July 10, 2025

This piece is sponsored by Silencer Central.

The founder and CEO of Sioux Falls-based Silencer Central and BANISH Suppressors has been appointed to the board of governors for the firearm industry’s national trade association.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, has named Brandon Maddox to its 25-person board. Formed in 1961, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has a mission to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.

Its membership includes thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide.

“The NSSF is our industry-leading trade association, and it’s an honor to be appointed to a rare seat on the board of governors,” Maddox said.

“This organization has boots on the ground advocating at a state and federal level to protect retailers and consumers. They have a large influence on Capitol Hill in a highly regulated industry, and I’m excited to bring a perspective of someone with a silencer focus as we’re the fastest-growing market in the industry.”

Maddox founded Silencer Central in 2005 with the goal of simplifying the silencer purchasing process for sportsmen and firearm enthusiasts. Today, the Sioux Falls-based company is one of the nation’s largest silencer dealers, serving customers in 42 states where suppressors are legal.

A staunch Second Amendment advocate and lifelong hunter, Maddox is also the founder of the South Dakota Firearms Industry Association. He has testified before state legislatures on firearm policy, championing reforms that protect shooting sports and expand access for responsible firearm owners.

“I think there’s a benefit to being from a smaller state where we have personal relationships with our elected officials,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being able to bring that to the board during a time when we’re going through so many changes at the federal level.”

Maddox was chosen for the board role because of his “unique blend of business leadership, regulatory expertise and passionate advocacy for the shooting sports,” according to the association.

“Brandon brings deep knowledge of the regulatory landscape and a passion for protecting the rights of sportsmen and women,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO.

“His entrepreneurial leadership and commitment to our industry’s growth will be valuable assets to the board of governors.”

Maddox was appointed to the board during the NSSF’s recent midyear meeting.

Brandon Maddox, CEO and founder of Silencer Central, and Lawrence Keane, senior vice president and general counsel of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, at Silencer Central headquarters

For Maddox, it’s a powerful full-circle moment. When he began in business, he took advantage of resources through the NSSF to help grow Silencer Central.

“They helped me bring a consultant into my business — a recently retired ATF leader — who took me through a mock inspection and did a great job impressing upon me that I needed to be an expert, not only in rules and regulations but in how they’re interpreted,” he said. “There’s no way I could have afforded that on my own, and I learned so much.”

He’s also a regular attendee at the organization’s annual SHOT Show, the leading trade event in the sports, hunting and outdoor recreational industry, which annually draws more than 50,000 people.

“The networking experiences at the shows and the resources NSSF has subsidized for me have been incredibly valuable,” Maddox said. “I don’t even know if I’d be here today if it weren’t for them, so I’m thrilled to be able to serve on the board and further support their mission.”

The board of governors includes leaders from some of the biggest names in the industry, he added.

“I recognize the credibility that comes with serving alongside them,” Maddox said.

“Anytime I have a chance to work alongside others in the industry like this, there’s so much value. Sometimes, we can be insulated in South Dakota, and it’s good to know what’s going on with the rest of the country and even the world. I’m grateful to be at the table when discussions come up about industry priorities and our legislative focus, and I’m excited to get started.”