Editors Note: Everyone at AmmoLand Shooting Sports News will be sad to see Larry retire. He has been a great friend to our business from the very early days, when we were “those Internet guys”. Larry realized before many the power and reach of new internet media and was always very supportive. Great wishes and good shooting in your next adventure. ~ Fredy Riehl, Editor AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.
MONTEZUMA, Iowa –-(Ammoland.com)- After 36 years with Brownells, veteran Public Relations Manager Larry Weeks has announced his plans to retire at the end of 2014.
Weeks will stay with the company as an advisor, and will attend various industry shows and shooting competitions throughout 2015.
Coming from Rockford, Illinois, Weeks started with the Iowa-based company in January of 1979 after answering a Brownells advertisement in American Rifleman for a Catalog Manager. Weeks worked alongside industry legends Bob and Frank Brownell on all elements of catalog production including copywriting, layout and photography. With the Brownells, Weeks played a significant role in turning the annually-produced Brownells “Big Book” into a highly sought-after catalog, now frequently referred to as the gun industry’s “Bible.”
Having built a long list of industry contacts, Weeks created Brownells’ public relations department in 2005. Since then, he’s been building long-lasting relationships with gun writers and media members across the U.S. and around the globe. He has also served as the company’s point man for sponsorships of all types.
“Larry is one of a kind,” said Brownells Chairman of the Board, Frank Brownell. “He has played an extremely critical role in growing this company during his 36 years with us. He’s just been a joy to be around for all these years. Larry is more than employee; he’s one heck of a close personal friend. All of us at Brownells are so grateful for his total dedication to the company. I hate to have him leave, but want to wish him the very best in retirement and his greater involvement with sprint car racing.”
Weeks will celebrate his last official day with the company on December 17, 2014. He’ll be with the team at SHOT Show to greet industry friends and make new ones.
“It’s been an honor to work for Brownells for the past 36 years,” said Weeks. “I’ve been able to be a part of the growth, from 40 employees to 400, and know that my efforts were a part of that growth – that’s a really rewarding feeling. I love the firearms industry, and through Brownells, have been able to meet so many inventive gun and accessory builders, great gun writers, talented shooters and match organizers – all of whom I consider friends.”
Weeks will be replaced by Brownells Copywriter Roy Hill. A former newspaper reporter, college English instructor, collegiate air rifle team coach and an avowed gun nut, Hill has an extreme passion for the firearms industry and a great working familiarity with the media. Roy can be reached at [email protected].
About Brownells
Founded in 1939, Brownells provides premier firearms parts, ammunition, gunsmithing tools, reloading components, survival gear and archery products to customers worldwide. Brownells is dedicated to unmatched Selection, unrivaled Service and absolute Satisfaction, as proven by their industry-exclusive 100-percent Forever Satisfaction Guarantee on every product sold. Additionally, their professional gun and archery techs are available to answer customer questions on nearly any firearm- or archery-related issue, free of charge. Consumers may order or get more information by calling 800-741-0015 or visiting www.brownells.com.
Larry, I have enjoyed all the years at matches around the country with you. I wish you well in your retirement.
It was a pleasure working with you Larry for the Arizona Cowboy Shooters and your support of our sport. Particularly Railhead……good luck in retirement and there is always a spot for you shooting with us. https://wp.acsainc.com/
Larry has been a friend for many years and will be missed in the industry.
While I hate to put work in front of a man who is retiring. Larry Weeks could teach seminars in public and media relations and I really wish that he would.
Wishing Larry a great and long retirement. I met Larry when he was in Australia a couple of years ago and he attended one of the comps put on by our club, Practical Pistol League of Australia. A really great and friendly guy. He even arranged some sponsorship for the Australian National Championships I was organizing at the time.
Thanks for your great work Larry. Have a fantastic time and maybe we will see you back in Australia sometime soon.
Bill Campbell
President PPLA https://www.ppla.org.au/