- July 10–11, 2024
- Palm Beach County Convention Center
- West Palm Beach, FL
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At Range Systems, Doug works with potential ranges to open their doors and with existing ranges to become more profitable. In the past, he has advised retail operators on how to maximize their business spaces and adapt industry best practices for higher profits. He has founded and operated a successful firearm range and retail store, consulted with more than 500 ranges and worked with firearm manufacturers to launch a variety of nationwide promotional programs that drive consumers to ranges and retailers. A popular speaker at NRA Range Development Conferences, Doug is a presenter of multiple SHOT UniversityTM classes and a member of the NSSF Retail and Range Advisory Council.
Jared is a seasoned entrepreneur in the firearm and tactical industry. Beginning in 2010 with Jareds Jewelry & Pawn, he swiftly transitioned to firearms retail, founding Jareds Tactical & Firearm in 2014. He became a Certified Cerakote Applicator in 2012, adding unique gun amenities to his offerings. Raised in Guntersville, Alabama, Jared pursued a degree in criminal justice at Jacksonville State University before immersing himself in the pawn and jewelry business. Alongside his business partner Devin Campbell, Jared embarked on a new venture in 2022 with the launch of Alabama Firearms Academy. With a shared passion for firearms and tactical training, they established a 20,000-square-foot facility in Boaz, offering 12 climate-controlled shooting lanes equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Their dedication to providing an unparalleled shooting experience reflects their commitment to excellence in the firearm industry.
Peter grew up in New York, then attended Tulane University, graduating in 1988 with a BA in economics. He moved to Los Angeles where his brother, Eric, was in law school. Peter worked in film production for 15 years, then joined with his brother to run a commercial nursery, turning it into a profitable business then selling it. Next, he formed his own computer IT company focused on medical practices transitioning to electronic medical records. All the while, Peter remained a sport shooter and collector of historic firearms. Frustrated with no nearby, safe indoor shooting range, Peter decided to open one that would be a members-only, state-of-the-art range. He opened The Range LA in west Los Angeles, the first indoor range to open in the city in 30 years. Since opening its doors in February 2024, The Range LA is flourishing with increasing membership and five-star reviews.
Katie is a Marketing Executive with over 15 years of experience in developing strategic plans that not only elevate brand equity but also ensure long-term profitable growth. At the forefront of Kenvue's $280M Nutritional’s portfolio, Katie manages the Zarbee's business and Versalli, a new Women’s Hormonal Health business, showcasing her innate ability to lead and innovate within the industry. Katie was the driving force behind Neutrogena and Aveeno Facial Care as the Marketing Director, and she has done impactful work on brands like Tylenol, Motrin, Sudafed, and Simply Sleep. Katie began her career as an intelligence officer in the Army. Alongside her husband, she has ventured into the firearm industry, bringing her expertise to Main Line Armory, a luxury range located in the greater Philadelphia area. She holds a BS in economics from Temple University and an MBA from Villanova University.
David has worked at Shoot Smart for seven years, and serves as the Regional Manager and part owner. Aside from Shoot Smart, David has 14 years of retail management experience in multiple big box stores, including Academy Sports & Outdoors where he helped pilot their ship from store ecommerce program. David has a passion for pistol shooting, the firearm industry and firearm education. He’s played a key role in growing the company of Shoot Smart with revenue-enhancing programs and with the acquisition of a fourth location in the Fort Worth market.
Since 2018, Will has been working in the firearm industry helping FFLs, manufacturers and ecommerce platforms perform better in the digital marketing world. Will’s expertise extends to Virginia Commonwealth University, where he teaches as an Adjunct Professor Digital Marketing Analytics to MBA candidates and Creativity and Ideation to undergrads. Will said it’s been a thrilling experience learning more about the firearm industry, from upland hunting to defense handgun training to CQB training. He grew up with firearms in a military family—his father was a JAG officer and retired as a full colonel—and his mother was a K-12 teacher. After college, Will became a digital marketing professional working with PPC, SEO, Social, Affiliate, Email, Web Analytics in multiple industries. Then Guns.com found him on LinkedIn and offered him an amazing opportunity that has brought Will to us today.
Luke is owner of Compass Film Studios and True Southern TV. For the past 20 years, he has been in the media industry filming for companies like ESPN, CBS Sports, Miss Universe and Extreme Home Makeover. Several years ago, he was a producer and talent for Rated Red, the Heartland news and digital lifestyle channel. Luke has more than 400 million views on content he has produced and over 200 million views on content he’s been talent for in the hunting, firearm and survival arenas. Luke has traveled the globe seeking the perfect shots for his work and his clients. Luke is passionate about the outdoors—he hunts deer, turkey, ducks and the cinematic moment with equal finesse. Whether he’s behind the camera or in the frame, Luke helps top outdoor brands shine.
Hunter is the COO for Simmons’ Sporting Goods located in Bastrop, Louisiana. Hunter graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 2012 and then moved back home to help expand the family business. He played an integral part in Simmons’ exponential growth, including the creation of its online presence. He took on managing the firearm compliance side of the business and has since turned Simmons into one of the biggest waterfowl shopping destinations in the South, with over 80,000 feet of retail space. Outside of Simmons, Hunter is involved in many firearm industry organizations, serving on the NSSF Range & Retail Advisory Council and on multiple shooting sports committees for Nation’s Best Sports.
Jamison boasts decades of diverse business leadership experience. Navigating seamlessly through various sectors, he's carved a significant mark in the firearm industry. Renowned for driving growth and spearheading innovation, Jamison combines a deep understanding of strategic planning with hands-on market dynamics. His commitment to excellence and adaptability makes him a sought-after voice and a trusted figure in firearm industry leadership, consistently pushing boundaries and setting new standards.
John is the Managing Director and co-founder of FFL Consultants and provides expert guidance to firearm dealers around the country on various topics, including ATF and state firearm compliance, physical security, internal operations and sales techniques to maximize profits. FFL Consultants specializes in keeping their clients “ATF Inspection-Ready Everyday.” John has more than 30 years of retail risk management, operations and regulatory compliance and is an NSSF compliance consultant. He regularly serves as an FFL subject matter expert, speaker and author at various FFL training events nationwide.
Kathleen is the VP of Marketing and a member of the Executive team at Bravo Store Systems. Throughout her career, she has worked at several B2B SaaS companies in a variety of industries, including firearms, pawn, wealth management, payments, e-Commerce and insurance, spearheading the development and growth of marketing and sales teams. Kathleen loves helping companies scale, improve operational efficiency and drive bottom-line results through strategic implementation and adoption of new technology platforms. Kathleen attended the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee where she earned a B.A. in Communication, as well as a Master’s Degree in Communication and Rhetorical Studies. During her time at UW-Milwaukee, she was a member of the Division I swim team and taught Public Speaking & Argumentation as a teaching assistant.
Erin is the Director of Marketing for Freedom Outdoors, an NSSF Five Star Range and premier outdoor sporting goods retailer. Freedom Outdoors is the flagship Range Time facility that focuses on memberships, outdoor sporting goods and firearm retail, along with equipment, service and procurement solutions tailored for government customers. In her role, Erin is responsible for leading the company's marketing efforts and has been instrumental in the success of their growing membership revenue stream, which has seen an increase of 60 percent in memberships in the last three years. Erin has an extensive background in the outdoor industry, having worked in Alaska hunting and fishing. Erin founded the non-profit Raise ‘Em Outdoors to promote getting families involved in the outdoors and shooting sports. Since its beginning, Erin has led the program and hosted camps for families across the nation, raising awareness for conservation and outdoor activities. Erin was recognized by Safari Club International for her impact with Raise ‘Em Outdoors organization.
Skyler is Vice President for Freedom Outdoors, an NSSF Five-Star range and premier outdoor sporting goods retailer. Freedom Outdoors is the flagship Range Time facility that focuses on memberships, outdoor sporting goods and firearm retail, along with equipment, service and procurement solutions tailored for government customers. Skyler is responsible for creating, energizing and implementing the company’s vision, and leading the day-to-day operations of its teams across the local Freedom and corporate Range Time organization. Prior to joining Freedom Shooting Center & Range Time, Skyler consulted for Colonial Shooting Academy VAB, Blackstone Shooting Sports and was the Director of Operations at Clark Consulting, a defense contractor based in Virginia Beach. Skyler is a proven leader with a demonstrated ability to develop quality teams and drive performance across multiple categories. Skyler was named to NSSF’s Top Innovator and Influencers and Virginia’s Inside Business Top 40 Under 40. Skyler earned his bachelor’s degree at Old Dominion University and MBA at George Mason.
Ben founded Otter Technologies, a groundbreaking waiver and marketing platform for shooting ranges. A serial entrepreneur, he heads an advertising agency and video production, alongside Ottertext and Otterwaiver. With a passion for shooting sports since age seven, Ben's ten-year journey in 4-H archery culminated in his love for gun ranges. He advocates for Second Amendment rights through affiliations with the Firearms Policy Coalition and Gun Owners of America. Ben's 20-year expertise spans product design, brand consulting and solving business challenges at scale, serving clients from Fortune 100 to startups. Otter Technologies offers specialized firearm retail, ranges and e-commerce solutions, enhancing growth through text marketing, chargeback protection, digital waivers and customer rewards systems.
Michael served in the Marine Corps with a tour in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2005 where he was wounded in a roadside IED that eventually led to a medical discharge from the Corps. Michael went from the military into construction, then moved to security for construction sites. But he wanted something more. Michael obtained his FFL in 2019 and started selling firearms. The business had a Facebook page with thousands of followers, but then Facebook started cracking down on “community standard” and shut the page down. His private Facebook group remains to this day. Michael has been a home-based retailer since 2019 and last year was just shy of $2 million in sales. In March, the business opened its new brick-and-mortar location, and Michael is excited about the future, to say the least.
“Murphy” traveled the world as a military brat before calling Arizona home in the 1980s. His plans for joining the military himself as a pilot were put aside when his corporate ambitions took over, leading to financial services roles at Chrysler Financial and Bank One Credit. He went on to operate his own companies in the automotive and freight trucking industries. Murphy has a saying, “Demand with lack of supply equals opportunity.” This is where Ammo AZ comes into play around 2013. With a lack of .22LR ammunition available, Murphy filed for a 08 license and began importing ammunition from Canada. Ten years later, Ammo AZ is still going strong and getting ready to move into a 30,000 square-foot facility and add an indoor shooting range. Murphy continues to operate several companies simultaneously, including Phoenix Kart Rentals, Zeus Arms, Zeus Arms Imports, Backpagegun.com and M.E.O.H.I. LLC.
Sidney serves as the Customer Programs Manager and instructor at Shoot Smart. Raised in the heart of Texas, firearms have been a significant part of her life since childhood. At the age of eight, her father gifted her first .22LR, sparking a lifelong passion and teaching her a deep respect for firearms. As a woman in the firearm industry, Sidney is proud to hold certifications as an NRA Basic Pistol Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer and LTC Instructor. These qualifications not only reflect her dedication to safety and proficiency but also her commitment to empowering individuals through education and responsible gun ownership. In her role at Shoot Smart, Sidney leverages digital marketing, events and range memberships to cultivate strong relationships with customers. Through these avenues, she promotes Shoot Smart’s mission of delivering entertainment through firearm education.
Hank has held several roles during his career of more than 30 years, with positions ranging from sales, management and owning his own retail establishment to now owning an industry consulting firm. Hank began his career in 1987 in a local shop in Waterbury, Connecticut, staying in firearm industry retail through 2004 when he opened his own store in Lexington, Kentucky. He eventually graduated from the retail side of the industry and leveraged his retail expertise while working as director of retail development for a large firearm distributor. Today, Hank operates Point of Impact Consulting, which is dedicated to working with and growing the firearm industry and promoting success at all levels.
“JC” is the founder of PCI Services, LLC, and the co-founder of FFL Consultants, a powerhouse consultancy firm supporting the entire firearm industry. JC has been directly responsible for the management and oversight of nearly 500 firearms licensees operating throughout the United States. This has afforded him extensive personal knowledge and experience related to the firearm industry, FFL business operations, driving profitability and protecting organizations against regulatory risk and adverse action. Through various roles at the executive level, JC has also had responsibility for the oversight of environment, health and safety programs involving manufacturing, distribution and retail operations throughout operations in 13 countries. The EHS Teams he has led have been responsible for the management and direction of efforts to develop, implement and assess manufacturing, distribution and retail facilities safety, health, environmental, personnel safety and property preservation systems. JC has also managed systems and certification processes and programs focused on achieving and maintaining accreditations with ISO, ANSI and ASSP organizations, implementing Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and maintaining certifications with Environmental Management Systems. JC thrives in supporting clients in the areas of state and federal licensing, compliance initiatives, business assessments, OSHA/EHS/EPA compliance and range operations, loss and risk mitigation, internal control functions and the implementation of corporate governance practices. JC serves as an NSSF Compliance Consultant providing business, security, risk management, governmental compliance, to include ATF, OSHA/EHS and EPA support to FFLs nationwide.
Judy joined the NSSF’s consultants team in November 2022, providing services to NSSF’s training and education programs and FFLs who are premium retail members. She retired on September 30, 2022, after 34 years of service in the federal government. Before retiring, Judy served as the Director, Industry Operations for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Columbus Field Division for over nine years, overseeing ATF’s regulatory enforcement operations in the states of Ohio and Indiana. Judy began her ATF career in August 1999. During her 23 years with ATF she also held the position of Area Supervisor for the Columbus Field Division’s Cleveland III Industry Operations Field Office from May 2011 to July 2013; Branch Chief, ATF Industry Operations Training Branch in Washington, DC, from April 2009 to May 2011; Program Manager responsible for ATF Industry Operations Advanced Explosives Training programs from September 2004 to April 2009; Special Operations Officer for the Baltimore Field Division from March 2004 to September 2004, and an Inspector in the field in Tallahassee, Florida and St. Louis, Missouri from August 1999 to September 2004. Judy began her government career in 1988 with the Naval Investigative Service, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. From 1991-1999 she worked as a Paralegal Specialist for the Department of Justice, United States Attorney’s Office in Orlando, Tampa and St. Louis, Missouri. Originally from Orlando, Judy received her BA degree from the University of Central Florida, graduating summa cum laude with a major in legal studies and a minor in criminal justice.
Wally retired in October 2005 from a distinguished 33-year career with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Mr. Nelson began with ATF in 1972 as an Inspector and served 28 years in management positions. From 1998 until his retirement, he was the Deputy Assistant Director of the Office of Enforcement Programs and Services and, in 2004, the rank of Meritorious Executive was conferred on him by President George W. Bush for sustained superior management accomplishments. He was responsible for the ATF’s firearms and explosives programs and policies and oversaw firearms tracing, imports, licensing, NFA registrations and other operational activities. He was also the senior ATF management leader working day to day with the FBI to develop the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). For the past 18 years, Mr. Nelson has brought his ATF experience to the private sector, as a consultant to the firearms and explosives industries. He has conducted over 500 on-site compliance reviews, presented in person and video compliance seminars, and served as an expert witness for firearms licensees. Mr. Nelson is a 1969 graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington where he received a BA degree in American History. He is an Army veteran and served with the Infantry and Military Police in Viet Nam.
“JC” is the founder of PCI Services, LLC, and the co-founder of FFL Consultants, a powerhouse consultancy firm supporting the entire firearm industry. JC has been directly responsible for the management and oversight of nearly 500 firearms licensees operating throughout the United States. This has afforded him extensive personal knowledge and experience related to the firearm industry, FFL business operations, driving profitability and protecting organizations against regulatory risk and adverse action. Through various roles at the executive level, JC has also had responsibility for the oversight of environment, health and safety programs involving manufacturing, distribution and retail operations throughout operations in 13 countries. The EHS Teams he has led have been responsible for the management and direction of efforts to develop, implement and assess manufacturing, distribution and retail facilities safety, health, environmental, personnel safety and property preservation systems. JC has also managed systems and certification processes and programs focused on achieving and maintaining accreditations with ISO, ANSI and ASSP organizations, implementing Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and maintaining certifications with Environmental Management Systems. JC thrives in supporting clients in the areas of state and federal licensing, compliance initiatives, business assessments, OSHA/EHS/EPA compliance and range operations, loss and risk mitigation, internal control functions and the implementation of corporate governance practices. JC serves as an NSSF Compliance Consultant providing business, security, risk management, governmental compliance, to include ATF, OSHA/EHS and EPA support to FFLs nationwide.
Andrew recently retired after 37 years of federal service where he held positions that include DOJ Senior Executive Service member, ATF Deputy Assistant Director – Field Operations over ATFs Inspection Program and Deputy Assistant Director over Enforcement Programs & Services. He now serves as CEO of Graham Industry Advisor, LLC., a veteran owned private consulting firm geared toward upholding industry member firearm rights and compliance with the Gun Control Act (GCA) and Safe Explosives Act (SEA). Andrew’s federal experience and tenure as a consultant includes operational aspects impacted by current ATF Rulings, Executive Orders, regulatory oversight to optimize regulatory compliance. Andrew has executed, taught and supervised the deployment of the GCA’s code of federal regulation from every operational level as a regulator. After retirement, Graham Industry Advisors was established to provide independent consulting services on all aspects of Chapter 44, Part 478 regulated firearm industry, with a focus on optimizing business operations and an infrastructure for success.
Chris is a Partner with Renzulli Law Firm. His practice focuses on the firearm and sporting goods industries in many capacities, including the defense of product defect claims, preparation of product literature, conducting recalls and retrofits and ATF compliance. Mr. Renzulli has substantial experience defending class actions and claims, and extensive success obtaining dismissals for his clients pursuant to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. Chris has successfully defended firearms manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers in firearms public nuisance litigation initiated by municipalities, local governments and private interest groups. He provides training and instruction to Federal Firearm Licensees on regulatory issues, including record-keeping and ATF compliance. He also provides services to protect valuable intellectual property and has experience prosecuting all forms of infringement, including various forms of trademark and trade name infringement. Chris has unique experience with shooting ranges and the defense of claims of improper design and usage leading to errant bullets, excessive noise, personal injury, nuisance and other charges. Chris appears throughout the country in state and federal trial and appellate courts on behalf of the firearms and sporting goods industries.
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