Sarah and Shaun Jorgensen
Lethbridge, AB
They were a young couple, with a young family who had a good idea for a business. However, their education and work histories were not in business management and they wanted some assurance to move forward. “A good idea is great but without a plan, it is just a good idea,” states Sarah Jorgensen owner of Lethbridge Tactical Supply. So she and her husband Shaun took their idea and went to Community Futures Lethbridge, where they attended the training workshops, worked with the professionals, completed the research and developed their business plan. At the end of the process, they entered the Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge for Southern Alberta and placed in the top three finalists, confirming their idea was indeed a good one.
“I would recommend the process for anyone who wants to start a business,” states Sarah, “I learned the inner workings of a business, from target marketing, to researching the statistics. It was a confidence builder and confirmed we were doing things right.”
Lethbridge Tactical Supply opened their doors in January 2012, and supply high quality gear and safety equipment to a variety of industries from police and emergency services, security corporations, construction, and oil field companies. Their small business provides products to customers in the Southern Alberta region and has been developing a loyal following as far away as Red Deer.
“We supply tactical equipment which I describe as something small used for a higher purpose. The gear has to be efficient, reliable and dependable for the safety of our clientele.We focus on the quality of goods, services and warranties,” explains Sarah. She searches for the best product and develops her supplier lists to match her customer’s needs. “ You have to listen to your customers; they will tell you what they want and what they don’t want.”
LethbridgeTactical Supply is a husband-wife operation with Sarah doing the majority of the storefront operation. Recently they were able to hire an employee to help with store. The business plan has changed somewhat to accommodate the surprising number of different types of customers coming in the door and having to adjust their supplies and inventory to the market. Sarah describes her store as “the type of store you don’t know you need anything from until you come in the door.”
The storefront is starting to attract an out door activity clientele. Hunters, hikers and campers are coming to the store to buy the high quality boots to keep their feet warm, the tough, durable pants that don’t wear out and to browse the variety of flashlights available. “We have a flashlight that you can see for three blocks with,” laughs Sarah.
Sarah talks about her business with commitment and confidence. She knows her business and credits her husband for the variety of products carried by the store. Shaun works in the emergency services and is privy to the wants and needs of his co-workers for their safety. Lethbridge Tactical Supply is dedicated to keeping their clientele safe by providing top quality gear and equipment and the success of the business confirms the need.