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The North Iowa Area Community College John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (NIACC JPEC) regularly works with entrepreneurs to help kick-start new businesses in North Iowa.  Midwest Firearm & Taxidermy in Floyd, utilized support from the NIACC JPEC to catapult a business idea into a successful operation.

In 2001, Nick Parcher, of Rudd, opened a gun shop out of his home.  He developed a small client base through family, friends and by attending many gun shows throughout the state.  Due to his similar interests, Jason Parcher, Nick’s cousin, often helped at the gun shows.

Jason’s future employment with Winnebago Industries in Charles City was unclear.  He decided to open a taxidermy shop on some property he and his wife purchased a few years earlier.  Realizing that opening a small business is a challenge, Jason asked Nick to partner on the shop by combining it with his taxidermy shop.   In 2004, the cousins started Midwest Firearm and Taxidermy.

Jason and Nick faced many barriers to opening their new business. In 2008, they went to the NIACC JPEC to see Ted Bair, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) regional director.  Bair suggested that Jason attend the FastTrac® New Venture™ class to develop his business plan.  Jason continued to meet with Bair as he completed the class in the Fall of 2008.  Bair also helped Jason and Nick as they worked with 1st State Bank in Nora Springs on their financial needs.  The following spring, Jason attended and completed the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy.

In August 2009, Midwest Firearm & Taxidermy opened their doors in their new location on Highway 18 east of Rudd.  “Business is doing well but could always be better,” Nick said.  “It took both our families long hours to put this all together…” “…and with the help of Ted and the SBDC our dream has become a reality,” Jason added.

Midwest Firearm & Taxidermy provides the finest in outdoor supplies and services all under one roof for the simple hunter or angler to the complete sportsman. The store carries a full line of guns, ammunition, optics and fishing supplies.  They also offer on-site gun repair, gun rental, taxidermy and related services.

“Jason and Nick have been very enjoyable to work with and are constantly reviewing marketing and operating strategies to move their business forward,” Bair said.

On Saturday, October 17 Midwest Firearm & Taxidermy will hold their grand opening at the new location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  There will be a hog roast and a free chance to win a Benelli shotgun.

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is located on the North Iowa Area Community College campus in Mason City and provides college level courses and degree programs in entrepreneurship, as well as comprehensive consulting services for business start-ups, existing industries and owner transitions in the North Iowa region.   Space is available for start-up businesses in the North Iowa Business Incubator. For more information, contact the NIACC JPEC at 641-422-4111.

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