The Industry Legends Banquet, that was held Monday, December 1st in Richmond, BC, brought together industry leaders, partners, and supporters from across Canada’s hunting, shooting, and outdoor sector for an evening of celebration.
This unforgettable night honoured three exceptional industry legends whose dedication and leadership have helped shape and strengthen our community: Ronald Wilson (Big Rock Sports), Brent McCallum (Redl Sports), and Mike Camele (Italian Sporting Goods).
Ronald Wilson has dedicated more than five decades to Canada’s outdoors industry, building a career that truly reflects his expertise, leadership, and passion. He began his journey with Pacific Sports, which later became Inland Pacific Distributors, Ltd., a leading Canadian distributor of outdoors sporting goods. Ron continued with Inland Pacific Distributors for decades and, following its acquisition by Big Rock Sports in 2011, remained a cornerstone of the company until his retirement in 2022.
Brent McCallum’s name has become synonymous with passion, dedication, and leadership in Canada’s outdoor sporting and angling industry. A lifelong fishing enthusiast and proud West Coaster, Brent began his career in the industry and quickly became a trusted figure in the world of sporting goods. While fishing has always been his greatest love, his influence has reached far beyond the water, helping shape the outdoor retail landscape across the country.
With more than half a century dedicated to the hunting and firearms industry, Mike Camele has the passion and dedication that defines a true legend. Mike began his gunsmith training in the Italian Military in 1965, developing the skills that would guide his lifelong career and inspire generations to come. In 1969, he and his brother opened Italian Sporting Goods, a major part of British Columbia’s firearms community. Over the past 56 years, Mike has worked as a gunsmith, buyer, and sales expert, dedicating the last 25 years primarily to gunsmithing. Even at 80 years old, he remains an active hunter and shooter. .
Their contributions and hard work continue to push our industry forward and ensure it thrives while inspiring future generations. From their advocacy, career success, passion and philanthropy – these three men have been nominated and selected by their peers to be recognized by the Industry Legends Award.
Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, exciting fundraiser auction that featured a wide range of treasures (including an African hunt) and the chance to connect with friends and colleagues from across the country. This was all in support of the three incredible legends and the CSAAA’s national advocacy for the industry they work in.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our presenting sponsor, Bowmac Gunpar, and our cocktail sponsor, Acera Insurance. We were honoured to have Brandon Ross from Bowmac Gunpar and Zach Schwing from Acera Insurance join us for the evening.
We also have to thank every organization and business who donated silent auction items and guests who bid in support of CSAAA’s mission. We could not have done this without all of you.
A special thank-you goes to Chris Studiman of Big Rock Sports for his outstanding work as emcee, and to Adam Patterson, CSAAA Vice President, for delivering an insightful overview of the industry and CSAAA’s work.
We also thank Ryan Sterne (crutches and all) and Paul Simms of Westcan Marketing for honouring our Legends with heartfelt and inspiring presentations with a touch of comedy.
The Legends Banquet is a tribute to the people and partnerships that drive the Canadian sporting industry and a reminder that together, we are protecting and building the future of hunting, archery, and firearms in Canada.
