Newsmakers
May 2022

Taurus Adds VP, Director

Taurus announced Justin Porlier was hired as VP of sales, and welcomed Cody Osborn as marketing director for the Taurus, Rossi and Heritage Manufacturing brands.

Porlier leads all the domestic sales efforts for the Taurus, Heritage Manufacturing and Rossi brands.

Porlier most recently served as regional sales manager for Dunkin Lewis Inc., and held positions at Walther Arms, Bear Archery, Crimson Trace and Mossy Oak Apparel.

Osborn is responsible for defining and implementing yearly marketing plans, new product launches, public relations, product development and advertising.

Prior to joining Taurus, Osborn was the marketing manager for Walther Arms.

He earned a B.A. and M.A. from Texas A&M University, and is a USPSA and IDPA competitor.

Primary Arms Taps Creative Manager

Primary Arms welcomed Grace Jin as a creative manager where she oversees most creative media, including photography, videography and graphics design and assists with elevating key brand elements, including packaging, advertising and product presentation.

Ken Ross, Primary Arms’ director of outbound marketing, said, “Her creativity and drive will be essential to the team’s performance, and we look forward to showcasing her expertise throughout Primary Arms’ brands.”

Jin brings over 15 years of experience in graphic design, specializing in brand development and high-performance digital marketing to her new role.

Traditions Performance Firearms Names, Promotes Managers

Traditions Performance Firearms announced Karl Ricker has joined its team as senior product development manager, and Brenna Wells was promoted to inside sales manager.

During his 31-year career, Ricker has worked with manufacturers such as Thompson Center and Smith & Wesson.

Wells, who has been with Traditions for 22 years, oversees the inside sales department team and is responsible for managing all internal sales processes, account management and sales order processes.

SAR USA Taps National Sales Manager

In his new role as national sales manager for SAR USA, Mark Scelza will oversee the growth and expansion of the company’s national account base by developing and implementing key strategic incentives.

Joaquin Fernandez, director of finance and accounting for SAR USA, said, “[To] keep up with growth, we are adding key positions to help guide us along the way. Mark’s experience and vision he brings will serve him well in his new role.”

Prior to joining SAR USA, Scelza held national sales manager positions at Barrett Manufacturing and SIG SAUER.

Walther Arms Appoints CEO

As part of a long-term strategic transition for former Walther Arms CEO, Adam Blalock, to serve as chairman of the board for Walther Arms and Umarex USA, as well as president and CEO of Walther Manufacturing, Rob McCanna was promoted to president and CEO.

“Rob is perfectly suited for this transition to CEO of Walther Arms. He has the aptitude and experience combined with a demonstrated performance in his current role. I look forward to seeing Walther thrive under Rob’s leadership,” said Blalock.

McCanna has 35 years of experience in the firearms industry. He has spent the past 12 years in various senior leadership roles.

CPG Appoints Export Sales Manager

Capstone Precision Group (CPG), manufacturer and distributor of Berger bullets and ammunition, appointed Daniel Salazar its new export sales manager.

Salazar holds a degree in administration and has 20+ years of experience working for international companies in the U.S., Canada, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico and UAE within the energy sector. Salazar recently achieved Master class designation, and is a rifle silhouette competitor.

XS Sights Advances Staff

XS Sights announced the promotion of Richard Wiese to tritium manager/ production supervisor, and Jared Fewell to customer service and sight installation tech.

Previously the tritium product manager, Wiese is now responsible for all daily operations of the tritium and production areas, supervising production area staff and overseeing production schedules to ensure all parts and final production meet XS’ standards.

Fewell has been with XS Sights for nearly 10 years, and will be instrumental in the customer service department and lend his expertise to sight installation, greet walk-in customers and handle order entry and order processing

Iron Valley Supply Co. Names VP

Iron Valley Supply Co. announced the promotion of Chris Davenport to VP of merchandising from his previous role as buyer.

Before to his start at Iron Valley, Davenport served as a product line manager for Palmetto State Armory, and as a category manager/buyer for United Sporting Companies.

Davenport is a graduate of Clemson University.

RubLine Marketing Adds Content Coordinator

RubLine Marketing welcomed Nathan Stephany as its creative content coordinator where he will use his skills and expertise to produce photo and video assets, create compelling brand messaging and develop visual marketing strategies for a variety of clients.

Stephany earned a degree in journalism and communications from Wartburg College. He previously worked as a director for Knight Vision Films.

Otis Technology Announces CEO

Bill Kleftis was appointed Otis Technology’s new CEO where he will oversee Otis Technology, Shooter’s Choice and DRD Tactical. Outgoing CEO, Larry Williams, resumed his role on Otis Technology’s advisory board and remains active in the company’s operations through various projects and efforts.

Kleftis previously held executive leadership roles at Engineering Manufacturing Technologies LLC, New York Air Brake and Carlin Combustion. He is a certified Agile Scrum Maser and Lean champion.

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