Newsmakers - March 2024

SIG SAUER Retains Field Sales & Operations VP

Matt Campbell has joined SIG SAUER as the VP of field sales and operations.  In this position, he is responsible for managing all field sales operations and staff supporting local retailers and distribution.

“Matt’s experience with retail customers and distribution, coupled with his proven track record of developing long-term strategic partnerships, will be an asset to our organization as we grow and our global footprint expands,” said Tom Taylor, SIG SAUER CMO and EVP, commercial sales.

Campbell joins the company after serving in various roles at Winchester Ammunition for the past 25 years; most recently he served as the VP of sales and marketing. Prior to Winchester, Campbell worked in national sales roles for Anheuser-Busch.

Dead Air Silencers Taps Sr. Product Dev. Director

Dead Air Silencers hired Benjamin Bachmeier as the senior director of product development.

Ernie Beckwith, president and CEO of Dead Air Silencers, commented, “[Bachmeier’s] experience and approach to product development are key elements to the evolution of Dead Air.”  

Bachmeier has nearly two decades of experience in the firearms, defense and aerospace industries from engineering, management and leadership positions. Most recently, he was a product manager for Magpul Industries Corp. He was also an employee of Advanced Armament Corp., and responsible for the recent relaunch of the reformed Advanced Armament Company brand.

A Girl & A Gun Appoints COO

A Girl & A Gun (AG&AG) announced the appointment of Sandra Woodruff as COO, a new position at the organization. Woodruff will lead cross-functional operations, including product development, member success and growth operations.

Robyn Sandoval, president and CEO of AG&AG, shared, “Sandra has been a key contributor on A Girl & A Gun’s leadership team … Her passion and dedication to our leaders and members will further strengthen our position as one of America’s leading training organizations.”

Woodruff enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career in state government as the deputy director of fiscal management at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. After she retired, she began consulting for state agencies and other clients. Woodruff has played a vital role in the AG&AG community since 2018, serving in various capacities.

Lipsey’s Announces Exec. Changes

Jason Cloessner was recently promoted to VP of product development for Lipsey’s, and David Wascom, was hired as CFO after serving as the company’s CPA for nearly 30 years.

Cloessner, a 25-year veteran of Lipsey’s, will continue his role in leading the special make-up firearms division and continue cultivating industry partnerships that drive special collaborations and bolster Lipsey’s innovative exclusive offerings.

Flint Virgets, Lipsey’s executive industry director, shared, “Jason’s passion for product and building industry relationships has served him and Lipsey’s well over the past 25 years of his career. He’s part of the next generation of this company that will continue to guide its future.”

Of Wascom, Mark Emonet, Lipsey’s president and COO, stated, “Nobody is more qualified than David to be our next chief financial officer. His professionalism and unique experience with Lipsey’s businesses will serve us well.”

Scent Thief Welcomes Sales & Marketing VP

Scent Thief welcomed David Langston as its VP of sales and marketing where he is tasked with elevating the company’s strategic growth and market presence.

Langston’s career of 20 years includes establishing and nurturing brands such as Muzzy Broadheads, Hunter Safety System, Can Cooker and Wac’ Em Broadheads.

NRA Women Names Woman Of The Year

SLG2 Inc. announced its founder and president, Karen Butler, was honored with the prestigious NRA Women Golden Bullseye Award for Woman of the Year. This recognition highlights Butler’s dedication and commitment to create a stronger camaraderie among women in the shooting sports community.

In a release, NRA Women stated, “Through her efforts, [Butler] has inspired thousands of once-hesitant women to transform themselves into confident gun owners and hunters, launching them on their own journeys to becoming responsible for their own personal safety and that of their families.”

KGM Technologies Welcomes Directors

KGM Technologies welcomed Bill Bracken as its director of government business development, and Sean Murphy as the director of sales and marketing.

KGM Founder Kyle Grob stated, “Their wealth of experience and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in achieving our growth objectives and delivering exceptional products to our customers.”

Bracken will play a pivotal role in identifying and cultivating new business opportunities and partnerships as well as developing government business.

He brings 15 years of experience in sales and business development to KGM.

Murphy leads the company’s initiatives to expand its presence and reach within the marketplace.

He has 12 years of experience in sales, marketing and training within the firearms and outdoor industry.

Primary Arms Government Hires Sales Manager

Kris Mancha joined Primary Arms Government as the new field sales manager for its east U.S. territory that includes south Texas, AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, LA, Maine, MD, MA, MS, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, RI, SC, VT, VA and WV.

Scott Tirman, VP of sales for Primary Arms, shared, “His knowledge and experience will make him an invaluable resource for our partners across his territory.”

Following his service in the U.S. Army, Mancha worked as a sales leader in both the custom engineered metal component and tactical gear industries.

Outtech Adds Regional Manager

The Outtech Sales Services team welcomed Cameron Barto as a regional manager for the independent channel where he will be working with retailers in WV, MD, DE, NJ and northern VA.

Prior to joining Outtech, Barto was a management trainee for a regional trucking firm. He is a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied marketing and supply chain management.  

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