Interview with Bryan and Jacquelyn Clark, owners
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My husband, Bryan, and I got into sport shooting years ago, after we purchased a pistol for home defense while living in Atlanta. After taking a few lessons, we were hooked. We joined a local club and spent a lot of time together learning valuable skills and enjoying the sport. We moved to Denver to be closer to family, and one of the first things we did was look for a nice place to shoot indoors. In the process, we identified an opportunity on the west side of the city to build an upscale, family friendly place that would provide educational services and retail in a non-intimidating environment.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We are a full-service facility, catering to people with a wide range of skill levels. Our focus on safety and education creates a non-intimidating environment for beginners, and our technology in and out of the range, knowledgeable staff and vast retail selection attracts those with more skills. Our focus is on the entire experience of the people entering our facility. To that end, we are one of the only facilities in the region with an on-site gunsmith with a full shop. The shooting experience is beyond compare, but there is more to do here than just shoot on the range. We have a virtual training simulator that is not only great for scenario-based training, but also provides a host of entertainment options for our guests. Our members lounge, self-serve cafe, retail area and classrooms/educational opportunities round out our patrons’ trip to our facility. Our goal is to provide an extraordinary recreational experience to our guests in a safe environment.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Bryan and I enjoy helping others learn important skills, and have fun at the same time in a safe environment. People are excited when they come in, and we get to help them take their skills to the next level. We are also entrepreneurs at heart — we love the business aspect of running the facility. We’re looking forward to being a part of the Lakewood business community for years to come.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Our biggest challenge is striking a balance between safety and customer service on the range. Safety is our No. 1 concern at all times, but we want our patrons to enjoy their experience. We want to reduce the intimidation factor that innately comes with firearms, and we can do that with personal attention and a high focus on safety first.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We are a zero lead-waste facility, and it’s actually quiet in our retail area while people are shooting on the range. We’ve worked very hard to create a safe environment.
Profile
Business: Bristlecone Shooting, Training & Retail
Address: 12105 W. Cedar Drive, Lakewood
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2014
Contact: 303-985-0989,
Employees: 25
