Newsmakers:
July 2021
FMG Publications Welcomes Digital Managing Editor
Serena Juchnowski joined FMG Publications as digital managing editor and content creator. She is handling online content creation and editing duties, email projects and other social and special projects.
“The addition of Serena to our team allows FMG to target more content to emerging audiences including female, youth and new gun owners. We’re looking forward to seeing the results of the energy and enthusiasm she brings to our brands,” said FMG Publications’ VP of Business Development Randy Molde.
Juchnowski is a freelance outdoor writer, photographer and High Power Rifle competitor. She earned the Distinguished Rifleman’s Badge in 2019, is a member of the U.S. Young Eagles Palma team and is also a sponsored shooter for Team Sierra Bullets, Krieger Barrels and Kelbly’s.
Barrett Firearms Mfg. Names VP
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. announced the promotion of Joel Miller to VP of sales and marketing from his position as director of global military sales. His work directing the U.S. military sales team led to the adoption of the MRAD, MK22 rifle system with separate contract awards for USSOCOM and Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal.
Barrett President Sam Shallenberger stated, “Joel’s extreme productivity and professionalism will benefit Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. even more in his new position.”
Prior to Barrett, Miller served for 23 years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1994 with a B.S. and was commissioned in armor/cavalry. He also earned an M.A. in history from Tulane University in 2004. He retired in 2017 as a lieutenant colonel.
Weatherby Inc. Hires Marketing Director
Weatherby Inc. announced the recent addition of Marketing Director Zachary Hein.
“With roots in journalism and photography, top-notch firearms knowledge, relationships in the industry and a broad range of marketing experience, Zach is the perfect candidate to help lead the in-house creative team at Weatherby,” said Luke Thorkildsen, VP of sales, marketing and product development.
Hein joins Weatherby from CZ-USA where he spent nine years in marketing, most recently as the marketing communications manager.
American Outdoor Brands Selects CMO
American Outdoor Brands Inc. named Curtis Smith chief marketing officer. In the newly created role, Smith will lead the company’s marketing, brand management, creative, e-commerce and customer service teams.
Brian Murphy, president and CEO of American Outdoor Brands stated, “Curtis has played a pivotal role in helping to develop and implement our brand strategy. He has also led our successful initiative to establish an online presence for each of our brands … and e-commerce channels throughout the pandemic.”
Smith joined the company as a divisional VP of marketing in 2017 and also held roles at Vista Outdoor Inc. and Coleman Company Inc. He earned a B.S. in chemistry and an MBA at Oklahoma City University, and currently serves on the board of regents for the AKTI.
XS Sights Announces Promotions
XS Sights announced the recent promotions of Zack Kinsley to VP of business development and Addison Monroe to marketing manager.
Kinsley is responsible for creating and implementing plans to increase existing business and for developing new business opportunities to grow market share and brand awareness.
Monroe now oversees all marketing initiatives for the company including advertising, sponsorships, the ambassador program, web content creation, graphic design and photography.
Kellie Brunn, co-owner of XS Sights shared, “Zack’s proven solutions-based approach is an integral part of our innovation, profitability and growth initiatives. This role will allow him to focus on the long-term strategic direction of XS.”
Brunn continued, “Addison has demonstrated her talents as she has taken on more responsibilities in marketing this past year. She is an excellent representative of our company and will hit the ground running in her new position.”
Hawke Optics Adds MANAGER
Matt Hougan has joined Hawke Optics as regional sales manager for Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
Kevin Sheehan, VP of sales and marketing at Hawke Optics said, “Our growth over the past few years has been tremendous. Matt’s industry experience and relationships will contribute greatly to our ongoing growth.”
Hougan spent more than eight years at Pradco Outdoor Brands where he held a variety of roles including regional sales manager. He also worked for several hunting supply companies and is a former police officer.
Hougan said, “I believe very strongly in the value of small business in the outdoor industry and I can’t wait to connect with the small-business owners of Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.”
Rinehart Targets Taps Marketing Director
Rinehart Targets recently welcomed Chuck Harris as the company’s new marketing coordinator. Harris will be spearheading the brand’s advertising, marketing, design and social media efforts.
“Chuck offers a vast creative marketing wheelhouse from art directing/designing to videography and photography, with the knowledge and experience we were looking for to add to the team,” said James McGovern, president of Rinehart Targets.
Harris attended the American Academy of Art prior to working in the marketing and advertising industry on national large brand accounts. He earned a B.A. in media arts and game development from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Providence Marketing Group Promotes Manager
Jack Gavin was recently promoted to senior marketing manager at Providence Marketing Group.
“Jack has been an incredible asset to have on the team,” said Providence President and Founder Jeff Bergmann. “He provides significant value to our organization, but more importantly to the clients we serve.”
Gavin joined Providence Marketing Group in 2013 to strengthen the agency’s social media and digital marketing efforts for clients. In his nearly eight years with the company, he has become heavily involved with several brands and handled a variety of responsibilities including media planning, media relations, social media management and writing.
Have new hires or promotion announcements to share? Send releases to: editor@shootingindustry.com