Newsmakers - April 2024

Vigilant Gear Holdings Welcomes Sales Director

Vigilant Gear Holdings welcomed Justin Raney as the director of sales for both Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) and Lone Wolf Arms.

Raney has 16 years of experience within the firearms industry from a variety of sales and purchasing roles with Vertx, Big Daddy Unlimited and Zev Technologies.

C&H Precision Announces President

C&H Precision appointed Patrick Kisgen president of the company where he will play a key role in steering the strategic direction of C&H Precision and overseeing its operations to drive growth and innovation within the organization.

Buck Holly, CEO of C&H Precision Family of Companies, stated, “We believe [Kisgen’s] strategic vision and industry knowledge will contribute significantly to our continued success.”

Kisgen’s career in the firearms industry spans several decades. He most recently served as the VP of sales at Daniel Defense.

SAF Promotes Senior VP

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) promoted Lauren Hill to the position of senior VP. Hill will continue serving as VP of development for the foundation, taking on additional responsibilities in the overall SAF operation.

SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut noted, “[Hill’s] willingness, enthusiasm and initiative to tackle projects beyond the boundaries of the development program, ideas for new organizational functions and vision for the future have demonstrated that she rightfully belongs in a position that will help guide SAF through the future.”

Hill joined the SAF administration in 2022 with more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit fundraising field.

She earned a master’s in business administration/marketing from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in communications from John Carroll University.

Outtech Sales Services Adds Regional Managers

The Outtech Sales Services team welcomed Derek LaBarr and Dyson Renn as regional managers for the independent channel. LaBarr will be working with retailers in OK, KS, NE and CO, while Renn’s territory is Pennsylvania and western NY.

Before joining Outtech, LaBarr spent nearly a decade in customer service roles in the outdoor recreation industry. He attended Pittsburg State University where he studied business administration and marketing.

Renn’s career includes roles at Xtreme Archery, Kinsey’s Outdoors and Redline Bowhunting. He attended the Pennsylvania College of Technology.

OSCF Adds Board Member

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) announced the appointment of Tim Brandt to its board of directors. OSCF is dedicated to expanding cultural acceptance of hunting, fishing, trapping and target shooting through research-based recruitment efforts, national engagement programs and far-reaching communication campaigns.

“We have several key initiatives in 2024 and beyond that warrant and will rely on exposure, visibility and support. Tim’s background, knowledge and network will be key assets to us and a terrific addition to our diverse and accomplished board,” said OSCF Executive Director Jim Curcuruto.

Brandt joins the OSCF board as he starts his 20th year in the outdoor industry. He is the founder and co-owner of The Murray Road Agency.

SSSF Appoints SCTP Director

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) recently named Wayne Rasmussen national director of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). 

He looks to build on the foundation already in place at SSSF and grow the SCTP across the country.

A statement released by SSSF provided, “With  [Rasmussen’s] experience in running large-scale shooting sports events, leading coach certification trainings and systems management, we are excited for him to take the helm.”

WATCHTOWER Firearms Taps Chief Growth Officer

To help manage and drive growth initiatives, WATCHTOWER Firearms expanded its executive leadership team by appointing Jordan Davis as its chief growth officer. He brings 20 years of cross-functional management experience to WATCHTOWER.

Jason Colosky, WATCHTOWER CEO, shared, “I look forward to leveraging Jordan’s tremendous sales and business development expertise as we seek to enhance the overall growth strategy for our company.”

Davis most recently held the position of CEO for Volcon Inc. He also served as president of O. Mustad & Son Inc., and the VP of marketing and business development for Remington Outdoor Co.

Gunsite Academy Adds Instructor

Gunsite Academy announced Adam Collins has earned his certification as a staff firearms instructor. Collins has been a police officer in central Texas since 2012. He served in the Army and was deployed on several combat tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

BPI Outdoors Promotes Sales VP

BPI Outdoors/Bergara Rifles announced Dakota Russell was promoted to the position of VP of sales for its Bergara Division. He is responsible for the management of Bergara’s entire sales force consisting of four independent sales agencies and 40 sales reps. 

“[Russell’s] exceptional sales experience and relationship skills will be well suited in his new position,” said BPI CEO Scot Fischer.

Russell joined BPI’s customer service department in 2013, and has since held several positions including sales coordinator, director of North America OEM sales for Bergara Barrels, national sales manager and most recently, brand manager.

CSF Board Adds Vista Outdoor CEO

Jason Vanderbrink, co-CEO of Vista Outdoor and CEO of The Kinetic Group, was named one of the newest members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) board of directors. 

CSF’s mission is to work with Congress, governors and state legislatures to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping.

Vanderbrink has more than 24 years of experience in the outdoor industry, including five years with The Cullerton Company. He also serves on the NSSF board of governors. 

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