Each newsletter we are taking the opportunity to speak with clients about their business and what makes them tick and hopefully inspire more entrepreneurs to take the next step.

CEDC: We’re very excited today to be speaking with a CEDC business loan recipient Josh D’Agnese, owner of the Village Gun in Whitefield, NH. Josh tell us a little bit about yourself.

Josh: I was born in Lakes Region of New Hampshire. I grew up on a farm and was very involved in 4H. I’ve always had a love for the Army and I left for the Service right out of high school. I served twelve and half years as an Infantryman and specialized in dismounted reconnaissance. I am a Combat Veteran with two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. The last seven years I spent stationed at Fort Drum with the 1st Squadron 89th Cavalry Regiment (RECON) 2nd Brigade Combat Team, which is part of the famous 10th Mountain Division.

CEDC: So how did you go from that to getting your business started? What made you want to open your own business?

Josh: After being medically retired from the Army I knew I needed to start a new career. I really wanted to come back to New Hampshire, so I started looking for jobs in the gun industry since I knew it well. I also liked the idea of working for myself, so when the only thing that popped up was the sale of the Village Gun I knew that was going to be my goal.

I am a second-generation gun dealer taking after my father. Both my parents have a love for history and passed that passion on to me. My father was heavily into the Civil War and my mom the Old West.

CEDC: Tell us how you heard about CEDC to get your business loan.

Josh: I met Bob D’Angelis, who was a prior Executive Director at that time, during a collaboration of people that wanted to help me get my business off the ground.

CEDC: How did the Pandemic impact your business?

Josh: Well, we were the opposite of most businesses during this period. We saw historic sales, and now at the end of the Pandemic we are in a historic shortage.

CEDC: Tell me more about your what makes your business unique or fill a niche.

Josh: Being in Whitefield we are strategically located due to all the types of hunting in the region. There are also 3 different types of gun ranges in the area. In addition, we specialize in military collectibles all the way back to the Revolutionary War. I have had people find us as far away as Alaska and Europe.

CEDC: What advice can you offer other small businesses just starting?

Josh: Remember to take care of the locals and support your community when you can. As a veteran, I like to apply the same mindset I had in the military to my business by creating a sense of service to my clients and community. You will have good days and bad but remember on the not so good ones to stay calm under stress and focus on the problem to be solved.

Also being in the North Country if you are a retail business it is very important to set up e-commerce in your business plan. This way you can reach more people with your business.

CEDC: What are you thinking about doing next? Any future plans or expansion?

Josh: Right now, I don’t have anything major in mind, other than I am hoping that we will be able to do some interior renovations in the near future.

CEDC: Well congratulations on starting your first business and thank you for your service. CEDC is very proud of all you’ve done and wishes you continued success. Anything else you would like to add?

Josh: Make sure you surround yourself with reliable people that you can trust. As a veteran I was very lucky I had a variety of support from several people in the community. I just want to say thank you again to Councilor Joe Kenney, former Senator Kelly Ayotte and Frank Mai who really helped me navigator some of the tougher aspects I faced.

CEDC: Thanks again for your time today Josh!

If you are in the Whitefield area and are looking for military collectables or weaponry, it is a must to stop at the Village Gun. To learn more, visit https://www.villagegun.com or call 603-837-2345.

If you would like to have your business featured in our Small Business Spotlight, email us at execdirector@coosedc.org.