firearms business conference Archives -

I wrote last week that Montgomery Community College was holding a Firearm Business Conference. I had planned to attend virtually using Zoom. Due to some technical difficulties, I wasn’t able to catch everything. However, all sessions were recorded and now are up on YouTube.

One session that really caught my eye was on the zero tolerance inspection policy demanded by the Biden Administration. It was taught by Judy Ladeaux of NSSF. Prior to joining NSSF, she was the Director of Industry Operations in the ATF’s Columbus Field Division.

One interesting topic that came up around the 10 minute mark of the video below was where a state-issued CCW permit substitutes for a NICS check. As she made clear, a purchaser may still be in possession of a revoked CCW permit while being a prohibited person. That can very well be caught during the compliance inspection. While it will not be considered “willful” and result in a revocation of your FFL, it will still be a black mark. She said she had suggested to many FFLs while still with ATF that they could require a NICS check on all sales regardless of a CCW.

Listening to her you really get a feeling for just how nit-picky that Industry Operations Inspectors have been forced to become. While the goal is to make every firearm traceable – including your Polymer 80 type frames – the absurdity of it is that it only goes to the original purchaser in most cases. Firearms can change hands privately in most states without another background check. There is nothing requiring the seller to even get the buyer’s name, address, etc. Now I think you and I might think that would be a good idea to cover our asses but it usually isn’t required unless you live in an Un-Free State.

The last 10 minutes of the session are spent on the things that will get your FFL yanked by ATF and especially the “five deadly sins”.

For those of us who are not dealers, this is good background information. For those that hold a FFL, I would study this video and watch it multiple times. It could be that your livelihood depends upon it.

Montgomery Community College in Troy, North Carolina will be hosting a Firearms Business Conference on February 17th. You can attend either in person or virtually. They will be having an Open House on February 18th. I attended the conference last year and found it quite worthwhile.

Here is the list of conference sessions. All are FREE to attend and participate in.

Conference Sessions

Concurrent Session A1 (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM):Legal Business Entities 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

Concurrent Session A2 (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM):Doing Business in a Hostile Environment 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

Concurrent Session A3 (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM):Inventory Management 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

Concurrent Session B1 (10:00 AM -11:00 AM):Managing Cash Flow 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

Concurrent Session B2 (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM):Gunsmithing vs. Manufacturing 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

Concurrent Session C1 (11:15 AM – 12:15 PM):Physical Security for a Firearms Business 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

Concurrent Session C2 (11:15 AM – 12:15 PM):Interacting with Distributors 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

Concurrent Session D1 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM):Obtaining and Maintaining Your FFL 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

Concurrent Session D2 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM):Marketing to Customers in the Outdoor Space 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

Concurrent Session E1 (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM):Understanding the BATF’s Zero Tolerance Policy 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

Concurrent Session E2 (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM):Concealed Carry Insurance 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

If I remember correctly from last year, Steve Albro, who will be leading the sessions on “Gunsmithing vs Manufacturing” and on “Obtaining and Maintaining Your FFL”, is the Director of Industry Operations in the BATFE Charlotte Field Division.

To register for any of these sessions, go here. You can also register through the NC Small Business Center website.

I am a proud alumnus of Montgomery Community College and earned my Associate in Applied Science degree in Hunting and Shooting Sports Management from there in 2022. I like to say that it is what kept my mind busy during the pandemic.

MCC is a very pro-gun school with a great gunsmithing program as well as the H&SSM program. This is the fourth or fifth year that they have put on this Firearms Business Conference. They also put on the short-term NRA gunsmithing classes. As an example of how the school supports these programs, the president of the college was in their booth at the 2022 NRA Annual Meeting.

firearms business conference

Firearms Business Conference – Zero Tolerance Inspections

Firearms Business Conference – Feb 17th