Today we’d like to introduce you to Dusty Courtland.
Hi Dusty, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’ve always loved shooting sports and being a part of the shooting sports community. I started my “professional career” of shooting in High School on the rifle team. After retiring from the United States Marine Corps. In 2012, I was searching for something to do that I loved; but also something that didn’t feel like work.
While I studied for my bachelor’s and Masters in Business at South University, I found Ashworth College which offered a professional certification course for Gunsmithing. While studying at South, I was able to also complete the Professional Gunsmithing Program. Upon graduation, I worked for the Department of Natural Resources as a Range Officer; but my desire was to open my very own gun store.
While working for GA DNR, I got a part-time job working for The Gun Shop, at the time the oldest gun store in the city. I eventually became the General Manager until the Owner decided to retire. Luckily, with the help of family, friends, and my business partner, we were able to Open Crossroads Defense Corp. In 2020. Today we specialize in custom builds, ammo development, and manufacturing and customization of firearms.
We also offer training for all skill levels and retail sales of common firearms, ammunition, and accessories. It’s been one heck of a journey going from Active Duty to business owner, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m one of the lucky few who doesn’t dread going to work in the morning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has definitely been challenging to say the least. I was a single father coming off of Active Duty. I was, fortunately, able to have a lot of help with my son from my amazing mother while I transitioned from Military to Civilian life; which has its own set of challenges.
During this time, I also got married to my beautiful wife, had a second child, and finished my Professional Certification in Gunsmithing and 3 business degrees; AA, BA, and MBA in Business Administration. While on Active Duty, I suffered some pretty severe injuries that have left me with a lifetime of physical issues.
Unfortunately, I’ve had to take some significant time off on my way to the business owner. I finally realized that there was never going to be a “good time” to start a business so we just had to dive in and make it work. Thankfully, I have a pretty strong support system with my Family and Business Partners.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Everyone in my field can sell a gun. We pride ourselves in building custom weapons that are not only functional but look great too. We repair and do restoration work of classic firearms and We absolutely love to build replica firearms from our favorite action movies.
However, what I love the most is making custom ammo. I very much enjoy crafting the perfect bullet and the perfect load in order to maximize the shooter and firearms capabilities. We take the customer’s firearms and develop the most accurate load possible. We have customers that pay up to $10K-$30 for a hunting trip.
When you spend that kind of money you want to make sure you have the best equipment for the job, and the bullet you use plays a significant factor in your success in the field. That’s where we come in.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success is when customers come specifically to me to ask my opinion. That’s a powerful thing people take for granted (especially in the retail environment).
Someone trusting you enough to take your advice and follow your guiding hands is probably one of the best accomplishments you can have as a business owner. To know that my customers respect and value my opinion so much that they call specifically to ask for my guidance; really puts a smile on my face.
For some it’s money, fast cars, and nice houses; but for me, it’s knowing that my opinion in my field is valued.
Contact Info:
- Website: crossroadsdefensega.com
- Instagram: @crossroadsdefense
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossroadsDefense/
