Amateurs and Experts

Platinum Standards: Empowering the "She Never Quit" Community with Heather Eckhardt from OA Defense

Hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese broadcast live from the Otis Technology booth at SHOT Show 2026. They welcome Heather Eckhardt from OA Defense to discuss the company’s growth and their commitment to female shooters. The conversation centers on the new 2311 Pro pistol, which Maggie and Erica praise for its balance and exceptional trigger. Heather explains the technical aspects of the firearm, including its ported barrel and ambidextrous controls. They also discuss the physical demands of the sport and the importance of ergonomics for different body types. Heather shares her transition from a professional shooter to an industry executive. The episode concludes with information on how to find OA Defense products and a celebration of their platinum sponsorship for the "She Never Quit" event. Link * OA Defense: oadefense.com [https://oadefense.com] (Subject of the episode; discussion of the 2311 pistol). (00:45) * Otis Technology: otistec.com [https://otistec.com] (Booth hosts at SHOT Show). (00:35) * She Never Quit: (Women's shooting event mentioned as a partnership). (02:50) * USPSA: (United States Practical Shooting Association mentioned regarding Limited Optics division). (11:25) Key Takeaways * The OA Defense 2311 provides custom-level features (ported barrel, lightning cuts, elite trigger) at a production price. * A 1911 70-series trigger can be made drop-safe for defense without losing its crisp feel. * Women are increasingly filling leadership and technical roles in the firearms industry. * Proper firearm ergonomics, like integrated "gas pedal" thumb rests, significantly improve recoil management. Key Words * 2311 * OA Defense * SHOT Show * Trigger Snob * Ported Barrel * She Never Quit * Limited Optics * FFL * Drop-Safe * Gas Pedal

From Wedding DJ to CEO: The Secret Otis Path

Have you ever wondered what it takes to go from being a wedding DJ to the CEO of a major technology company? In this episode, we talk to Brad McIntyre about his long career at Otis Technology. Brad has worked at the same company for twenty-five years and has done almost every job there. He started as a designer and worked his way up to the very top. Brad explains how the people he worked for taught him about money, building things, and using data. He also talks about how much he loves going to big trade shows to see his friends from all over the world. The company is like a big family where everyone helps each other out. They even make all their products in New York to help the military and police. If you want to learn how to grow in your career, you should listen to this story. Check out the full episode to hear more about how Otis Technology stays successful! Links * Otis Technology (OtisTech.com [https://otistech.com]) - Mentioned at 19:55 as the primary website for their products. * SHOT Show (shotshow.org) - Mentioned throughout (e.g., 0:18) as the venue for the recording and industry gathering. * Bass Pro Shops (basspro.com) - Mentioned at 19:22 as a major retailer for Otis products. * Scheels (scheels.com) - Mentioned at 19:23 as a retail partner. Key Takeaways * Career longevity allows for deep, cross-departmental "tribal knowledge." * Soft skills from unrelated fields (like DJing) are highly transferable to executive leadership. * Authentic marketing often requires "real-world" conditions (like actually dirty equipment). * American manufacturing thrives on direct feedback from the end-users (military/LEO). Keywords * Otis Technology * SHOT Show 2026 * Brad McIntyre * Firearm Maintenance * Lean Manufacturing * AS ISO 9100 * NSN (National Stock Number) * Tribal Knowledge * Upstate New York * Gun Cleaning Kits

Season 4 Kickoff: Maggie Reese Joins the Mic!

Season 4 kicks off with Erica Chin welcoming professional shooter Maggie Reese as the new official co-host. The duo reflects on their recent success filming at SHOT Show 2026 within the Otis Technology booth and the incredible quality of guests they’ve hosted. They announce a major milestone: the podcast will be heading to the NRA’s "Voices of 2A" Radio Row to capture new content. The conversation highlights upcoming WOMA events, such as the "She Never Quit" shooting camp and new hunting and fishing initiatives. Erica and Maggie share personal stories about their own "amateur" beginnings—Erica as a massage therapist and Maggie as a reluctant fisher. The episode emphasizes the "Mama Bear" culture of the industry and the power of saying "yes" to new adventures. It concludes with a call to action for women to join the WOMA team and sign up for the 2026 events. Links * Otis Technology: otistec.com [https://otistec.com] — Hosting the podcast booth at SHOT Show (01:10). * The WOMA: thewoma.org [https://thewoma.org] — The main organization website for membership and events (25:15). * NRA Ladies Luncheon: Mentioned as a bucket-list event for networking and auctions (06:52). Key Takeaways 1. Mentorship is key: Most leaders in this space were "roped in" by other women who saw their potential. 2. Safe environments foster growth: Women-only training leads to massive confidence shifts in record time. 3. The industry is a lifestyle: It’s not just about products; it’s about community, organic living, and "mama bear" support. 4. Professionalism matters: High-quality media (like the Otis booth) elevates the entire message of the 2A community. Key Words WOMA, SHOT Show, NRA, She Never Quit, Mentorship, Radio Row, Otis Technology, Female Empowerment, Shooting Sports, Hunting, Fishing, Leadership, Adventure.

The Matriarch of the Outdoors: A Sit-Down with Deb Ferns

Have you ever met a person who changed your whole life? In this episode of Amateurs and Experts, Erica and Jessica talk to their mentor, Deb Ferns. Deb started a group called WOMA to help women learn about hunting, fishing, and shooting. She has been doing this for 16 years! She tells a funny story about climbing a tree to stay safe from a wild pig. The group talks about how important it is to be a good friend and work hard. They do not get paid for their work, but they do it because they love helping other women. Deb explains that she is getting older and wants the younger women to take over the group soon. They also talk about how their sponsors are like family members. At the end, Deb tells everyone that it is never too late to try something new. If you want to learn more, you can come to their "She Never Quit" event. Links * WOMA (Women’s Outdoor Media Association) [thewoma.org]: The organization founded by Deb; . (02:20) * Otis Technology [otistec.com]: Hosting the podcast for their 40th anniversary; . (00:05) * Falco Holsters [https://www.falcoholsters.com/]: Mentioned as Deb's new holster for her carry gun; . (01:13) * Lowa Boots [https://www.lowaboots.com/]: A new potential sponsor mentioned by Leslie; . (11:50) * Armscor [https://www.armscor.com/]: Sponsor providing ammo and firearms for events. (12:47) * Fiocchi [https://www.fiocchiusa.com/]: Sponsor providing shotgun ammunition. (15:22) * She Never Quit [thewoma.org]: The annual flagship event for WOMA. (12:47) Key Takeaways * Action Beats Complaining: If you see a gap in your industry, don't wait—build the solution yourself. * Check Your Ego: Successful teams are built on "servant hearts" and the collective goal, not individual accolades. * Plan for the Future: A true leader ensures the organization can survive without them by mentoring younger talent early. * Integrity is Currency: Building long-term relationships with sponsors requires mutual respect and avoiding a "taking" mentality. Key Words WOMA, Deb Ferns, Succession Plan, Mentorship, Javelina, She Never Quit, Outdoor Industry, Non-Profit, Servant Heart, Legacy, SHOT Show 2025, Otis Technology.

Cops Making Gear: The Zero Nine Holsters Story with Ryan Allen

Have you ever wondered who makes the gear that police officers use to stay safe? In this episode of Amateurs and Experts, Erica and Jessica talk to Ryan Allen. Ryan used to be a police officer, but now he owns a company called Zero Nine Holsters. He makes special cases for radios and tools right here in the USA. He also helps run a big training group called the OTOA (Ohio Tactical Officers Association). The conversation then shifts to the OTOA, where Ryan details their mission to provide world-class training to not just SWAT, but every "tactically-minded" patrol officer. He highlights the upcoming 2025 conference at Kalahari Resort, which attracts thousands of attendees from as far as Hawaii and Canada for training, networking, and a massive vendor show. Links * Zero Nine Holsters [https://zero9holsters.com/]: — American-made duty gear and Kydex cases. (16:50) * OTOA (Ohio Tactical Officers Association) [https://www.otoa.org/]: — Training catalogs and conference registration. (16:22) * Otis Technology [https://otistec.com/]: The booth hosting the podcast at SHOT Show 2025. (00:05) * Lake Erie Arms [https://www.learms.net/]: Mentioned for its indoor clay field training facility. (09:15) Key Takeaways * Identify the Gap: Zero Nine Holsters succeeded because they filled a specific need for better-designed duty equipment that big manufacturers ignored. * Seek Quality over Compliance: Real-world survival depends on training that provides value, not just a certificate for an HR file. * State Support is Crucial: Partnering with government offices like the Attorney General can provide life-saving education to those who can't afford it. * Professionalism is for Everyone: Tactical thinking should be a standard for all first responders, including patrol, fire, and medics. Key Words Zero Nine Holsters, OTOA, Law Enforcement, Tactical Training, SHOT Show 2025, Kydex, Active Shooter Response, State Funded, Professionalism, Patrol Officer, Duty Gear, Ohio.