Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Ogren.
Todd, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
During the economic downturn following 2008, I needed to create a new venture due to the fact that construction work had virtually disappeared. I had been a general contractor. I had almost 100 guns of my own and my wife said I’d better start a store because that is too many to have at home. So in 2010 I began the process for licensing and research. We opened the fall of 2011 with myself and one other part-time employee.
We have now grown to 10 employees and over a million dollars in sales annually. We host customer appreciation events each year. We have a strong, loyal customer base. We enjoy helping our customers fill their needs. Customers come from Chicago proper as well as all the outlying suburbs. Our Wisconsin customer base reaches as far as Madison. We have a strong on-line presence as well.
We branched out two years ago into NFA Approval items and Manufacturing. We now manufacture custom firearms for our customers as well.
The quote that says do what you love and you will always be successful seems to be true. At least for us.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No small business has a smooth road. We struggle against the big box stores and the pricing they are able to get from manufacturers that we cannot. We struggle to stay relevant to the changes in our industry. We struggle against the gun laws and the prejudice that exists against gun ownership. It’s difficult for anyone who is not a firearm enthusiast to understand that guns are not just for personal protection, but that they offer avenues of hobby, sport shooting, team shooting, hunting, etc.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the The Gun Shop story. Tell us more about the business.
What sets us apart from others is our customer service. We have extremely proud of the wide range of care we are able to provide to so many. We are a retail establishment for the sporting industry, firearms in general. We carry a huge variety of firearms and any accessories you could desire. We offer gunsmith and repair services. We offer custom build services. We also offer training for anyone interested in carrying concealed licensing and any first time user to provide a level of comfort with their firearm. Safety is the most important tool to be taught. Our customers can bring their own firearms to class or use ours. We teach both in classroom and on the range.
We believe that this all-around, all-inclusive, customer experience is what puts us apart.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
If you were to ask me on any given day what type of luck I have, I’d say a string of bad. I am the utmost pessimist. However, I have never been afraid or turned my back on an opportunity or challenge. I believe life is not good or bad luck but how you face your challenges.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1452 Sheridan Road
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140 - Website: www.thegunshop.com
- Phone: (262) 925-1001
- Email: info@thegunshop.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegunshopllc/
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