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- Outdoor-Hive Newsletter January 29, 2025
Outdoor-Hive Newsletter January 29, 2025
Tips and career/job opportunities in the shooting, hunting, archery, and sportfishing industries.
David Dolbee & Kevin Paulson
January 29, 2025
It’s always a little strange to come home from the SHOT Show. Sometimes, I come home and spend a week in bed, because I’m down for the count from the sickness that comes from every trade show — especially if your body is already under the weather. This year, I came home full of energy. However, I really needed a day to unwind… and honestly, there just wasn’t time to rest and relax. We have Work to do!
Surviving the Post-Trade Show Paper Avalanche: A Guide to Not Losing Your Mind
So, you've just returned from a SHOT SHOW with a stack of business cards taller than your largest coffee mug, a bag full of branded stress balls, gun patches, and stickers. Now, what do you do in order to make an impact that will really matter come time to set interviews?
Step 1: The Great Card Sort (i.e. Why Did I Take a Card from the Hot Dog Stand Guy?)
First things first. Dump the collection of business cards and start sorting them like you're playing the world's most corporate game of Risk. Create three piles:
Must Contact: (he ones you remember and most want to talk to.
Maybe Later: The ones you vaguely remember after your third cup of coffee.
Who Are You Again?: Including that mysterious card that's just covered in pizza sauce and gunpowder.
Step 2: The Email Marathon
Now comes the fun part, crafting the follow-up emails. Remember:
Be prompt — Before they forget who you are, and why they gave you that fancy patch.
Be personal — Mention something specific from your conversation, not just, "It was great meeting you at the show!"
Be professional — Despite how much fun you had at the networking mixer.
Step 3: The LinkedIn Connection Spree
Time to boost those social media connections! But please, for the love of networking, customize your connection requests. "Met you at the trade show where you told that hilarious story about your cat starting a LinkedIn profile." works much better than the default message. Don’t be that person.
Step 4: Organization Is Your Friend
Create a spreadsheet to track your follow-ups. Include:
Name and company (obviously)
What you discussed (beyond complaining about the fear of SHOT SHOW Crud)
Next steps (more specific than "become best friends")
Follow-up dates (and actual reminders, not just Post-its that will fall behind your desk)
Step 5: The Long Game
Remember, following up isn't a one-and-done deal. Keep the conversation going with:
Relevant article shares (that you've actually read)
Thoughtful comments on their social media posts (more than just "Nice!")
Periodic check-ins (without becoming their new pen pal)
The Golden Rules of Follow Up
Be genuine: People can smell fake enthusiasm from a mile away
Be patient: Good relationships take time to build
Be persistent: Know the difference between persistent and restraining order
Remember, the goal isn't just to add names to your network - it's to build meaningful professional relationships. And maybe figure out why you have that hot dog stand guy's card (though their chili dogs were pretty amazing).
Final Thoughts
Following up after a trade show doesn't have to be a chore. Stay organized, be authentic, and maintain a sense of humor about the whole process. After all, everyone else is probably sitting at their desk, also wondering why they took so many stress balls.
Now go forth and follow up! Perhaps it would be best to wait until after your second cup of coffee to start sending those emails.
Please share this newsletter with anyone you know who is looking for a career change, a new employee or new opportunity.
This Week’s Employment Listings
Firearms
The Territory Development Representative is crucial in driving the company's sales efforts for Clothing and Accessories. This involves soliciting orders for our products from business and industrial establishments. The position involves regional efforts to drive growth in clothing and accessories and support our hardline business with firearm sales support, tradeshow and marketing events attendance, and wholesale merchandising at retail. The role also includes office-based sales strategies and direct customer engagement at various locations, including the sales office, store, showroom, or directly at the customer’s place of business.
Lancer is seeking a team-oriented individual responsible for the product design and project management of firearms and accessories. An ideal candidate has a firm grasp of engineering concepts, experience designing mechanical systems, an attention for detail and strong communication skills.
The Director of Manufacturing Engineering will own and manage all engineering aspects of high-volume production and assembly for small, intricate, precision electro-optic and electro-mechanical assemblies. This individual will be responsible for driving improvements in manufacturing processes, leading new product introductions, and expanding our production capabilities to support future growth. The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert with extensive experience in process optimization, automation, and team building.
SilencerCo is looking for a new Sales Representative to join its Outside Sales Team. You would be responsible for providing a high level of customer and end user experience throughout the state of Texas. You will have the opportunity to build and maintain existing business relationships with the best suppressor dealers in the state, all while working to promote SilencerCo at events with dealers in Texas and across the country.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about firearms, willing to travel, and able to represent SilencerCo’s brand in a manner aligned with our culture. This position requires an individual who can manage their time and who is self-motivated.
This position reports to our National Sales Manager.
The Sales Director will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth by managing existing domestic accounts and leading efforts to expand sales in international markets. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong relationship-building skills, extensive sales experience, and a deep understanding of international business practices.
SilencerCo is looking for a new Sales Representative to join its Outside Sales Team. You would be responsible for providing a high level of customer and end user experience throughout the state of Texas. You will have the opportunity to build and maintain existing business relationships with the best suppressor dealers in the state, all while working to promote SilencerCo at events with dealers in Texas and across the country.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about firearms, willing to travel, and able to represent SilencerCo’s brand in a manner aligned with our culture. This position requires an individual who can manage their time and who is self-motivated.
This position reports to our National Sales Manager.
SilencerCo is looking for a new Sales Representative to join its Outside Sales Team. You would be responsible for providing a high level of customer and end user experience throughout the state of Texas. You will have the opportunity to build and maintain existing business relationships with the best suppressor dealers in the state, all while working to promote SilencerCo at events with dealers in Texas and across the country.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about firearms, willing to travel, and able to represent SilencerCo’s brand in a manner aligned with our culture. This position requires an individual who can manage their time and who is self-motivated.
This position reports to our National Sales Manager.
The Operations Manager is a key leader within En.Range, Inc., you will work closely with all department leaders to identify areas for improvement and develop actionable plans to address operational challenges. You are expected to lead by example, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency within the team. You will also be involved in budget planning, resource allocation, and performance monitoring to ensure that operational objectives are met.
As the Operations Manager you will be tasked with driving safety initiatives and overseeing training programs to maintain a secure working environment. Additionally, you are responsible for implementing and evaluating Operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Standard Work processes. By focusing on both short-term improvements and long-term strategies, your aim will be to enhance operational excellence standards across safety, quality, delivery, costs, and inventory management.
The Mechanical Dimensional Inspector III is responsible for all aspects of quality inspection of the company’s products including full understanding of CMM use to include basic programming. The position performs a wide variety of complex inspections in the production process including routine and non-routine visual, dimensional, mechanical, test and functional set-ups and inspections, can recognize trends and report on them, provides production support; data collection and analysis, troubleshooting and root cause analysis, and train all aspects included in level III to co-workers and workplace organization and safety.
The Intern conducts research, analysis, modeling, and experimentation for product and process development. Contributes to the design, structure, and support of applications used to manufacture ammunition and related components.
The individuals selected for a Remington internship will work with the engineering team, in an engineering role.
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.
At the heart of the Category Merchandising Manager's role is the development and articulation of a coherent vision and strategy for the product segments under their purview. This vision must be grounded in a robust analysis of market trends, consumer behaviors, and the competitive landscape. It requires a keen insight into the return on investment each product is expected to deliver, supported by concrete market data and a clear roadmap for development and launch. The strategy must be comprehensive, covering all channels of distribution to ensure a cohesive and powerful market presence.
Packages materials and products manually by performing the work/packaging instructions specified for each product or part. Visually verifies that parts and or finished products are in compliance with SIG SAUER’s quality standards.
As an Outside Sales Representative, you will be the face of our brand, visiting gun shops and building strong relationships within your designated territories. We’re looking for "ROAD WARRIORS" who are excited about traveling and exploring our great country while sharing their passion for firearms.
*Key Responsibilities:
Travel extensively to establish relationships with independent gun retailers
Act as a brand ambassador, promoting our products and values
Conduct sales presentations and product demonstrations
Collaborate with the sales team to strategize and meet sales goals
Provide feedback from the field to help improve our offerings
*Qualifications:
Recent college graduate or young professional (0-2 years’ experience)
Strong knowledge and passion for firearms and the Second Amendment
The “Lead Gunsmith” is a critical role to business, so we are searching for a motivated, intellectually curious, hardworking, problem solver that is also ready to step up and be a leader in our rapidly growing business. You will be responsible for directing employees, maintaining exemplary records, interacting with customers, etc. We have a full shop including a lathe, mill, dirty room, blasting cabinets, an in-house test fire, a DCOA station, Cerakoting room (ovens & vented spray booth) and all the tools you need to complete your tasks.
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.
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.
Hunting
Looking for an Outside Sales Rep to cover the Northwestern, United States territory, which includes WA, OR, ID, MT, and WY. The Outside Sales Rep is responsible for managing Odle’s relationships and sales of established accounts (and build relationships with new accounts!) in the Commercial and Law Enforcement markets within the territory. You will be responsible for showcasing new products, analyzing sales and sell-through metrics, develop sales promotions and strategies as well as product sales training for dealer accounts. In addition. you will provide exceptional customer service to our dealer accounts; answering their questions and problem solving when issues arise.
This position is the champion and lead on event programming for the sporting activities. These programs is what defines the club and sets the culture for the future. Programming includes everything from the planning stages to marketing and the proper execution of the events.
This position is also responsible for the operation and supervision of the Hunting Operations Manager, Hunting and Fishing instructors, Dog Handlers, Range Officers, and Clay Course Instructors / Guides. Plans, implements, and monitors departmental budgets. Hires, trains, and supervises subordinates and applies relevant marketing principles to assure that the wants and needs of club members and guests are consistently exceeded.
Seeking an experienced Director, Growth Marketing to join our Outdoor Performance platform which consists of Bushnell, Blackhawk, Camp Chef, Primos, Simms Fishing, Stone Glacier, and other outdoor accessory brands. The Outdoor Performance strategic priorities are to be consumer-first focused, lead with power brands, and invest inwards. We will build the Outdoor Performance business by creating focus and power with the consumer. This position will be part of our Direct-to-Consumer leadership team that will focus on driving growth by enabling exceptional consumer experiences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Archery
The Finishing Operator for Pultrusion is responsible for all the product coming off the operator's machines which includes ensuring that product is within company specs. and that work orders are completed within a specified time limit.
The Manager of Manufacturing Engineering is responsible to ensure Easton has the right equipment and technology to produce quality products cost effectively in the United States. This role will also lead and develop the department's staff, and will be extensively involved with automation efforts, machine designs, and new equipment validation/implementation.
Provides service and assistance to new and existing accounts: Answers incoming phone calls from dealers, sales reps, and consumers. Takes and enters orders from customers, either by phone or email. Responds to inquiries regarding order status, product information or warranty information. Provides technical help and advice to the customer. Resolves customer problems and complaints, such as delivery or mis-shipped product. Issues Return Authorizations for warranty returns on defective product, according to company policy. Helps create additional sales by suggesting add-ons to incoming orders or special promotions.
Maintains the accounts: Communicates and maintains a positive relationship between Hoyt and customer accounts. Relays information regarding issues to appropriate internal personnel. Interacts with credit department regarding product holds due to credit issues, the shipping department regarding shipments, the planning department regarding delivery dates and backorder status, the Warranty department to check warranty status and/or policy, and the engineering department regarding technical information.
Fishing
This position will be responsible for entering dealer orders via email and phone, managing our Pro Portal applications, and assisting customers to resolve warranty/repair claims. Employee will also assist consumers and dealers with technical product questions related to fly fishing. Additional duties could include assisting with general office and warehouse duties, marketing and media efforts, and product development.
JRA Sales Inc. is a one of the Nation’s leading manufacturer's representative agencies specializing in the Outdoor Sports, namely, Shooting Sports, Hunting and Fishing. It represents industry-leading brands with excellent quality products for our wholesaler/retailer customers and provide exceptional service and year-over-year sales growth to our manufacturer clients. The team is enthusiastic about the job they do and committed to driving sales growth through our proven sales strategies. All while building strong relationships that have an impact on the shared success of JRA Sales Inc. and its partners.
JRA is seeking a results-driven Field Sales Representative and Account Manager to join its team. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the Outdoor Sports Market, excellent sales skills, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with our customers and clients. This role involves managing sales activities within Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.
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.
Miscellaneous
As a Buyer you will be owning and driving all facets of product assortment, financial planning, and vendor partnerships of the category with strong collaboration with their integrated cross-functional team.
The Strategic Accounts Service Professional is responsible for acquiring, developing and expanding relationships with strategically important customer accounts as determined by management. This individual is responsible for seeking out new strategic accounts, setting up appointments, presenting RSR’s capabilities and generating new business and profit for the company. This individual will analyze sales performance, develop strategies to improve sales and gross profit, and ensure compliance with all vendor programs.
Duck Camp is seeking an ambitious, organized and experienced individual to lead its Wholesale division. This is a pivotal role that is responsible for developing and executing our wholesale strategy to drive revenue growth, expand its market presence and strengthen relationships with key retail partners.
he 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.
