Newsmakers: October 2021

Umarex USA Appoints Marketing VP

Justin “JB” Biddle accepted a new role at Umarex USA as VP of marketing.

Umarex USA President and CEO Richard Turner said, “JB has been instrumental in the growth of Umarex USA and the ideation and development of many of our brands. His strategic approach from the ‘mind of the consumer’ continues to be critical in our focus on designing and providing great products for our customers.”

Prior to joining Umarex USA, Biddle served in various roles at PRADCO Outdoor Brands including director of communications, graphic designer, art director and advertising manager.

Primary Arms Promotes Director, Manager

Primary Arms announced the promotion of Kenneth Ross to director of outbound marketing and Rick Evans to the position of U.S. law enforcement field sales manager for the central region (including central Texas and 16 states) for Primary Arms Government.

Ross will oversee creative services, multimedia, brand marketing, affiliate marketing and social media strategy.

“Ken joined Primary Arms a year ago and proved his qualifications through his dedication, work ethic and creativity,” said Ozge Cumberland, Primary Arms’ SVP of business development, sales and marketing.

Previously, Ross was the creative director for several media outlets, including Autoweek Media Group and Athlon Outdoors.

With over 25 years’ L.E. experience, Evans’ sales leadership within Primary Arms Government has helped the new division build its reputation through the industry.

Cumberland shared, “Rick has contributed greatly to his role as sales agent by developing new business opportunities for Primary Arms, particularly in the L.E. community and [the company’s] new business process segments.”

Mission First Tactical Names EVP

Mission First Tactical (MFT) welcomed Bobby McGee as its EVP of product management and innovation. In his new position, McGee will provide overall direction to new product design and development, as well as create strategic initiatives for MFT product lines.

“Bobby is widely considered the leading designer in the holster market and brings deeps industry relationships. We are honored he is now joining us, and are ready to take MFT to the next level,” stated Gordon Edelman, MFT CEO.

McGee is a U.S. Army veteran, NRA pistol instructor and multi-disciplined competitive shooter. He joins MFT with over 24 years of experience as a designer in the holster market.

Outtech Inc. Advances Managers

Outtech Inc. announced the promotions of John Seliga to president, sales and brand management, and Scott Blackwell from his position of president to CEO.

Seliga will leverage his extensive industry experience to drive the growth of Outtech and its manufacturing partners. He will be responsible for brand on-boarding and support along with the day-to-day operational leadership of the Sales Services and Brand Management division.

Seliga joined the company when it was founded in 1989 as a regional sales manager and served as COO for the past 12 years.

“This move has been years in the making and there is no doubt he is the perfect person for the job,” explained Outtech Co-Founder Jay Scholes.

As CEO, Blackwell will oversee all operational and strategic aspects of Outtech, including its marketing services firms (Quickfire LLC & Legacy Conservation Partners LLC) and its new market/consumer research arm.

“Scott has guided us operationally to an organization focused on accountability — both internally as well as with our partners. This has driven improvements in productivity and results that benefit both Outtech and our manufacturing partners,” added Scholes.

Stryk Pay Welcomes New Hires

Stryk Pay recently welcomed Ron Dan as chief revenue officer and Chase Wheeler as director of merchant services.

Jeff Edwards, Stryk Pay managing partner shared, “We are thrilled to welcome Ron and Chase to the Stryk Pay team and leverage their talents, prior business experience and education to further strengthen our client services capabilities.”

Dan joins the company with over 14 years’ experience in sales, manufacturing, distribution, purchasing and product development. His most recent position was with Vertx where he served as national sales manager. He earned a B.S. in business marketing from the University of Central Florida.

Wheeler will focus on merchant specific needs, such as on-boarding, tech integrations, 2A-friendly banking relations and marketing efforts. Most recently, he was a senior recruiter for Headwaters Medical Staffing.

Wheeler earned a B.A. in business administration from Montana State University.

EOTECH Hires Product Manager

Aaron Hampton has joined the team at EOTECH as product manager. He will be the liaison between the company’s engineering and product management departments and will drive new product opportunities through their phase-gated process.

John Bailey, EOTECH VP of marketing said, “[Hampton] knows our customers and consumers and has extensive experience in getting high-quality, high-tech products to market.”

Hampton has extensive experience in product development and product line management. He contributed significantly to the development and launch of EOTECH’s Vudu line of magnified optics.

He earned a bachelor’s in business management and an MBA from Columbus State University.

Orchid LLC Adds Media Experts

Orchid LLC announced the additions of Joe Kriz, communications and inbound marketing manager, and Austin Alterio, graphics, website and video specialist. In their new roles, Kriz and Alterio will lead Orchid’s continued marketing efforts.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Joe and Austin join the growing Orchid team,” said Michelle Rydberg, Orchid COO. “Joe is a proven writer and marketer with impressive experience in the firearms industry, and Austin is a talented jack-of-all-trades digital media specialist. Their ability to create and promote content will better serve Orchid clients and the entire shooting sports industry.”

Kriz most recently curated digital content and editorial as a digital content editor for FMG Publications. He also works part-time at Bristlecone Shooting, Training & Retail Center.

Alterio brings digital design, website development and video expertise to Orchid. He recently served as a multimedia specialist with Telegraphic Brands.

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

Click To Read More Shooting Industry October 2021 Issue Now!