Editor's Note -- Back in The Saddle

You may have noticed a service interruption to your SHOT Business subscription these past few months. This was due to a change of publishing partners, and I’m pleased to announce that moving forward Grand View Outdoors will be the new home for SHOT Business and SHOT Daily.

In the interim, we made some changes to the magazine’s content to make it better serve not only independent firearm dealers, but the firearm industry as well.

For example, beginning with this issue Miles Hall will contribute a new column, “The Simple Truth,” that will deal with the business issues that FFLs face every day in trying to run efficient, profitable businesses. He knows of what he speaks, having served in the trenches for many years as a firearm retailer.

In 1981, he and his wife, Jayne, built one of the first modern indoor ranges in the nation, and he had the honor of serving as that entity’s president until they sold the business in 2016.

While in that capacity Miles exhibited his unique leadership skills in many ways. He was a founding member of both Retail & Range groups of NSSF and the first “5 Star” rated facility. The business world has recognized his talents as well, and he has been profiled in Inc. magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Fortune magazine, among others. Today he and his family are assisting, advising, and investing in businesses in many different industries. We are indeed fortunate to be able to plumb his vast reservoir of experience on a regular basis.

I knew Miles was something special when I first met him nearly 20 years ago, and I am excited that he will be a part of the new SHOT Business.

Miles told me recently that he wants the column “to be filled with stories of inspiration and heartbreak, laughter and frustration, and great, caring people and arrogant, lost people. These will be stories that can help our readers navigate the roadblocks that are often encountered on the road to success.”

I was inspired by his first column; I think you will be, too.

As we retune the magazine’s focus to concentrate on business, you’ll see more personality profiles and interviews with accomplished leaders in our industry.

You’ll also see more of what we’re calling “success stories.” These articles may focus on a successful product launch, marketing campaign, or a company realignment. Each installment is designed to help you make better-informed business decisions.

This month you’ll learn why Lipsey’s, a highly respected distributor, continues its successful ways 70 years after its founding. You’ll also learn why the 350 Legend, a straightwall cartridge from Winchester Ammunition, became such a success.

And we haven’t forgotten new products, the backbone our industry. Each issue will also feature a sampling of new guns, ammo, optics, and the accessories that shooting sports enthusiasts want to see on your shelves.