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 (Subject of the episode; discussion of the 2311 pistol). (00:45)
• Otis Technology: 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

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) - 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

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): The organization founded by Deb; . (02:20)

• Otis Technology: Hosting the podcast for their 40th anniversary; . (00:05)

• Falco Holsters: Mentioned as Deb's new holster for her carry gun; . (01:13)

• Lowa Boots: A new potential sponsor mentioned by Leslie; . (11:50)

• Armscor: Sponsor providing ammo and firearms for events. (12:47)

• Fiocchi: Sponsor providing shotgun ammunition. (15:22)

• She Never Quit: 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.

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: — American-made duty gear and Kydex cases. (16:50)

• OTOA (Ohio Tactical Officers Association): — Training catalogs and conference registration. (16:22)

• Otis Technology: The booth hosting the podcast at SHOT Show 2025. (00:05)

• Lake Erie Arms: 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.

ln this episode of Amateurs and Experts, Erica and Jess welcome Laura Evans of Silver Bullet Marketing to the Otis Technology booth at SHOT Show 2025.

The group discusses the historical changes in the industry, noting how the presence of women has shifted from superficial roles to powerful professional positions.

Laura shares her philosophy on boutique marketing, explaining how she helps small companies navigate distribution and media relations using her 17 years of experience.

The conversation covers the importance of localized networking, the "pay it forward" nature of female professionals in the shooting world, and specific product innovations like "cup holsters."

Finally, Laura describes her unique international experiences, including falconry in Slovakia, and invites listeners to connect with her for specialized industry marketing.

Links

• Otis Technology: https://otistec.com/ Celebrating their 40th anniversary; . (00:05)

• Silver Bullet Marketing: Laura Evans's boutique agency; contact via laura.silverbullet@gmail.com. (14:20)

• • Falco Holsters: https://www.falcoholsters.com/ A Slovakia-based holster company and longtime customer; . (17:10)
  • Bullet Bloom Jewelry: https://bulletbloom.com/ Jewelry made from fired bullets; . (09:00)

• • WOMA: thewoma.org Women's Outdoor Media Association; . (00:30)

  Key Takeaways

  • Specialization Wins: Generic marketing doesn't work in the firearms industry; you need an agency that "lives and breathes" the lifestyle.

  • Networking is Everything: Success often comes from chance encounters in elevators or hallways, made possible by wearing the right industry badges.

  • The Industry is a Lifestyle: Professionals in this space rarely leave; they simply move between companies because they share the same core values and mindset.

  • Accessibility Matters: New products, like the cup holder holster, succeed because they solve a direct, ergonomic problem for the user.

  Key Words Used

  Boutique Marketing, SHOT Show 2025, Mentorship, Alpha Female, Public Relations, Distribution, Falconry, Slovakia, Cup Holster, Otis Technology, Silver Bullet, WOMA.

Have you ever wondered how to hide a tool safely when your clothes don't have pockets? In this fun talk, Jess and Erica chat with Eric from Sticky Holsters. They talk about how their special holsters stay in place using just a little bit of pressure and a "sticky" outside. Erica shares a secret about how she hides hers in her bra so she can exercise without it moving!

Eric explains that his company makes everything in the USA. They don't just make things for hiding firearms; they also make gear for hunters. He tells a story about a "modular sling" that lets you use one strap for many different firearms. This helps keep your storage safe and neat. The team reminds everyone that carrying a firearm is a big responsibility. You have to practice a lot and always be very careful. If you want to find these products, you can look in thousands of stores or visit their website!

Links

• Sticky Holsters: https://stickyholsters.com/ - Full line of American-made friction holsters and concealment systems. (17:40)

• Otis Technology: https://otistec.com/ - The booth hosting the podcast at SHOT Show. (00:15)

• She Never Quit: thewoma.org - A support organization mentioned in relation to the hosts and Sticky Holsters. (00:44)

• Streamlight Wedge: https://www.streamlight.com/ - A light mentioned during a TSA search story. (06:26)

Key Takeaways

• Body Type Inclusivity: Friction holsters are often superior for "fluffy" individuals who find traditional IWB (inside the waistband) clips uncomfortable.

• Modular Utility: A good concealment system (like Sticky’s) should work across various platforms—belly bands, ankle rigs, and vehicle mounts.

• The Safe Struggle is Real: Modular slings help prevent accidental damage to expensive optics and rifles in crowded safes.

• Safety is a Mindset: Respect for the firearm is the most important part of any lifestyle change involving concealed carry.

Key Words

Sticky Holsters, Concealed Carry, Friction, SHOT Show 2025, Venatic Collection, Stock Pad Riser, Modular Sling, TSA, Bra Carry, Belly Band, Accidental Discharge, Lifestyle Change, American Made.

The Amateurs and Experts podcast interviews Amanda and Alexa from AESIR Brands at the Otis Technology booth during SHOT Show 2025.

The discussion focuses on the launch of the Stealth Mount, a new M-LOK compatible storage system that allows rifles to "float" on walls.

Amanda explains how the business has grown from an online retailer to a brick-and-mortar store called Adventure Gear South in Florida.

They also highlight the difficulties small businesses face with social media "shadow banning" and the high demands of managing product development in-house.

Finally, they touch on future plans for universal safe adapters and quick-connect systems.

Links

• AESIR Brands: https://hangarsystem.com/store/ — The primary site for the HangAR system and product information. (17:39)

• Otis Technology: https://otistec.com/ - Mentioned as the host booth for the 40th anniversary. (00:04)

• Adventure Gear South: https://adventuregearsouth.com/ - The brick-and-mortar tactical and survival store in Florida. (10:20)

Key Takeaways

• Versatility: The Stealth Mount isn't just for storage; it functions as a hand stop for active shooting.

• Speed: In-house manufacturing (3D printing/milling) allows small businesses to innovate faster than industry giants.

• Education: Managing a Master's degree in marketing while running a business highlights the dedication required for small brand success.

• Standardization Gap: The lack of standards in safe manufacturing makes "universal" adapter development a significant engineering challenge.

Key Words

AESIR, HangAR, Stealth Mount, M-LOK, Shot Show, 3D printing, Manufacturing, Hand stop, Gun storage, Adventure Gear South, FFL, Florida, Emergency preparedness.