MAY 2015
Following over 12 years of army service, including two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, New Hampshire native Josh D’Agnese successfully purchased the Village Gun Store located in Whitefield, NH. The Village Gun Store has been a staple in northern NH for 40 years with a loyal following that spreads across New England.
Josh who was born and raised in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, recently retired from the Army due to service connected disabilities. Josh was in the process of making the transition to civilian life when he learned that the Village Gun Store was for sale. Having grown up the son of a gun dealer, he was familiar with the firearms industry, and along with his wife Nicole and their three young children, made the decision to attempt to purchase the business.
Unfortunately, serving in the armed forces can make for a difficult transition into business ownership. Soldiers and their families often have built little equity due to the nature of their service. Upon hearing of these potential difficulties, many local political figures and organizations quickly became involved including U.S Senator Kelly Ayotte, Executive Councilor Joe Kenney, NCIC, North Country Council, Coos Economic Development Corporation, US Small Business Administration, and the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development.
“The efforts of NCIC and all the economic development groups in the region, working together, is an excellent example of making it happen for the community and helping grow jobs in the region.”
-U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte
There were many obstacles to traditional financing including securing firearms inventory for collateral, and the potential buyer’s lack of equity. Thanks to the fact that the store had proven to be a valuable asset to the local economy with qualified buyers, resources were quickly pooled to ensure the sale would be a success. The organizations and individuals involved worked tirelessly to create a solution that would satisfy everyone involved in the transaction.
“To see this vibrant, small town business continue in the hands of a US veteran’s family is something all parties involved should be very proud of,” stated NCIC Business Resource Manager Mollie White.
As a result of this collaboration, the town of Whitefield will retain a valued part of their community, and a returning US Army veteran’s family has successfully transitioned into the private sector.
To learn more about the Village Gun Store visit their website:
villagegun.com