignato upon joining the company.

Most recently, he served as a key member of the executive leadership team at Staccato 2011 and Staccato Ranch. Pignato also has 20 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army; he retired as a first sergeant.

ASP Appoints Sales Director

Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP) announced Rene Ramos is now the director of sales for the southeast U.S. region. Ramos will be responsible for L.E. agency and distributor relationships in a six-state territory.

Ramos joins ASP following a 21-year career in law enforcement. Prior to his time in law enforcement, he served in the United States Marine Corps.

Can-Am Sales Group Promotes Dealer Sales Manager

Can-Am Sales Group promoted Russ Ackerman to the position of dealer sales manager. While maintaining many of his account responsibilities, Ackerman will be responsible for developing and implementing a dealer sales strategy to achieve organizational goals and revenues.

“With over 30 years of sales, retail and merchandising experience, I am confident Russ will do a fantastic job leading our dealer sales efforts,” said Can-Am Sales Group President Scott Makway.

Ackerman has 30+ years of experience in the outdoor industry, most recently serving as a senior account manager with Can-Am. He was also the national sales manager for Flambeau Outdoors.

C&H Precision Taps Marketing Director

Travis Tipps is now serving as C&H Precision’s marketing director where he will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing initiatives to further strengthen C&H Precision’s brand presence and drive growth.

Tipps’ experience stems from a variety of roles with companies such as Daniel Defense, Strategic Armory Corps, Norma and Blue Force Gear.

Coreware Names Compliance Manager

Coreware, a provider of software solutions for the firearms industry, named Tony Keller as the company’s compliance manager. He will work closely with system developers and customer service leadership to identify and address the compliance needs of Coreware and its customers. He will guide and advise on system use, compliance requirements and best practices to ensure compliant firearms business transactions.

Keller has over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, retail firearms sales, management and compliance roles at establishments such as Tombstone Tactical in Phoenix, Scottsdale Gun Club in Scottsdale and Colonial Shooting Academy in Virginia Beach.

Sierra and Barnes Hires Digital Marketing Specialist

Dale Evans has joined Sierra and Barnes as the digital marketing specialist. He will enhance the online presence of Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets to drive brand awareness and engagement. He will also develop and implement marketing strategies that align with Sierra and Barnes’ overall brand goals and create compelling content and social media campaigns.

Evans served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force before launching a career in the outdoor industry where he has been involved with the Outdoor Sportsman Group and projects with conservationist Randy Newberg.

John Rigby & Co. Welcomes Gunmaker

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. announced Daniel Rivers as its newest gunmaker. Rivers will focus primarily on finishing work while also gaining further experience in regulation and actioning.

Marc Newton, managing director of John Rigby & Co., said, “[River’s] dedication to fine workmanship makes him an excellent fit for Rigby. We look forward to the contributions he will make to our legacy.”

Originally from South East London, Rivers developed his skills in design and furniture making before transitioning to the gun trade.

Staccato Expands Team

Staccato welcomed Jessie Harrison and KC Eusebio, two of the world’s top shooters, to its team. Harrison joins the brand as training director and brand specialist, and Eusebio joins as director of special projects and business development. They will be focused on designing and delivering firearms instruction, partnerships and experiences that reflect the fun, family and freedom that the Staccato brand offers through its ecosystem of Staccato 2011 pistols, Staccato Ammo and Staccato Ranch.

Harrison is the first female USPSA Grand Master. She has won over 100 world and national championship titles, including the prestigious Bianchi Cup, the Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championships and numerous USPSA National Championships.

Eusebio is an Army veteran, 11-time World Speed Shooting Champion and 24-year USPSA Grand Master. He was the youngest USPSA Grand Master at the age of 12. He has also trained many elite law enforcement and military groups in the U.S.

SAF Welcomes Major Gifts Officer

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) welcomed financial advisor and development professional Dana Wilson as the new major gifts officer.

“Dana’s unique blend of experience in the financial and nonprofit industries, along with her steadfast passion for firearms and the Second Amendment made her an ideal candidate to lead SAF’s major gift efforts,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut.

Wilson has specialized in strategic communications, donor engagement and fundraising within various nonprofit sectors with a focus on sport and athletes for the past 20 years. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and is a triple-certified nonprofit executive, holding CNC, CDE and CNE designations.

ANECHOIC Advances Digital Marketing Manager

Titanium suppressor manufacturer, ANECHOIC, announced Dylan Rice’s promotion to digital marketing manager. Rice will develop and implement digital marketing strategies to expand ANECHOIC’s online presence, increase brand awareness and drive customer engagement.

“[Rice] has proven his qualifications through his dedication, work ethic and creativity,” said Miranda Cook, ANECHOIC director of marketing. “We are confident he will enhance our online visibility and connect with a broader discerning customer audience.”

High Speed Gear Promotes Sales Manager

High Speed Gear announced the recent promotion of Jay Sheets to sales manager where he oversees the sales and customer service team. He will develop strategies to expand the company’s market reach and continue to foster relationships with dealers and distributors.

Allison Mitchum, director of sales and marketing at High Speed Gear, shared, “[Sheets’] level of excellence is the perfect representation of our company and our mission to continue to serve our customers by providing the best gear with the best service.”

Sheets joined the company nearly five years ago. 

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