HHNW Ep. 057 - Brandon Roper, VP Sales & Solutions NASGW

HHNW Ep. 062 - Keith Kennedy, President StratellusIQ

Welcome to HeadHunters NW Podcast! I'm Shaylene Keiner, founder, business owner, and highly sought after specialized consultant with the connections and influence you need in the highly regulated industries all focused on building America's future as the world leader. As the secret weapon for my clients, I identify, recruit, and secure the most in-demand, unreachable talent they need to accomplish their goals. I work for some of the most coveted companies in the industries I represent. There is a saying in my line of work, "you are either friend or food," there is no in between. You want the power of my connections working for you behind the scenes if you want to finish first! Join me as I sit down with top executives and industry leaders to dive deep behind the veil of highly regulated industries and the people who accomplish the goals that make our industry great! Together, we explore the latest trends, innovations, and the inspiring stories behind the people who drive this dynamic industry forward. Our conversations go beyond the surface to uncover the fascinating insights that shape these vital sectors focused on building America's future as the world leader, while breaking down misconceptions and highlighting the rewarding career paths available. Industries We Cover • Defense Manufacturing & Technology • Munitions Industries • Aerospace & Space Sectors • Intelligence & Cybersecurity Solutions • Artificial Intelligence Applications • Hardware & Software Development Subscribe now and become part of our community exploring the fascinating stories and career opportunities in these dynamic industries! In this HeadHunters NW podcast episode, I sit down with marketing professional Keith Kennedy to talk about his journey from the Marine Corps into marketing and his work with AI through his company, StratellisIQ. Keith explains how he began exploring AI around 2023, influenced by tools like Adobe Firefly and by seeing advanced defense-sector AI, and why he's focused on practical, outcome-driven AI for businesses. He outlines key areas where AI can help—revenue and sales support, cost and time savings, customer experience, and process efficiency—emphasizing starting with goals and processes before choosing tools. He describes "human in the loop/on the loop/out of the loop," shares examples including AI-assisted sales outreach and automated warranty/RMA customer service, and argues AI will augment rather than replace people. Contact Keith info@stratellusiq.com [info@stratellusiq.com] Website www.stratellusiq.com [http://www.stratellusiq.com] FIND US: On the web: https://www.headhuntersnw.com/ [https://www.headhuntersnw.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHuntersNW/ [https://www.facebook.com/HeadHuntersNW/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headhuntersnw [https://www.instagram.com/headhuntersnw]

HHNW Ep. 061 - Clay Cheshire, Defense Industry General Counsel

Welcome to HeadHunters NW Podcast! I'm Shaylene Keiner, founder, business owner, and highly sought after specialized consultant with the connections and influence you need in the highly regulated industries all focused on building America's future as the world leader. As the secret weapon for my clients, I identify, recruit, and secure the most in-demand, unreachable talent they need to accomplish their goals. I work for some of the most coveted companies in the industries I represent. There is a saying in my line of work, "you are either friend or food," there is no in between. You want the power of my connections working for you behind the scenes if you want to finish first! Join me as I sit down with top executives and industry leaders to dive deep behind the veil of highly regulated industries and the people who accomplish the goals that make our industry great! Together, we explore the latest trends, innovations, and the inspiring stories behind the people who drive this dynamic industry forward. Our conversations go beyond the surface to uncover the fascinating insights that shape these vital sectors focused on building America's future as the world leader, while breaking down misconceptions and highlighting the rewarding career paths available. Industries We Cover • Defense Manufacturing & Technology • Munitions Industries • Aerospace & Space Sectors • Intelligence & Cybersecurity Solutions • Artificial Intelligence Applications • Hardware & Software Development Subscribe now and become part of our community exploring the fascinating stories and career opportunities in these dynamic industries! In this episode, Shaylene visits with attorney Clay Cheshire, founder of Defense Industry General Counsel, about serving firearms and broader defense-industry clients who need outside general counsel. Clay explains his practice focuses on highly regulated businesses and the value of regulatory experience across agencies like ATF and the State Department, including support for software companies serving regulated clients or battlefield technologies. They discuss what makes attorney-client relationships work, emphasizing frequent communication, non-transactional partnerships, and proactive planning to reduce cost and stress. Clay shares examples of strategic counsel around controversial but legal products and exit/retirement and generational succession planning. He warns that delaying legal involvement in deals, especially international, can lock in bad terms. They cover growing state-level regulation, efforts by gun control groups to create uncertainty for companies and investors, and a Second Circuit insurance coverage decision involving intentional-act exclusions. Clay advises treating counsel as a decision-making team member and shares how rewarding working in the firearms industry is for him. Website: https://defenseindustrygc.com [https://defenseindustrygc.com] Contact Information: Clay Cheshire clay@defenseindustrygc.com 404.579.7084 (cell) FIND US: On the web: https://www.headhuntersnw.com/ [https://www.headhuntersnw.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHuntersNW/ [https://www.facebook.com/HeadHuntersNW/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headhuntersnw [https://www.instagram.com/headhuntersnw]

HHNW Ep. 060 - Nathan Schueth,  Director of Sales and Business Development, HK USA

Welcome to HeadHunters NW Podcast! I'm Shaylene Keiner, founder, business owner, and highly sought after specialized consultant with the connections and influence you need in the highly regulated industries all focused on building America's future as the world leader. As the secret weapon for my clients, I identify, recruit, and secure the most in-demand, unreachable talent they need to accomplish their goals. I work for some of the most coveted companies in the industries I represent. There is a saying in my line of work, "you are either friend or food," there is no in between. You want the power of my connections working for you behind the scenes if you want to finish first! Join me as I sit down with top executives and industry leaders to dive deep behind the veil of highly regulated industries and the people who accomplish the goals that make our industry great! Together, we explore the latest trends, innovations, and the inspiring stories behind the people who drive this dynamic industry forward. Our conversations go beyond the surface to uncover the fascinating insights that shape these vital sectors focused on building America's future as the world leader, while breaking down misconceptions and highlighting the rewarding career paths available. Industries We Cover • Defense Manufacturing & Technology • Munitions Industries • Aerospace & Space Sectors • Intelligence & Cybersecurity Solutions • Artificial Intelligence Applications • Hardware & Software Development Subscribe now and become part of our community exploring the fascinating stories and career opportunities in these dynamic industries! On this episode of HeadHunters NW Podcast, Shaylene has an in-depth conversation with Nathan Schueth, Director of Sales and Business Development at HK USA, highlighting both his professional journey and an exciting new career opportunity within the organization. Schueth shared his unique path into the firearms industry, beginning with his service in the Marine Corps and evolving through international business, industry writing, and early-stage growth roles before joining HK nearly a decade ago. His experience reflects a rare blend of technical expertise, sales acumen, and strategic insight—qualities that have helped shape HK's strong market position and collaborative internal culture. A central focus of the episode was HK's search for a National Sales Manager for Commercial Sales, a pivotal leadership role reporting directly to Schueth. This position offers far more than traditional sales management responsibilities. The selected candidate will play a key role in shaping national sales strategy, influencing product development, and contributing to the company's long-term growth trajectory. To learn more about this position, contact HeadHunters NW, the exclusive recruiting firm representing HK for filling this position. Email Shaylene: shaylene@headhuntersnw.com [shaylene@headhuntersnw.com] for information about the position. HK Website: https://hk-usa.com/ [https://hk-usa.com/] FIND US: On the web: https://www.headhuntersnw.com/ [https://www.headhuntersnw.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHuntersNW/ [https://www.facebook.com/HeadHuntersNW/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headhuntersnw [https://www.instagram.com/headhuntersnw]

HHNW Ep. 059 - Mark Cherpes

Welcome to HeadHunters NW Podcast! I'm Shaylene Keiner, founder, business owner, and highly sought after specialized consultant with the connections and influence you need in the highly regulated industries all focused on building America's future as the world leader. As the secret weapon for my clients, I identify, recruit, and secure the most in-demand, unreachable talent they need to accomplish their goals. I work for some of the most coveted companies in the industries I represent. There is a saying in my line of work, "you are either friend or food," there is no in between. You want the power of my connections working for you behind the scenes if you want to finish first! Join me as I sit down with top executives and industry leaders to dive deep behind the veil of highly regulated industries and the people who accomplish the goals that make our industry great! Together, we explore the latest trends, innovations, and the inspiring stories behind the people who drive this dynamic industry forward. Our conversations go beyond the surface to uncover the fascinating insights that shape these vital sectors focused on building America's future as the world leader, while breaking down misconceptions and highlighting the rewarding career paths available. Industries We Cover • Defense Manufacturing & Technology • Munitions Industries • Aerospace & Space Sectors • Intelligence & Cybersecurity Solutions • Artificial Intelligence Applications • Hardware & Software Development Subscribe now and become part of our community exploring the fascinating stories and career opportunities in these dynamic industries! In this HeadHunters NW Podcast episode, Shaylene interviews Mark Cherpes, former President and CEO of FN America, about his 25-year career with FN and earlier work at the Pentagon in the Navy office and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Mark describes leading FN's U.S. operations through major growth, merging two culturally different organizations, and developing strategies to reduce reliance on cyclical defense business by expanding from military into law enforcement and consumer markets. He discusses building strategy and product portfolio growth, including factory red-dot integration. Mark also covers brand protection through strong compliance and crisis management, managing stakeholders from Congress to the board, hiring for character and cultural fit, lessons learned from not following his gut on a hire, and opportunities and regulatory risks ahead. He notes his involvement with the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and plans to attend NRA. Email Mark mark.cherpes@icloud.com Find Mark on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-l-cherpes-0b7889313 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-l-cherpes-0b7889313/] FIND US: On the web: https://www.headhuntersnw.com/ [https://www.headhuntersnw.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHuntersNW/ [https://www.facebook.com/HeadHuntersNW/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headhuntersnw [https://www.instagram.com/headhuntersnw]

HHNW Ep. 058 - Alex and Michelle DeVoe, Owners M22 Tactical

Welcome to HeadHunters NW Podcast! I'm Shaylene Keiner, founder, business owner, and highly sought after specialized consultant with the connections and influence you need in the highly regulated industries all focused on building America's future as the world leader. As the secret weapon for my clients, I identify, recruit, and secure the most in-demand, unreachable talent they need to accomplish their goals. I work for some of the most coveted companies in the industries I represent. There is a saying in my line of work, "you are either friend or food," there is no in between. You want the power of my connections working for you behind the scenes if you want to finish first! Join me as I sit down with top executives and industry leaders to dive deep behind the veil of highly regulated industries and the people who accomplish the goals that make our industry great! Together, we explore the latest trends, innovations, and the inspiring stories behind the people who drive this dynamic industry forward. Our conversations go beyond the surface to uncover the fascinating insights that shape these vital sectors focused on building America's future as the world leader, while breaking down misconceptions and highlighting the rewarding career paths available. Industries We Cover • Defense Manufacturing & Technology • Munitions Industries • Aerospace & Space Sectors • Intelligence & Cybersecurity Solutions • Artificial Intelligence Applications • Hardware & Software Development Subscribe now and become part of our community exploring the fascinating stories and career opportunities in these dynamic industries! In this episode of HeadHunters NW Podcast, Shaylene has a conversation with Alex and Michelle DeVoe, the owners and founders of Red Cat. The DeVoes detail their journey from the initial concept to the development of their innovative product, the Red Cat Dry-Fire Trainer, designed for the AR-15 platform. They discuss the challenges of dry-fire training and how their product addresses these issues by preventing bad habits and training scars. The DeVoes also share insights about their military and engineering backgrounds and how they leveraged their experiences and skills to develop this product. Additionally, they talk about their commitment to manufacturing in the USA and their efforts to support law enforcement and competitive shooters. The episode provides an in-depth look at the product's development and its potential impact on various user groups, including military personnel, law enforcement, and general firearm enthusiasts. Website: https://redcat22.com [https://redcat22.com] FIND US: On the web: https://www.headhuntersnw.com/ [https://www.headhuntersnw.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHuntersNW/ [https://www.facebook.com/HeadHuntersNW/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headhuntersnw [https://www.instagram.com/headhuntersnw]