SGB Update Sportsmans

GAS Bowstrings Appoints General Manager
The company said Gellenthien will play a crucial role in assisting staff to streamline processes, enhance efficiency and contribute to product innovation.

ATA Names Director of Marketing and Communications
Alex Heiser joined the Archery Trade Association with 35 years of experience leading strategic marketing plans, guiding the success of non-profit member-driven organizations and managing remote staff.

GSM Outdoors Acquires Mid-America Rod Company
Located in Arkansas, Mid-America Rod Company has been manufacturing fishing rods in the U.S. since 1976. The company manufactures its signature series of Virtus Rods and produces OEM rods for other companies.

BKK Hooks International Names President of Sales
Michael Sullivan was appointed president of sales and will head a team responsible for expanding commercial sales operations in the Americas, reporting to BKK America’s general manager Magnus Gunnarsson.

VRX Fishing Sees Founder’s Sons Taking Reins in Joint Role
The parent company to the X Zone Lures and The Rod Glove brands confirmed that brothers Zac and Nick Van Ryn, the sons of founder and president Jim Van Ryn, took over the company’s reins on April 1.

March Manufacturing PMI at 50.3 Percent; Textile Mills Lead Sector with Growth
A Manufacturing PMI above 42.5 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy.

Escalade Sales Decline Moderates in Q4; Down DD for Year After Tougher H1
The parent of the Brunswick Billiards, Stiga, Accudart, Rave Sports, Victory Tailgate, Onix, Goalrilla, Lifeline Fitness, Woodplay, and Bear Archery brands saw total net sales decline 9.2 percent on a year-over-year basis in the fourth quarter.

Rapala VMC Sees Shuffling of Operations Leadership Roles
Stanislas de Castelnau, EVP and head of operations retired at the end of March after a 23-year career at Rapala VMC. Tuomas Akkanen, EVP and head of group supply chain and winter sports, and COO Jean-Philippe Nicolle will succeed him.

Oregon Campers More Likely to Camp Alone and for Free
In its 2024 Camping Report, The Dyrt reported that one-third (33.5 percent) of Oregon campers camped alone in 2023, higher than the 12 percent national average.

The James Brand Expands Leadership Team, Relocates HQ
The James Brand has expanded its corporate leadership team with the appointment of Justin Baar to global digital commerce manager and Daniel Sledd to senior global production and inventory manager.

Ski-Doo Parent Sees Fiscal Q4 Hurt by Sales Incentives, Weaker Winter Weather
BRP, Inc., the parent company of the Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Lynx power sports brands, reported Q4 results were mainly driven by a decrease in Seasonal Products deliveries and tough comps against a strong fourth quarter in the prior fiscal year.

Astral Taps Bluewater Trading to Rep the Midwest Region
Bluewater Trading covers Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, the Dakotas, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Tedder Industries Appoints VP of Finance
Under Andrew Williams’ guidance, the company’s finance team is poised to drive the next phase of its growth strategy, enhancing profitability and instilling operational efficiencies throughout the organization.

L Catterton Makes Significant Investment in Off-Road, Off-Grid Vehicles
Founded in 2018, Storyteller Overland manufactures Class B RV and expedition vehicles. In addition to selling its vehicles at over 40 dealers in the U.S., it also offers adventure gear, accessories and technology for the outdoor lifestyle enthusiast.

Springfield Armory Appoints National Sales & Law Enforcement Manager
As a 20-year employee of Springfield Armory, Drew Herbst will collaborate with Peggy Hickenbottom, the VP of distribution sales and customer service.