Jon Davis, a military veteran and founder of Gunner Gear, turned his passion for firearms and tactical equipment into a successful business in 2021. His experience in the military instilled values of integrity, reliability, and a commitment to quality, which he has applied to every aspect of his business. Under his leadership, Gunner Gear has become a trusted name in the tactical gear industry, recognized for its high-quality products and dedication to customer satisfaction.
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How did your military experience shape your approach to business?
Jon Davis: My time in the military taught me the importance of preparation, resilience, and attention to detail. In combat, you don’t get second chances. Everything you do has to be reliable, and that’s the exact approach I take with Gunner Gear. I ensure that the products we offer are of the highest quality because I know firsthand what it’s like to rely on your gear in tough situations. The military also gave me a mindset of service—not just to my country, but to my team and now, to my customers. Every decision I make for Gunner Gear is grounded in providing the best possible service and standing behind the values of honesty and reliability.
What drives your passion for tactical gear, and how does it translate into the products you offer?
Jon Davis: Tactical gear, for me, is more than just tools or equipment—it’s about preparedness and security. Whether you’re in the field or at home, knowing that you have reliable gear gives you peace of mind. That’s a feeling I want to pass on to our customers. I’m passionate about making sure that every product we offer at Gunner Gear can be trusted in critical moments. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t compromise on quality. My love for the gear and its functionality drives me to constantly look for ways to innovate and improve what we offer.
What is your leadership philosophy, and how do you apply it to running Gunner Gear?
Jon Davis: My leadership philosophy is simple: lead by example. In the military, leaders don’t sit on the sidelines—they’re right there with their team. That’s how I run Gunner Gear. I’m involved in every aspect of the business, from product development to customer service. I believe in empowering my team, giving them the tools and trust they need to do their jobs, but also being available and present whenever they need me. I make it clear to my team that the customer always comes first. If we keep that focus, everything else falls into place.
What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur, and how have they shaped your business approach?
Jon Davis: One of the biggest challenges has been scaling the business while maintaining the high standards of quality and service that are so important to me. As demand for Gunner Gear has grown, there’s always the temptation to move quickly and cut corners to meet that demand. But I’ve always resisted that. I believe that if we ever compromise on our values, even for short-term gains, we’ll lose the trust of our customers. Staying true to our core principles, even when it’s challenging, has shaped my approach to growth. We expand when we’re ready, not because we feel rushed.
How does Gunner Gear balance innovation with maintaining the quality that your customers expect?
Jon Davis: Innovation is critical, but it has to be practical and serve the needs of our customers. We’re constantly looking at the latest advancements in materials, design, and technology, but the focus is always on how those innovations will improve the end-user experience. We test everything rigorously because the bottom line is that our customers are relying on our gear in situations where failure isn’t an option. So, while we’re always pushing the envelope in terms of what’s possible, we never sacrifice the reliability and durability that our customers expect from Gunner Gear.
How do you see the tactical gear industry evolving, and what role does Gunner Gear play in that future?
Jon Davis: The tactical gear industry is rapidly evolving, especially with advancements in smart technology and wearable tech. I think we’re going to see more gear that integrates real-time data, whether it’s GPS tracking, biometric monitoring, or communication enhancements. At Gunner Gear, we’re already exploring these technologies, but I’m mindful of not overcomplicating things. The gear still needs to be reliable and straightforward. Our role is to stay on the cutting edge while keeping the customer’s practical needs in mind. We’re here to ensure that, no matter how advanced the technology gets, it always enhances performance without sacrificing reliability.
What advice would you give someone looking to start a business in the tactical gear space?
Jon Davis: I would tell them to focus on quality above all else. In this industry, you can’t afford to have a product fail in the field. Every piece of gear you produce needs to meet the highest standards because your customers’ safety could depend on it. Don’t rush to put something out just because there’s demand—take the time to get it right. Also, build relationships with your customers. Listen to them, understand their needs, and be responsive. That’s how you build trust, and in this industry, trust is everything.
What keeps you motivated as an entrepreneur?
Jon Davis: What keeps me going is knowing that Gunner Gear is making a difference for our customers. Whether it’s someone in law enforcement, the military, or an outdoor enthusiast, I know that the gear we provide helps them stay safe and perform at their best. That’s incredibly rewarding. I’m also motivated by the challenge of constantly improving. There’s always something new to learn or a better way to do things, and I love that process of continuous growth—both for myself and for the company.
How do you ensure that Gunner Gear continues to support veterans and promote responsible firearm ownership?
Jon Davis: Supporting veterans is personal for me. At Gunner Gear, we offer discounts to veterans and partner with organizations that help former military members transition to civilian life. We also actively promote responsible firearm ownership through educational content and partnerships with training programs. Firearm safety is at the heart of everything we do. It’s not just about selling gear; it’s about making sure our customers are well-informed and responsible. That’s a commitment I take very seriously, both as a veteran and as an entrepreneur.
Key Takeaways:
- Commitment to Quality: Jon Davis emphasizes that reliability and quality are the cornerstones of success at Gunner Gear, never allowing the company to compromise, even in the face of rapid growth.
- Customer-Centric Innovation: While embracing advancements in technology, Jon ensures that every innovation serves practical customer needs, reinforcing Gunner Gear’s reputation for dependable and user-friendly products.
- Veteran Support and Responsibility: Jon’s military background drives Gunner Gear’s focus on supporting veterans and promoting responsible firearm ownership, making these values integral to the company’s identity.
Jerome Knyszewski, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Jon Davis for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.