Candidate: Todd Jarrett
Todd Jarrett
Virginia
I have been actively participating in action shooting sports since 1983. Most of my professional career has been shooting USPSA. I won my first US Nationals in 1991 and my first World Shoot in 1996. I have lost count of my wins throughout the years and times I came in second, but I have a trophy case full of memories.
Action shooting got me involved in the shooting industry with a company called Para Ordnance and Safariland. In the 33 years following, I have worked with numerous companies in the industry and have been involved in ammunition, holsters, and firearms manufacturing. I am still extremely active within the shooting industry today and have maintained my contacts with multiple companies. I feel these contacts can benefit the organization in many ways.
Why are you seeking to be President of USPSA?
After 40 years of being around and doing all the action shooting sports over that time, I have experienced the most fun doing the game we all enjoy - practical shooting. I remember traveling all over the state of Virginia shooting USPSA and making a lifetime of new friends.
Running for President is truly something I have not considered doing until now. There is a fiduciary responsibility that needs to be understood when running for this position, and I take that very seriously.
Back in the 80's when the sport of USPSA was growing leaps and bounds overnight, we thought, “Wow, we will have 100k in members before we know it.” At this point, there's no reason why we shouldn't have that or more. This is a definite goal we should strive for going forward.
Prior to announcing your candidacy, what have you done to help promote safe, fun and fair practical shooting?
Through all my years of involvement in USPSA, I have been able to communicate with most Presidents from the first President, Dave Stafford, to the present, and this has always been beneficial to understand the direction the president wanted to take the organization and how they may govern in business. With all presidents, I always made recommendations to help grow membership. I was able to connect many Presidents with my colleagues in the firearms industries, to include NRA, NSSF, gun writers and print publications, among others. With that assistance, there has been tens of thousands of dollars that has gone through the organization to promote our sport, and I have done it without any recognition because it was my duty as a member and someone that works independently in the industry.
What qualifications set you apart from other candidates? What previous or current employment or volunteer experience do you have that qualifies you for the role of USPSA President?
have 40 years of experience shooting USPSA. Within these 40 years, I have been a shooter, an RO, and a match director.
I have been fortunate enough to have shot on 6 continents and competed in 48 states. I only have two states to go - I’ll get to you North Dakota and Alaska.
I have been privileged to work with many up and coming junior shooters and participated in junior camps as the lead instructor. Many of those shooters are well recognized names that have gone on to win World and National Championships.
Currently, I have two personal businesses that I operate, and I understand the business culture needed for a growing organization.
Describe the current culture of USPSA.
In the past 40 years, I have seen a cultural shift. I remember traveling all over the state of Virginia shooting USPSA and making a lifetime of new friends. Many of those friends now have very successful businesses that we needed to survive in the action shooting sports in the early days and still now. Many of those businesses still support us and the shooting community needs to support them because of their hard work. I think we need to get back to be kind, act professionally, and treat everyone on the range like you want to be treated.
After reviewing the bylaws, please explain what the President of USPSA is responsible for and how will you fulfill those responsibilities if elected?
The board of directors at this point in time has the power to make all the decisions. The President can help direct that agenda and give insight directly from the members. I feel the President’s responsibility should be a figurehead position only. My insight and contacts within the shooting industry can be beneficial to promoting and supporting USPSA and its shooters.
It is also the President’s responsibility to help run the National Championships. It is important to be able to work with the DNROI to insure a fun, challenging, and memorable match. Trust me….I have seen a lot of variety in 40 years.
What are the top three areas that need to be addressed within USPSA? What is your strategy for addressing them?
1. Day 1 cut all unnecessary travel expenses from this job. The President doesn't have to be at every level 1,2,3 match or travel overseas to every IPSC event. That stops here! We have email, zoom and a cell phone.
2. Let’s take a look at revamping our National Championships and combining them with our 8 Area Championships already on the ground. I've spoken of this for years - we lose tens of thousands of dollars at every Nationals. Let’s make each Area Championship a different Nationals. We are a volunteer organization and most of the Area matches have a distinct style for stages from region to region. We have a lot of volunteers that live and shoot in the same area and help run these matches year after year, to include Sectionals and State Championships. We can use those volunteers that want to have a fun match and are proud to do so. HQ will only need a small group to showcase a proper design for outside help and safety concerns. Stages already have been approved long before the match starts. Most Area matches are always in the black. Competitors will also have the opportunity to shoot multiple Nationals. I know there are details to work out, but it is a work in process and can save the organization money.
3. A long term goal is we should have our own place for History and our Legacy. We need a range and HQ all in the same place. We can do RO classes, new member training, junior shooter programs, and bring in companies from the firearms industry to showcase new products and help protect the Organization. Having our own range gives us legitimacy similar to other shooting organizations - SASS, USA Shooting, Sporting clays, and many more.
If elected President of USPSA please explain how you will help support the clubs, sections and current members as well as promote USPSA to potential members?
Growing membership starts at the club level, but there are other methods that should be considered. We need to reach out to the NRA, NSSF, and the shooting industry, to include media outlets. If elected, I want to look into grant programs that are available for ranges nationwide. Many times these opportunities are missed.
I would like to have and encourage range days at local clubs. We can hold demonstrations, offer shooting clinics, and give the shooting community something new and exciting to see beyond just going to the range and standing and shooting. We can offer RO classes in conjunction with the range days and immerse the shooters into the entire experience.
Indoor ranges are a great segue to promoting safe shooting and our sport.
After reviewing Article 5 bylaw 5.1 please provide an outline of your strategy for items i) through vi)
i We have a spending problem within USPSA, and it has to be addressed within the BOD. We need to be fiscally responsible and direct spending towards growing membership, and rein in excessive travel expenses. We need to financially grow USPSA correctly for the future of the 2A community and the action shooting sports.
ii It’s important for the President to work with the board and other entities (NRA, NSSF) and gain an understanding of what they do to encourage membership. I have several contacts that can offer insight. One method is to offer incentives to be a member - yearly drawings for pistols, reloading equipment, etc.
iii Introduce the board to a wide range of marketing opportunities, to include other firearm print media and the ever involving social media world. If the space allows, we should invite every sponsor to show up and allow everyone to view new products at the major matches. This should be a benefit to them for being a match sponsor. The only additional cost for them is the cost of their own tent and tables.
iv Work with the board to implement using the Area Championships as locations for the various Nationals, as referenced in an earlier question.
v I’ve had a working relationship with many IPSC Regional Directors over the years and many I still consider friends. These relationships could only help to strengthen the two organizations going forward.
vi Policies and procedures are ever changing. I do believe we should have an Independent review board for issues that happen with members in the future. No one person should have all the power. We need a 3 to 5 person review board of RM for all incidents. They then will report their findings to the BOD. The BOD should not be running investigations.
After reviewing the USPSA bylaws explain how you see your working relationship with the Managing Director and Board of Directors.
I think it is important to have an open line of communication. It’s pretty simple - pick up the phone and let’s talk.
What is USPSA doing right?
USPSA is excellent at the NROI level and running matches. I have worked with and talked with a lot of strong Area Directors over the years. I truly believe the current BOD has the best interest of the organization at heart and are trying to fix problems.
If elected, what other issues would you want to address and what is your strategy for addressing them.
I want to build a long term strategy for the organization. This will include increasing membership, establishing business opportunities for the shooting industry and growing our relationship with those companies, and expanding the other areas of competition (steel challenge, 2-Gun, 3-Gun, and falling steel). Again, I feel the contacts I have already established within the industry gives me a leg up on pushing forward with this goal.
If you are unsuccessful in your bid to become president, how will you serve USPSA in the future?
I’m going to do what I’ve been doing the last 40 years. Doing everything I can to promote the shooting sports, help new shooters, and make the range a welcoming place.
After 40 years of being around and doing all the action shooting sports over that time, I have experienced the most fun doing the game we all enjoy - practical shooting. I remember traveling all over the state of Virginia shooting USPSA and making a lifetime of new friends.
Running for President is truly something I have not considered doing until now. There is a fiduciary responsibility that needs to be understood when running for this position, and I take that very seriously.
Back in the 80's when the sport of USPSA was growing leaps and bounds overnight, we thought, “Wow, we will have 100k in members before we know it.” At this point, there's no reason why we shouldn't have that or more. This is a definite goal we should strive for going forward.
Prior to announcing your candidacy, what have you done to help promote safe, fun and fair practical shooting?
Through all my years of involvement in USPSA, I have been able to communicate with most Presidents from the first President, Dave Stafford, to the present, and this has always been beneficial to understand the direction the president wanted to take the organization and how they may govern in business. With all presidents, I always made recommendations to help grow membership. I was able to connect many Presidents with my colleagues in the firearms industries, to include NRA, NSSF, gun writers and print publications, among others. With that assistance, there has been tens of thousands of dollars that has gone through the organization to promote our sport, and I have done it without any recognition because it was my duty as a member and someone that works independently in the industry.
What qualifications set you apart from other candidates? What previous or current employment or volunteer experience do you have that qualifies you for the role of USPSA President?
have 40 years of experience shooting USPSA. Within these 40 years, I have been a shooter, an RO, and a match director.
I have been fortunate enough to have shot on 6 continents and competed in 48 states. I only have two states to go - I’ll get to you North Dakota and Alaska.
I have been privileged to work with many up and coming junior shooters and participated in junior camps as the lead instructor. Many of those shooters are well recognized names that have gone on to win World and National Championships.
Currently, I have two personal businesses that I operate, and I understand the business culture needed for a growing organization.
Describe the current culture of USPSA.
In the past 40 years, I have seen a cultural shift. I remember traveling all over the state of Virginia shooting USPSA and making a lifetime of new friends. Many of those friends now have very successful businesses that we needed to survive in the action shooting sports in the early days and still now. Many of those businesses still support us and the shooting community needs to support them because of their hard work. I think we need to get back to be kind, act professionally, and treat everyone on the range like you want to be treated.
After reviewing the bylaws, please explain what the President of USPSA is responsible for and how will you fulfill those responsibilities if elected?
The board of directors at this point in time has the power to make all the decisions. The President can help direct that agenda and give insight directly from the members. I feel the President’s responsibility should be a figurehead position only. My insight and contacts within the shooting industry can be beneficial to promoting and supporting USPSA and its shooters.
It is also the President’s responsibility to help run the National Championships. It is important to be able to work with the DNROI to insure a fun, challenging, and memorable match. Trust me….I have seen a lot of variety in 40 years.
What are the top three areas that need to be addressed within USPSA? What is your strategy for addressing them?
1. Day 1 cut all unnecessary travel expenses from this job. The President doesn't have to be at every level 1,2,3 match or travel overseas to every IPSC event. That stops here! We have email, zoom and a cell phone.
2. Let’s take a look at revamping our National Championships and combining them with our 8 Area Championships already on the ground. I've spoken of this for years - we lose tens of thousands of dollars at every Nationals. Let’s make each Area Championship a different Nationals. We are a volunteer organization and most of the Area matches have a distinct style for stages from region to region. We have a lot of volunteers that live and shoot in the same area and help run these matches year after year, to include Sectionals and State Championships. We can use those volunteers that want to have a fun match and are proud to do so. HQ will only need a small group to showcase a proper design for outside help and safety concerns. Stages already have been approved long before the match starts. Most Area matches are always in the black. Competitors will also have the opportunity to shoot multiple Nationals. I know there are details to work out, but it is a work in process and can save the organization money.
3. A long term goal is we should have our own place for History and our Legacy. We need a range and HQ all in the same place. We can do RO classes, new member training, junior shooter programs, and bring in companies from the firearms industry to showcase new products and help protect the Organization. Having our own range gives us legitimacy similar to other shooting organizations - SASS, USA Shooting, Sporting clays, and many more.
If elected President of USPSA please explain how you will help support the clubs, sections and current members as well as promote USPSA to potential members?
Growing membership starts at the club level, but there are other methods that should be considered. We need to reach out to the NRA, NSSF, and the shooting industry, to include media outlets. If elected, I want to look into grant programs that are available for ranges nationwide. Many times these opportunities are missed.
I would like to have and encourage range days at local clubs. We can hold demonstrations, offer shooting clinics, and give the shooting community something new and exciting to see beyond just going to the range and standing and shooting. We can offer RO classes in conjunction with the range days and immerse the shooters into the entire experience.
Indoor ranges are a great segue to promoting safe shooting and our sport.
After reviewing Article 5 bylaw 5.1 please provide an outline of your strategy for items i) through vi)
i We have a spending problem within USPSA, and it has to be addressed within the BOD. We need to be fiscally responsible and direct spending towards growing membership, and rein in excessive travel expenses. We need to financially grow USPSA correctly for the future of the 2A community and the action shooting sports.
ii It’s important for the President to work with the board and other entities (NRA, NSSF) and gain an understanding of what they do to encourage membership. I have several contacts that can offer insight. One method is to offer incentives to be a member - yearly drawings for pistols, reloading equipment, etc.
iii Introduce the board to a wide range of marketing opportunities, to include other firearm print media and the ever involving social media world. If the space allows, we should invite every sponsor to show up and allow everyone to view new products at the major matches. This should be a benefit to them for being a match sponsor. The only additional cost for them is the cost of their own tent and tables.
iv Work with the board to implement using the Area Championships as locations for the various Nationals, as referenced in an earlier question.
v I’ve had a working relationship with many IPSC Regional Directors over the years and many I still consider friends. These relationships could only help to strengthen the two organizations going forward.
vi Policies and procedures are ever changing. I do believe we should have an Independent review board for issues that happen with members in the future. No one person should have all the power. We need a 3 to 5 person review board of RM for all incidents. They then will report their findings to the BOD. The BOD should not be running investigations.
After reviewing the USPSA bylaws explain how you see your working relationship with the Managing Director and Board of Directors.
I think it is important to have an open line of communication. It’s pretty simple - pick up the phone and let’s talk.
What is USPSA doing right?
USPSA is excellent at the NROI level and running matches. I have worked with and talked with a lot of strong Area Directors over the years. I truly believe the current BOD has the best interest of the organization at heart and are trying to fix problems.
If elected, what other issues would you want to address and what is your strategy for addressing them.
I want to build a long term strategy for the organization. This will include increasing membership, establishing business opportunities for the shooting industry and growing our relationship with those companies, and expanding the other areas of competition (steel challenge, 2-Gun, 3-Gun, and falling steel). Again, I feel the contacts I have already established within the industry gives me a leg up on pushing forward with this goal.
If you are unsuccessful in your bid to become president, how will you serve USPSA in the future?
I’m going to do what I’ve been doing the last 40 years. Doing everything I can to promote the shooting sports, help new shooters, and make the range a welcoming place.