"Tanco making a big bang in Stone County with gun sells"
October 22, 2020
"New gun department at Tanco Lumber in Branson West."
Cindy Hembree
In 1999, Forsyth’s TAN- CO Lumber was started by two men, Mark Gomez and John Stauffer. Six years ago, Stauffer and wife, Carla opened a branch in Notch. They initially performed operations on a single acre of land but, as business increased, the couple knew they would have to make some dras- tic changes. Last year, the Stauffers bought 30-acres in Branson West and began building a bigger and better store to fit the demands of their rapidly growing business.
The year 2020 had been a good year for the business. Even with the Coronavirus quarantine in effect, the construction industry has been" "booming. It was evident to Stauffer that he could fulfill a need felt by many in Stone County. The mar- ket for firearms had in-creased, but there were no major dealers in the area so he began looking into the prospect of selling weapons.
Stauffer acquired a license to sell guns, but he was not very savvy about them. Finding someone who was more knowledgeable in that field was his next step. Jason Piatt, of Republic, seemed to be the best candidate. Piatt, a 35-year old for- mer preschool teacher, holds two degrees, one in Wildlife Conservation and Management and another in Criminal Justice, from
Missouri State University. He is an experienced hunter and gunsmith. He also has had two years experience in gun sales. “He is the best gun counter guy I’ve ever met,” stat- ed Tanco customer, Philip Cheatham.
In September, the am- munition and the firearms were stocked and Piatt stepped up to his new position. A steady stream of customers began pouring in even though Tanco had not yet officially opened its new department. On October 13, the Stauffers and Piatt held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new firearms section of the store which was at- tended by approximately 25 people.
“Nobody down here sells the volume or brands"of guns that we carry,” reported Piatt, he added that sales are extremely high right now. The ma- jority of the customers seeking to possess guns are women from 55 to 80 years of age. One unforseen problem that some of the more popular types of ammunition are be- coming difficult to attain. Due to the great demand for certain types of am- munition, shortages are occurring. This may not be good news for Stone County residents looking forward to the upcoming hunting season.
Stauffer and Piatt are discussing new possibilities for gun department at Tanco; including possible firearm educational
classes."
In 1999, Forsyth’s TAN- CO Lumber was started by two men, Mark Gomez and John Stauffer. Six years ago, Stauffer and wife, Carla opened a branch in Notch. They initially performed operations on a single acre of land but, as business increased, the couple knew they would have to make some dras- tic changes. Last year, the Stauffers bought 30-acres in Branson West and began building a bigger and better store to fit the demands of their rapidly growing business.
The year 2020 had been a good year for the business. Even with the Coronavirus quarantine in effect, the construction industry has been" "booming. It was evident to Stauffer that he could fulfill a need felt by many in Stone County. The mar- ket for firearms had in-creased, but there were no major dealers in the area so he began looking into the prospect of selling weapons.
Stauffer acquired a license to sell guns, but he was not very savvy about them. Finding someone who was more knowledgeable in that field was his next step. Jason Piatt, of Republic, seemed to be the best candidate. Piatt, a 35-year old for- mer preschool teacher, holds two degrees, one in Wildlife Conservation and Management and another in Criminal Justice, from
Missouri State University. He is an experienced hunter and gunsmith. He also has had two years experience in gun sales. “He is the best gun counter guy I’ve ever met,” stat- ed Tanco customer, Philip Cheatham.
In September, the am- munition and the firearms were stocked and Piatt stepped up to his new position. A steady stream of customers began pouring in even though Tanco had not yet officially opened its new department. On October 13, the Stauffers and Piatt held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new firearms section of the store which was at- tended by approximately 25 people.
“Nobody down here sells the volume or brands"of guns that we carry,” reported Piatt, he added that sales are extremely high right now. The ma- jority of the customers seeking to possess guns are women from 55 to 80 years of age. One unforseen problem that some of the more popular types of ammunition are be- coming difficult to attain. Due to the great demand for certain types of am- munition, shortages are occurring. This may not be good news for Stone County residents looking forward to the upcoming hunting season.
Stauffer and Piatt are discussing new possibilities for gun department at Tanco; including possible firearm educational
classes."