Today we’d like to introduce you to Edwin Rivera.
Hi Edwin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I first entered the firearm industry 17 years ago at the lowest level of being a gun salesman behind the counter at a local army navy store. After setting myself apart from others in the industry, I was put in charge of gun sales and assisted in growing the business and volume of customers at the store so that my store was able to compete with some of our top firearm competitors in Central Florida.
I continued working in this position for roughly 6 years before realizing that a hit a ceiling and needed to continue to grow further. At this point, I sought out employment at a local gun range where I was able to add a few more hats to my repertoire. I was able to become an NRA-certified firearm instructor along with acquiring more knowledge about the firearm industry and modifying weapons in compliance with federal regulations. Again, I became the top gun salesman because of my knowledge of the industry.
I eventually worked my way up to a manager. I then hit another ceiling around the same time I met my wife. In pursuing a better opportunity in her career, we decided to relocate to the small town in Manatee county where I was able to start my own business in the industry, Practical Protection. With practical protection, I taught concealed weapons courses and firearm instruction at gun ranges in Sarasota and Manatee County.
II then moved back to Orlando after the pandemic and continued to excel at my business. I started to rethink how I could drive business into my classes and started partnering with local pawnshops to sell concealed weapons courses. I also partnered with the Orange and Seminole County Court system to teach court-ordered firearm safety classes. Through my partnerships, I noticed there was a need and high demand: the customization of firearms by Cerakote Applicators. I then decided to open Smokin Gunz Customs, LLC.
With this business, I decided to customize firearms that would make my clients feel proud of the guns that they had. I started out by purchasing equipment to place in my garage to learn the process. After a few test runs, I decided to get my federal firearms license and rent a space to sell new firearms as a garage to customize old and new firearms- and that leads me to where I am today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road.
The biggest struggle was paying the overhead for the 4 months of waiting for the federal government to decide that I could legally sell firearms. It was tough to put all of my income into a business and be unable to receive anything back while waiting for the ATF to decide if I qualified for my Federal Firearms License.
After calling and calling to receive a status update and learning that there was a delay because of the government being understaffed, I was finally relieved when I received my license in the mail in January!
We’ve been impressed with Smokin’ Gunz Customs, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Smokin Gunz Customs, LLC, we customize firearms with a ceramic coating that is called Cerakote. It is basically a coating-like paint that is used to refinish and protect the underlying material of firearms We offer full custom Cerakote, pattern Cerakote, and solid Cerakote.
We specialize in providing professional and creative projects from restorations to one-of-a-kind, unique finishes that will keep firearms protected for the foreseeable future. Smokin Gunz Customs is different from other companies because most companies require that their customers disassemble their firearms before having them serviced by their company.
This is usually because of the lack of experience of working with firearms and other companies only have experience with painting firearms as opposed to knowledge about different firearms and regulations. Because all customers are not experienced in the handling of firearms and gunsmithing, or modification Smokin Gunz looks out for these individuals who would not otherwise be able to have their firearms customized.
Smokin Gunz Customs also listens to its customers and customize based on what the customer wants instead of providing the same easily done patterns to each customer. We provide one location where everything can be done!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice is to talk to everyone! don’t be afraid to ask questions. Like I said, I started as a gun salesman and now I have two businesses: Practical Protection, LLC and Smokin Gunz Customs, LLC.
I find that a lot of times people are not shy about how they were able to obtain their fortunes.
For me personally, I go out and find business instead of waiting for it to come to me. I make people tell me no, instead of “I will think about it.”
And then when I am told “no,” I don’t take that for an answer. When someone tells me no, I inquire into their reservations. Once I find them out, I adapt my business plan so that that isn’t an issue in the future and I grow from it!
Pricing:
- Disassembly: $20
- Lowest Price for customization: $50
- Highest Price for Customization: $450
- Firearms: Varies
Contact Info:
- Email: info@smokingunzcustoms.com
- Website: https://www.smokingunzcustoms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokingunzcustomsllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmokinGunzCustomsLLC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh87BKpLkkaOMn2iVwXAK-w
