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- Outdoor-Hive Newsletter January 1st, 2025
Outdoor-Hive Newsletter January 1st, 2025
Tips and career/job opportunities in the shooting, hunting, archery, and sportfishing Industries.
David Dolbee & Kevin Paulson
January 01, 2025
January is finally here and it is my favorite time of the year. The ATA Show starts in 7 days and SHOT is less than 20 days out. I have spent the last week working on my calendar for the next year. If you are really interested in a jump start to planning out your year, I highly recommend this great podcast from Jesse Itzer and the team at My First Million.
Here are some tips to surviving SHOT Show:
Surviving and Thriving at SHOT Show: A Guide to the Ultimate Firearms Industry Event
As someone who's navigated the massive halls of the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum during the last 15 years of SHOT Show, I can tell you, this isn't your average trade show. We're talking about the largest shooting, hunting, and outdoor trade show in the world, spanning over 800,000 net square feet!
Did you know that SHOT Show hosts more than 2,500 exhibitors and draws over 50,000 industry professionals? That's more people than many small towns! And if you've ever tried to walk every aisle (which would cover more than 13.9 miles), you know why strategic planning is crucial.
Pre-Show Planning: Your Tactical Advantage
Map Your Mission
Study the floor plan like it's a tactical operation - SHOT Show spans multiple venues including the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum and several floors. Know where everything is including the bathrooms
Be Brutal - know whom you will see and whom you will not see at SHOT Show, you cannot do it all. If you have a team of folks, divide and conquer, it’s the only way. Utilize tools like the SHOT Show Planner.
Download the SHOT Show mobile app - it's your best friend for real-time updates and navigation and it is easy to find a booth number for just about anyone. Bring a book and have the booth numbers written in it for every meeting.
Avoid line-ups - get to the trade show early and pick up your name badge as early as possible. SHOT Show has a booth in the airport you can get your badge before you catch an uber
Make appointments early - the good meeting spots at Caesar's Forum get claimed faster than ammo during a shortage and sometimes the best meetings are sitting on the floor in a corner out of the way of the crowds.
Plug into Social Media. Use the power of social media to find out who is going to the event. Follow and use hashtags and like and comment on peers posts
Gear Up Right
Comfortable shoes or boots are non-negotiable - you'll be covering more ground than a hunting expedition
Dress professionally - especially if you are looking to grow your career
Pack business cards like magazines - you'll go through them faster than you think
Bring a portable charger - your phone will drain faster than usual with all the networking and utilizing the app.
Show Time Tactics
Navigation Strategy
Hit the New Product Center first - it's where you'll find the year's innovations
Use the morning shuttle services from partner hotels - they're free and save you the Vegas parking hassle
Take advantage of the SHOT Show University sessions - they're packed with industry insights and these rooms are a great place to network while you learn.
Networking Ninja Moves
Think ahead - The NEXT Pavilion is perfect for discovering emerging brands and making new connections and the Supplier Showcase is worth attending
Book tickets at the Gundies - the event is a gold mine for networking
Don't skip the State of the Industry event - it's where major announcements happen
Evening events are gold mines for networking - the industry's biggest deals often start at hotel bars and industry parties.
Pro Tips for SHOT Show Success
Time Management
The show runs Tuesday through Friday - pace yourself, it's a marathon, not a sprint
Plan ahead - Use the Pop-Up Preview on Monday to get an early look at new exhibitors
Lunch is a Time Suck - Bring Power bars, nuts, jerky, drinks and fruit in your bag and eat on the go if you can manage it.
After Hours
Las Vegas restaurants book up fast during SHOT week - Make dinner reservations ASAP.
Keep evening meetings near your hotel - Vegas traffic during SHOT Show can be brutal.
Use the free shuttles between venues - Save your energy for walking the show floor.
Post-Show Action Items
Follow Through
Organize your contacts immediately - You'll collect more business cards than brass at a range day.
Connect on LinkedIn while faces are fresh - Mention where you met at the show.
Schedule your follow-up calls before leaving Vegas - Calendars fill up fast post-show.
Remember, SHOT Show isn't just a trade show — it's the annual gathering of the entire shooting sports industry. With proper planning and these insider tips, you'll be ready to make the most of this incredible event. See you on the show floor!
Have an amazing week!
Hunting
The Bugle conservation & wildlife editor works closely with the editorial team and is responsible for delivering engaging, quality content about RMEF’s conservation, habitat, lands and wildlife management work for Bugle magazine and RMEF’s other communication platforms. Additionally, specific focus to be applied to wildlife conservation, elk management, natural history and other topics to further RMEF’s mission. The conservation & wildlife editor will also work with designers, writers, RMEF volunteers, interns and those from other RMEF departments, with a goal of generating quality content to further RMEF’s mission.
The Membership Data Specialist will play a key role in cleaning, analyzing, and producing visualizations from our customer relationship management (CRM) system to optimize membership engagement, campaign effectiveness, and overall direct marketing goals. This position will support cross-departmental teams by providing actionable insights, ensuring data integrity, and managing the seamless integration of new systems and processes.
The Membership Marketing Specialist is responsible for overseeing the coordination of specific components related to membership marketing campaigns (acquisition, fundraising, renewal and upgrades). Primary responsibilities include, managing the end-to-end implementation of acquisition, retention, and fundraising campaigns; developing and reviewing creative elements; analyzing campaign performance; and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The role will also coordinate prize fulfillment for direct response marketing sweepstakes and other campaigns, maintain an annual marketing calendar, and collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to deliver impactful and cost-effective campaigns.
Field Operations is the primary fundraising structure of the RMEF. Regional directors oversee local volunteer chapters in organizing fundraising events, primarily banquets and other event activities, to support the continued operation of RMEF and finance elk and wildlife conservation projects.
Assistant Buyer Essential Job Functions:
Convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders.
Evaluate production material requirements and issue purchase orders as needed.
Determine monthly metal requirements based on production schedules.
Send expedite reports to suppliers to confirm on-time delivery.
Monitor supplier delivery performance.
Obtain a certificate of origin for purchased items, as required.
Coordinate Non-Conformance Material Report (NCMR) processing with Quality, Inventory Control, and Suppliers.
Be an ambassador of the brand and instill the Orvis Vision, Mission, Core Values, and Culture in the entire team, provide individualized, personal attention to on-site customers, assist customers with check and on the course, maintain visual presentation standards, and more!
Be an ambassador of the brand and instill the Orvis Vision, Mission, Core Values, and Culture in the entire team, provide individualized, personal attention to on-site customers, assist customers with check and on the course, maintain visual presentation standards, and more!
Manage all customers within geographical territory, including Key Accounts, Buy Group Members, Distributors and Independent Retailers. Work with a team of external sales reps within the territory, meeting with them often and reviewing sales data and growth strategies. Responsible for delivering top line sales goals within territory. Tasked with creating new opportunities for product distribution and growing business with current customers. Cross-departmental collaboration on new product development opportunities based on identifying trends in the market. Candidate must have an internal drive to grow topline sales while also improving on program and relationships with customers in given territory.
Support product development and process management for Sitka apparel projects – from initial concept, through commercialization, to production. Provide project leadership and technical expertise for both domestic and overseas product teams. Collaborate with Design, Product Management, Merchandising, Finance, and Sales to establish target product attributes, costs and margins Utilize Sitka systems to ensure effective project and product documentation.
Own product development timelines and calendars to ensure performance objectives are met on-time and on-target. Provide expert knowledge and recommendations on materials, components, and construction options to meet product costing targets and functional requirements Drive holistic product testing and validation, utilizing lab and in-field assets, while effectively managing sampling and prototyping.
Develop Retail channel Demand Plans across various business categories that meet revenue targets and KPIs through collaboration with sales, marketing, finance, and product development teams. Analyze sales and inventory data to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies. Use data insights to make informed decision and recommendations to management. Create and maintain Retail channel in-season sales forecast. Use in-seasons trend forecast to identify opportunities and risk to the seasonal plan Identify and manage slow-moving or obsolete inventory to reduce excess stock.
Maintain accurate size requirements for the Retail Channel to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize stockouts or overstock situations Partner with Supply Chain Team to provide guidance regarding inbound receipt requirements to ensure optimal on-time delivery and Retail channel in-stock positions. Recommend and present monthly changes to Retail demand forecasts in the recurring S&OP Demand Review meetings. Champion the development and reporting of sales planning metrics.
In this role, you will collaborate and coordinate planning activities for wholesale accounts with key stakeholders, both internally and externally, to achieve financial goals. In this role, you will collaborate and coordinate planning activities for wholesale accounts with key stakeholders, both internally and externally, to achieve financial goals.
The Mossy Oak Field Producer & Content Creator role is an opportunity for you to express your creativity not only through the lens, but with project management and fresh ideas. You’ll see your work at a national level across multiple media channels in Socials, websites, traditional print, TV and more
Your core responsibility will be completion of various video and photo content production and editing projects that will take place both in the field and in our studio facilities.
Editing skills are preferred but not required – we offer training on editing alongside the latest tools and technology to help not only fulfill your responsibilities but grow your personal and professional skill sets.
The Staff Accountant will work diligently to ensure the continued financial and operational integrity of our company. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a variety of sectors and fields, such as retail, supply chain, and audit.
This career requires significant organizational skills, the ability to communicate clearly, the ability to balance multiple projects at once, and deliver on timelines.
Firearms
Preparation of cartridge and chamber drawings and velocity/pressure test barrel drawings for new cartridge designs and changes to existing designs.
Assist in the creation of and updates to SAAMI Technical Committee Manual documentation and American National Standard documents.
Assist in the American National Standard revision process, including formation of consensus bodies, compilation of returned comments, documentation of actions taken to resolve comments, and required updates to the standards
Assist in the management of the SAAMI Reference Ammunition Program, which will include compiling assessment data, and communicating the announcements and results with members.
Assist with the development and quarterly updates of an industry demand forecast for proof ammunition, dummy ammunition, and copper crushers.
Support the scheduling, organization and execution of SAAMI meetings and Conferences.
As needed, support other SAAMI functional areas with design of test equipment, writing of test procedures, communicating test requirements, and compiling of test results.
Make recommendations for new documentation and updates/changes to existing documentation.
The Director of Purchasing is responsible for overseeing all activities related to procurement and sourcing for the organization. We are looking for an individual with experience in the firearm industry. This key role involves developing and implementing procurement strategies, negotiating with distributors and manufactures to secure favorable terms, and managing vendor relationships to ensure the best value and margin for the company. The Purchasing Director will oversee all procurement opportunities for inventory and operational supplies, providing guidance and support to optimize purchasing processes and drive efficiencies.
The Sales Outfitter provides counter sales and customer service for Hunting/Archery Merchandise non-Firearms. This position provides customer service and sales of Floor Hunting/Archery Merchandise. They perform various selling/customer service activities, to include greeting and acknowledging all customers in a prompt and friendly manner, handling merchandise with care, providing information, assistance and direction to customers.
Tapping, reaming, GFM... (general forge machining). Hammer Forge, cut rifling, Button Rifling
If individual has several of these skills will take look:
Knowledge of setting up and programming an AFGM Hammer Forge.
understanding of hammer forge PM schedules
Mandrels change out or hammers
Gun drills- set-up, program and run
Honing- set-up, program and run
I know this is ambiguous but hi end manufacturer needs specialist. Relocation help provided.
The role of a Category Merchandising Manager is pivotal in steering the direction and success of consumer-centric product solutions. This position demands a blend of strategic foresight and hands-on management through every phase of product development, from conceptualization to market launch. The core responsibility involves orchestrating annual line plans that are not only ambitious in terms of revenue, gross margin, and market share growth but also reflective of a deep understanding of market demands and consumer preferences. This strategic assortment of superior products underpins the company’s competitive edge and its ability to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Mechanical Adjuster/Operators are responsible for adjusting, operating and repairing production machinery in the manufacture of ammunition. This includes operation of machinery as well as maintenance, repair, and adjustment of machinery, set-ups, and changeover procedures.
Experience a preview of what a Mechanical Adjuster at Federal Ammunition does by checking out the following video: https://youtu.be/rQBmnPZJido
The Graphic Designer II will play a crucial role in driving the creative evolution of SIG Sauer. Reporting to the Director, Creative Strategies, this individual will contribute towards the elevation of creative standards across a range of consumer and customer touchpoints. This role will involve managing multiple creative design projects simultaneously to meet specified deadlines and participating in reviews to provide constructive feedback to team members. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of current creative trends and a passion for staying ahead in the design industry. This role is critical in ensuring SIG Sauer maintains a high level of project output from the team and maintains brand standards and consistency throughout the organization.
The Sr. Manager of Human Resources will be responsible for the management and administration of all HR activities associated with talent acquisition, training, organizational design, performance management and employee relations activities for the Lonoke, Arkansas location in direct support of the Remington business. Must be a strong leader, able to clearly communicate with executives, coach and mentor team members to high performance and provide on-going performance feedback and guidance. Must also be a strong business partner for the executive team and very experienced in identifying issues and risks, developing solutions, and managing the relationship with other HR functions, including Compensation and Benefits.
The Manufacturing Engineer will design, build and implement high volume, repetitive production equipment and processes. Improve product and process reliability, productivity, ergonomics and safety in manufacturing processes. Provide technical support to Manufacturing Departments.
The Quality Engineer is a key factory staff member responsible for developing and maintaining programs, processes and metrics that support Quality Assurance program within Kimber Manufacturing. The Quality Engineer will work in concert with cross-functional teams and other departments to provide support in achieving quality goals defined and established by upper management.
Passion and enthusiasm for firearms and history, help describe beautiful, rare, unusual, historic, and mint condition world-class collectibles. With an eye for detail and focus on historical research, Describers work intimately with pieces of art and history from all over the world while writing descriptions of these pieces for RIAC world-class catalogs.
Fishing
Simms is looking to fill Production Specialists roles. It will train the right candidates to be members of its Wader Maker Team. An eye for detail, focus on excellence and a positive team member are the characteristics we’re looking for. The mission of the Wader Production Team is to produce high quality waders. Roles may learn the production processes in the Pressing, Sewing/Taping, Attachment/Boot Building and/or Testing and Packaging area.
This position reports to the Director of Plant Operations of Scientific Anglers. They will interface with associates throughout the company related to the business units. They will have contact with associates across broad levels of responsibility and must be able to communicate well at all levels. They will also have external interactions with vendors, customers, sales reps, and tax authorities.
If you love the outdoors, conservation, and are looking for a challenging, exciting and fun place to work with opportunities to travel, look no further!
This is a field position for someone who loves getting their hands dirty and creating with the help of mother nature. This position will see many different natural resource projects, from trail building to stream restoration to forest stand improvement and everything between.
An outdoor industry rep group is seeking dynamic & experienced INDEPENDENT REPS (COMMISSION ONLY) who are self-motivated and have a passion for the outdoors.
Large existing accounts already in place! Possible draw $$ against commission.
Territories Available
New York ~ Northeast New Jersey ~ New England ~ North Carolina ~ South Carolina ~ Virginia
Requirements
A handgun permit, or the ability to acquire a handgun permit for travel within the territory (if required).
2+ years of experience in the Outdoor Industry (retail or sales).
Experience in hunting / fishing industry is a major plus.
Must possess self-drive, comfort with telemarketing, and not be afraid to cold call.
An OEM Sales Manager is responsible for playing a vital role in the execution of an aggressive market growth plan. This position is also responsible for implementing strategic sales and promotional plans to increase sales, revenue, and continual expansion of the Shimano brand with our OEM partners. These efforts will require working closely with management and customers, as well as coordination with internal departments (Product, Planning, Service, and Marketing teams)
Simms is seeking an experienced Marketing Director to join its Outdoor Performance Marketing platform team and lead the global marketing strategy for Simms Fishing. The Outdoor Performance strategic priorities are to be consumer-first focused, lead with power brands, and invest inward. The marketing team will create focus and power of the consumer through brand marketing, content and creative services, shopper experience, and channel marketing to achieve our objectives.
As the Marketing Director you will be responsible for establishing brand positioning and strategies designed to enhance brand value and equity. You will lead and develop strategy and plans based on Simms Fishing goals of brand identification and establish global guidelines and standards for the organization. You will lead the implementation of the strategies for Simms Fishing by working with department and platform leaders to achieve market dominance while driving revenue and profitability growth.
An assembler is a professional who aims to be as efficient and consistent as possible when putting together A product. They are responsible for packaging finished goods, recording items that do not meet product quality and palletizing product. Assemblers should verify and maintain quality control standards. This position requires you to be on your feet for most of the day. The employee may have to lift objects/equipment up to 40 lbs. and overhead 25 lbs. Physical movements necessary to perform this job are lifting, turning, twisting, safety gate operation, reaching, pulling, pushing, and clutching.
Plans, conducts, and may “lead and direct” large, important projects. Serves as an advisor to lower-level personnel and may assist with the review and evaluation of personnel. Trains personnel in routing and specialized laboratory procedures. Provides technical consultation to peers and other departments — primarily Manufacturing and Engineering. Conducts experiments to improve upon or to duplicate various materials and substances and engages in research to develop new methods of processing or production. Evaluates progress and results and recommends changes in procedures as appropriate. Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge around specialization to the completion of significant assignments, operating with considerable latitude for un-reviewed action or decision.
Maintains expertise in materials used in our products and insures we have the capability to analyze those materials. Assists Manufacturing in new product implementation through procedure development, troubleshooting, etc., and assists in process changes. Research design, process, and material technologies that may be applicable within the outdoor product industry. Identifies development opportunities in new products, new processes, quality enhancements, cost reduction, product line extensions and productivity. Develops contacts to supply and manufacture technologies applicable to outdoor products.
Archery
Miscellaneous
Looking for an experienced Sporting Goods Director for this high-profile role within our organization. Our ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the Sporting Goods Category and has experience developing go-to-market recommendations and strategies. Must have the ability to communicate clearly and create impactful selling stories.
The Department Manager is required to oversee all aspects related to sales and service of his or her designated department(s) and its customers. A major component is to successfully coordinate the inventory so that the department(s) are prepared for serving our customer’s needs. The position requires three years of general experience.
As a member of the General Accounting team this position will perform full cycle accounts functions. We are looking for an experienced Accountant to join the General Accounting team at a very exciting time for our company.
Reporting to the Director, Strategic Sourcing and NPI, the Global Sourcing Manager will support Global Product Lane within Adventure Sports segment of Revelyst. The person in this role will be a key driver of the sourcing excellence, truly driving total effort related to building competitive advantage through product cost savings.
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is seeking a highly motivated individual to assume the role of Director of Development for the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). The successful candidate will be responsible for growing and supporting SCTP member teams.
In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, testing, and evaluating integrated systems for managing industrial production processes. This includes human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics, material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination. Your goal is to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure optimal use of resources.
Seeking an experienced Sr. Manager, Supply Chain Analytics and Operations to join the Global Operations team. The Global Operations team will oversee and lead the implementation of manufacturing, distribution logistics, sourcing, and supply chain activities. We will build, create, and enhance end-to-end operation strategies, processes, analytics, technology, and continuous improvement efforts.
Guns.com is seeking an energetic, forward-thinking, and professional Sales Operations Representative with experience in sales operations, customer service, retail, or B2B corporate frameworks within the firearms industry for a position based out of our Burnsville, MN Headquarters, or remote home office.
As a key member of the business development team, the Sales Operations Representative will be responsible for working with our dealer network providing service support for inventory management, order processing and general dealer customer service. Ultimately holding dealers accountable to perform within the requirements and guidelines of listing quality and timely order processing. In addition, this professional will help qualify dealer prospects and provide lead generation for the BizDev Reps.
In this key role, you will be at the heart of our sales strategy, tasked with driving revenue and market share across specific business segments. You will develop sales plans, manage quotas, and collaborate closely with other departments to optimize processes and meet company goals. Reporting directly to our Sales Director, you’ll have the opportunity to impact product growth and innovation.
What's a spider's New Year's resolution?
To spend less time on the web.
What do you tell someone you didn't see on New Year's Eve?
I haven't seen you for a year!
Why is partying in Times Square overrated?
Because they drop the ball every year.
In what year did Christmas day and New Year's day fall in the same year?
Every year!
