RSWC #213, Doug Hamlin, NRA Executive Vice President

Not every day you get to interview the Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association, Doug Hamlin, let alone take him for a drive around Fairfax. But when the chance comes up, you take it. I owe a huge thank you to Amanda Suffecool for making the connection. It’s pretty cool when Mark Keefe, who I’ve seen on TV and in magazines, comes out to ensure everything is ready for the interview.

Like many folks, firearms were a family tradition for Doug. He learned to hunt from his grandfather, and they had a “healthy collection” of firearms, many of which were military surplus. When he was old enough, Doug joined the Marines. The years in service were very beneficial in forming the self-confidence that people need. It also taught him that life is competitive and that you need to step up or step out.

After the Marines, he had a friend working with Petersen Publishing Company in Detroit. His friend was doing well. He asked his friend to put in a good word at the Petersen headquarters in Los Angeles. He met with Mr. Robert Petersen and was offered a job at Guns & Ammo magazine in the late 1980’s. Mr. Petersen, of course, is the largest donor to the National Firearm Museum at NRA HQ. Petersen was a big role model and mentor to Doug. He moved from ad sales to publisher in four years.

Eventually, Petersen moved Doug over to publish MotorTrend Magazine, which was a very important property of Petersen Publishing. Being a bit of a car guy, this was a good fit. The day after getting the new job, Petersen jetted him off to the New York auto show. Doug got to travel the world with Petersen, including trips to London. Often, they’d stop at Purdy and Holland & Holland to “make an investment.” Many of these investments happen to be in the NRA Museum. His NRA roots run deep!

During lunch with Ken Elliot, his former boss at Petersen, Joe Graham announced his retirement from NRA Publications. Ken asked if some NRA folks, including Wayne LaPierre, could join them for lunch. Doug, the executive director of publications, was mentioned in the conversation. He started the position in early 2014 and spent ten years working as a publisher.

When LaPierre stepped down in February, there would be changes on the Board. There were the “old guard” and the “reformers”. It came down to Doug and Ronnie Barrett. Doug speaks extensively on what happened at the meetings and elections. Getting back to NRA HQ after the election and with almost no sleep, Doug got right to work.

Doug has ignited a spark in the staff. Everyone at the NRA has a much brighter outlook on its future. They’re working to rebuild the trust with membership and grow it to what it was just a few years ago. Only a small percentage of gun owners are members. With around 100 million gun owners and only 4 million NRA members, there’s a lot of room for expansion.

The NRA has several publications and over 40 programs, including helping ranges get started, Eddie Eagle, lobbying in every state, several websites,and training. Their publications have been rebranded as NRA Media, and Mark Keefe is the leader there. (And the interview with Mark will be dropping soon!) With all their media, they’re reaching 20 million people a month!

We do need a strong and stable NRA. I’ve said this several times: the NRA is taking the arrows from the antis while the other groups are doing work. The antis don’t know about the other groups since they are smaller than the NRA. I did get a chance to interview a few others at the NRA while I was there. Everyone loves their jobs at the NRA and enjoys working there. It’s good to see and hear this. Like I said, we need a strong NRA.

Favorite quotes:

• “You better step up or step out.”
• “They also understand the significance of a strong NRA. It benefits the entire industry when you have a strong NRA.”
• “You can count on us. You can trust us.”
• “The NRA is a tremendous institution, and we’re doing a lot to get us back on track and rebuild our membership.”

About Riding Shotgun With Charlie

Riding Shotgun With Charlie isn’t about firearms. It is about having an intimate conversation with 2 people talking. You’re the fly on the rearview mirror. Many of the passengers are involved in the firearm community.

This is a more intimate conversation than a phone, radio, or Skype interview. You get to see the passengers. And you’ll see where the road and the conversation take you!

www.ridingshotgunwithcharlie.com.