Newsmakers
June 2022

FMG Publications Taps Video Producer

Nic Lenze has joined the FMG Publications team as video producer where he is producing and editing video content for all FMG properties, including the company’s YouTube channels, “Gun Cranks” and “FMG Pubs,” as well as its other social media channels. He will also focus on growing viewership and driving new readers to the American Handgunner, GUNS Magazine and American COP websites.

Randy Moldé, FMG Publications’ president, said, “Nic brings plenty of exuberance and a fresh perspective to video design and marketing. His work outside the industry is what caught our attention. We’re looking forward to the new ideas and compelling video storytelling he’ll present for all our brands.”

After completing a two-year trade program at an Avid-certified editing school, Lenze spent 12 years in post-production editing and also writes firearms-related articles.

Iron Valley Supply Co. Welcomes New Hires

Iron Valley Supply Co. recently welcomed three new members to its team: Account Managers Bryan Warchus (not pictured) and Janet Wilson and Digital Creative Specialist Jennifer Rambo.

Warchus has more than two decades of experience in the retail firearms industry, including running daily operations for two gun shops and serving as a reserve patrolman and armorer for the Portage Police Department in Indiana.

Wilson’s experience stems from positioning customers’ needs with products and services, collaborating on business growth initiatives and developing B2B relationships.
After serving in the telecommunications industry for over 30 years, she spent six years working as an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor and event coordinator at a firearms retail store.

Rambo spent 19 years at Ellett Brothers as the media supervisor. She earned an industrial technologies and commercial graphics degree from Midlands Technical College.

AKTI Engages Marketing Duo

The American Knife and Tool Institute (AKTI) partnered with marketing specialists Matt Crawford and Jay Stilwell to work with the marketing committee to create and execute marketing and communication strategies for AKTI programs, events and initiatives to increase awareness, audience and membership. They will also provide consistent messaging regarding the association’s mission, programs and legislative direction through all forms of media.

Blaser Group Names Director

Blaser Group named Joshua McBrayer its director of shotgun programs for North America. He is responsible for managing the company’s competitive shotgun sports presence as well as building additional Blaser, Mauser, J.P. Sauer, Liemke and John Rigby & Co. programs and relationships with consumers and dealers.

Jason Evans, Blaser Group CEO, said, “Josh has done an outstanding job establishing and managing sales channels and dealer networks on behalf of Blaser throughout the world and building long-term relationships with partners.”

McBrayer spent six years working with Blaser Germany as international sales manager for Blaser in Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Benelux, South America and the USA. Most recently, he served as brand manager for the company in addition to his sales role.

Drake Waterfowl Systems Selects VP Of Development

Drake Waterfowl Systems (Drake) announced Jim Ronquest has joined the company as VP of development where he is responsible for cultivating and managing industry partnerships and relationships on behalf of Drake. He will also support Drake through content production and product development.

Ronquest spent more than 25 years with Rich-N-Tone (RNT) Calls and introduced audiences to waterfowl and wetlands conservation through his outdoor television show, resulting in raised awareness and protection of the places and species vital to the lifestyle.

Gunsite Academy Adds Marketing Director

Shari LeGate is now serving as director of marketing for Gunsite Academy.

“Buz Mills, president and owner of Gunsite, and I are proud to add Shari to our outstanding team of professionals,” Gunsite Academy CEO Ken Campbell said. “We look forward to working with Shari to help take Gunsite to unprecedented levels in our industry.”

Most recently, LeGate was the video producer for FMG Publications and a contributing writer to the brand’s publications. She was a member of the U.S. Shooting shotgun team and won numerous medals as well as the International Distinguished Shooting Badge from the DoD. Upon retirement from competition, LeGate was recruited as executive director for the Women’s Shooting Sports Foundation. She was the shooting sports analyst for ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games and is the color commentator for the summer Olympic Games shooting sports.

LeGate studied marketing and broadcast journalism at Arizona State University.

Leupold & Stevens Inc. Announces VP & Director

Tim Lesser was recently named Leupold & Stevens Inc.’s VP of product development and marketing, and Dustin Miller transitioned to the role of director of NPI (New Product Introduction) engineering.

Lesser’s duties include leadership of the product development team and the brand’s internal marketing team.

Bruce Pettet, Leupold president and CEO, said, “[Lesser’s] drive, talent and commitment to the Leupold brand make him the perfect person to continue to elevate our product development and to take our consumer marketing efforts to the next level.”

Miller, who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering, joined Leupold in 2021, and has an extensive background in product design and development.

Primary Arms Names Controller

Primary Arms welcomed Hue Ly as controller to oversee accounting operations across all major business units. He will be responsible for all aspects of Primary Arms’ financial reporting, financial analysis and accounting functions for all four major business units, including optics, e-commerce, government and wholesale. Ly will also act as a key contributor to future investment decisions.

“Hue complements our strong team-oriented, customer-focused culture,” said Matthew Do, Primary Arms’ CFO.

Ly has over 23 years of accounting and finance experience from a range of industries. Before joining Primary Arms, he was a controller at Dhanani Group.

Redding Reloading Promotes VP

Redding Reloading Equipment announced the promotion of AJ Ferris to VP of manufacturing operations where he coordinates engineering, production control and the manufacturing group to continue the company’s focus on enhanced productivity while maintaining rigid quality standards.

Ferris joined the company in 2010 as a member of the customer service department. His experience with CAD and drafting quickly led him to the engineering department where he became an interface between engineering and manufacturing. He has been instrumental in integrating several new CNC machining centers over the past 14 months, enabling significant production increases.

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Inc. Enlists Sales Rep

With 21 years’ experience in shooting-supplies sales, Lacey Thomas joined Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Inc. as a sales rep. Thomas has extensive knowledge of accessories, optics and ammunition in particular.

“Lacey brings a wealth of talent through her approach to selling. We are excited to have her on the team,” said Ron Staffieri, CSSI president/CEO.

Camfour Welcomes VP

Camfour welcomed Brandon Roper to its leadership team as the VP of sales and marketing. He is responsible for leading the growth and performance of the sales team.

“[Roper] brings strong experience in our industry and with wholesalers in particular. He will help us continue our strong sales growth across the United States,” stated Christopher DiCenso, president of Camfour.

Roper has over 16 years of experience in the industry from positions at Remington, Nightforce Optics, Vista Outdoor and most recently, Smith & Wesson.

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