I’ll bet we all know at least one or more folks who are in deep trouble in their business—financial or otherwise—but who will never admit it. As we moved across the country in our consulting business, we found far too many of these types inside our industry running retail, range, distributor, and manufacturing operations. Often, they were too proud and too arrogant to seek help or listen to guidance. They are the male version of a “Karen,” more commonly known as a “Steve.” In one case we were asked to troubleshoot a business by a deeply worried group of shareholders who encountered just such a person at the helm. Unfortunately, he led the business right into bankruptcy. The matters this person faced were all fixable, but his unrelenting ego was on overdrive.

 

We all get lost at times. When this happens, the bravest course of action is to ask for help. When Jayne and I first started the business in 1981, we found that range and gun dealer business information was in short supply. What we learned, we learned the hard way through trial and error. But those hard knocks of life taught us a lot, so much so that we felt compelled to share this critical information with others. After all, we wanted to grow the shooting sports.

 

As we all grew, you would find us at many of the industry functions in a corner somewhere with our accounting books and note pads. We were all seeking answers to whatever problems were bedeviling us at the moment. Those rump sessions led to a group of us developing what came to be known as SHOT University, which takes place every year at the NSSF’s SHOT Show. The idea was to invite experts and retail folks to the show where they would lend their expertise to others. I remember clearly that many of the rooms where we taught were so full participants spilled into the hallway.

 

As the years progressed, and the numbers of like-minded folks increased and joined us, we were led to instituting the first ever PEER Review group in our industry. Asking for help from folks who inhabited the same world was incredibly valuable. Due to our involvement in that PEER group, we finally had our first million-dollar-net year.

 

The industry today has lots of advisors, consultants, and related services that will help you. However, that requires you to be ready for some hard truths, so tuck your ego away and get out your note pad. Allow me to give you a couple of examples. We had a young dealer who brought us in to help with several areas. Here’s what we uncovered: he was a mega micromanager; only he could do things, to the point that bills were not being paid on time. Tensions were high in the business because he no longer interacted with the team members. That was just the tip of the iceberg. As we discovered, the problems he created had one dire effect—the business was being killed from within. When confronted he struggled greatly because he did not see the truth of his negative impact. Eventually, the business was taken over by a far better manager/owner. All could have been fixed and/or avoided completely had he been willing to listen and receive the advice for which he he had asked.

 

Super-secret attitudes are also a clear sign of potential problems. One partner in a very innovative operation brought us in to do a complete inspection because something seemed off. He was a kind and focused gentleman who cared deeply for his team and for the thousands of guests they served. The other partner (we will call him “Steve”) was absent the first few days we were there, which, as it turned out, was a gift as it allowed us to uncover the signs and evidence that he was in full swing to steal the business. His partner had no clue. In the end this so-called partnership was rightly dissolved, and Steve had to find other folks to burn.

 

Asking for guidance, help, or directions is never a sign of weakness. In fact, it is a superpower. Help comes in many forms. Industry magazines like SHOT Business are a must. “The Outdoor Wire” is an excellent daily news service. Hiring advisors and or consultants is a fantastic way to have someone you can confide in and grow with. Attend SHOT University every year. Join or create a PEER Review group that meets twice yearly and reports monthly; some are doing monthly Zoom team meetings, a wonderful way to learn and share as well. The simple truth is that we all get lost at times. The bravest thing you can do is to ask for help.