Nick Parcher opened a gun shop from his home in 2001, developing a small client base through family, friends and by attending many gun shows throughout the state. His cousin, Jason Parcher, often helped at the gun shows because he had very similar interests.

Jason’s employment with Winnebago Industries in Charles City was unclear and he knew it was time to try something new. He decided to open a taxidermy shop on the property he and his wife purchased a few years earlier. Knowing that opening a small business on his own would be tough, Jason asked his cousin, Nick, to combine his gun shop with the taxidermy business in the same space. Together they started Midwest Firearm and Taxidermy in 2004.

Jason and Nick faced many barriers to keeping their new business open, so they went to the North Iowa Area Small Business Development Center in July 2008 to see if regional director Ted Bair could help them. Ted suggested that Jason attend the FastTrac® New Venture™ class that he taught, to develop a business plan. After Jason completed the class in the Fall of 2008, he continued to meet with Ted, to get additional counseling. Ted also worked with both men to help them get financing from First State Bank in Nora Springs to move the business to a new location. The following spring Jason attended and graduated from the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy.

On August 1, 2009 Midwest Firearm & Taxidermy opened its doors in the new location on Highway 18 east of Rudd, Iowa. “It took both our families long hours to put this all together,” Jason remarked, “and with the help of Ted and the SBDC our dream has become a reality.”

Midwest Firearm & Taxidermy provides the finest in outdoor supplies and services all under one roof for hunters, anglers and sportsmen. The store carries a full line of guns, ammunition, optics, and fishing supplies, as well as providing on-site gun repair, gun rental, taxidermy, and related services.

“Jason and Nick have been very enjoyable to work with and are constantly reviewing marketing and operating strategies to move their business forward,” adds Ted.