June 10, 2025

Unlock Growth at the 2025 NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo: Essential Strategies for Firearm Retailers and Range Operators

By John Clark, FFL Consultants / NSSF Compliance Consultant

Why the NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo is Your Key to a Thriving Firearm Business in 2025

The firearm industry is in a state of constant flux. As a firearm retailer or range operator, you’re on the front lines, navigating a labyrinth of evolving regulations, shifting consumer demands and the relentless pressure to stay ahead of the competition. Profitability, compliance and innovation aren’t just buzzwords; they’re daily necessities for survival and growth. If you’re feeling the weight of these challenges while striving for operational excellence, there’s a critical event on the horizon you simply cannot afford to overlook the 2025 NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo.

Mark your calendars for July 16–17 and prepare for a transformative experience in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida. This isn’t just another industry gathering or a typical trade show floor. The NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo is a meticulously crafted, high-impact event designed exclusively for professionals like you – those who are serious about finding real, actionable solutions to the pressing issues faced by firearm retailers and range operators today.

Education That Delivers Real-World Results

What truly distinguishes the NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo from other industry events is the unparalleled depth and relevance of its educational programming. Forget surface-level overviews and generic advice. Each session is laser-focused on addressing core business challenges head-on. Whether your priority is to supercharge sales, fortify your compliance practices, elevate team performance, or cultivate unwavering customer loyalty, this Expo delivers. Attendees consistently walk away not with nebulous concepts, but with concrete, tangible strategies ready for immediate implementation in their businesses.

One of the most pivotal and business-critical sessions at this year’s Expo tackles an area that many operators view with trepidation, yet holds immense potential:

Spotlight Session: Compliance as a Sales Tool — Unlocking Growth for Retailers and Ranges

Speaker: John (JC) Clark – FFL Consultants / NSSF Compliance Consultant

RRBE - Compliance as a Sales Tool In the firearm industry, compliance is the bedrock of your license to operate – it’s absolutely non-negotiable. However, a common pitfall for business owners is to treat compliance as a purely operational, back-office burden, completely siloed from the customer-facing aspects of the business. This groundbreaking session aims to flip that script entirely.

Imagine a scenario where your commitment to compliance not only protects your FFL but also actively enhances your sales and customer relationships. John (JC) Clark will demonstrate precisely how to achieve this. You’ll discover actionable methods to:

Integrate compliance seamlessly into your customer experience: Learn how every interaction, from the moment a customer walks in or clicks on your website, can reinforce trust, showcase professionalism and highlight your commitment to responsible firearm sales.
Empower your staff: Train your team to not only understand compliance requirements but also to identify and respond to potential risks in real-time, turning them into proactive guardians of your license and reputation.
Optimize your operations: Discover smart, efficient workflows for recordkeeping and transactions that streamline processes, reduce errors and free up valuable time.
Minimize risks and scrutiny: Learn practical steps to significantly reduce costly mistakes that can attract unwanted attention from the ATF, safeguarding your business from potential violations and penalties.
Transform compliance into a confidence-builder: Ultimately, understand how a well-executed compliance program can become a unique selling proposition, assuring customers that they are dealing with a reputable, trustworthy and professional organization, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

As the session will highlight, “Compliance, when integrated into the sales process, becomes more than a safeguard — it becomes a selling point. Customers feel safer, service improves and your brand reputation grows.” Whether you’re a seasoned FFL holder with decades of experience or are just embarking on expanding your retail or range footprint, this session promises practical, business-boosting insights that can directly increase your margins while simultaneously decreasing your operational risks.

A Packed Agenda for Holistic Business Growth

While the compliance session offers a foundational strategy for stability and growth, the Expo’s agenda is rich with diverse learning opportunities designed to help you lead more effectively, grow your business strategically and sell more intelligently:

Lead Out Loud – Speaker: Vincent Phipps – Communication VIP
Effective leadership is the cornerstone of any successful business. This energetic keynote by communication expert Vincent Phipps will equip you with high-impact strategies to resolve conflict, build more cohesive and motivated teams and inspire your staff to achieve peak performance. Strong leadership translates directly to better customer service, reduced employee turnover, and a more positive work environment.
Buying & Building: How to Start Up and Step Up Your Business! – Speaker: Jeff Swanson – NexGen Range Consulting
Growth often involves strategic expansion. Whether you’re contemplating acquiring another range, adding a retail component, or scaling your existing operations, this session is invaluable. Jeff Swanson will delve into the intricacies of mergers, acquisitions, strategic partnerships and critical business analytics. Expect real financial models and actionable plans to guide your next big move.
Firearm E-Commerce Mastery – Speaker: Joseph Maxwell – SwiftOtter, Inc.
In today’s digital age, an online presence is non-negotiable. But simply relying on distributor feeds for your e-commerce site isn’t enough to truly compete and thrive. Joseph Maxwell will guide you through building a profitable, compliant online store. From selecting the right e-commerce platforms to leveraging AI tools for enhanced customer experience and marketing, this session will unlock new revenue streams and help you reach a nationwide customer base.
Simplified Strategic Planning – Speaker: Kristan Bishop – EOS Worldwide
Does your business sometimes feel like it’s pulling in multiple directions? Get your entire team aligned, focused and executing on common goals using the powerful Vision/Traction Organizer™. Kristan Bishop will introduce this no-nonsense, two-page strategic plan that transforms your long-term vision into concrete, actionable steps. If your business needs a reset button for clarity and execution, this is it.
Turning Monthly Members into Lifers – Speaker: Jack Leuchtner – Granite State Indoor Range
For shooting ranges, membership programs are a vital source of predictable revenue. But how do you keep those members engaged and loyal for the long haul? Jack Leuchtner will share real-world case studies and tested tactics on how to significantly increase membership retention, build a robust recurring revenue stream and design a loyalty strategy that truly sticks.
Email & SMS Marketing That Drives Sales – Speaker: Bo Harvey – Compass Marketing Group
Direct communication with your customers is key to driving repeat business. Bo Harvey will teach you how to build a compliant email list (crucial in this industry), craft compelling offers that convert and effectively use SMS text messaging to keep your customers informed and engaged – all while navigating the legal and ethical lines.
Build a Smarter AI Assistant for Your Business – Speaker: Ryan Boylston – 2TON
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the business landscape. This session goes beyond just using off-the-shelf AI tools. Ryan Boylston will show you how to build your own custom ChatGPT-like assistant, trained specifically on your brand’s information, product catalog, FAQs and internal documents. Imagine automating customer service inquiries, supporting sales staff with instant information and scaling your content creation effortlessly.

The Perfect Setting for Business Development

What better place to focus on transforming your business than the vibrant coastal city of West Palm Beach, Florida? Between insightful sessions and invaluable networking, attendees can explore a dynamic area known for its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions and lively atmosphere. All Expo activities are conveniently located within the Palm Beach County Convention Center, ensuring a comfortable, focused and productive environment surrounded by the best minds and innovators in the industry.

Who Stands to Benefit Most?

This Expo is specifically tailored for:

Firearm Retailers: Those looking to modernize operations, embrace new technologies and significantly increase profitability in a competitive market.
Shooting Range Owners: Operators focused on enhancing customer retention, optimizing operational efficiency and developing new revenue streams.
New Business Owners: Entrepreneurs entering the shooting sports industry who need foundational knowledge and cutting-edge strategies to start strong.
Staff and Managers: Key personnel who require practical training on critical areas like compliance, sales techniques, customer service and technology implementation.
Anyone Ready to Turn Strategy into Tangible Results: If you’re committed to elevating your business and achieving measurable success, this Expo is for you.

Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your Spot Today!

If you are serious about future-proofing your firearm retail or range business and driving sustainable growth in 2025 and beyond, the NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo is your premier opportunity. It’s a chance to reset your perspectives, refocus your strategies and recharge your operations with the tools, knowledge and connections that deliver proven results.

Event Details:

What: NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo
When: July 16–17, 2025
Where: Palm Beach County Convention Center – West Palm Beach, FL

This summer can be a pivotal turning point for your business. Don’t let this chance to learn from the best, network with your peers and discover game-changing solutions pass you by.