Gun safety is something that gets discussed a lot, whether is locally or nationally. Those who have guns or use them want to make sure they will remain safe. Whether it’s in a home with little fingers, or safe from potential theft.
Don Graham took his own needs and was able to formulate a gun rack that would do everything he needed of it and more. They are quickly becoming the way to keep guns stored for many people.
The process may have taken many years for him to get down to what he wanted of it, but he has been successful. As the only seller of these racks, they can be found through his website: Firearm Security Racks, Inc.
I got an opportunity to ask Don some questions about his racks and the process he has gone through to get where he is today.
What inspired you to create your locking wall gun racks?
One Saturday morning in November of 1993, I opened my closet door and realized that all of my rifles and shotguns were loosely stored, leaning against the closet wall, being very susceptible for gun theft and small children. I then realized I had to do something to lock these guns away to protect them as well as my own liability for child safety purposes. I could not afford or have room enough for a large gun safe, and a gun cabinet would not provide enough security. Later that morning, I went out in my garage with a sketch pad and started to design a metal locking gun rack that would be inexpensive and provide the protection I needed for my firearms. After several months of measuring and re-measuring the exact dimensions of each piece of the gun rack and numerous other changes of the design, I started cutting parts out from metal with a hacksaw, drilling holes and had a local welder weld theses pieces together to make the first 9-gun rifle/shotgun rack. A few months later I designed the handgun rack. And just in the past few years I have added a 3-gun rifle/shotgun rack and a locking gun case rack.
How long did it take to go from design to final product? What are some of the steps you took?
As I mentioned previously I first conceived the idea for the 9-gun rifle/shotgun in 1993 and changed the design numerous times until it was functional for most all types of long guns. It wasn’t until 1996 that I actually perfected it and applied for a patent and trademark. It took about 1-1/2 years to have the patent approved. I was very honored since was my first time to ever apply for a patent.
When did Firearm Security Racks officially become a business?
I incorporated Firearm Security Racks Inc. in 1996. The company was formed and based around my products that I designed and sell (retail only) from my website http://gunracks.tylerrose.com
What separates your products from others like it?
I do have competition from other locking devices such as gun safes or vaults, gun cabinets, etc. Gun safes are very expensive with cost from around $400 to several thousand dollars. Gun cabinets do not provide that much protection against vandalism and gun theft. Both of these products take up a lot of room in closets where my products are very functional, inexpensive and, with their narrow profile, require minimum wall space. There are several types of wooden gun racks on the market that do not protect guns from theft or small children. Most of these wood gun racks cost more and hold fewer guns than my 9-gun/gun rack.
What kind of investment did it take to get started?
I really didn’t borrow any money when I first started in the development stages of my products since I did much of the manufacturing myself in my garage to make several hundred of each product to test the market. Later, when I did need more inventory, I used my credit cards, which I would definitely advise against if I had to do it over again. Obtaining my patent was one of my largest expense of around $8,000.
What are your long term goals?
My long term goal is the American dream, sell my patent and live happily ever after.
I will be reaching retirement age within the next few years and have been Firearm Security Rack’s only employee. I do not have the resources (finances and employees) to offer these products to retail outlets in a worldwide market in order to maximize each product’s market potential.
I have had numerous independent sporting good outlets wanting to purchase these racks at wholesale prices but I’m not selling wholesale. At this time, I am the only one selling these gun racks (only on the internet) so it would be wide open for the buyer of this Patent.
As of this date, the total sales of my products have been almost $500,000 with approximately 18,000. These sales occurred with limited market exposure mostly from the internet.
Some of the buyers of these products have been individuals, various law enforcement agencies including Police Departments, Sheriff Depts., U.S. Border Patrol. Other buyers include the U.S. Army, U. S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and various R.O.T.C schools. Law enforcement and military sales would be an additional market for these products.
Is there anything you wished you had done differently?
Yes, I wish I had begun this venture 30 years ago and know what I know now from all the research I did on my own concerning marketing, patents, website designing, etc. I could have saved a lot of time and money.
Did you create a business plan before getting started? How has it changed since then?
I really didn’t have a written business plan. I had it in my mind which direction and the course I wanted to follow. Perhaps if I were going to start a large company with employees manufacturing my own products to the wholesale market for retail sales, I would have followed a different business plan along those lines.
What are some of the things you learned since you launched?
As I previously mentioned, I did most all of my own research and development myself, reading everything I could about design and packaging, marketing new products, patent information, etc.
From this information I was able to have prepare my own provisional patent applications on several other products I have developed and have filed several of my own trademark applications saving thousands of dollars in attorney fees.
Do you have any advice for others looking to start their own business?
My experience has been mostly in the inventing and marketing field and not so much in starting a large business. I can only advise you if you are interested in marketing your own product.
First, don’t let anyone discourage you from your dream. You will get a lot of negative feedback from different people about your invention. Just keep going forward and don’t get discouraged. Have a few of the products made to test the market but as the old saying goes, “Don’t give up your day job”.
cassy on August 1st, 2008 at 12:17 am
We should thanks this man who makes a gun rack. This deadly weapon should have its own place in order it can’t harm anybody.