Built to Last with Brownells

Built to Last by Brownells is the official podcast of Brownells, created to give a voice to our customers, celebrate our legacy, and explore the tools, people, and knowledge that define excellence in the firearms industry.
Hosted by Tim Hadsell and co-hosted by Jude Teumer, Built to Last is recorded in the Ram Room at Brownells Headquarters in Grinnell, Iowa. Each episode dives into the stories that shaped Brownells, from obscure and entertaining company history to practical conversations around effective gunsmithing, trusted tools, and running iconic weapon platforms like the 1911 and AR-15.
New episodes release twice a month and run approximately 50 minutes, delivering thoughtful discussions, firsthand experience, and hard-earned insight from the people who live and breathe this industry. Listener questions, suggestions, and fan mail are always welcome at BuiltToLast@brownells.com.
Whether you are a seasoned gunsmith, a firearms enthusiast, or someone who values craftsmanship and tradition, Built to Last by Brownells offers authentic conversations rooted in experience, built on knowledge, and designed to stand the test of time.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak to a qualified firearm professional for any industry-related questions or decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guests and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company. This content is intended for audiences 21 years or older. Viewer discretion is advised.

Contributors

Host

Tim Hadsell

Tim Hadsell is the Senior Engagement and Development Specialist at Brownells, where he helps shape company culture, employee engagement, and professional development across the firearms and outdoor industry. He is deeply involved in employee engagement initiatives, leadership development, and culture-driven programs that support Brownells’ “Living Adventurously” mindset. As host of the Built to Last podcast, Tim brings a curious, grounded approach to conversations with industry leaders, exploring craftsmanship, legacy, and what it takes to build things that endure.

Co-host

Jude Teumer

Jude Teumer is the Social Media Manager for Brownells, where he works within a company rooted in craftsmanship, tradition, and responsibility to the shooting and outdoor community. His work reflects Brownells’ Living Adventurously mindset, with a focus on inspiring builders and sharing the fun, challenging, and exciting culture of the industry.

As co-host of the Built to Last podcast, Jude brings a light but experienced voice shaped by lessons learned, service, and a deep passion for the lifestyle. He approaches every conversation with genuine curiosity, always excited to learn what’s new and how the legends did it back in the day. To Jude, every design and every solution created by a craftsman is something to admire. Proof that when things are built with care and purpose, they never lose their luster. They are, quite simply, built to last.

Guests

Guest

Kevin Estela

Kevin Estela, owner of Kevin Estela, LLC, is a professional fieldcraft and survival instructor with nearly two decades of experience. He’s the best-selling author of 101 Skills You Need to Survive in the Woods and Beyond the Field, a former Director of Training at Fieldcraft Survival, and a prolific contributor to hundreds of articles.

https://www.kevinestela.com/

Guest

Matthew Ostrander

Matt Ostrander serves as the Program Director and faculty for the Gunsmith Technology program at Iowa Valley Community College’s Grinnell campus—an applied, hands-on curriculum for students entering gunsmithing fields. He is the Owner and Operator of Ostrander Defense, headquartered in De Soto, Iowa, where he provides tailored church security consulting, active shooter training, small business security solutions, and comprehensive risk assessments. The company’s outreach includes professional certifications such as Active Shooter Response Instructor and leadership in gunsmithing education.

Guest

Pete Brownell

Pete Brownell is an accomplished executive recognized for his innovative thinking, strategic development, and thought leadership. With energy and instinctive vision, he simultaneously modernized the company's culture while unlocking geographic constraints and becoming a global enterprise. As CEO of Brownells, a major distributor of firearms, ammunition, optics, and gun accessories, he successfully transformed an 86-year-old direct marketing company into one of America's top 150 e-commerce businesses. Mr. Brownell more than doubled the business in the last four years by increasing product categories, expanding customer base to include individuals, military, law enforcement, and through streamlining automation of fulfillment services, maximizing supply chain partnerships, developing two innovative patents to improve customer interface, and establishing the company as a dominant brand in the industry.

Guest appearance on:

In the Beginning

Guest

Steve Hornady & Jason Hornady

Steve Hornady is the President of Hornady Manufacturing, in Grand Island, Nebraska. He has a lifelong career within the family business, guiding its growth after the passing of founder Joyce Hornady

Jason Hornady is the Vice President at Hornady Manufacturing, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Jason has worked across sales and marketing before stepping into leadership at the company.

https://www.hornady.com/