CZ-USA announced a series of leadership transitions designed to ensure continuity and support the company’s continued expansion in the U.S. market. Following a year of strong revenue and profit growth, these changes position the organization for sustained success and a seamless evolution of leadership.

After two years of rebuilding the CZ brand in the U.S. market, Petr Pistelak, President of CZ-USA, will transition back to Colt CZ Group in the Czech Republic, where he will oversee international sales initiatives for Colt and Dan Wesson. This transition is driven by family medical considerations.

Pistelak’s primary objective during his tenure was to stabilize the U.S. organization and build a team capable of sustaining long-term growth in revenue and operations. He has been the driving force behind the successful turnaround of CZ-USA, making critical hires and bringing a level of energy and focus that has inspired continued momentum across the company. His leadership, passion, and commitment have left a lasting impact on the organization and its people.

Petr Palecek will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and Head of Operations for CZ-USA. In this position, he will oversee operations, including logistics, manufacturing, finance, legal, and human resources. Palecek joins CZ-USA from Ceska zbrojovka (CZ), where he served as Chief Human Resources Officer and a member of Board of Directors for over 2 years. Prior to that, he worked with CZ as an adviser from McKinsey & Company. McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm specializing in strategy, operations, and organizational transformation.

Palecek is a C-level executive with over 10 years’ experience in strategy and operations. While at McKinsey & Company, Palecek led transformation and business development for various clients. He is experienced in driving large scale transformations across the Middle East, Europe and North America in technology, banking, and manufacturing industries.

John Dain, who joined CZ-USA two years ago as Executive Vice President of Sales, will take on the role of President and Chief Commercial Officer. During his tenure, Dain played a vital role in advancing the company’s strategic direction and accelerating growth across retail and channel partnerships, including the continued development of the Dan Wesson brand. In his new role, he will lead sales, marketing, and product management, with responsibility for revenue and profit growth, brand leadership, market expansion, and customer experience across the United States.

Dain brings more than a decade of leadership experience in the firearms industry, with a proven track record of driving revenue growth, strengthening customer alignment, and building enduring brand momentum. He began his career at Sig Sauer in customer service and advanced through key roles in product management, national accounts, retail leadership, and executive sales. Earlier in his career, he served in the U.S. Army as an infantry team leader—an experience that continues to shape his leadership style, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and team development.

Tom Taylor, who has served as Chief Marketing Officer at CZ-USA over the past year, will work closely with Dain to ensure a seamless integration of marketing and product management initiatives. He is concurrently transitioning to Colt CZ Group as Chief Business Development Officer – North America. In this role, Taylor will collaborate business opportunities across CZ-USA, Colt, Dan Wesson, Colt Canada, Colt Optics, and other U.S.-based business initiatives.

Taylor brings more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and product management leadership roles at Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, and Mossberg, along with over two decades in various sales and marketing positions at The Coca-Cola Company.

As John Dain and Petr Palecek assume full responsibility for the U.S. business, they will collaborate closely with outgoing President Petr Pistelak and CMO Tom Taylor to ensure a smooth and effective transition across all areas of the organization.

Houston, TX – Roni Corporaton, the leading designer and manufacturer of the renown Micro-Roni, PDW-style pistol-to-carbine conversion kits and other firearms accessories, has established U.S. based operations and manufacturing in Houston, TX. The strategic move is to better serve their expanding U.S. market with a commitment to American manufacturing, faster delivery, and stronger customer support. Producing on U.S. soil allows Roni to provide faster lead times to meet the growing demand for their Roni conversion kits and other products while contributing to domestic industry and innovation. Part of the U.S. operations expansion includes working with leading industry wholesalers such as Sports South, Inc. and Chattanooga Shooting Supply to meet growing dealer demand. This includes supplying retailers with their newest, most compact pistol-to-carbine conversion kit, the Nano Roni.

Marc Hinawi, CEO, leads Roni Corporation’s U.S. operations. “With our move to U.S.-based manufacturing and operations, we are strengthening our commitment to consistent quality, reliable performance, and purpose-built solutions designed to meet the highest standards of the American market. This is combined with our strategic partnership with 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group as a master distributor of our products to help increase distribution and accessibility to our products.”

The Roni Conversion kit is recognized worldwide as one of the most reliable and well-known pistol-to-carbine conversion kits ever developed, helping define a category through proven performance and continuous innovation.
At the center company’s product evolution and move to U.S. based manufacturing is the Nano Roni. This is Roni’s most compact and advanced conversion kit. The Nano Roni transforms a standard pistol into a compact, carbine-style platform for improved control, increased accuracy, and effective engagement at extended distances. It delivers a precise balance of compact size, reliability, and performance. Initial compatibility includes Glock 17, 19, 22, and 23, 31,32 and 45.
 
Additional compatibility is coming soon, including Glock 43 and 48 platforms, as well as select models from SIG Sauer, Taurus, and Canik. This growing compatibility reflects Roni’s commitment to versatility and user-focused design.

For more information about Roni Corporation and their line of PDW-style pistol-to-carbine conversion kits and other firearms accessories, please visit www.micro-roni.com.
 

Berryville, AR — Wilson Combat is proud to announce the immediate acquisition of the Guncrafter Industries brand and assets, bringing together two of the most respected names in American custom firearms manufacturing. This strategic acquisition unites decades of innovation, precision engineering, and uncompromising craftsmanship under one banner while preserving the distinct heritage that defines each brand.

Founded by Bill Wilson, Wilson Combat has built a global reputation for producing world-class 1911 pistols, premium defensive firearms, and high-performance accessories trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Guncrafter Industries, founded by Alex Zimmermann, is widely recognized for its pioneering development of the .50 GI cartridge and its line of meticulously crafted single and double stack 1911 pistols, earning a loyal following through its commitment to quality, reliability, and attention to detail.

“This is a natural fit for both companies,” said Bill Wilson, Founder and CEO of Wilson Combat. “Guncrafter Industries has built an outstanding reputation for innovation and craftsmanship, and we share a common philosophy when it comes to quality and performance. We are excited to welcome their team and continue building on the strong foundation they’ve created.”

The acquisition reflects a shared commitment to excellence. Both companies emphasize hand-fit precision, rigorous testing, and a relentless pursuit of performance in every firearm produced. Customers can expect continuity in product quality, customer service, and the unique identity that has made Guncrafter a standout name in the custom pistol market.

Operations will continue with a focus on maintaining Guncrafter’s established product lines while leveraging Wilson Combat’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, engineering expertise, and distribution network to support future growth and innovation. The combined strengths of both organizations will create new opportunities for product development while reinforcing the standards customers expect.

Alex Zimmermann will remain involved in an advisory and developmental capacity, ensuring continuity and guiding future innovation.

Wilson Combat remains committed to honoring the legacy of Guncrafter Industries while building upon its success—ensuring both brands continue to represent the finest traditions of American firearms craftsmanship. During this transition, we ask for your patience and understanding as we work through integration details and align operations.

A note to our Guncrafter Customers:
As we integrate the Guncrafter brand into the Wilson Combat family of companies, please bear with us while we work through the details. Our focus is on getting this right, so every Guncrafter customer continues to receive the quality and service the brand is known for. More updates will follow in the coming weeks, including information on existing orders, service, and what’s next for the lineup. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to serving you.