Over the weekend I ended up in Rapid City, South Dakota, for one of my daughter’s skating competitions. While I was there I had some business to complete. I’m working on an archery business article on how to run a shop better so I couldn’t think of a better example than Al Kraus who runs Black Hills Archery (605-394-9663).
Al runs a top-notch store and is one of Mathews’ shining stars as far as sales are concerned across the nation. I always knew Al was a great guy and super with kids. He always takes time to make sure kids are taken care of and set up properly so they enjoy the sport. In fact, he measured my son Cole for a new bow and consulted with me on what Mathews would fit him best.
I won. No, I won. Hey, look at my score. I actually won.
During my visit I took photos of the pro shop and Al working on bows, but it was the hustle and bustle of last Saturday morning that really caught my attention. Al sets aside his shooting range on Saturday mornings for 4-H archery shooters. From 8 a.m. until noon he runs 80 tikes through the lanes and each one is coached for shooting form and how to score their shots.
I got everything I needed for my story, but the real story is Al and guys like him who go the extra mile to ensure the next generation of hunters is fired up and ready to hit the fields. My hat is off to Al and others like him.
Mark Kayser
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