Jon Davis, a military veteran and entrepreneur, founded Gunner Gear in 2021 to provide high-quality tactical gear to both professionals and enthusiasts. His military background instilled in him the values of integrity, respect, and dedication, which he has carried into the business world. Gunner Gear has grown under his leadership to become a trusted name in the tactical gear industry, known for quality products, customer service, and a commitment to responsible firearm ownership.
What Does Success Look Like To You?
For me, success is about more than just numbers or growth charts; it’s about the impact you make on the lives of those around you. In business, it’s seeing customers trust your brand not just for one purchase, but for years to come. It’s about having a loyal customer base that knows they can rely on Gunner Gear, not just for the products we offer, but for the values we stand behind. Success is also reflected in how well I’ve been able to uphold the principles I learned in the military—honesty, reliability, and respect—while running a growing company.
Personally, success also comes down to balance. Building something great, like Gunner Gear, is important, but it’s equally important that I’m present for my family and that I give back to the veteran community. When I see our company making a positive difference, whether through offering great gear, supporting veterans, or promoting responsible firearm ownership, that’s what success looks like to me.
How Has Your Military Background Influenced How You Define Success?
In the military, success isn’t about individual accomplishments; it’s about the team. The same applies to how I run Gunner Gear. Every milestone we hit is because of the collective effort of the team behind the scenes. My military background taught me that leadership is about service—about making sure everyone has the tools they need to succeed. So, when I see our team functioning well, growing both professionally and personally, that’s another marker of success.
Also, in the field, success was measured by preparedness and reliability. If you were prepared, you could handle any situation. The same is true for business—if Gunner Gear is always prepared, always reliable, then we’re succeeding. That readiness, that reliability—that’s how I measure our success.
What Role Does Customer Loyalty Play in Your Definition of Success?
Customer loyalty is everything. It’s a reflection of the trust we’ve built, and to me, trust is the cornerstone of any lasting success. When customers choose Gunner Gear repeatedly, recommend us to others, and share their positive experiences, that’s the clearest sign that we’re doing something right. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about building relationships. If we’re not creating long-term loyalty, then we’re not truly succeeding.
At the end of the day, a satisfied customer who feels valued and trusts us is the best marker of success. That’s why we focus so much on the after-purchase experience. It’s not just about getting gear into someone’s hands—it’s about being there for them long after that first transaction.
How Do You Balance Innovation and Staying True to Your Core Values in Defining Success?
I’ve always believed that innovation should serve the customer, not the other way around. Staying ahead of the curve in tactical gear is important, but not at the expense of our core values. Every new product or feature we introduce has to align with what Gunner Gear stands for—quality, integrity, and reliability. Success, for me, means being able to innovate while never compromising on those values.
If we can continue to offer cutting-edge gear that enhances safety and performance while staying true to our roots, then we’re succeeding. We’re not just chasing trends; we’re improving the experience and effectiveness of every customer who uses our products.
What Does Failure Teach You About Success?
Failure is a powerful teacher. I’ve had my share of setbacks, both in the military and in business. But I see failure as part of the journey to success. Every failure teaches you something about resilience, about problem-solving, and about the importance of getting back up. For me, the true measure of success is how you respond to failure.
In business, it’s about owning up to your mistakes and learning from them. One of the first product launches at Gunner Gear didn’t go as planned, and it was tough. But instead of shying away, we addressed it head-on, learned from it, and improved. That ability to adapt and grow is key to long-term success.
How Do You Measure Success Beyond Business Growth?
For me, success goes beyond just growing the bottom line. It’s about the kind of company we’re building. Are we contributing positively to the tactical community? Are we promoting responsible gun ownership? Are we supporting veterans in meaningful ways? If the answer to all of those questions is yes, then I know we’re on the right path.
It’s also about making a difference in the lives of our employees. Success means creating a work environment where my team can thrive, grow, and feel proud of what they do. If Gunner Gear is a place where people want to work and contribute, then we’re succeeding beyond just financials.
How Do You Envision the Future of Gunner Gear in Terms of Success?
Looking forward, I envision Gunner Gear as a leader in tactical innovation while maintaining our commitment to quality and service. Success in the future means expanding our reach, continuing to serve not only military and law enforcement but also the growing civilian market. But more than that, success will be measured by how well we adapt to changing customer needs while never straying from the core values that built this company.
If we can stay true to our mission of providing reliable, high-quality gear while continuing to innovate, that’s what long-term success looks like. It’s about creating a legacy of trust and reliability that lasts for years to come.