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Firearms Executive Leland Nichols Joins Orchid as Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer

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December 20, 2022

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HARTFORD, CT (December 21, 2022) – The leader in FFL technology, payment processing, and compliance services, Orchid is proud to announce the hire of seasoned firearms industry executive, Leland Nichols. With nearly 40 years of President, CEO, and General Manager-level experience at public and private firearm manufacturing companies, Leland joins Orchid as its new Chief of Strategy & Business Development Officer.

“Leland has been a friend, co-worker, and client to many of us on the Orchid leadership team for over a decade,” said Orchid CEO, Jon Rydberg. “Leland’s tenure atop organizations such as Smith & Wesson, Remington, Shadow Systems, and others brings a solid understanding of the firearm supply chain and the tools needed to navigate and serve consumer demand. His industry experience will play a key role in refining Orchid’s go-to-market strategy while also offering our clients insight to achieve consistent growth. Since joining this month, Leland has already helped put the finishing touches on our new B2B Supply Portal and continues to impart experience that will shape Orchid’s FFL technology and service products to the benefit of our customers.”

Prior to joining the firearms industry, Leland served in executive roles including VP, Product Management, Professional Power Tools for Black & Decker, where he led the launch of the DeWalt brand in North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. His experience also includes roles as President at Stanley Hardware, EVP of Kohler Company, and VP, Sales & Business Development with Rinnai America.

In 2005, Leland began his career in the outdoor recreation, hunting, and shooting industry as the President and COO of Smith & Wesson. Under his leadership, S&W successfully developed and launched the M&P pistol and rifle series. Following his tenure with S&W, he served at Remington Outdoor Company as VP and GM for Firearms and Accessories. Most recently, Leland led Airhead Sports Group as President and CEO, executing a doubling of EBITDA and a successful sales transaction as the company was acquired by Aqua Leisure Recreation and Blackford Capital. Leland is a strong advocate of the Second Amendment and enjoys a broad range of outdoor recreational actives, including competitive shooting, hunting, boating and motor sports.

“I’ve enjoyed serving the shooting sports industry for the last two decades and look forward to my next chapter with Orchid,” said Leland Nichols. “The organization offers a strong technology and services platform for licensees, both of which have benefited the firearm manufacturing entities I’ve led. In this new capacity, I’ll be focused on helping Orchid’s clients grow their businesses with an eye on solutions that help move inventory through the supply chain with efficiency.”

Industry members are encouraged to meet with Leland Nichols and learn more about Orchid’s new B2B Supply Portal at SHOT Show this January from the Orchid FFL Technology Center, located at booth #72633 in the Caesars Forum. Leland may also be reached directly at lnichols@joinorchid.com.

White text and SHOT Show and Orchid logos atop blue background.

About Orchid LLC
Celebrating 10 years of serving the shooting sports industry, Orchid LLC and partner firm, FFL Law, offer leading FFL software, firearms-friendly payment processing, and legal and regulatory services. With powerful POS, Ecommerce, Bound Book, and ERP solutions (including Epicor, NetSuite, Fishbowl, Odoo, SAP, Sage, and Oracle), expert knowledge of ATF, import/export, and state-level regulations, Orchid helps FFLs profitably manufacture, distribute, and sell firearms with great efficiency and the utmost compliance. Get started today at orchidadvisors.com.

Press Contact:
Joe Kriz
Communications Manager, Orchid LLC
jkriz@joinorchid.com

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