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August 15, 2024
NSSF Government Relations Team Profile: Salam Fatohi
NSSF’s Government Relations Team is working hard on behalf of the entire firearm and ammunition industry, both at the federal level and at state capitals across the country. To give our members a better understanding of who is fighting for their businesses and Second Amendment rights every day, NSSF will periodically publish a Government Relations Team member profile. August’s NSSF GR Team profile is for Salam Fatohi, NSSF Director of Research.
1) What is your favorite hunting or recreational shooting sports activity?
This is a tough one. While there is no greater thrill than big game hunting, I spend considerably more time competing in USPSA and Steel Challenge. I started shooting practical pistol in 2014 to exercise fundamentals and get more reps in with my carry gun. Like most hobbies, competing has evolved into a part of who I am and it has helped every aspect of my shooting skills and firearm proficiency. This competence carries over to hunting with firearms by making fundamentals second nature and applying my recreational shooting skills into a hunting environment.
2) How did you become interested in professionally advocating for pro-firearm industry policies and Second Amendment rights?
My family immigrated to the United States and none of us hunted or owned firearms. I had never shot a gun until I was an adult and being an inquisitive person, I dove headfirst into all aspects of firearm ownership. Growing up a first-generation immigrant and hearing about religious persecution that my family had to endure in the Middle East reinforced my drive for not only firearm proficiency but also advocacy in exercising Second Amendment rights. I regularly encouraged and invited my friends and family to join me at the range or provided them resources to improve their knowledge and understanding of firearms and their individual rights as law-abiding citizens. When the opportunity to join the Research team at NSSF presented itself, I knew I had an opportunity to channel my passion professionally. I have been blessed to now have four years under my belt supporting the only industry that facilitates our right to keep and bear arms.
3) Describe your role within NSSF to the firearm industry community.
I am the Director of Research at NSSF, and I lead our efforts on data collection, organization and managing research projects. Every year my team collects feedback from the industry on what they want their membership dollars spent researching. My team’s main drive is to provide insight into the firearm and ammunition industry. We promote data that improves decision making which can range from production activity, economic impact to insights on new firearm owners and hunters. The role requires us to be agile and thorough in our investigation whether that be a summary of a proposed rule to a member inquiry on an industry topic. These tasks are all made possible thanks to a dedicated research team that works in lockstep with me to support NSSF and the firearm industry.
4) What is your favorite aspect of your role with NSSF while interacting with industry partners?
I love not needing to censor myself and avoid topics like hunting and shooting. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Some of the best conversations and connections I have made in the industry have been due to mutual interest in these topics. There is confidence talking to firearm industry folks about topics we all care about and could otherwise offend someone in corporate America. This camaraderie has led to expanding my network and help me improve our knowledge base to better serve our members.
5) Describe your favorite “win” from your role/advocacy on behalf of the firearm industry.
Thinking about my four years here I have to say facilitating the opportunity for our members to direct our research is my favorite win. There is no shortage of demand for up to date and relevant data on the market, end users and the industry at large. Being able to give membership a voice, via the Research Breakfast, in what we study really excites me. I look forward to SHOT Show every year so that I can learn where we have knowledge gaps and figure out a way to satisfy our information needs.
6) What’s a favorite hobby/recreational activity outside of hunting or shooting sports?
Family events growing up were always centered around a meal and feeding those close to us. That part of my family’s traditions is still alive and well. I cook both for function and fun for my family. My toddlers may not appreciate the hours that go into smoking a packer brisket but they love chocolate chip pancakes on the weekend. If I’m lucky the menu expands with wild game options that I love sharing with those close to me.
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