NEWSMAKERS: April 2020 Issue

NASGW President Joins NAW Leadership

NASGW President Kenyon Gleason was elected by members of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) Association Executive Council (AEC) to serve as the chairman-elect. In this capacity, Gleason will also serve on the NAW board of directors.

“Serving as a leader of the NAW-AEC is truly an honor for me,” said Gleason. “I work collaboratively with my colleagues and counterparts from a whole host of industries that focus on the two-step distribution model. I’ve learned an incredible amount from this organization and from the leaders who share my passion for promoting and supporting the distribution model, no matter the industry.”

Located in Washington, D.C., NAW represents the $6 trillion merchant wholesale distribution industry. The NAW-AEC provides a forum for association executives in the distribution industry to learn and grow.

“Serving on the NAW Board of Directors will also allow me the opportunity to better understand the many business-related issues NAW is working on in Washington, D.C. — issues that address many of the critical challenges our NASGW distributors face on a day-to-day basis,” Gleason continued.

“We’re delighted to have Kenyon in the AEC leadership and on the NAW board of directors,” said Dirk Van Dongen, NAW president and CEO. “He’s a proven leader with deep government affairs experience and will be a strong asset to NAW.”

Velocity Outdoor Appoints Executives

Velocity Outdoor recently announced the appointment of Kelly Grindle as president and co-CEO, and Nick Andrews as VP of marketing.

Grindle will work alongside Tom McGann, executive chairman and co-CEO.

Grindle most recently served as president and CEO of Hatteras/Cabo Yachts. He also held various senior executive positions in the outdoor industry, including over 16 years at Johnson Outdoors Inc., where he ultimately became president of the Outdoor Products division.

Velocity Executive Chairman and Co-CEO, Tom McGann, shared, “Kelly is a passionate outdoorsman with an outstanding record of transforming and growing outdoor businesses.”

As VP of marketing, Andrews will lead the development and implementation of the company’s overall marketing plans and strategies to support its objectives, ensuring its continued success in the outdoor industry.

“Nick has deep roots and an excellent track record in the hunting and outdoor industry,” said Steve Upham, Velocity’s SVP of sales and marketing. “We’re looking forward to having Nick join the team where he will be a key enabler in growing the Velocity Outdoor brands.”

Previously, Andrews was the VP of marketing for the Nexus Outdoors family of brands, including ScentLok, Scent Blocker, OZ, Hardcore Clothing and Tree Spider Safety.

MTC Holsters Promotes EVP

MTC Holsters, parent company of CrossBreed Holsters, N82 Holsters and Magna-Arm, announced the promotion of Nathan Engelking to the position of EVP of marketing. His duties include overseeing the marketing and advertising efforts across the MTC Holsters family of brands, marketing team management, alignment and coordination of team objectives, building brand awareness and working with the product development team to identify new products and industry trends.

“Servicing our concealed-carry consumers and supporting our 2nd Amendment rights and firearms heritage are guiding principles of everything we do at MTC Holsters,” said Engelking. “It’s an exciting time for all of us as we continue to develop new products to help our consumers keep themselves and their families safe.”

Engelking began his career at MTC Holsters in 2013 as a customer service representative. He quickly advanced through positions in IT and as social media director before becoming director of marketing for the CrossBreed Holster brand and, most recently, the N82 Holsters and Magna-Arm brands.

Adams Arms Names VP

Adams Arms Holdings announces Michael Halleron has joined the company as VP of sales and marketing. Halleron will oversee all aspects of sales, marketing and customer service.

“Mike has a proven track record in the industry and understands the value our products bring to the marketplace,” said Jason East, Adams Arms president.

Halleron comes to Adams with 20 years of experience in the firearms industry. His career includes being an independent rep, factory sales executive, two-step distribution executive and past board member of the NASGW and NSSF.

“I’m excited at the opportunity to grow the Adams Arms customer base and brand,” Halleron said. “Adams Arms offers a variety of high quality rifles, parts, piston kits and a new 9mm handgun.”

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