SGB Update Sportsmans
Christensen Arms Appoints President
Matt Fleming most recently served as president and CEO of MidwayUSA. Under his leadership, Christensen Arms is expected to strengthen its brand, elevate its dealer programs and continue to drive innovation in firearm manufacturing.
Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Taps Paul Walters as New Buyer
Walters reportedly brings over a decade of expertise in sales, account management and strategic marketing within the firearms and tactical gear industries. He most recently served as a buyer at Primary Arms Government
R.L. Winston Rod Company Hires Sales Manager; Expands Northern Rockies Coverage
The company hired Jay Beebe as sales manager, while Tyson Webb takes on the role of Northern Rockies sales representative, covering Montana and Idaho. Beebe has over a decade of industry experience; Webb has been has been a sales representative for Raging River Sales for nearly eight years.
NRF Chief Economist to Transition to Senior Economic Advisor
Jack Kleinhenz, the NRF’s chief economist since 2010, is stepping down to serve in a new capacity as senior economic advisor. NRF Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews will become NRF’s new chief economist while continuing to lead the research team.
June Retail Sales Top Expectations
Retail sales rose a better-than-expected 0.6 percent in June versus May, the Commerce Department reported, after two consecutive months of spending declines. June’s number topped the 0.2 percent gain economists projected in a FactSet poll.
NRF’s Chief Economist Transitions to Senior Economic Advisor
The National Retail Federation announced on Thursday, July 17, that Jack Kleinhenz, NRF’s chief economist since 2010, is stepping down to serve in a new capacity as senior economic advisor. NRF Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews will become NRF’s new chief economist while continuing to lead the research team.
D&M Holding Inks Partnership to Address Ukrainian Ammo Propellant Shortages
The company is partnering with the Ukrainian Defense Industry Joint Stock Company to manufacture specialty chemicals in the U.S. to address the shortage of propellant used in the production of ammunition for the Ukrainian defense forces.
Yamaha Marine’s Torqeedo Appoints Director of Sales
Mary Jo Reinhart will lead OEM and retail sales across North America for Torqueedo, overseeing key distributor relationships and core business operations for its low-voltage product line. Reinhart began her career at the company in 2011 as a customer service rep.
Turner’s Outdoorsman Appoints President
Rob Zubak brings 35 years of experience to the role. Most recently, he was the company’s chief operating officer. The hunting, Shooting and fishing retailer operates 38 stores across California and Arizona.
Rygr Taps Saks, Backbone and TNF Veteran as Company President
Hlidek replaces Brian Holcombe, who co-founded Rygr in 2016 and assumed the role of president in 2023. The company said Holcombe’s nine-year tenure helped shape the agency’s “strong foundation, culture and client portfolio.”
Winnebago Industries to Undergo Additional Iowa Layoffs
Winnebago Industries will lay off an additional 121 employees at its Iowa facilities in Charles City and Waverly. The RV manufacturer plans to consolidate those operations into its Forest City and Lake Mills facilities.
Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets Appoint National Sales Manager
Steve Mullinax has been appointed national sales manager for Sierra and Barnes Bulletes. Most recently, Mullinax served as national sales manager at Blackpowder Products, Inc.
Journeys Parent Genesco, Inc. Signs Deal to License Wrangler Brand for Footwear
The agreement covers men’s, women’s and kids footwear, with the first collection expected to launch in fall 2026. The partnership aims to expand Wrangler’s presence in the footwear market while adding to Genesco’s portfolio of licensed brands.
EXEC: L.L.Bean CEO Stephen Smith Sets 2026 Transition Plan for Departure
Stephen Smith, the president and CEO of L.L.Bean, will leave the company in the spring of 2026, capping a decade of leadership at the iconic Maine-based outdoor brand. The L.L.Bean Board of Directors, led by Chairman Shawn Gorman, has initiated a search for his successor.
Primary Arms Government Hires Field Sales Manager, Central Territory
In his most recent role as government account manager for Sellmark Corporation, Alexander Forney led initiatives to develop new business opportunities across law enforcement and military agencies nationwide.
