Kinsey’s Inc. Mourns the Passing of Jim Kinsey

MOUNT JOY, PA — Members of the local Mount Joy community, as well as members of the archery industry at large, are mourning the loss of Jim Kinsey who passed away Tuesday, Jan. 18^th, 2022 at the age of 84.

Jim’s father, Vernon Kinsey, founded Kinsey’s as a local archery retail store in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania in 1952.

Jim Kinsey then pioneered the distribution portion of the business laying the ground work for what Kinsey’s is today. Starting in 1957, Jim was instrumental in distributing arrows to retailers throughout the Northeast. He also spearheaded the company’s arrow manufacturing division by cementing contracts with both Colt Firearms and Bear Archery.

Jim led the family business for 40 years from 1957 through 1997 before passing the reins onto his children, 3^rd generation owners, Rick Kinsey and Sherri Gorman. Mr. Kinsey stayed connected to the business through 2013 when he formally retired.

Throughout the industry, Jim was known to be extremely kind and relational.  There are numerous stories throughout the industry where Jim gave both vendors and dealers their first start by connecting buyers and sellers using his vision for the distribution model.

Rick and Sherri put out a statement stating, “He was a very passionate outdoor enthusiast and avid archer. Kinsey’s was his life’s work and he dedicated over 50 years of service to the organization and the archery industry. We would like to thank him for all that he has done for Kinsey’s, but even more so for us as a family. He will be greatly missed.”

He will be forever remembered as one of the founding fathers of Kinsey’s Inc.

Industry titans, Easton and Bear Archery, had this to say:

Greg Easton, President of Jas. D. Easton, Inc., stated, “All of us at Easton mourn the passing of Jim Kinsey.  Jim was known in the industry as an excellent businessman.  But he was also known as a true gentleman; always kind and considerate to those around him.  My grandfather Doug, my father Jim, and I have always enjoyed working with the Kinsey family over the years.  We are saddened by the loss of this generation and this fine man.”

Neil Byce III, Director of Operations – Bear Archery, stated, “The entire team at Bear Archery expresses condolences to the Kinsey family. Mr. Kinsey and Mr. Bear were partners and two great icons in the industry that revolutionized the way we operate today. Mr. Kinsey will be greatly missed and will always be remembered.”

Details of his memorial services will be determined and shared at a later time and date.

In memoriam: Jim Kinsey (July 18^th, 1937 – January 18

Download press release here!

 

Kinsey’s Partners with Weatherby on Exclusive Rifle
New 350L Rifle in Tungsten Smoke

Mount Joy, PA — Kinsey’s and Weatherby have teamed up to provide FFL dealers with an exclusive Vanguard 350L Rifle in a one-of-a-kind tungsten smoke pattern. This makeup will provide Kinsey’s dealers with a truly unique firearm this summer.

Weatherby has seen tremendous growth since leaving California and believes Kinsey’s to be the ideal partner to keep it going. Both companies are known for their strong family histories and excellence in service. The new rifle will be a great fit for dealers in the northeast.

“I’m very excited about the new partnership with Kinsey’s and Weatherby. Both brands are well known in the industry and both companies have learned to be nimble and creative as the market changes. It’s great to have a strong distributor in the northeast. When Weatherby moved from California to Wyoming in 2018, it wasn’t just a chance to get away from ever-increasing regulations but also an opportunity to start fresh with more square footage to increase production and allow for innovation. We’ve kept the craftsmanship and quality that Roy Weatherby built the company’s reputation on, but we’re not your grandpa’s Weatherby anymore.” Raleigh Whalen, Weatherby National Sales Manager

In the past year, Kinsey’s has become a trusted source for FFL dealers with an ever-increasing selection of the most popular brands and products. While archery will continue to be a core focus, there are now more reasons than ever to partner with Kinsey’s as an outdoor-industry distributor.

Download press release here!

Kinsey’s Dealer Show Better than Ever
2020 Version Had it All

MOUNT JOY, PA — This year’s version of the Kinsey’s Dealer Show (KDS) was recharged and received record attendance with growth around 20% over the 2019 show. The attendees were once again treated to a weekend of entertainment, best-of-the-year pricing, and giveaways at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA (The Sweetest Place On Earth™). However, having listened to the feedback from 2019’s highly successful show, Kinsey’s added even more reasons to be present: more Hot Shows, new Best-of-Show items, the return of Casino Night, and table seating for everyone at Dealer Appreciation Night. This year’s act, Uncle Kracker, created quite a buzz and delivered with a strong performance. The floor hours were revamped to provide additional convenience and lunch bars were set up near the action to provide easy food access. The popular Bucks Box returned and offered a chance for five lucky dealers to grab $5000 in cash. And finally, Kinsey’s expanded categories were on display —dealers were able to stock their shelves with archery, firearms, ammunition, and general outdoor products at one incredible show.

“The expanded categories benefited everyone this year. Whether you are an archery dealer, firearms dealer, combination dealer, or a vendor there was a lot of new faces at KDS this year. New faces means new interactions and new sales. We are looking forward to continuing to grow our assortment and be a one-stop shop for outdoor and hunting retailers.” said Justin Gorman.

KDS provided dealers with best prices of the year on products and flexible payment plans. Further, dealers were also able to take advantage of the improved KDS E-Show electronic ordering system, now in its sixth year. This interface allows dealers at the physical show to easily review, add, and adjust orders on the fly, while still capturing attendee only benefits.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make our show a success. We believe Q3 & Q4 will be strong for the hunting market this year” commented Kelsey Heisey, Show Coordinator.

Download press release here!

Kinsey’s Distribution Continues to Deliver
Guns & Ammo Shipping in One to Two Days During the Crisis

MOUNT JOY, PA — Kinsey’s Inc., who began shipping firearms in February, continues to operate with shipments that are deploying in one to two days from time of order. Their industry-leading freight program ($300 minimum) and a vast assortment of FFL, archery and outdoor equipment provide customers with a unique advantage during these difficult times. The receiving docks are active, taking shipments daily, restocking the distributor with high demand products.

Now is the time to set up a new account. Nationwide inventories are limited. Those interested in taking advantage of an industry-mainstay distribution network should submit their FFL and open an account with Kinsey’s right away. Applications can be found online at kinseysinc.com/#new-accounts or by calling 717.653.9074.

“Our warehouse is still fully functional and we stand at the ready to process orders as they arrive. Precautions are being taken to limit employee interactions where possible. Our warehouses will remain open as long as we can continue to operate them safely. We are committed to continuing to service you and support your business through COVID-19.” said Justin Gorman, Kinsey’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “Our commitment to you is only 2nd to our commitment to our employees’ health and safety. Thank you for your patronage. As the situation changes we will continue to keep you updated.”

Download press release here!

Kinsey’s Acquires Alpine Archery to Add to Versatile Line of Consumer Brands
Will Manufacture Made in USA Quivers

MOUNT JOY, PA — Kinsey’s has purchased Alpine Archery and will reinvigorate the brand and their well-known assortment of quality archery products. Alpine Archery has been producing products designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA for nearly 30 years. Kinsey’s plans to build on the reputation of producing quality gear that has been trail-tested and built to last while backing the products with industry-leading customer service.

“We look forward to the opportunity to breathe life back into one of the archery industry’s staple brands. Building the products in the USA will continue to be important as we focus on driving consumer value back into the brand.” said Brands Sales Manager Jeremiah Hershberger.

The primary focus for 2020 will be on refreshing the brand with new branding that speaks to a modern consumer. Additionally, the quiver line including the popular PowerLoc Ultralite, Softloc Classic and the Bear Claw will be reactivated with modern colors and camo patterns. A new website and refreshed product line is slated to be available to the public by early third quarter of 2020

Justin Gorman Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Kinsey’s Inc. had this to say “Alpine Archery has been widely known as a quality and price efficient brand that has stood the test of time. Combining those values with the resources of the Kinsey’s Consumer Brands Division will create an exciting resurgence of the Alpine brand. Alpine Archery will complement October Mountain Products perfectly and drive value to retailers’ pegs.”

Kinsey’s owns innovative consumer brands including BlackHeart, Elevation, Fin-Finder, and October Mountain Products. The Brands Division is headquartered in Mount Joy, PA.

Download press release here!

Kinsey’s Sales Representative, Tim Hanley, Signs with PSE
Will Shoot Pro Class in 2020

MOUNT JOY, PA — Kinsey’s storied legacy within the archery industry is well documented — from the inspirational perseverance of their founder back in the late 1940s to the current-day accomplished staff. A leading archery distributor, Kinsey’s promotes the industry and the success of its team both in the office and on tour.

Another proud moment was announced at ATA earlier this month when Tim Hanley, a Kinsey’s Sales Representative, signed with PSE to shoot Pro Class. Hanley joined Kinsey’s in March of 2019. His passion began in his late teens when he was inspired by the hunting adventures of a family friend. Hanley, nicknamed the CEO, was on fire this past year securing high-profile amateur trophies across the nation including: 2019 Lancaster Classic Men’s Open Amateur Champion, 2019 NFAA Shooter of the Year, 2019 NFAA Indoor Nationals Champion, 2019 NFAA Outdoor Field Nationals Champion, 2019 NFAA Indoor State Champion, 2019 Outdoor State Champion. The path has been cleared for the CEO to now take his skills to the next level.

“The PSE partnership appealed to me because the bow just pounds. I was offered the opportunity to shoot one before I signed anything. After a few weeks with the bow, I was comfortable committing to shooting it full time.” Hanley explained. “Scott and Dee Starnes, long time PSE shooters, came up to me after the news broke to congratulate me. They are some of the nicest people you will ever meet in the industry. Joining forces with that caliber of teammate feels great. It will be an honor to grow with them.”

Justin Gorman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Kinsey’s, added, “Watching Tim’s success on tour has been a real treat. And that work ethic doesn’t end there — he’s a true asset to our team at Kinsey’s. He shares his deep wealth of knowledge with our customers on a daily basis.”

Download press release here!

Kinsey’s Continues Partnership with S3DA

MOUNT JOY, PA — Nearly 70 years ago, Vernon Kinsey turned his love for the outdoors into a business that was focused on fulfilling the passions of archers. Today, Kinsey’s continues to honor that legacy. For four generations, they have sought to preserve rich sporting traditions through distribution of the latest memory-making outdoor products. In 2020, Kinsey’s will continue their quest — a bow in every hand — through another like-minded partnership with the Scholastic 3D Archery (S3DA) Program.

Justin Gorman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Kinsey’s, expressed the importance of this partnership, “The future of archery depends heavily on early involvement and guided exposure. In our first year working closely with the S3DA, we were able to promote our industry via operational benefits and marketing support to reach our collective goals. It’s very satisfying to be actively involved in promoting this industry.”

Justin will continue to actively collaborate with the S3DA in 2020 via a seat on the board of directors. In addition to the typical support, the S3DA will gain exposure at the annual Kinsey’s Dealer Show in 2020 where they will receive booth presence, speaking opportunities and even present a morning seminar to the industry’s leading dealer base. Kinsey’s Diamond Level Sponsorship will again provide operational benefits and marketing support as needed to promote the S3DA’s aim.

The mission of the S3DA is to foster, educate and guide youth in the areas of 3D, indoor target, and outdoor target archery as well as safe, ethical bowhunting practices. Since its inception in 2012, S3DA has shown explosive growth in the United States, especially in the East and now has a student membership base of approximately 3,800 with more than 1,400 trained coaches. Being supported by sponsors has enabled S3DA to continue expanding its horizons beyond the current membership base and explore unchartered territories.

“We really enjoyed working with the S3DA in 2019 — their cause and motivation falls perfectly inline with our mission here at Kinsey’s. We look forward to another year of being actively involved with creating communications that will spur interest in the sport of archery.” added Nathaniel Dearolf, Director of Marketing.

Download press release here!

Another High-profile Act Will Take the Stage at the 2020 Kinsey’s Dealer Show in February.

Kinsey’s Inc., a leading distributor in the archery and outdoors industry, is excited to announce Uncle Kracker as the performer for the Kinsey’s Dealer Appreciation Night Concert, to be held on February 29^th, 2020, during the annual three-day Kinsey’s Dealer Show in Hershey, PA. This year’s act continues the tradition of top-notch performances from the likes of: Blake Shelton, Rodney Atkins, Travis Tritt, Montgomery Gentry, Lonestar, and Thompson Square.

Read more about it here!

Celerant Technology Makes Kinsey’s Inventory More Accessible

Kinsey’s dealers will be able to more easily automate purchasing and sell more products as a result of the partnership announcement with Celerant Technology — a leading provider of innovative retail software for the sporting goods and outdoor industry. Through this integration, retailers have direct access to Kinsey’s retail products and distribution services to streamline their inventory supply chain and increase sales, both in-store and online.

Read more about it here!

Kinsey’s Partners with S3DA

Nearly 70 years ago, Vernon Kinsey turned his love for the outdoors into a business that was focused on fulfilling the passions of archers. Today, Kinsey’s continues to honor that legacy. For four generations, they have sought to preserve rich sporting traditions through distribution of the latest memory-making outdoor products. In 2019, Kinsey’s will continue their quest — a bow in every hand — through a like-minded partnership with the Scholastic 3D Archery (S3DA) Program.

Read more about it here!