“I hadn’t planned on opening a gunsmith shop as soon as I did, but the company I worked at for 25 years had a different plan….
I started the American Gunsmithing Institute’s Certified Professional Gunsmithing Course in November 2019 as part of my plan to retire and I completed the first section in May of 2020. Unlike most places, where I live the city doesn’t allow a gunsmith, knife maker, small engine repair, or any other business to be run from their home. So in order to get my Federal Firearms License (FFL), I had to have a business address. Therefore, I rented a small shop in July 2020. I received my FFL on October 14. 2020.
The very next day, My employment was terminated on October 15, 2020, the day before my 25th anniversary with the company. Gunsmithing was supposed to be my retirement job in 2025, not 2021. The Lord knew I was going to need this when I did, and has confirmed over and over that He is in control. He continues to bless me and I can’t praise Him enough.
Because of the AGI Gunsmithing training, I was able to open my shop officially on November 2, 2020. I have taken in over 200 guns already. With no previous customer base at all, the only advertising was a door sign and a sign next to the road that says GUN REPAIR and my number. I have a website and a Facebook page. Last month alone I had over 2700 website visits.
I would never have imagined I would be 3 months backlogged with Gunsmithing work less than a year after opening. Thank you, AGI !! All of this and I haven’t even completed the course yet."
-David Johnson, Alabama