In Part 3 of the DuraCoat University series we will be hearing from Kevin Muramatsu of Village Pine Custom Guns in Minnesota. Let's find out what his experience was like.Read Part 1 here | Read Part 2 here About Kevin's Business:Do you have a storefront? Do you have a gun shop or firearm related businessKevin's Answer: I do not currently have a storefront. I do have an FFL, am awaiting receipt of my SOT, and do regular gunsmithing services from my residence.Do you offer DuraCoat® services as a main business, part of another business, or as a side business? Kevin's Answer: DuraCoat and other spray on applications compose the majority of my business. This is roughly a ¾ time self-employment.  How much DuraCoat® work do you get on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis?Kevin's Answer: Generally, 20-30 handguns painted per month, mixed single color and camo; rifles are much more variable.Do you advertise your DuraCoat® services in any way? Print ads, signage, website, etc. Kevin's Answer: I have a website, bare bones and currently under construction. I do not advertise, but am present at the larger local gunshows, from which I have gained most of my non OEM customers.Do you have employees that perform DuraCoat® services? If so, how many? Kevin's Answer: I independently contract when necessary.Do you specialize in solid colors, camo patterns, restorations, hydrographics, or something else? Kevin's Answer: No stated specialization, however solid colors comprise the majority of my work.  Please tell us anything else pertinent about your current business.Kevin's Answer: Most work is OEM. All I have time for, plus roughly 4-6 solid or camo guns per month off the street.About DuraCoat® University:How did you learn about DuraCoat® University (workshop)? Kevin's Answer: LCW website.How many times have you attended a DuraCoat® University class? Kevin's Answer: OnceWhat was the most important lesson learned at class? Anything else you feel was vital information that you learned? Kevin's Answer: Use quality equipment. DuraCoat is a heck of a lot easier to use than the competing products.Would you be interested in attending another DuraCoat® University class? Is there a specific topic you would like to focus on or learn more about? Kevin's Answer: Yes. Accelerating cure times would be a good topic.Did you have a firearm related business prior to attending DuraCoat® University? Kevin's Answer: NoHad you applied DuraCoat® prior to attending the class? If so, were you offering services? Kevin's Answer: Yes. Nothing offered then.  Did you come alone or did you bring additional attendees with you to the class?Kevin's Answer: Alone.What was your main reason for attending DuraCoat® University? Kevin's Answer: Learn proper or recommended application techniques.How has attending DuraCoat® University benefited your business? Kevin's Answer: I don’t have to sell a s**tload of low margin guns to make money.Do you have any advice for people considering attending DuraCoat® University? Kevin's Answer: Other than that it’s a bargain, and worth doing, not really. |