Newsmakers:
August 2021

Iron Valley Supply Co. Names Marketing VP

Shane Wheaton was recently named VP of marketing at Iron Valley Supply Co. (formerly Bangers LP).

“In the coming months, [Wheaton] will lead innovative marketing initiatives for our company using a unique mix of technology and creativity as we move toward a world-class e-commerce solution for our dealers. Shane’s inventive ideas and customer-focused leadership will position us as a unique and business-centric ally to our customers,” stated Brent Wouters, Iron Valley Supply Co. CEO.

Over the course of his 22-year career, Wheaton has built experience serving in sales, marketing and product development roles in two-step distribution and with manufacturers such as Remington Arms, Traditions Firearms, Smith & Wesson and Thompson/Center.

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Inc. Adds Sales Director

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Inc. (CSSI) welcomed Adam Crews as director of sales where he will help identify new market opportunities in support of the company’s goals and objectives.

“Adam’s experience in key account management and strategic planning will provide additional direction and support for our expanding sales team as we continue to grow to meet the customer’s needs,” said Ron Staffieri, CSSI president/CEO.

Crews served in the USMC and spent four years on active duty. He earned a bachelor of arts in management and human relations from Trevecca Nazarene University, and an MBA from Boise State University.

CRKT Taps Marketing Manager

Kyle Stuart recently joined Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) as the company’s new marketing manager.

CRKT VP of Marketing & Innovation Doug Flagg said, “Kyle’s depth of experience, enthusiasm and natural leadership skills will be great assets to CRKT as we set the course to take our brand to the next level.”

Stuart comes to CRKT after leading marketing strategy at the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, as well as serving as brand director at North, an independent Portland-based ad agency.

He earned a degree from Linfield College and completed the Design Thinking Certificate Program at Portland State University.

HIVIZ PROMOTES L.E./Military Sales Director

HIVIZ announced the promotion of Lanny Barnes to the position of director of L.E./military and airsoft sales to help lead the new programs.

“The dedication and passion Lanny brought to HIVIZ has enabled her to excel in the sales arena,” said Joey Turbeville, HIVIZ CEO. “We look forward to having her spearhead these new avenues and to continuing to expand the HIVIZ brand.”

Barnes joined HIVIZ in 2019 as the director of commercial sales. She has more than 20 years’ experience in sales and marketing within the firearms and ski industries.

She earned a degree in kinesiology and physiology from Colorado Mesa University, and is a three-time Biathlon Olympian and several time National and World 3-Gun Champion. Barnes has also been a member of the HIVIZ Pro Staff Multi-Gun team for the past seven years.

Streamlight Inc. Grows Sales Team

Streamlight announced several personnel changes in its L.E./Sporting Goods Sales division to further strengthen its growing presence in these markets in the U.S. southeast and southwest.

After 12 years with Streamlight, Bobby Knight was promoted to national sales manager — south. He’ll manage the company’s southeast and southwest regional managers, as well as its manufacturers’ rep groups in the south. Knight will also oversee relationships with several key accounts and OEM manufacturers.

Will Taylor was named regional manager — southeast. Most recently, Taylor served as regional manager with the 144th Marketing Group, where he worked with state, county and metropolitan law enforcement agencies to promote the Streamlight brand and grow market share.

Newly appointed regional manager for the southwest, Matt Trickey has served in sales and business development roles at Axis Recruiting Solutions, Advantage Resourcing, Volt Workforce Solutions and ECI (formerly Pacsoft).

Alyssa Hicks joined the company as the regional sales manager for the Midwest Industrial/Fire division where she’s responsible for driving sales and working with manufacturer representatives and distribution to increase Streamlight’s market share in the industrial and fire markets.

“Streamlight looks forward to leveraging [Knight’s] experience and expertise in his new role,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight VP, sales and marketing. “We also welcome Will Taylor and Matt Trickey, whose marketing and sales expertise will be a definite asset to the Law Enforcement and Sporting Goods Division. We’re confident [Alyssa Hicks’] business development experience will be a major asset to the company.”

Creedmoor Sports HIRES Tech Expert

With over a decade of experience in shooting, testing and reloading metallic catridges, Jared Haehnel joined Creedmoor Sports as the senior technical product expert.

“Jared’s experience in technical design and manufacturing combined with his experience in the industry and as a shooter will prove invaluable in bringing new and exciting products to market,” shared John Teachey, Creedmoor VP of operations.

Haehnel spent three years as an R&D engineering technician for a bullet manufacturer tasked with developing ammunition for long-range hunting, precision rifle and pistol ammunition and is well versed in standardized testing procedures set out by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Institute (SAAMI) and the Commission Internationale Permanente (CIP).

Nosler Inc. WELCOMES Managers

Nosler Inc. welcomed two new additions to its team: Tim O’Connor as product line manager, and Garrett Caldwell as rifle division product manager.

O’Connor will utilize his decades’ long industry experience to oversee the product line management process, conduct training and provide support to the sales and marketing division.

Pat Mundy, Nosler VP of sales and marketing stated, “[O’Connor’s] strong product knowledge, quality-oriented approach to his work and strong communication skills will make an immediate impact and help us sustain our dramatic growth.”

O’Connor has served in a variety of roles over his 25-year career at companies such as Leupold & Stevens, Crimson Trace and 1791 Gunleather. He is also a certified instructor at Gunsite Academy.

Caldwell will oversee production of Nosler firearms products from the Redmond, Ore. manufacturing facility.

Nosler Rifle Division Manager Jeff Sipe shared, “Garrett brings Nosler an impressive array of skills, a deep knowledge of manufacturing practices and processes and a strong organizational mindset.”

Caldwell has spent more than 18 years in the firearms industry in a variety of positions at Dakota Arms and the Remington Custom Shop. He earned a degree in applied science and gunsmithing from the Colorado School of Trades.

Have new hires or promotion announcements to share?
Send releases to: editor@shootingindustry.com

Safari Club International Creates Office, Promotes EVP

To strengthen its position as “First for Hunters,” Safari Club International (SCI) has established the Office of International Government and Public Affairs. The office will be located in SCI’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. Benjamin Cassidy was promoted to serve as SCI’s EVP of International Government and Public Affairs where he will continue to direct SCI’s advocacy team on legislative and messaging strategy for the benefit of all hunters.

The Pope & Young Club Appoints Chairman

The Pope & Young Club announced the appointment of new board member and membership chairman Mike Oropallo.

Oropallo is a first-chair trial lawyer with 30 years of wide-ranging complex civil trial experience, concentrating on intellectual property, environmental, toxic exposure and wildlife cases. He has counseled many industry clients on complex copyright, patent and trademark issues. He is also a recognized wildlife law attorney, representing clients on ultra-niche issues such as the transfer, importation and permitting of wildlife.

Iron Valley Supply Co. Adds Account Manager

With more than 30 years of sales and territory management experience, Iron Valley Supply Co. (formerly Bangers LP) welcomed Sig Scheuer to its sales department. He’s serving as an account manager and is tapped with expanding a nationwide dealer base..

Click To Read More Shooting Industry August 2021 Issue Now!