Last March, Airsoft Blogger Arwin Siador reached out to our Marketing Department regarding a product review for his popular video blog, MilSimJunkie. We quickly both realized that Siador didn’t live too far from our USA HQ – about 30 miles to be exact. Not too much later, Siador came out for a visit to learn more about Magnum, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Born and raised in Stockton, Calif., this 24-year-old draws inspiration from staying on the cutting edge of LE/MIL gear in order to provide his viewers with a better perspective on how it applies to airsoft. Best known for his fresh, informative style peppered with a sense of humor, Siador has quickly escalated his YouTube fan base to more than 10,000 subscribers, 200,000+ channel views and more than 1.6 million total upload views. Not too shabby for a year and half’s worth of work!
How did you first get involved in airsoft?
I came into the world of Military Simulation (MilSim) after participating in my first airsoft event in 2006. I was invited to play through several friends in a scenario-based MilSim game held on private land in Clements, Calif. We all had unique roles, a restriction on gun and ammo, and were all required to have some sort of communication device (i.e., walkie). The whole operation took place during the night (1am) and lasted for a few hours. Since then I’ve been hooked and committed to making the sport grow.
When did you launch your blog, MilSimJunkie.com, and what has the response been like so far?
I launched the website in 2007 back when interest in airsoft was not as mainstream. Although in the past year my viewer base has more than quadrupled since I’ve joined forces with CQB City as their marketing advisor. Working at CQB is a volunteer job that I do completely out of passion of the sport and for the facility. It’s the first real place that I got to taste airsoft action, and I want to ensure its future success. My main duty there is to broaden the reach of CQB City participants from local to global. So far it has proven fairly successful in that we’ve had players come from all over California and the United States come out – and hopefully soon players from out of country.
What’s the one thing you never leave home without, and why?
I never leave home without my multi-tool. Since I was a young kid my father always told me to carry a multi-tool with me, as you never know when you need it. I have had many uses for my multi-tool in my life thus far and never leave home without it.
What is your life motto?
I live my life like my blood type, B Positive.
What are your hobbies outside of MilSim?
Outside of airsoft I enjoy hiking. For fun I peak Mt. Diablo often – it’s a great hike and I always bring someone new with me each time in hopes of inspiring them to take up day-hiking. Aside for Mt. Diablo, I have hiked and peaked Mt. Rose (Nevada) and attempted Castle Peak (Truckee, Calif.). I hope to hike Eagle Peak (Yosemite), Mt. Whitney (Lone Pine, Calif.), and Mission Peak (Fremont, Calif.), just to name a few. The Mount Rose summit has to be one of the most interesting places I have been, so far. After hiking the 10,000-foot mountain, the view of California-Nevada border was pretty intense to say the least.
If you could build the ultimate sandwich, what would it be?
B.B.B.L.T – Bacon, Bacon, Bacon, Lettuce, & Tomato.
Tell us about an unforgettable day in your career.
Definitely when I received an e-mail from Google stating that I have been accepted into their YouTube Partnership program. Many content creators who apply wait months, more often years, to receive a reply. I was fortunate enough to have been accepted in a period little over six months. Through the partnership, I create and provide digital content for viewers online. As a YouTube partner I have viewers/subscribers who look to my channel to inform, entertain, and educate them on content in the airsoft industry. I hope to expand the MilSimJunkie network to reach out to those considering the sport in hopes of inspiring those to join.
What’s the best (and worst) part of your job?
The best part of my job is that I get to meet people and interact with people from all over the world. Often time our first encounters usually may lead to what I consider the worst part, which is getting shot. While the BB’s are non-lethal, when you have hundreds of them flying at you they quickly begin to hurt worse than bee stings.
Every blogger usually has a favorite post. What is yours?
My most favorite post was titled “Room Clearing Observations.” It’s a bit more on the technical side of airsoft, however it was the first blog entry that was reposted around the world. Many readers used it as a reference when playing airsoft.
What are your favorite industry websites?
AirsoftRetreat.com (USA) is a great source of info on new airsoft gear and guns. ArniesAirsoft.co.uk (UK) is a fantastic source of what’s happening around the world in airsoft.
What does the future look like for MilSim Junkie? Any other new projects in the pipeline this year?
You will see a lot more of MilSimJunkie involved in other projects with other YouTubers. Right now I am currently involved with several other video bloggers in a nationwide review project where players use, abuse and review weapon systems across the nation so that viewers can track a weapons progress online.
What is your favorite Magnum product?
Stealth Force 8.0 in Desert Tan. Not only is it my first Magnum boot, but also it’s on my feet most often because they keep my feet comfy and cool. I’ve worn the boots for upwards of 24+ hours on several occasions and did not incur any foot problems. They literally stomp out anything that I come across. The Stealth Force have been with me on several hikes too, including my Mt. Rose hike.
Anything else you would like to add?
Yes… I’d like to add more Magnum footwear on my feet!
Leave Arwin some comment love on his YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/Milsimjunkie1.
