We love this story of how a young woman, Ashley Kerr, achieves her dream of working in the outdoor industry. As part of our series on “Women of Remington Outdoor Company,” we hope to encourage and inspire a new round of outdoor enthusiasts to go after those dreams of doing what they love — every day at work.
(A Girl and A Gun photo)
I started shooting when I was in my early twenties when my husband introduced me to firearms. I fell in love with shooting immediately. Soon after that, I knew that I wanted a career in the shooting sports industry. I relentlessly pursued a position at one of the top firearm wholesaler in my home town. They gave me an opportunity, and my career in the shooting sports industry began. I was promoted to sales within six months, and after three years with that company, I pursued a new career with Remington Outdoor Company.
Working at Remington for the last seven years, I have flourished and I’m continuing a wonderfully successful career with Remington. I was awarded the Merchandiser of the Year Award, Ammunition Salesperson of the year (first woman in Remington history), and most recently being promoted to the Press Relations and Marketing team in a brand new role as the Women’s Initiatives Manager. My new role as the Women’s Initiatives Manger is a first in Remington’s history.
It’s hard for me to believe how far I’ve come in my journey since setting my goal of working in the industry I truly adore. Having said that, my new role as Women’s Initiatives Manager is both exciting and challenging. We are breaking ground with our efforts to create a safe, welcoming environment for ladies to become informed and trained with firearms. Another area we are focusing on is for us to provide products that will have many adaptable features that women are asking for.
(Remington Outdoor Company photo)
Throughout the year Remington Outdoor Company will be hosting training events that will be hosted by women, for women, and instructed by women. It’s a great joy of mine to coach ladies through their first shots; it’s a moment that will be with them forever just as my first shot was.
Our goal for training contains a method that involves a safe, welcoming, environment with straight-forward instruction; not only the basics of stance, grip, etc. but being able to diagnose their own targets allowing them to continue to improve when they are on their own.
(Remington Outdoor Company photo)
Most importantly the excitement of introducing ladies to the shooting sports is all about having a safe, fun, educational, welcoming environment to assist them on their journey to become skilled shooters. I truly love my job and I am excited to be a part of an initiative that allows me to do just that.
The future of women in the shooting sports is brighter now than ever and I am proud to be part of it.
~Ashley Kerr
This series is sponsored by Remington Outdoor Company.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
My wife & I and the rest of our family are so proud of Ashley…great article and a wonderful young lady!
Brian & Connie Allmer
Briggsdale, CO