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- Outdoor-Hive Newsletter August 27, 2025
Outdoor-Hive Newsletter August 27, 2025
Tips and career/job opportunities in the shooting, hunting, archery, and sportfishing industries. These are the opportunities that will grow your career and grow our industry.
David Dolbee & Kevin Paulson
August 27, 2025
The Power of Connection: Building a Network That Fuels Growth
by Kristi Elrod | August 27, 2025
We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” The truth is, both matter. Knowledge builds credibility, but connections create opportunity. Relationships are often the bridge to career growth, mentorship, and even personal well-being. According to Grant (2025), nearly 70% of jobs are filled through networking, and professionals with mentors are 90% more likely to reach leadership positions. Connections aren’t just about knowing people—they fuel opportunity, personal growth, credibility, and inspiration. A strong network can open doors, sharpen your skills, build your reputation, and give you the motivation to reach higher.
In the outdoor industry, we are uniquely fortunate. Not only do we connect through professional associations, roles, or regions—we also bond over our shared love of the outdoors. That passion creates a rare foundation for authentic relationships. Spending time together in the field or on the range creates rare bonds that other industries will never experience. If you haven’t yet made networking a priority, consider this your challenge to start setting some intentional goals.
Why Networking Matters
Strong networks offer more than just names in a contact list—they provide real advantages. Meaningful connections help you grow in four key ways:
1. Opportunity & Access
Open doors to new organizations, roles, and mentors.
Meet influential people who can broaden your perspective.
Gain career advice, support, and feedback.
2. Personal Growth & Confidence
Strengthen social and communication skills.
Improve your personal elevator pitch by practicing how you present yourself.
Boost confidence as you share your value and see it recognized.
3. Credibility & Brand
Build your personal brand as someone who contributes and connects.
Develop trust and credibility across your industry.
Position yourself as a resource for others.
4. Inspiration & Well-Being
Strive toward greater success through upward comparison—comparing yourself to high achievers.
Spark creativity by engaging with fresh ideas and diverse viewpoints.
Improve mental health and happiness through meaningful friendships and support systems (Subrameyer, 2021).
But networking isn’t about collecting the most business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about building meaningful, authentic relationships. Think quality over quantity. Cross and Thomas (2022) remind us that the best networks provide support and challenge, foster trust, and allow us to show up as our authentic, real selves.
Their research suggests four steps for creating an effective action plan:
Analyze your contacts and what each relationship contributes.
De-layer by stepping away from people or groups that drain your energy.
Diversify your circle with people who inspire and energize you..
Capitalize by using your network intentionally and consistently.
Networking as an Introvert
For extroverts, networking can feel energizing. For introverts, it may feel exhausting or intimidating. Zack (2019) explains key differences:
Extroverts talk to think; introverts think to talk.
Extroverts seek breadth; introverts seek depth.
Extroverts are energized by others; introverts recharge alone.
If you’re more introverted, networking doesn’t have to be a drain. Play to your strengths:
Lean into your strengths and interests to find common ground.
Set achievable goals—try one event per month or 30 minutes of outreach per week.
Integrate conversation starters.
Listen actively and ask thoughtful, open-ended questions.
Pace yourself to avoid burnout—it’s okay to take a break.
Arrive early when crowds are smaller.
Practice self-promotion—it’s not bragging, it’s sharing value.
Partner with an extrovert for support and encouragement.
Use the right body language—smile and make yourself open to conversation.
Networking as a Female in a Male-Dominated Industry
Women in male-dominated industries like the outdoors face unique barriers: limited access to opportunities, unconscious bias, competing demands of work-life balance, and family obligations. Yet, these challenges can also shape women into stronger networkers. Research by Bower (2019) and Mihajlovska (2021) shows that successful female networkers:
Build efficient and diverse relationships.
Create strong but fluid connections.
Show warmth, humor, and emotional intelligence.
Seek out other women for support and mentorship.
Consistently seek new networking opportunities.
By forming meaningful, professional relationships with other successful women, females at any level can learn how to overcome barriers to advancement and gain new skills. One powerful way to strengthen your network is to connect with women’s groups or sub-associations, such as Women of the Gun within NSSF. And don’t hesitate to reach out directly to women you admire. Chances are, they’ll be glad you did.
Making Connections That Count
In a world full of quick LinkedIn adds and digital “likes,” authentic relationships stand out. True connection—face-to-face or virtual but meaningful—provides the support, encouragement, and inspiration you need to thrive professionally. You never know which conversation could change the course of your career.
So don’t just network. Connect with purpose. Build relationships that that bring opportunity, support your growth, strengthen your credibility, and inspire you to achieve more. One authentic relationship can change the trajectory of your career.
References
Bower, T. (2019). The Secrets of Successful Female Networkers. Harvard Business Review.
Cross, R. & Thomas, R.J. (2022). A Smarter Way to Network. Harvard Business Review.
Grant, A. (2025). Shattering the Glass Ceiling: How Women Can Break Through in Male-Dominated Industries. Psyforu.
Mihajlovska, A. (2021). How to Survive and Thrive in a Male-Dominated Environment. Forbes.
Subrameyer, R. (2021). 15 Essential Benefits of Networking. CareerAddict.
Zack, D. (2019). Networking for People Who Hate Networking (2nd ed.). Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
About the Author
Kristi Elrod is the founder of DRIVE. Organizational Solutions, a consulting firm dedicated to building stronger leaders, healthier workplace cultures, and more engaged employees. With more than 30 years of experience in marketing, communications, sales, customer experience, and leadership in the outdoor industry, Kristi combines real-world expertise with a Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology to help organizations and individuals improve performance and retention through people-first strategies.
Learn more at www.driveorgsolutions.com.
Firearms
In your role as an Accounting Manager – Cost Accounting/Controlling, you will be responsible for overseeing cost controlling functions around cost of sales, such as controlling raw material & energy, manufacturing and engineering spending, capital expenditures, working capital and productivity. Additionally, you will support site accounting activities and ensure accurate financial reporting. Key responsibilities include preparation of key cost accounting reports, tracking regional productivity efforts, engaging in the estimate and budgeting process and providing financial insights to drive efficiency and profitability. This role requires strategic and broad skillset in accounting principles, processes, and alignment, including potential impacts to financial results.
The Customer Service Representative will support the direct product consumers by facilitating repairs, sales, and providing product knowledge. They are the key link between customers and SIG. This is an entry level position that coordinates internally and externally to manage and support sales functions while keeping the customers satisfied and engaged with SIG’s products and services via phone, email, and other means of communication.
The Instructor I will proficiently instruct any of the courses assigned using the approved lesson plans by conducting classroom and practical exercises to achieve course objectives. This position requires working in a team environment with students and internal SIG employees from all business units, as well as the general customer base.
Hiring immediately for CNC Machine Set-up at SIG Sauer. The CNC set-up Operator will operate, change over and set-up CNC machines on low to medium complexity components using automated and manual equipment and processes to meet end customer needs. This Set-Up position that draws on prior machining experience and technical problem-solving skills to operate, change over and set-up a minimum of two (2) types of Primary CNC equipment. Works both independently and in a team environment with internal team members, leads, supervisors, quality CNC Programming and Manufacturing Engineering. Also responsible for communicating with management.
The New Product Introduction Manager is responsible for planning, leading, and managing projects ranging from basic to moderate complexity projects starting at inception through realization with moderate supervision. This position must be very self-driven, organized, and detail oriented, able to communicate with and manage large, diverse interdisciplinary teams. They must also possess good critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as the confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence to lead teams through complex technical and logistical challenges. This person will collaborate with their interdisciplinary product development teammates to create industry-leading products while communicating directly with Executive Management to manage critical decisions and successful product rollout.
Seeking a motivated, results-driven Sales Development Representative (SDR) to join our high-energy team. In this role, you’ll be the first point of contact for potential customers—sparking interest, qualifying leads, and setting our sales team up for success.
Since 2010, FastBound has been the leading firearms compliance software developer in the United States. Trusted by 1 in 10 Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), our platform delivers unmatched reliability, security, and compliance—100% made in the USA. We are a true remote-first company, purpose-built to employ talented people in any U.S. state.
Serve as the manager for the SIG Sauer Competitions Program. Responsible for the development and management of all SIG Sauer competitive shooting programs and the execution of all competitive shooting events. The Program Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Academy, Events, Marketing, Customer Service, Commercial Sales, and Facilities to ensure SIG Sauer Competitions Program supports broader SIG Sauer objectives.
You will open and close most days, help with customers with all aspects of gun sales, deal with all levels of inventory, Ammo Firearms. Manage part time shop help. You will work with online sales. There is a strong possibility of buying out the business in the future. Good with customers. Retail experience is helpful. Some management experience. Be able to use Xcel, Be a shotgun shooter.
The Gunsmith II has a background in design, development, and fabrication of prototype firearms and concepts. Can assemble firearms from finished parts. This entry level position requires a basic understanding of a variety of firearms as well as a background in machining with mill and lathe. The Gunsmith will work directly with Design Engineers in design of prototype systems, parts and ideas which requires basic problem-solving skills for concept firearms, production guns and prototypes.
Are you currently taking classes to become a CNC Machinist? SIG SAUER in Jacksonville, AR is currently looking to add to its team of Toolmakers on weekend days. SIG is willing to train a CNC student, who can work their way into a Toolmaker role.
The Toolmaker will be tasked with many of the basic machining functions in the preliminary execution of various machining projects. Seeking highly motivated team player who can accept direction from all team members. Ability to communicate & interact with engineering, manufacturing, and quality is a prerequisite. Sets up & operates a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts. Knowledge of CNC programming & machining is a must. Knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, & machining procedures are also essential.
In this role you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting technology to improve equipment, processes, and products. This is accomplished by design requirements, specifications, drawings, procure necessary materials and services, coordinate installation and training for systems including new automation solutions. Will provide expertise in programming and designing PLC controls and interfaces for new equipment and processes. Effectively communicate with team members at all levels of the organization to improve our workplace and customer experience.
The Technical Writer I is responsible for developing technical documentation utilizing approved templates, work instructions, and MIL-STD page-based manuals. The Technical Writer I works in a team environment with other Technical Writers, and must be able to collaborate with Engineering and Product Management teams within SIG Sauer.
Develop and create design concepts, drawings in Solidworks. Design, create, implement, and maintain manufacturing processes. Generate and build line layouts within planned timeframes for New Product Introductions. Identify gaps and/or unnecessary redundancies. Make improvements of existing products. Investigate and solve problems in cooperation with Quality and Operations departments.
Manage and maintain Technical Product Roadmap and scheduling. Define, develop, and maintain product testing protocols for each product and lead testing exercises to validate new product designs and product improvements. Maintain standards for technical drawings, internal specifications, and engineering documentation.
Hunting
As Social Media Manager, you’ll be the digital voice of Moultrie—telling our story, driving engagement, and building community across various social platforms. This role is both creative and strategic: you’ll shape content calendars, launch campaigns, analyze performance, and work directly with creators, ambassadors, and partners to keep Moultrie at the forefront of the outdoor conversation.
This Sales Associate position covers Independent Retailers in and around the Northern and Central Texas area to include Oklahoma and Northern Arkansas.
The Content Producer plays a critical role in managing the planning, execution, and delivery of photo and video content across brand campaigns, e-commerce, product marketing, and social media. This role works cross-functionally with creatives, merchandisers, and marketing teams to bring concepts to life on time and on brand. From pre-production to post, the Producer ensures every detail is accounted for—scouting talent, managing call sheets, tracking timelines, and keeping shoots on schedule. Success in this role means smooth production workflows, strong communication, and consistently high-quality creative output.
The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) at Auburn University invites applications for a Professor of Practice in Wildlife Enterprise Management (WLEM). This non-tenure-track position is designed for an experienced professional with a background in wildlife-based business operations, outdoor recreation management, hospitality, or related fields. The successful candidate will bring real-world expertise into the classroom, preparing students for careers in the hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventure industry.
As the Graphic Designer – Hardgoods, you will be responsible for designing and developing graphics for MTB, MX & UTV hardgoods, including helmets, goggles, chest protectors, and other protective gear. Your work will reflect Fox’s design philosophy and uphold its standards as a leader in the action sports industry. You will own the design process from concept through final tech pack handoff, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and high-quality execution. This role requires a strong understanding of current trends, materials, and technologies relevant to hardgoods, and a passion for creating innovative, performance-driven designs.
As the Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for the development of industry-leading concepts from ideation through prototyping, initial development, and final development. This position works directly with the Director of R&D with close input from Merchandising, Sales, Brand Management, and Marketing, to drive our projects from conception to commercialization. You will develop and prove out technical, manufacturable, and consumer-valued product concepts and technical abilities that ultimately support future products that provide a benefit to the consumer, while striving to achieve or exceed standards beyond state of the art for return value to the company.
On the search for a strategic Category Director to manage the connected devices portfolio. The role focuses on developing, building out, and executing strategies to boost sales and profitability in the connected devices category. This includes items such as connected image capture devices, wearables, smart home devices, and related accessories. The Category Director will oversee the entire product lifecycle for this category, from market analysis and product selection to pricing, promotion, product lifecycle and managing supplier relationships.
Category Strategy, Market Research, Product Assortment, Pricing Strategy, Supplier Relationships, Collaboration, Performance Monitoring, and Industry Trends will all be areas you will influence.
The Sr. Supervisor Revenue, Accounting is responsible for overseeing all aspects of revenue recognition and revenue sharing agreements in accordance with applicable accounting standards (e.g., ASC 606). This role manages a small team and ensures accurate and timely reporting of customer deposits and accounts receivable. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of financial controls and revenue processes.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for oversight of daily operations and provides management and support to staff at the Missoula headquarters and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch (TRM Ranch) near Dupuyer, Montana.
Seeking a talented and experienced Commercial Insights Analyst role in promoting data-driven decisions and improving the overall effectiveness and efficiency of our business intelligence. You will be responsible for owning reporting on a weekly and monthly basis, improving and automating data-centric workflows, and building dashboards to provide actionable insights. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be essential to align on business goals, KPIs, and strategies, ensuring that digital efforts are in line with broader company objectives.
This position will be in Bozeman, Montana, with the possibility of a hybrid remote work arrangement, depending upon the responsibilities of the role and business needs.
This position is responsible for providing daily administrative support to our Development Department team, which includes our Regional Directors and Development Directors.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reports to the CEO and plays a strategic role in the overall management of the organization. The CFO is responsible for developing and implementing Delta’s financial strategy. The CFO should be a proven leader with strong analytical, finance, and operational skills to contribute to timely execution of Delta’s strategic goals. The CFO should possess great people skills and excellent business acumen. The CFO will guide the thoughtful and strategic deployment of the finances and operations of Delta. Overall, the CFO will ensure that the workplace operates smoothly.
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 its 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.
Archery
The Digital Media Coordinator is a hands-on content creator and digital storyteller who fuels Easton's legendary archery brands with compelling media and campaign execution. From designing scroll-stopping visuals to capturing and producing video, this role blends creativity with strategy to build meaningful connections and grow a community of loyal brand enthusiasts.
The Engineering Technician will play a vital role in the design, development, testing, and support of new archery products and manufacturing processes. This role combines hands-on product testing with technical CAD, CNC, and prototyping responsibilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in archery, mechanical aptitude, and experience with both shop tools and engineering technologies.
Looking for a person who can work full time (40 hrs. per week) starting immediately. Prior experience in a machine shop isn't essential, but mechanical aptitude is. Must have a good attitude and a willingness to learn. Ability to occasionally lift 75 pounds is essential. Must be capable of working with a minimum amount of supervision.
Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for new and existing products. Analyze spend data, market trends, and industry dynamics to identify cost-saving opportunities. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define sourcing requirements and ensure solutions meet business needs.
Prepare business cases, cost models, and supplier selection recommendations. Oversee supplier selection, negotiations, and contract execution in coordination with legal. Develop and manage supplier scorecards and performance reporting. Implement and monitor purchasing systems, processes, and team performance.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives in sourcing and supply chain operations.
Provide leadership, coaching, and development to the sourcing team.
The CNC Operator Level 1 is responsible for safe and proficient operation of the CNC machines, deburring and inspection of manufacturing handles and small parts for bows. Level 1 is familiar with machining terminology and machining principles. Works to meet the schedule, reduce scrap and communicates ways for shop to improve.
Responsible for the safe operation of machines. Ensures efficient material flow through the production area. Performs inspection at designated AQL levels. Maintains proper care of equipment and machinery, as well as cleanliness and organization of the work area. Cleans and organizes designated area within the machine shop to conform to MSP standard. Report scrap and non-conformances. Performs other duties as instructed by supervisor.
Fishing
As our Aftermarket Sales Representative for the Gulf Coast, you’ll be a key contributor in helping to bring the Seakeeper Ride magic to new boat owners!
We’ll look to you as our expert to educate current and potential dealers and distributors. You’ll leverage relationships with our existing dealer network and seek out new dealers who have yet to integrate Seakeeper Ride. Working together with our National Aftermarket Sales Manager, you’ll drive our Seakeeper Ride Aftermarket business.
Are you a master of numbers and consolidations? As the Sr. Accountant specializing in Consolidation, you’ll be crucial in the financial reporting process. From managing trial balances and CTA calculations to collaborating with IT for seamless data integration, your work will ensure the books are buttoned up and ready to reel in results! This hybrid role lets you enjoy the best of both worlds—3 days in-office (Tues–Thurs), 2 days remote.
The core function of this role is to acquire new accounts through direct sales efforts and build upon relationships with existing wholesale customers. Direct involvement with accounts is integral, therefore travel is required. This role is for you if you are a proactive self-starter who is willing to work hard to find new business and challenge existing accounts to grow. If you’re looking to maintain an established book of business and cash the commission checks, please do not apply.
Think of yourself as the glue that keeps our people and operations running smoothly. As our HR Operations Coordinator, you’ll be the go-to person for new hire welcomes, HR support, supply management, and all-around operational awesomeness at the Kansas City Distribution Center. From making sure new teammates feel at home on day one to ensuring the right supplies are on hand for daily production—you’ll keep everything flowing like a perfectly cast fishing line.
Are you ready to take the reins of one of the most fearless and innovative brands in the fishing world? As the Product Manager for Savage Gear at Pure Fishing, you’ll lead the charge in crafting products that thrill anglers chasing Predator, Bass, and Saltwater species. From idea to launch, you’ll own every step of the product journey—strategizing, developing, collaborating, and delivering breakthrough fishing gear that lives up to the Savage name.
The Customer Service Representative is responsible for providing effective customer service for all internal and external customers by using excellent, in-depth knowledge of the company’s products and programs, as well as communicating effectively with team members within the customer service d department.
Miscellaneous
Moultrie is looking for a Vice President of People to partner with its leadership team to cultivate a world-class environment that attracts, develops, and retains A+ talent. The Vice President of People will have a strong focus on strategic leadership and building the systems and processes that are crucial for supporting continued rapid growth while maintaining Moultrie’s exceptional employee retention rate. This role will be based in Birmingham, Alabama, and report directly to Moultrie’s General Manager.
Seeking a skilled and driven GIS Developer II to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced geospatial solutions. In this role, you will work across the full development lifecycle to build robust GIS applications and systems using cloud platforms, modern development frameworks, and spatial data tools.
You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance routing optimization, spatial analysis, and business decision-making. The ideal candidate should bring 3–5+ years of professional GIS development experience and a strong foundation in Python, cloud environments, and spatial visualization tools.
This role is ideal for a creative professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about bringing products to life through compelling visual storytelling. As a key contributor to our content marketing efforts, you will lead the planning, execution, and post-production of content across photography, videography, editing, and some graphic design. The bulk of your work will focus on producing impactful media that informs and drives consumer engagement.
In addition to hands-on production, you will version artwork and participate in strategic marketing discussions. While reporting directly to the Digital Marketing Manager, this role offers the opportunity to collaborate across various departments within the organization.
If you’re excited to work with some of the most iconic brands in the hunting industry and have a talent for crafting high-quality content that resonates with consumers, we’d love to hear from you.
The Revelyst Legal team seeks a Senior Manager, Contracts and Legal Operations for one of our Revelyst locations. This position will assist the VP, Associate General Counsel and the Legal Department’s leadership team by serving as a liaison with key stakeholders, identifying process improvement opportunities, and helping design and implement solutions to enable the Legal Department to more efficiently meet the business’ needs. The Senior Manager, Contracts and Legal Operations will support the Legal Department’s efforts to ensure effective communication, workflow management and long-term strategic development of the Legal Department.
This position reports to the VP, Associate General Counsel and will be located at one of our Headquarter offices (Irvine, CA, Bozeman, MT; Chesapeake Bay, VA, or Utah).
Moultrie is looking for a CX Data Engineer to optimize, maintain, and analyze customer experience data to drive engagement, retention, and business insights. This role will ensure data quality, scalable analytics infrastructure, and predictive modeling capabilities to support CX decision-making.
In addition to building and maintaining data pipelines, this role will develop foundational predictive models to analyze customer behavior and enhance personalization. The ideal candidate has strong data engineering skills and a working knowledge of predictive analytics to support Moultrie’s long-term CX strategy.
Seeking a forward-thinking, execution-obsessed SVP of Technology to lead our Web Engineering, Data Engineering, and Information Technology functions. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer this role will set and scale Brunt’s end-to-end technology strategy during a period of aggressive growth and innovation.
Seeking a skilled and driven GIS Developer II to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced geospatial solutions. In this role, you will work across the full development lifecycle to build robust GIS applications and systems using cloud platforms, modern development frameworks, and spatial data tools. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance routing optimization, spatial analysis, and business decision-making. Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of GIS development experience and a strong foundation in Python, cloud environments, and spatial visualization tools.
The person filling this role will be working as a Senior Network Engineer, supporting the Revelyst network infrastructure. They will take a lead role in planning, deploying, and supporting networking equipment. They will also take part in the day to day operations of the network team, including but not limited to handling service tickets, working with venders, and performing network maintenance.
This position reports to the IT Manager, Networking and is based out of one of our headquarter offices; Irvine, CA; Bozeman, MT, or San Diego, CA.
Seeking a Senior Producer with a strong background in performance marketing and video content production. You’ll be a strategic thinker and hands-on creator who can ideate, capture, and deliver scroll-stopping content—optimized for performance across paid channels like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.
This role reports into the Growth function and partners closely with our in-house Content Producer, Creative team, and external editors to fuel the full-funnel content engine—from high-impact campaign spots to rapid-turn direct-response assets.
Where do the pianists go for vacation?
The Florida Keys.
What do Biologists wear to work on Casual Friday?
Genes.
Why does a chicken coop only have two doors?
Because, if it had four, it would be a chicken sedan.
It’s time to make us laugh. Submit your best 3 dad jokes to [email protected] and if your jokes make us laugh, we may use them for a newsletter and send you a gift of our appreciation.
Social Media Manager – PRADCO – Birmingham, AL – Full Time