2020 EDITORIALBIOS - Athlon Outdoors
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2020 EDITORIAL BIOS
Transcript of 2020 EDITORIALBIOS - Athlon Outdoors
2 0 2 0 E D I T O R I A L B I O S
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CHUCK ALLENPRESIDENT AND CEO
Chuck has successfully led and transformed some of the most well-known consumer and b2b media brands in the country. He has extensive experience in media and publishing, including acquisitions, bi-costal operations, sales, marketing, brand building and content development to reach targeted and mass audiences. Chuck has taken a leading role in the growth of two of the largest magazines in the U.S., AARP and Parade Magazine. His expertise in both private and not-for-profit sectors and in cross-mediaplatforms make him a rare, versatile leader. He has also served on the boards of the Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) and World Christian Broadcasting (WCB) and Executive Council for AARP. He has experience in National sales and revenue development taking small operations and growing two companies into nine-figure entities, both with national implications. His Media and Publishing background includes the expansion of AMG/Parade and scores of magazine titles, seven websites and a YouTube platform, with a monthly audience exceeding 100+ million. Responsibilities include, Parade Magazine, America’s largest circulated magazine with 18+ million copies weekly, Relish and Spry Living, distributed through 1,000+ newspaper partners. Company assets and titles include the Athlon Outdoors Division, Special Interest and Annual publications distributed through 48,000 retail locations. Mr. Allen has a unique background in complex company negotiations, his skills include acquisitions and capital development, working independently and with private equity to include Wicks Investment Group, Bain Capital, Conde Nast, and Disney.
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NICK SEIFERTSVP/GENERAL MANAGER
Nick joined Athlon Outdoors in 2016 and immediately surrounded himself with a team oftopflight professionals who quickly made thecompany a leader in shooting sports media. AthlonOutdoors’ dramatic transition included delivering new multimedia product offerings, digital upgrades and innovations, a customer-first advertising partnership culture, and, most importantly, journalistic excellence.
More than 30 years at the top of the outdoor mediabusiness evolved from a lifelong obsession. Hiscareer reads like the Who’s Who of outdoor media:Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, ESPN Outdoors,Fischer Productions, InterMedia Outdoors,HardPoint Capital Partners and now Athlon Outdoors. He’s been an editor, writer, TV producer, on-camera talent, 14-time Emmy Award winner, marketing specialist, executive, and publisher.
Along the way, he built several successfulbusinesses and operating units, helped advertisingclients reach goals and grow revenue, gaveback to various causes and advocated for hunting,conservation and Second Amendment rights.
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NINO BOSAZ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Nino Bosaz’s career in shooting and outdoor media began in 1995 as an editorial assistant for Combat Handguns, Tactical Knives and Whitetail Strategies magazines. Since then he has launched several highly successful publications including American Frontiersman, Tactical Weapons, AR Rifleman and The New Pioneer, and produced custompublications for Nikon Sport Optics, Glock, Barrett Firearms, Mossy Oak Camo, Blackhawk Products and other leading outdoor companies. Today he oversees print content for Athlon Outdoors, the leading media company in firearms, shootingsports, and survival/self-reliance with 24 magazine titles reaching 33 million passionate readers each year.
Bosaz credits his content creators as the driving force behind his success. “Surround yourself with great contributors who have the passion on a given subject matter, collaborate to the fullest, and there’s no telling how far we can take this.”
Although gun magazine publishing has been his main occupation, Bosaz also wore the hats of editorial director, e-zine editor and direct-mail catalogdesigner/publisher for e-tailer eders.com and servedfor several years as a weekly contributor torealtree.com.
Bosaz’s never-ending passion for firearms, Second Amendment and personal-defense advocacy, self-reliance, hunting, fishing, the U.S. military and land stewardship date back to his early days of shot-gunning deer in upstate New York. “One day while sitting on deer stand, I said to myself, 'Self, you need to figure out how to earn a living doing what you love.'”
EDITORI A L B I O S
LINAS VIKTORAS CERNAUSKAS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Born and raised in New York City (living there for 39 years), in 1999 Linas Cernauskas began working in publishing at the bottom step for Harris Publications. He worked his way up to earn the title Editor-In-Chief. He currently holds the same title at Athlon Outdoors. He holds a degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and is fluent in Lithuanian. He is an avid gun collector, fan of bourbons and cigars, and enjoys fishing. Wanting a quieter way of life, he currently resides in Michigan with his lovely wife, where he gets to shoot in hisbackyard.
MATTHEW HOGANDIRECTOR OF DIGITAL CONTENT
With a Bachelor's Degree in English from Binghamton University and a background in journalism, Matt has worked in digital media since the start of his career in 2009. In 2014, Matt joined Harris Publications for his first foray into the firearms industry. In 2016, Matt transitioned into the role of Digital Manager after being acquired by Athlon Outdoors. He oversaw day-to-day website editorial operations and managed everything from digital advertising to social media.
Currently, Matt is the Director of Digital Content, where he manages the creative direction and execution of daily content for all Athlon Outdoors digital properties, including Tactical-Life.com, BallisticMag.com, and PersonalDefenseWorld.com. His strategies and planning resulted in a 24.8 percent increase in traffic in 2019. So far in 2020, those same strategies have resulted in an astonishing 60 percent growth in traffic.
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Brock is an industry insider who has spent the past 10 years working for outdoor media companies such as InterMedia Outdoors, Outdoor Sportman Group, Media Lodge/GunBroker, and now Athlon Outdoors. Over his career he has managed web properties, digital marketing, digital sales, graphic design, video production, sponsored content, social media, e-newsletters, industry trade shows and more.
Growing up as an avid outdoorsman, Brock enjoys fishing, hunting & spending time at the range. He completed a Bachelor’s degree at Bradley University and has since worked in multimedia positions in the outdoor industry.
BROCK NORMANDIGITAL SALES DEVELOPMENTAND MARKETING DIRECTOR
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CHAD ADAMSDIGITAL EDITOR & VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER
Adams began his career in journalism as a U.S. Marine and continued it in the firearms industry upon discharge. In 2002, Adams began working for NRA as an editor with “Shooting Illustrated” magazine and later “American Rifleman.” During that time, Adams also began working in television, first as a reporter for “American Rifleman Television,” then as host of NRA’s “American Guardian.”
Many folks in the industry may know Adams from his role with 3-Gun Nation. For the past seven years, Adams was Partner/Vice President, Director of Communication & Public Affairs for 3-Gun Nation, which included shooting events, broadcast TV, website, bi-monthly magazines, social media, on-site event marketing and public affairs. He has experience with memberships, video production, script writing, live streaming, and on-camera talent. His show, “3-Gun Nation,” aired on Versus, NBC Sports, Sportsman Channel, Pursuit Channel, The Blaze and MAV TV.
MARK CHESNUTSENIOR EDITOR
Mark Chesnut has been a professional journalist since 1984 when he took his first daily newspaper job fresh out of college. After declaring as a child that he wanted to make a living by “hunting, fishing and writing about it,” he has been fortunate enough to do just that for the past three and a half decades. A contract editor for Athlon Outdoors working on a number of print publications, Mark is also a frequent feature contributor to Tactical Life, Combat Handguns, Personal Defense World, Guns of the Old West, American Frontiersman and New Pioneer. Additionally, he regularly writes news and issue-oriented features for ballisticmag.com and personaldefenseworld.com. Prior to June 2020, Mark served as editor-in-chief of NRA’s America’s 1st Freedom magazine for 19 years. Before that, he was lead editor on a number of other publications including NRA American Warrior, NRA Ring of Freedom, BASSIN’, Golf Illustrated, Gun Journal, Rifle & Shotgun Sport Shooting and Income Opportunities. Mark’s hobbies include big game and upland bird hunting, bird dog training and field trialing. He raises field-bred Irish Setters that are very competitive on the national level. His contract editing and writing company, Red Setter Communications LLC, also works with a number of other clients both within and outside of the shooting and outdoor industries.
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JAY LANGSTONEDITOR-AT-LARGE FOR TACTICAL LIFE STEALTH AND TL COMPLETE BOOK OF RELOADING
Langston’s professional pursuits over the past 25 years include publishing more than 1,500 articles and 2,000 photos that have appeared in hundreds of magazines, newspapers and websites. He is a graduate of the University of Memphis, holding a B.A. in journalism.
His career includes various roles with Whitman Publishing, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, National Wild Turkey Federation, Game & Fish Publications and Stoeger Publishing.
Langston is the recipient of 16 state, regional and national writing awards, as well as winning numerous competitions from National Field Archery Association titles to NRA matches in Handgun Silhouette, NRA Hi-Power and Small Bore. Langston is an avowed addict of chasing mature whitetail bucks and long-spurred tom turkeys, which is evidenced by his hunting one or both in 26 states, Canada and Mexico.
GRIFFIN BARTMAN ATHLON OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR
“Graham” spent 15 years on active duty in the Army working on the tactical side of military intelligence including tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. A speaker of Croatian, English, German, Russian, and Serbian, “Graham” went on to earn degrees in Russian, intelligence operations, management, and marketing.
Looking to leave the darkness of the intelligence world he applied his knowledge of weapons and tactics as a full-time defensive shooting instructor before being recruited into the industry as a public relations specialist and brand strategist. The pen name helps keep work and play separate between helping clients as Griffin and serving consumers as “Graham” with videos on YouTube, AmmoLand.com, and print.
FRANK MELLONIATHLON OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR
Frank Melloni rocketed into the firearms industry in 2011 after competing in season 4 of History Channel’s Top Shot. Shortly after the show Frank started a New York based firearms training company called Renaissance Firearms Instruction where he heads up a crew of more than 10 instructors teaching various firearms disciplines to include defensive shooting, long-range precision, and even reloading. Frank produces both written and visual content for nearly every Athlon Outdoors publication and tackles any project thrown at him with passion and conviction. In his spare time he can be found competing in USPSA, IDPA and various long range rifle disciplines. Frank also enjoys hunting, camping, hiking and essentially any reason to be outdoors.
[email protected]: @pewpewnationPicturesbyandy.com
ANDY GROSSMANATHLON OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR
Andy is an outdoor industry photographer, content creator, writer, and Firearms instructor. Working with numerous outdoor publications including, Athlon Outdoors, FMG Publications, GAT Daily, and the NRA to create some of the best imagery and content possible. As a certified NRA Instructor since 2008 he teaches concealed weapons courses and firearms safety courses in Michigan. Through photography and writing, Andy tests and reviews the latest guns and gear with the goal to bring an unbiased opinion to the reader on some of the industry’s most popular products. Andy is also the host of one of the only Live Podcasts on Facebook called Pew Pew Nation Live. Possessing a strong background in social media content creation and marketing really aids Andy in helping companies achieve their marketing goals through product imagery.
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FRED MASTISONATHLON OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR
Fred Mastison is a national magazine contributor, professional firearms and combatives instructor, and executive protection provider and trainer. He has written more than 700 articles for 27 different magazines. He is a reserve police officer and has been training in firearms & close quarter combatives for more than three decades. He currently holds 17 separate POST course certifications around the U.S. and is a certifying instructor for law enforcement firearms instructors in handgun, patrol rifle, shotgun and submachine gun. He is a contract DOD personal security and OPSEC instructor for US Embassy personnel based around the world. In addition to training in the U.S., Fred has divisions in Germany, Ireland, and Mexico.
MIKE DETTYATHLON OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR
Mike Detty has been writing for consumer gun magazines, law enforcement and military journals and industry newsletters for over 27 years. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Following his graduation from college, Detty entered the officer ranks of the United States Marines Corps. His involvement in USPSA and 3-gun competition led to his writing of firearms evaluations.
Detty has published two novels: Guns Across the Border and Operation Wide Receiver. Both books detail his involvement as a confidential informant to help the ATF and DOJ take down powerful drug cartels. Detty currently resides in Arizona where he enjoys shooting in the rugged desert mountains that surround Tucson.
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KAREN HUNTERATHLON OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR
Karen is a freelance writer and contributor to Athlon Outdoors as well as several other national publications. Her passion for firearms goes far beyond the writing aspect. Karen is a certified firearms instructor in both defensive handgun and carbine instruction. In addition to writing and instruction Karen also works as a consultant in the firearms industry regarding product development and marketing. This fall she will be releasing her own show, 2A with Karen Hunter through a television network accessible through Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV as well as several other platforms. Karen’s main objective in every avenue of her career is to provide others with solid firearm and training information that is applicable to their everyday lives.
TRAVIS BIRNEYATHLON OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR
Travis Birney is a freelance writer with over 20 years of federal law enforcement service. He started shooting before he was five and was Captain of the Yale University Rifle Team.
His career began at the Ford County Sheriff's Office in Dodge City, Kansas, before joining the U.S. Border Patrol in 1997 and then DEA as a Special Agent in 1999. Travis served everywhere from the U.S./Mexican border to Afghanistan. He recently reported to his seventh duty station in Phoenix, Arizona. A Firearms and a Raids Tactical Instructor, Travis taught new recruits at DEA's Office of Training in Quantico, VA, and has taught hundreds of courses in approximately 25 countries over the last decade. He claims he is welcome to return to most of them.
Bitten by the writing bug, he was first published in 2009. His spare time is spent enjoying his two precocious children and his remarkably beautiful (and patient) wife who may or may not have helped him write this bio.
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MITCH HARDINATHLON OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR
A true patriot and sheepdog, Mitch has spent most of his adult life in uniform serving God, Country, and Community, from his early career as a Paratrooper in the frigid arctic of Alaska to a Deputy Sheriff in the Mid-West. As an Army Veteran and retired Law Enforcement Officer, Mitch knew that he could write a solid report andtake quality evidentiary photos. So, journalism wasn’t a far stretch of the imagination for him. Coupled with a passion for justice and unwavering support of our nation’s Constitution, a more natural fit is hard to find. During his downtime, Mitch enjoys spending time with his family, training his German Shepherd dog, and maintains a presence in over a dozen industry related forums. He can usually be found at the range or behind the lens of his camera. If he's not out working on an article, he’s advocating for our individual liberties. One little known fact is that Mitch was a regular participant in “Backyard Olympics,” gold medaling in Freestyle Sarcasm, Command Inspired Sarcasm, and the 200 yd Felony Suspect Dash.
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SEAN UTLEYATHLON OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR
Sean Utley is a freelance photographer and writer for the firearms industry, taking his first assignment from Harris Publications in 2008. His career quickly blossomed, and in 2010 his photographic work appeared on the covers of nearly all of Harris Publications’ and Intermedia Outdoors’ magazinessimultaneously, as well as SWAT magazine and LE-specific publications such as Law and Order and Law Officer.
Sean began writing in 2010, focusing on NFA weapons, and in 2013 he became a full-time freelance contributor for the industry.
Sean is the quintessential “gun-guy," a passion that started as a child and was fueled by constantexposure to all things firearms. This passion would lead him to begin many years of training under top firearms instructors in the LE/SWAT and military special forces communities. His passion for learning never slows and continues to drive him to new segments of the shooting community.
TODD BURGREENATHLON OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR
Todd Burgreen has been a freelance writer for over 20 years with hundreds of articles published in various publications. He has attended dozens of personal defense, team tactics, firearms, and driving courses from some of the most influential training centers and personalities in the country.
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ALEX LANDEENATHLON OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR
[email protected] @AlexLandeenLandeenPhotography.com
Forged in the dry heat of southern Arizona, Landeen has been providing professional-grade content to the outdoor, firearm, and LE publication industry for over a decade.
At the University of Arizona, Landeen spent three years studying mechanical engineering before switching to journalism, not due in small part to the fact that he watched many friends graduate and go on to “riding desks and slinging paperwork.” Landeen knew he was not built for that environment. After taking a summer elective course on editorial photography he was hooked.
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs and outdoorsmen, Landeen had a innate proclivity for firearms and shooting sports, as well as understanding the importance of always striving to create next-level work.
The best, and sometimes most difficult part of this job is that it's always different. “There is always something new to learn, an unforeseen obstacle to overcome,” he says. “There are infinite ways to take a photograph or tell a tale so the output usually comes down to budget and time. A professional is one who can make the best out of both.”
A O S A L E S + M AR K E T I N G
ADVERTISING & SALES CONTACTS:
NORTHEAST &MID-ATLANTICREGIONScott Buchmayr [email protected]
SOUTHEAST & UPPER MIDWEST REGIONAmos Crowley [email protected]
WESTERN REGIONScott J. Cherek [email protected]
MIDWEST/CENTRAL SOUTH REGIONDan Flavin [email protected]
SENIOR DIRECTOR MARKETING & OPERATIONSCarrie Roeder [email protected]
MARKETING COORDINATOR & ADMINISTRATORMaureen [email protected]
All general inquires can go to:[email protected]
