JB Hodgdon Retires from his Namesake Company

Hodgdon Powder Company, The Gunpowder People, expressed their thanks and deep appreciation to co-founder JB Hodgdon upon his retirement last month from full-time service at Hodgdon. Mr. Hodgdon assumed the position of Chairman Emeritus on the Hodgdon Powder Company board effective January 1, 2025.

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

Steve Kehrwald, CEO of Hodgdon Powder Company said, “It has been an honor to work with JB since I accepted the CEO role at Hodgdon in 2017. 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.”

“I have been associated with the Hodgdon family and JB 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 JB and Bob Hodgdon. JB 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.”

While JB Hodgdon transitioned into his new role as Chairman Emeritus, he chose his granddaughter, Amy Hodgdon-Meyer, to assume JB’s former role on the Board of Directors. As part of Hodgdon’s succession planning process, JB has been coaching Amy for this role specifically for more than two years. For more on Hodgdon, visit hodgdonpowderco.com.