As 2025 comes to a close, it feels right to pause and take stock—not just of what we accomplished, but how we showed up as an industry. What stands out to me this year is not a single event or milestone, but the mindset I’ve seen from so many of you: steady, focused, and committed, even as the market continued to shift.
This is the time of year when most of us step back and evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and where we go next. Some product categories met expectations. Others underperformed or surprised us altogether. Forecasts were adjusted, timelines stretched, and strategies evolved. But through it all, the businesses I spoke with remained forward-looking. They stayed disciplined, made measured adjustments, and kept their focus on long-term improvement.
That kind of consistency matters. It may not always show up in a sales report or headline, but it shows up in stronger relationships with partners, better team alignment, and businesses that are more prepared for what comes next. In a constantly changing environment, steadiness is often the greatest strength.
At NASGW, our role is to support that strength. Most of the work we do takes place behind the scenes, but the goal is always clear: to reduce friction, improve communication across the supply chain, and strengthen the foundation of two-step distribution.
This past year, we continued pushing forward on that mission. From improving how the industry manages product information to creating more clarity around category trends, our team has stayed focused on solving problems that matter. While some of these tools are still being finalized, the direction is clear—and the credit belongs to the members who have stayed engaged and helped guide the work. Your feedback and participation are what keep NASGW relevant and effective.
Looking ahead to 2026, there is not much time to ease into the new year. SHOT Show is just around the corner, and it represents the first major opportunity to reconnect, share direction, and solidify plans for the first half of the year. If you haven’t already followed up on conversations from the Expo, now is the time. Even a short meeting at SHOT can help realign expectations and build momentum heading into Q1.
This is also a good time to check in on your own internal strategy. Are your priorities clear? Does your team understand where you are headed? Are you following through on the commitments made to your partners and customers? These are the kinds of questions that help set the tone for a strong start to the year.
If your business is looking to sharpen its approach in 2026—whether through better planning, improved operations, or stronger collaboration—NASGW has resources to support that. You can always reach out or visit nasgwscope.org or itsonvault.com for updates and information.
To all of our members, thank you for the role you’ve played this year. Whether you attended the Expo, joined a working group, offered feedback, or simply stayed connected, your involvement matters. NASGW moves forward because of members like you who believe in building something stronger for the industry as a whole.
I hope you have a chance to enjoy some rest over the holidays with the people who matter most. I look forward to seeing many of you in Las Vegas and working alongside you in the year ahead.
Until next time,
Bill Sumner
NASGW Chairman of the Board