Orchid hired seasoned firearms industry executive Leland Nichols as chief strategy and business development Officer. Nichols comes to Orchid with nearly 40 years of president, CEO and general manager-level experience at public and private firearm manufacturing companies.
“Leland has been a friend, co-worker and client to many of us on the Orchid leadership team for over a decade,” said Orchid CEO Jon Rydberg. “Leland’s tenure atop organizations such as Smith & Wesson, Remington, Shadow Systems, and others brings a solid understanding of the firearm supply chain and the tools needed to navigate and serve consumer demand. His industry experience will play a key role in refining Orchid’s go-to-market strategy while also offering our clients insight to achieve consistent growth. Since joining this month, Leland has already helped put the finishing touches on our new B2B supply portal and continues to impart experience that will shape Orchid’s FFL technology and service products to benefit our customers.”
Before joining the firearms industry, Leland worked in executive roles, including vice president, product management, Professional Power Tools for Black & Decker, where he led the launch of the DeWalt brand in North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. His experience includes roles as president at Stanley Hardware, EVP of Kohler Company, and VP, sales and business development with Rinnai America.
In 2005, Leland began his career in the outdoor recreation, hunting and shooting industry as president and COO of Smith & Wesson. Under his leadership, S&W successfully developed and launched the M&P pistol and rifle series. Following his tenure with S&W, he worked as VP/GM for Firearms and Accessories at Remington Outdoor Company. Most recently, Leland led Airhead Sports Group as President and CEO, executing a doubling of EBITDA and a successful sales transaction as the company was acquired by Aqua Leisure Recreation and Blackford Capital.
