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First Official Range Office
First Official Range Office
It all started with pre-marital questions. Candace and I had reached a point in our relationship where we were discussing our individual dreams. I shared her dream with such certainty. However, I had given up on the dream to become a state trooper following my military career. I had come to the realization that I had no "obtainable" dream after so many closed doors. After saying in my mind, "I don't have a dream." Candace said with certainty, "I know you have a dream to open up a range." I thank the Lord she saw and remembered something I had forgotten and laid aside. As I pondered her answer to the question the ideas started to flow. I DID in fact have a real dream to open a range. One where customers would be able to train the way they intended to fight and be prepared for the unexpected.
Business Planning Phase
Business Planning Phase
I was blessed to attend and successfully complete the Boots 2 Business Revenue Readiness course through the SBA. It was here where the business model and business plan were created and published.
Operations Guide Creation
Operations Guide Creation
In my military career, I spent countless hours creating guides. These always proved invaluable for everyone assigned. In this guide, we assign positions and explain the operations of those positions.
Rough Ideas of Area
Rough Ideas of Area
The idea of a 1500 yd. rifle range for those serious about marksmanship. The entire long distance range would encompass about 14 acres.
Rough Ideas of Area
Rough Ideas of Area
The daily shooter bay idea. Firing bays (miniature ranges) would be arranged in a line to make supervision easier on our Range Safety Officers.
Second Official Range Office
Second Official Range Office
After getting married to my very best friend and top supporter we turned our dining room into "the office". I share the space with a Certified Crochet Instructor and a toddler, but rent is cheap and the visitors aren't too bad.
Unofficial Range Drafting Area
Unofficial Range Drafting Area
I took up Drafting in Baltimore while attending Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School. I've always enjoyed the attention to detail required for mechanical drawings. Here is where we produce the rough drawings and plans for the Range layout.
Range Draft Layout
Range Draft Layout
How would the business plan render in an artistic representation? Having a dream but no tangible reference made me wonder how things would look in relation to the plans. One afternoon, we answered that question. Included are the main building, mock range, daily shooter's range, member's dynamic shooting range, open training area, outdoor lounge, and 1500 yard range.
Certified Firearms Instructor
Certified Firearms Instructor
Would I ever be able to do something I truly believed in and get paid for it? It sounds very cliché, but here I am, living proof. When I introduced my dream of becoming a Soldier to my parents, I dreamt of specializing in weapons. Unfortunately, for a young man at the time, their apprehension saddened, discouraged, and disappointed me. However, they did support my decision to join the U.S. Army Reserve at 17. Like the common phrase says, "It wasn't a No from God, but a Not yet." I went on to serve in an administrative position that oddly enough offered the adventure I sought after (talk about "But God"). Over 18 years later, we finished up the business plan, and I was able to secure a spot in the USCCA's Certified Instructor Course. What an opportunity and blessing to meet the professionals in this industry! However, it was the difference of night and day. I had to adapt to communicate these critical skills. I had been an Army Recruiter for almost 6 years and I was well versed in presentations, but not the delivery of firearms training to a civilian audience. I started with free webinars offered to friends and family to get familiar with questions and concerns.
FFL Application
FFL Application
Taking fingerprints for the Federal Firearms License
Business Taxes
Business Taxes
Obtaining business tax receipts to conduct business. Thanking the Lord!
Business Banking
Business Banking
Establishing and opening up accounts for Range 144-1!
First Investor
Praise the Lord we had our first investor! We were blessed to acquire the equipment and training resources to conduct our classes and start this exciting journey! We are able to give in home or office training keeping the cost down for our customers without overhead. We know there will be opportunities to expand in the future, but we are content! Time to get to work!
Equipping a Returning Customer
Equipping a Returning Customer
"Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8) What an awesome day!! When there is a mission we accomplish it with haste. We were blessed to follow up with a previous online student that requested additional hands on training. One turned into two and two turned into three, including a teen, learning proper firearm handling. Our mobility allows us to set-up training right outside and have awesome results!
Federal Firearms License
Federal Firearms License
I was reading the reference guide and could do nothing but thank the Lord for His faithfulness! Talk about steps of faith!
Gunsmithing
Gunsmithing
This was a huge moment for me to fully disassemble, clean, successfully reassemble and function check a firearm.
Workbench Set Up
Workbench Set Up
We now have our own dedicated gunsmith workbench! We are excited to see the many customers we will serve from this platform. Each week offers a new challenge, but each day has new mercies and blessings attached.
Laser Training Now Available
Laser Training Now Available
Adding to the training props and resources offered in our firearms course we now have laser systems! Our combination of Mantis and SIRT helps to identify proficiency training needs.
Scope Lapping Now Available
Scope Lapping Now Available
Scope lapping is a process in which a gunsmith smooths ring surfaces to ensure precise alignment. This is incredibly useful when moving a scope from one platform to another.
RANGE 144-1 Shop
RANGE 144-1 Shop
We are EXTREMELY excited to introduce the RANGE 144-1 Shop! We offer a very wide range of firearms, ammunition, cleaning, lubrication, and accessories in one place. This is another step towards our growth, this victory but its huge!
Check it out for yourself! RANGE 144-1 Shop
ALL glory to God!! We were able to secure our very first large request for gunsmithing/armorer work! Man was it exciting to pick them up from our beloved church family at the Eleven22 Retreat Center, got to sight in a couple rifles as well! He is a good good Father!
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