It’s important to know the changes facing the firearms business. This conference will have on hand experts who will discuss the many regulations now facing the industry and how you can safeguard your business. Key topics to include: new regulations, maintaining FFL, shipping issues, and legal business basics. In partnership with Montgomery Community College’s Gunsmithing department.

This conference will occur in-person and will also be a live webinar presented through Zoom/livestream. We highly recommended logging-in to these sessions at least 5-10 minutes prior to the start time.

All live stream and zoom links will made available on this page 5-10 minutes prior to the start time.

Conference Sessions

Legal Business Entities (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

Understanding the difference between the various ways that your business can be established. Does a sole proprietorship, LLC, an S-Corp, or a Corporation make the most sense for the type of business that you plan to run?

Speaker: Alicia Herrin

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dMWU1j1ERRazY9I-mYidfQ

Doing Business in a Hostile Environment (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

The firearms industry is experiencing an unprecedented amount of resistance from both government agencies and from the business community. As a small business person, how do you successfully navigate the difficulties posed by regulations, shippers, banking institutions, lawsuits, and a general disdain from large segments of the public?

Speaker: Steve Adelman

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Gl1LKRxFSiym5T4hFKWSAQ

Inventory Management (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

Understanding how to manage retail space and how to stock inventory that will sell is a key component to succeeding in a retail business. Learn tips for success in offering the right products to maximize your inventory investment dollars from a representative from one of the largest firearms distributors.

Speaker: Davidson’s

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mlsUeQSvR4Gr5ES2ya2irg

Managing Cash Flow (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

The success or failure of a business often has nothing to do with the product of service that the business offers. Basic business issues like how well cash flow is managed can make or break a small business.

Speaker: Alicia Herrin

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_laMunoxwQv-l37ddpeMm4g

Gunsmithing vs. Manufacturing (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

The current BATF regulations regarding what constitutes gunsmithing and what crosses the line into the field of manufacturing is often misunderstood. Understanding current regulations are key to having the correct licensure and staying on the right side of legal questions.

Speaker: Steve Albro

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0EBosb3XRyK7NPoLg72qoA

Physical Security for a Firearms Business (11:15 AM – 12:15 PM)

Preventing break-in and theft is a topic that generates a lot of apprehension for the small business owner in the firearms industry. Knowing the correct security measures to help keep your business safe is key to peace of mind and business success.

Speaker: Bill Napier

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7jccKqjWRrypSvlEne5c5g

Interacting with Distributors (11:15 AM – 12:15 PM)

Building good working relationships with firearms distributors is essential to successful operation of a firearms retail business. An industry insider who works for one of the largest firearms distributors in the country will outline the best strategies and practices for managing these contacts.

Speakers: Shawn McGuire

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_meAN6yJcRPamdYyIjaNfNQ

Obtaining and Maintaining Your FFL (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)

This speaker will outline the steps necessary to navigate the paperwork and record keeping necessary to apply for and operate a Federal Firearms License.

Speaker: Steve Albro

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CXOOx-vVT1OdAKjD8z2cpA

Marketing to Customers in the Outdoor Space (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)

In the digital age, marketing your firearms business to hunters, fishermen, and other outdoorsmen is not as easy as putting up a sign. Learn strategies for attracting these customers from a seasoned pro with many years of experience in media and digital marketing for this segment of the firearms industry.

Speaker: Chris Douglas

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FUzSRkvVSU2xlrHiVNCq9g

Understanding the BATF’s Zero Tolerance Policy (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

The current administration has implemented a very stringent process for inspections and audits of FFL holders. This has resulted in a far greater number of license revocations that has previously been seen. A former BATF agent will go through this policy and provide information and tips about how to avoid becoming one of these statistics.

Speaker: Judy Ladeux

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GgmOvWP_TY6UlbLWJK4YaA

Concealed Carry Insurance (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

Insuring concealed carry holders against the legal ramifications of being involved in a self-defense shooting is both a prudent step and a potential source of revenue for a firearms retailer or shooting instructor. Learn the benefits of this type of insurance from an attorney with experience in this branch of law and a representative of a company that offers this product.

Speaker: Lori Olmstead/US Lawshield

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9QBP_2X6TtWuQoibzitBeQ