Daily Inspiration: Meet Stephen Kopp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Kopp.

Hi Stephen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My story started in 1966 when my grandfather moved my family to Arizona. He loved the open spaces and the beautiful desert landscape. The state at that time was very rural, and my mother would tell me stories about riding her horse to the corner store and even school. My grandfather opened our family business, Make Model & Year Inc., in the ’80s selling automotive parts and services. The business was family-run, with every family member playing a role. I still remember running around the parts warehouse as a kid with the smell of brake cleaner in the air. I was fortunate to see firsthand how a small business operated. After graduating from Cactus High School, I joined the Army Infantry and was sent to Afghanistan in 2011. After returning from Afghanistan, I had knee surgery due to injuries and could no longer be an Infantryman. I was given the option to be medically discharged or use my remaining time to become a unit armorer. One of the best decisions of my life was attending the unit armorer course and becoming a unit armorer. I found my calling to work on firearms and to become a gunsmith after discharging from the army. It wasn’t until I worked on a drilling rig and then took a job at Cabela’s selling firearms that I realized I should open my shop. I started Valley Forge Weaponry out of my grandparent’s home shop until word began to spread. Soon enough, I had multiple cars coming to our property daily, so I needed to find a commercial space. I heard that C2 Tactical Scottsdale was looking for a gunsmith to rent out their gunsmith space. I quickly seized the opportunity in the summer of 2019, and Valley Forge Weaponry is currently in C2 Tactical Scottsdale today.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Business for me grew quickly early on. Once word got out that a new gunsmith was in town, people were tired of dealing with rude “old school” gunsmiths. Just a simple smile and customer service that I learned growing up in a small family business were enough to bring in more customers. The biggest challenge was dealing with all the growth. At one point, I had 3 locations with multiple employees. The firearms industry experienced a boom during the COVID pandemic and the 2020 elections. Once the surge in business slowed down, I realized I had grown too fast, and expenses started to overcome profit. I had to close the other locations and now only operate out of Scottsdale.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Gunsmithing is what you would consider an old-school trade. Traditionally gunsmiths were the firearm manufacturers. Today gunsmiths repair or customize firearms. Valley Forge Weaponry is known for quick services and gun cleanings. We have the lowest lead times in the valley because we do most of the work while you wait. We also offer Ultrasonic Gun Cleanings which are very popular because the firearm comes out looking brand new. We work on most firearms, such as cowboy action firearms, to modern firearms. Private instruction is also offered to those who wish to learn how to maintain their firearms. One of the best things we offer our customers is the customer experience. All customers are treated equally and respectfully. Each customer receives a friendly greeting and service regardless of race, gender, political views, or firearm experience.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I would say the most important lesson I learned is how to treat other people. Everyone’s story is different, and you must respect that. Connecting with customers personally gives them a sense of security and humanity. Treating your customers respectfully, even during conflict or disagreement, will go a long way. Customers will want to return and do more business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.valleyforgeweaponry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleyforgeweaponry/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXTvpn47Dh4CVY_wMl6CbLA