Newsmakers - October 2024

RCBS Expands Team

RCBS recently named Joel Hodgdon as the new marketing director, and Chris Rodgers as the digital and e-commerce senior manager.

Hodgdon will lead all facets of RCBS’s marketing presence as well as RCBS’s product development strategy and responsibilities.

“Joel’s addition to the RCBS staff personifies Hodgdon’s commitment to our dedicated team at RCBS,” said Steve Kerwald, Hodgdon Powder Company president and CEO.

Hodgdon’s experience stems from roles at Remington Ammunition, Federal Ammunition, The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and Hodgdon Powder Company.

Rodgers will oversee the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) website sales operations, channel strategy, website updates and all aspects of digital marketing. He will also manage the Amazon business for RCBS and will assist as needed with other Hodgdon Powder Company brands.

Aaron Oelger, Hodgdon VP of marketing and corporate strategy, shared, “Chris’s extensive experience in digital marketing, coupled with his deep understanding of the reloading and shooting industry, makes him the ideal candidate. We are thrilled to have him on board to lead our digital initiatives.”

Rodgers joins RCBS from Vista Outdoor, where he held various roles in e-commerce sales, trade marketing and DTC.

BPI Outdoors Welcomes Brand Manager

BPI Outdoors welcomed Glenn Hatt as the VP of brand management. He has responsibility for the BPI family of brands: Bergara, CVA, Quake, Powerbelt and Durasight.

BPI CEO Scot Fischer commented, “Hatt … will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic initiatives and fostering continued growth.”

He joins BPI with over 25 years of experience in the industry from roles at Browning/Winchester and most recently, Colt CZ Group. 

Leupold & Stevens Inc. Promotes Sales Managers

Leupold & Stevens Inc. announced the promotion of three members to the new position of regional sales manager. Kevin Graves oversees the eastern region, Cody Braden manages the central region and Josh Andrews covers the western region.

“Since their first day on the team, Kevin, Cody and Josh have embraced and excelled within Leupold’s high-performance culture,” said Janos Jeszenszky, director of global commercial sales for Leupold & Stevens Inc.

Graves, Braden and Andrews all joined Leupold as territory sales managers in 2021.

Stan Outdoors Names Sales/Marketing Director

Stan Outdoors named Dan Jasa its director of sales and marketing where he will lead the sales team and be responsible for developing and overseeing product-led sales strategies and enhancing customer satisfaction at all levels.

Eric Springer, president of Stan Outdoors, said, “Dan’s experiences across the target and hunting markets align with our customer goals and company vision. I’m looking forward to the impact he will have at Stan Outdoors by enhancing our responsiveness to current and future customers.”

Jasa brings over a decade of experience in the archery industry and developing initiatives to increase customer satisfaction and growth to the role.

Outtech Sales Services Adds Regional Manager

Outtech Sales Services’ newest addition to its team is regional manager for the independent channel, Cole Walbrecht. Walbrecht will be collaborating with retailers across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. 

Before joining Outtech, he worked on the marketing team at Black Diamond Equipment.

Walbrecht studied economics and chemistry at the University of Utah.

Streamlight Inc. Selects European Sales Manager

Streamlight Inc. announced the recent appointment of Pedro Wolgemuth to the role of international regional sales manager supporting the company’s European markets. Wolgemuth is responsible for developing and implementing sales and distribution tactics as well as supporting customer relationships in the company’s industrial, automotive and fire/EMS markets across Europe.

“Pedro has an extensive background in business development and customer support in the industrial and fire markets throughout Europe,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight CRO.

Prior to joining Streamlight, Wolgemuth served as 3M’s European business development manager in the Personal Safety Division — Defense & Public Safety.

Youth Shooting Sports Alliance Welcomes Exec. Director

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA) has appointed Kevin Kozel as its new executive director. Kozel has been involved in youth shooting sports programs for over 14 years as a parent, head coach, state director-at-large, advisor and industry sponsor.

“The board couldn’t have found a more passionate leader to take YSSA to new levels and continue its support for youth development programs all across our country,” said outgoing Executive Director Cyndi Flannigan, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

Kozel has enjoyed a successful career in senior and executive leadership roles in the defense contracting industry as well as ammunition manufacturing, firearms sales and distribution and hunting lodge management.

Langdon Tactical Technology Appoints President

Langdon Tactical Technology (LTT) has appointed Aimee Langdon to the position of president. Ernest Langdon will continue his role as CEO as the founder of Langdon Tactical. His focus is steadfast on innovation and product development.

Ernest Langdon stated, “Aimee has strengthened channel partnerships, developed strategic alliances and expanded our national sales presence. Her leadership has been instrumental to our team’s growth and success.”

With almost 20 years of experience in sales, communications and business development within the shooting and robotics space, she has brought a unique vision to the LTT brand. 

Iron Valley Supply Co. Advances Director

With a robust background in operations, sales and purchasing, Jacob Ring brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role as director of product management at Iron Valley Supply Co.  

Prior to his promotion, Ring managed over 5,000 products across 50 product lines, as part of the purchasing department. 

Before joining Iron Valley, he served with distinction in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard,” at Arlington National Cemetery. 

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