Today we’d like to introduce you to Will James.
Will, 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 working, out of college, for The Staubach Company doing commercial real estate. I really enjoyed my time there and learned how to do business the right way and how to treat the customer. I made the mistake many do and chased the promise of money and moved to another company. Hindsight, being what it is I would have never left Staubach, but if I had not I would not be where I am today. God works in funny ways sometimes. I was driving out to see a friend’s ranch when he asked what I would think about helping him run a .com firearms company that he had started. It took me all of 8 seconds to say yes. It was what I always wanted to do. My passion has always been with the outdoors, guns, optics, ballistics, etc. What was created was defenderoutdoors.com – That has now become a much larger company. Now we have opened the largest indoor gun range a retail store in North Texas – Defender Outdoors Shooting Center with another retail location in Argyle.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a new business is never smooth. There are always surprises and growing pains but I wouldn’t change anything. We are where we are because of those mistakes. This is an interesting business but really no different from any other. You create and maintain relationships with vendors, always strive to buy right, and make sure that everyone who works for you understands their job, its function, and treats your customers right. It wouldn’t be as much fun without the struggle. 🙂
Please tell us about Defender Outdoors Shooting Center.
Defender Outdoors Shooting Center is a 43,000 square foot facility that is much more than just a gun range. We have 6,000 sf of retail space, 3,000 sf Simmunition shoot house (we can make it look like a house or office and train on how to respond to different threats), a virtual reality trainer with laser pistols/rifles, event space, large lounge areas, and 34 shooting lanes including 6 rifle bays. It is really something you should see. We offer everything this industry can put out there.
Machine gun rental, training, guest speakers, cosmic backlight shoots, 3-gun, IDPA events, archery, the list goes on and on. There’s definitely something for everyone as many people say.
We are a Class 3 Dealer so we sell and service suppressors and Short Barrel Rifles.
Our sales people know the product and can teach people about it.
Ultimately, we care more about our customer service rating than selling you everything under the sun. And you will see that from the moment you step into our facility.
Pricing:
- $20 Lane Fees – 1 hr. Memberships start at $39 and have MANY benefits
- On Fridays we do $10 magazines of 25 rounds for any of our machine guns #fullautofriday
Contact Info:
- Address: 2900 Shotts Street,
Fort Worth, Texas 76107 - Website: www.DOshooting.com www.defenderoutdoors.com www.areyouadefender.com
- Phone: 8179358377
- Email: info@defenderoutdoors.com
- Instagram: @defenderoutdoors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefenderOutdoors/
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.
