Hodgdon Announces The Retirement Of J.B. Hodgdon

J.B. Hodgdon, one of two sons that supported Bruce and Amy Hodgdon as they built Hodgdon Powder Company into the legend it is today, retired from full-time service at the company on Jan. 1, 2025. He has assumed the position of chairman emeritus on the company’s board.

“My brother Bob and I were very proud to be able to build the company our parents started into what Hodgdon is today,” said J.B. Hodgdon. “It has been a privilege to work with our employees and our customers as we built Hodgdon Powder.”

In his career, J.B. held many roles at the company. In the early days, he packaged powder at the family dining room table. He led international sales and served as the face of Hodgdon at industry trade shows. He served on the Hodgdon board in various roles, including board chair, for many years and he is an office favorite that will be missed by his coworkers.

“It has been an honor to work with J.B. since I accepted the CEO role at Hodgdon in 2017,” said Steve Kehrwald, CEO of Hodgdon Powder Company. “JB has consistently impressed me with his focus on leading the Hodgdon board with integrity and reflecting Hodgdon values. He has a passion for our customers and the handloading consumer that uses our products. His leadership in the industry and involvement with industry organizations such as the NSSF and NASGW will be missed. I’m happy to say the board will continue to benefit from his experience as he steps into his new role as chairman emeritus.”

While J.B. Hodgdon transitioned into his new role as chairman emeritus, he chose his granddaughter, Amy Hodgdon-Meyer, to assume his former role on the board of directors. As part of Hodgdon’s succession planning process, J.B. has been coaching Amy for this role specifically for more than two years.

“I have been associated with the Hodgdon family and J.B. Hodgdon for more than five decades,” said Tom Shepherd, chairman of the board at Hodgdon. “I was pleased to lead the organization for many years as CEO and worked closely with J.B. and Bob Hodgdon. J.B. is a first-rate owner, an incredible professional and a valued friend to work with during my career. I wish him the very best as he steps into retirement.”

Established in 1947, Hodgdon Powder Company is now the largest U.S. consumer supplier of smokeless and blackpowder substitute propellants. The company distributes gunpowder under the Hodgdon, IMR, Ramshot, Accurate, Winchester, Pyrodex, Triple Seven and Blackhorn 209 brands.