The HHAUSA Podcast

Anyone that knows me or follows me on social media is aware of the fact that I'm a big NASCAR fan with my primary team being Hendrick Motorsports. I was very excited at the beginning of 2022 when my friend Jeff Cordero texted me that he had just landed a new gig on as a tire changer for William Byron's #24 Chevy Camaro for HMS. Cordero made his way to Wisconsin for NASCAR's Road America weekend but took a detour to grab lunch and a tour at HHA Sports headquarters before getting to work in the pits. A passionate archer and supporter of our brand, he was stoked to get a behind the scenes look at our operation and we even got to fling a few arrows on the practice range together.

Strictly a hunter until 2022, his competitive nature sparked an interest in target archery. A couple text messages later and he was connected with a reputable coach through a close friend of mine and he was off and running. Competing at both the Lancaster Archery Classic and the Vegas Shoot in early 2023, he realized that he had some work ahead of him but the atmosphere was electric for a guy used to doing sub 10 second pit stops. Applying a lot of the same tools that have made him so successful in racing's top series, I have no doubt that Jeff will  excel in this new arena and I am excited to follow his journey.

One of the hottest teams in the garage a handful of races into the young season, Jeff and the #24 team have made two trips to Victory Lane already and more wins are likely to come. Having won a Cup title future Hall of Famer Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing a few years ago, Cordero says this team has a similar vibe to it and I will be cheering on my friend to make the Championship Four in Phoenix this November.

Moving in 2022 to house with a bit of acreage, he will now have an easy spot to hunt during racing season right out the back door and is also putting the finishing touches on a man garage to house his toys and trophies, much to the satisfaction of his bride.

So where does the military tie into all of this you ask? For those that didn't catch him way back on Episode 6 in July of 2021, his dad was in the service and Jeff has been a big supporter of the work we do here at HHAUSA. As we continue to plan a larger partnership with NASCAR and HHAUSA, Cordero will be leading the charge in the garage to make it as successful as his Sunday afternoons at the track. Thanks buddy, we appreciate it. And let's go HMS!

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

My friendship with Robin Parks started at The Archery Trade Association Show several years ago thanks to mutual friend and editor of The HHAUSA Podcast, Logan Chartrand. Wanting to learn more about the history of HHA Sports, what was new for the year and my involvement in the military community, the three of us hopped on a podcast after the show closed and something very special occurred. Several times throughout the 90 minute discussion, the conversation came to a halt as we were all impacted by the power of what was being said. To this day, I struggle to put it into words but suffice it to say that a very special bond was formed that I never see going away. I also credit that evening and those two friends with inspiring me to dive into the world of podcasting.

Both with hectic schedules, I am embarrassed to say that it has taken 83 episodes to get Robin on as a guest but can guarantee that we will do it again before the next 83 fly by. I'd also like to send a prayer request over the airwaves as he recovers from shoulder replacement surgery: something that an avid archer with a September elk tag didn't anticipate six months ago. Lord willing, Robin will be texting me before the leaves turn with a thumbs up grip and grin and that episode will take place before the end of 2023. Get well soon my friend.

Wearing a handful of hats including staff coordinator and social media manager for longtime archery staple Hot Shot Archery, Parks truly is a jack of all trades and is known throughout the industry as one of "good guys". Juggling his responsibilities at Hot Shot around a day job for a few more years, Robin found the time to get away last summer on the hunt of a lifetime with his girlfriend and a handful of other close friends. Popping the question half way around the world in South Africa, it was an event filled trip that he definitely will do again with his new bride.

A supporter from our beginnings here at HHAUSA, Robin and Hot Shot have been great partners and continue to fly the flag for our mission. Veteran owned, Hot Shot is a trusted, American made brand in the archery space that we are proud to partner with and call our friends. I can't thank both Parks and Hot Shot enough for their support and belief in the mission of HHAUSA. Without individuals and companies like these championing our cause, we wouldn't be here. Thank you!

You can find Robin on Facebook and Instagram and follow Hot Shot on both platforms as well as follow their new YouTube channel. Robin is also the host of The Hot Shot Archery Podcast which will be returning to the airwaves very soon, possibly with yours truly as a guest. Last but not least, you can also visit their website at www.hotshotarchery.com. 

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

When my good friend Aaron Scheer of Centershot Ministries mentioned that their organization had started a new program called Centershot Blue, I was all ears. Falling perfectly inline with our expanded mission at HHAUSA to reach the Law Enforcement community with our message, I was onboard before another word was spoken. To say the work that they are doing is changing lives is an incredible understatement. Still in its infancy, Centershot Blue is going to have an impact in police departments and communities from coast  to coast for years to come.

Growing up the son on an elk guide, Scheer lives and breathes the outdoors. An aspiring tournament bass fishermen, he relocated with his wife to the south and began to chase his dream. But God had other plans. A chance encounter, or as we like to call them around here, a divine appointment, with a fellow angler would change the trajectory of his life forever. The man's influence on Aaron would eventually lead to a a renewed relationship with Christ, work as a pastor and being called back to Green Bay Wisconsin. 

Passionate about archery and thanks to connections with Matt McPherson, owner of the world renowned Mathews Archery, Scheer would land a new position as the president of Centershot Ministries. Right in his wheelhouse, it's been a whirlwind and the faith based organization has truly taken flight. Their plunge into the world of Law Enforcement has been met with open arms from a profession that suffers from the effects of PTSD alongside the Veteran and First Responder communities and the sky is truly the limit for where that partnership can go.

HHAUSA and HHA Sports are honored to be joining forces with Centershot and Centershot Blue, thanks to great meetings at the 2023 ATA Show in January and a warm weather get together (more of those to come...) outside Orlando a few weeks ago.

An absolutely phenomenal conversation, I am excited beyond words to continue working with my close friend and brother in Christ to bring positive change to a world that so desperately needs it. Stay tuned for more announcements in 2023 for what that will look like going forward. Until then, you can find Aaron Scheer, Centershot and Centershot Blue on Facebook and Instagram and visit their websites and www.centershot.org and www.centershotblue.org

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

Anyone that knows me or follows me on social media is aware that I am a huge NASCAR fan. So when an opportunity came up to attend the season opening Daytona 500 in Florida, I jumped at the chance and headed south for a week of racing in The Sunshine State with my good friend Jesse Urban.

Jesse and his wife Lindsay reside here in Central Wisconsin and run Be Still Retreats, a pastors retreat founded to prevent clergy burnout. Having introduced Jesse to a friend in the NASCAR world back in 2016, he was the perfect travel companion for this ministry trip. That belief was confirmed early on in our adventure and affirmed countless times as the week progressed.

Aaron Scheer and some of his team from Centershot Ministries happened to be in Florida at the same time doing training for the Centershot Blue program designed to bring archery to the Law Enforcement world. Our meeting with their crew was just the beginning of a weekend of divine appointments, open doors and a sign of great things to come for all of us in the year ahead. Gathered in an airplane hanger on the grounds of the hallowed Kirchman Ranch east of Orlando, the foundation was laid for what should be our first out of state archery event in 2024 during Speed Week.

Having gained some great friends in the NASCAR garage over the past decade, our next stop would be 1801 W. International Boulevard in Daytona Beach, home of the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway. It didn't take long and we were connecting with crew members, officials, and a handful of drivers from the top racing series in North America. On the biggest weekend of the season, these guys took the time out of their day to have meaningful conversations about life, hunting and most importantly how we could work together to help our Veterans and First Responders. As much as I love professional stock car racing, I walked away from my week in Daytona with an even greater appreciation for the heart of the people that make up the NASCAR community. It is a tight knit family whose purpose is much bigger than running cars around a track 10 months out of the year. Most of these men are passionate about serving others and are using their careers in racing as a means to spread that message.

We also had the opportunity to meet three of the pastors for Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) and can’t help but feel the Lord bringing us together again soon.

Such is the path that I have personally taken as a business owner, founder of a nonprofit and a born again Christian. I love racing, love archery and love our Military and First Responders. God sees that and has blessed me to do what I enjoy, impacting people along the way through connections in those three communities. When we live our lives with open hands and for agendas pointed towards others and not ourselves, He will orchestrate things that only He can and we get to be a part of that work. That happened every day in Daytona and I am excited to continue these partnerships into the future and change lives. Fast cars, bows and arrows, all for the red, white and blue. Boogity boogity boogity, let's go racin' boys!

You can connect with Be Still Retreats on Facebook and Instagram and visit their website at www.https://bestillretreats.org

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

As far back as he can remember, Jeremy Walker has been passionate about the outdoors. When he wasn't playing sports, you could find him in the woods or on a lake or stream somewhere. Walker also has a special bond with his grandfather who shares a similar love for family and hunting.

In spite of the hectic schedule that comes with being on Active Duty and moving around the country,  Jeremy carved out some time as he does each fall to head to his native Pennsylvania to hunt with "Paps". As the executive producer for Backcountry Traditions, he was able to witness a great moment with his grandad and capture it all on film for his production called "Home". Debuting at The Badlands Film Festival at the 2023 ATA Show in Indianapolis, I was moved by Jeremy's work as it brought back memories of hunts from my youth and time spent with family and friends in the outdoors. I've never met "Paps" but couldn't help but feel the excitement they experienced in the blind that day on a hunt they will both remember forever.

The career Marine has always enjoyed filming his outdoor adventures and telling a story from behind the lens. "Home" is a heartwarming look at the bond between a grandfather and his grandson and proof that our best days spent in the field don't have to end with a trip to the taxidermist.

HHA Sports is proud to sponsor Jeremy and Backcountry Traditions as they produce quality content that delivers far more than just glimpses of the latest gadgets and grip and grins. We all have stories to tell from our years spent with family and friends in the outdoors and I look forward to seeing more of Walker's on the big screen.

We want to thank Jeremy for his service but also for sharing these real, candid moments that will continue to resonate with viewers with each new film. You can follow Backcountry Traditions on YouTube and follow them and Jeremy on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

People have two choices when faced with setbacks. We can either cave under the pressure of the hand we were dealt or we can embrace our new life with a renewed passion and purpose. Five minutes into my conversation with Jason Tabansky and it was clear that he was firmly planted in the latter group.

Experiencing a freak, six foot fall but landing on his feet while covering up a wet helicopter in Europe, the US Army Veteran thought nothing at the time of what would quickly become a life changing event. The days, weeks and months that followed were nothing short of terrifying as he would lose all feeling from the neck down, unsure of what the future held. But one thing was certain and that was who held him. A strong Christian, Jason credits his faith with guiding him through the darkest and most difficult season of his life.

The detail with which he shares the story brings back the chills from when I heard it for the first time and I could almost feel the fear that he must have experienced in those moments of uncertainty. I cannot thank Jason enough for sharing his story and like so many other Veterans and First Responders who have suffered injuries and trauma, Jason knows that his vulnerability and transparency will speak to someone else going through a similar situation.

Gaining feeling back and full use of his arms, Jason would be confined to a wheel chair but don't let that fool you. Outside of his faith and family, archery has been a life saver for Tabansky and something that he continues to excel at after taking it up at a young age. Working at a local archery shop and traveling the US and internationally to compete, the fanatical Green Bay Packers fan is inspiring countless people by living a purpose filled life. From chasing elk and mule deer out West to hunting anything in season in his home state of Texas, Jason knows no limits. Recently named the World Archery America W1 Athlete of The Year, he is showing no signs of slowing down in 2023 and I look forward to the day that I can share the archery range, or even a game at historic Lambeau Field with my new friend and brother in Christ.

You can follow Jason on Facebook and Instagram

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

A bear hunt with a handful of disabled Veterans in camp changed the trajectory of Otto Reetz's life forever. Not a Veteran himself, Reetz sat around a fire with a group of men several years ago and left that week knowing that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who serve and have served our country. As a result of that trip, Wounded Warriors United was founded and now puts on similar experiences around the country for Veterans and Active Duty Service Members from our home state of Wisconsin.

Retiring after years in the construction business, Otto and his wife moved to Gleason in northern Wisconsin to a farm on a dead end country road. Now utilizing that farm as a retreat for those they serve, the Reetzs continue to expand their mission by partnering with passionate groups and individuals in The Badger State. I was introduced to Otto from mutual friend and Wisconsin National Guardsman Peter Thies. Both Thies and his brother have been active supporters of Wounded Warriors United for years, putting on various fundraisers to help fund hunting and fishing excursions for their brothers and sisters in arms.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Reetz has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and just how meaningful these trips are to those who need them the most. We talked about a few special hunts that have created memories for not only the Veterans and their families but for Otto as well. Seeing the impact of his work has only fueled his passion and the future is bright for WWU with some exciting things on the horizon in 2023 and beyond.

As with any nonprofit organization, Wounded Warriors United is always looking for new partnerships with the betterment of those they serve as the foundation for that connection. If you would like to join Otto and Vickie on their mission, or participate in one of their trips, visit www.woundedwarriorsunitedwi.org

You can also follow them on Facebook.

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

Any pizza fans in the house? Unless you are lactose intolerant, I don't know many people who don't like pizza. And if you are from the Midwest, Brew Pub Lottza Mottza has probably crossed your palate at some point in your life. If not, you are missing out! Being a pizza lover, our freezer always has a few of these cheese infused delicacies poised to hop on the oven.

This week, we have the marketing and promotions man, "Mottza" Matt Selvig joining us on the podcast. I've been waiting for this one for a while for a multitude of reasons and it did not disappoint. Just a few months out from partnering with Matt and his team on our largest event to date, I was eager to learn more about what led the Wisconsin native to his position with such a respected brand.

Not wanting to share too much, one of my favorite parts of the show was his story as an aspiring play by play announcer in junior high and being able to hop in the booth with a nationally renowned broadcaster as part of a school project. Taking to the air waves himself years later, Selvig would be a morning host for a Christian radio station before landing a gig in the food industry and one step closer to his current job with Brew Pub.

Learning the value of giving back at an early age and now working for a family owned company that holds that at the top of their list of core values, Matt gets to do what he loves each day and bless others by paying it forward. Thanks to mutual friend Kurt Walbeck of Outdoor Bound TV, HHAUSA and Brew Pub will be joining forces outside of Madison Wisconsin the weekend of April 29th and 30th to positively impact the lives of Veterans, First Responders and Law Enforcement Officers. 

We pray that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship and can't wait for the snow to melt, the arrows to start flying and for the pizza truck to roll into our state capitol. Matt, you still have a few months to sharpen up those archery skills and if you need a bow sight, I know a guy!

To learn more about Mission 24 and our other HHAUSA events in 2023, visit www.hhausa.org

Follow Brew Pub Lotzza Motzza on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube and visit their website at www.bernatellos.com

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

To be in the same room with four of my closest friends is rare in and of itself. Being able to record a podcast on one of my most memorable days ever at the ATA Show while it was still fresh with these guys was a blessing and a night I will never forget.

All prior guests on the podcast, the idea hit me a week prior to the show for Aaron Ritter, Al Quackenbush, Chad Stillman, Logan Chartrand and myself to jump on here and give a first hand account of our Thursday in real time. Sleep deprived from a very long day that began with the Target The Heart Prayer Breakfast and concluded with the Badlands Film Festival, the conversation got deep at times and also went off the rails with a shoutout to internet legend LeRoy Jenkins.

This is by far one of the rawest, in the moment conversations we have ever captured on a podcast and words do little to describe how truly special it was. While we all came to Indianapolis with an agenda related to our own professions and place within the archery industry, the conversations about life, faith and battling through day to day struggles were what drew us closer as a group. That transparency also allowed each of us to impact others throughout the week and continue to grow the tightknit circle that is HHAUSA.

Five different men, five different walks of life with five different stories. All tied together by a common thread to be better men than we were the day before and bring about positive change to others in our own unique way. Great stuff and worthy of a sequel in the months ahead. We promise to be well rested for Part 2. Stay tuned!

You can connect with Aaron, Al, Chad and Logan on Facebook and Instagram

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

What happens when two college kids with a shared passion for filming your hunts cross paths? In rare instances it produces a top tier streaming show and content creation company. Such is the case with Brennen Nading, The Breaking Point TV and Black Stamp Media. Mike Mancl was the other have of that duo in what has now turned into one of the most respected brands in the outdoor space.

We are fortunate enough to work with these guys on both the for profit and nonprofit side of things and the relationship has been a win win for everyone. Now ten seasons into The Breaking Point, Brennan, Mike and crew had a fall for the ages knocking down 25 bucks on camera across the Midwest. Hunting both private and public lands, these boys know how to get it done when it comes to chasing whitetails and an occasional muley. They don't get much downtime before their outdoor show tour begins in February where they'll meet fans, old and new, and then its on to spring turkey season.

Brennen handles the majority of the partner relationships and the social media side of things while Mike is the mastermind when it comes to editing. Together, along with the rest of The BHP Team, they continue to churn out some of the best footage in the outdoor space. But that alone wouldn't pay the bills and the content creation side of things allows them to put their talents to use promoting some great brands across a variety of markets. While they're know to grab the cameras and head to the closest chapel to document your wedding day, I'd tell you to shy away from calling them when the deer are on the move.

Brennen's biggest influence on his life and his road to the outdoors was through his late father, whom he lost last year. Still feeling his presence when he hits the woods,  Brennen is passionate about the work we are doing with HHAUSA as the elder Nading was a Veteran who served our country. Having been to his share of our 3D shoots over the past few summers, he has seen firsthand the impact that we are having in the Veteran and First Responder community.

Mark your calendars for July 8th and 9th as we head to Warrens for Mission 25 at the Tomah Warrens Sportsman's Alliance. Brennen and his team will be there, facing off in a weekend of friendly competition with our other close friend and his posse, Sam Ubl from Chase Nation. It's an event that you will not want to miss and we are excited to bring these two great groups together to rally around the cause that is HHAUSA.

While there's no grass growing beneath Brennen Nading's feet, they do have some availability should you need any film, photography or social media work done. To get in touch with Brennen, you can track him down on Instagram and Facebook and find The Breaking Point TV there as well and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15