Today we’d like to introduce you to James Vessels.
James, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started on this path many years ago with a friend, Buck Roman. We were both machinists when we were younger and good friends and we often worked together over the years. Eventually, I went into CNC (computer controlled machine programming ) and Buck went off to gunsmithing school. Years later I am a full time software developer and he was working for a big gun store in Amarillo.
Buck called me one day about 5 years ago and asked me if I would help him open our own shop. I would do the office and learn gunsmithing from him. I had to keep my full time job but offered to help after regular hours. We had found a location and were putting together a business plan, when he passed away from a heart attack. His wife asked me if I wanted his entire inventory of gunsmith tools, machines and equipment. I bought them from her and stored it all away thinking I may one day put it to use as a retirement job.
Another year or two passed before I learned about a somewhat new process called ultrasonic gun cleaning. It is a deep cleaning process followed by a dry lubrication process that leaves your gun looking and functioning like new. I knew this could be the backbone of a gunsmith business. Providing a cleaning process that till now was only available to military and large police stations. When I went to buy the first ultrasonic cleaner, they told me this was not for small shops. But I persevered. I wanted to bring this process to everyone.
Like detailing your car, this is a level of clean and lubrication that you just cannot achieve at home.
So I decided to go back to the original plan. Find a good qualified gunsmith who can run the shop during the day. I would take care of the books in the evenings and learn my gunsmithing along the way.
Has it been a smooth road?
The first year or two is always tough as you try to develop your market and get the word out especially when you are bringing new technology to an existing market. Imagine being the first Dry Cleaner and convincing people to bring their laundry to you when they had always cleaned their own clothes. ( A new and better way to clean.)
But really, we always knew we could get through. I think the toughest time was when my first gunsmith Kenny Hatten was called to active duty and I had 10 days to find a replacement. Kenny was a great employee with good skills and a wealth of knowledge about firearms.
Finding a replacement in such a short time could have been a real hardship, but our new gunsmith Richard Christian was waiting in the wings. He had been a resource for some of our work and was ready to take on a full time Gunsmith job. He was well qualified with 2 degrees in gunsmithing. Both my gunsmiths were vets and I am proud to have them working for me.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Superior Gun Care story. Tell us more about the business.
Superior Gun Care. Our name says it all. We are bringing an ultrasonic clean and lube process to the average gun owner. While this technology has been around for years, it was only available to armories and large police departments that need to clean lots of guns quickly. This is a deep cleaning that can bring even older guns to a like-new condition. The dry lube second step lubricates every surface, nook and cranny. It is almost impossible to get your firearm to this condition by hand and all for a very reasonable fee.
We also can mount sights, scopes and other accessories, We can restock your rifle or help you with almost any customization. We can diagnose and repair malfunctioning weapons. We will also tell you if that family heirloom is safe to shoot or should be a wall hanger.
We are changing the paradigm of the old gunsmith, bringing 21st century technology and top quality customer service to everyone whether you have never owned a gun, are a first-time gun owner or lifelong gun lover. Come talk to us today.
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
I hope to open 2 more stores in DFW within the next 6 years. I think once people realize the value of Ultrasonic Cleaning and what it does to extend the life and improve the performance of your firearm our growth will be exponential.
We still intend to educate and assist new gun owners in how to choose, use and maintain their firearms. We are looking to expand into introductory classes for first time buyers, educating youth on firearm safety and more.
Pricing:
- Ultrasonic Handgun Clean & Lube $50
- Ultrasonic Rifle or Shotgun Clean & Lube $55
- Gunsmithing $90. per hour
Contact Info:
- Address: 2608 K Ave Ste 103
Plano TX 75074 - Website: http://www.superiorguncare.com
- Phone: 214-919-0200
- Email: manager@superiorguncare.com
- Instagram: superiorguncaretx
- Facebook: facebook.com/superiorguncare
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/superior-gun-care-plano-2
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
