In this article, here is the full details of Larry Potterfield about wiki, biography, date of birth, birthplace, zodiac sign, nationality, hometown, age, height, weight, father, mother, family, girlfriend, wife, relationship status, children, profession, education, career, net worth, facts, Wikipedia, and many more.
Larry Potterfield is a prominent American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of MidwayUSA, a leading retailer of shooting, hunting, and outdoor products. Born in Ely, Missouri, on January 16, 1949, Potterfield grew up with a love for the outdoors, hunting, and shooting, interests that would later become the foundation of his successful business ventures. Over the years, he transformed MidwayUSA from a small mail-order company into a highly successful e-commerce platform, catering to shooting sports enthusiasts across the nation. Potterfield is recognized not only for his business acumen but also for his commitment to conservation, education, and Second Amendment rights.
Early Life and Background
Larry Potterfield was born into a farming family in rural Missouri, where he developed an early connection to the outdoors. Growing up, Potterfield spent much of his time hunting and fishing, and he quickly developed a passion for firearms. After graduating from high school, Potterfield attended the University of Missouri, where he earned a degree in business. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic during the Vietnam War era. This combination of education and discipline would later prove instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial career.
Founding of MidwayUSA
After completing his service and returning to Missouri, Potterfield continued pursuing his interest in firearms. In 1977, he and his wife, Brenda, founded MidwayUSA as a small gun shop in Columbia, Missouri. Initially, it was a modest retail operation selling firearms and accessories. However, Potterfield soon recognized the potential of mail-order services to reach a larger customer base. In 1978, MidwayUSA launched its first catalog, initially focusing on a limited range of reloading supplies.
As the catalog business grew, Potterfield expanded MidwayUSA’s offerings to include a broader range of products for hunting, shooting, and outdoor activities. By the early 1990s, with the rise of the internet, Potterfield made the strategic decision to shift MidwayUSA to an e-commerce platform, allowing the company to reach customers nationwide more effectively. His commitment to customer service, affordable pricing, and an extensive product range helped establish MidwayUSA as a trusted name among shooting sports enthusiasts.
Business Philosophy and Commitment to Quality
Larry Potterfield’s approach to business is grounded in a commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. He famously adopted the Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy, emphasizing continuous improvement in every aspect of the business. This commitment to excellence earned MidwayUSA the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2009 and 2015, an honor that recognizes organizations for their exemplary business practices and high standards.
Potterfield’s leadership style is characterized by his focus on integrity and clear communication, both with his customers and employees. He frequently emphasizes the importance of customer feedback, using it as a tool to improve product offerings and services. His dedication to quality management and improvement has been a key factor in MidwayUSA’s success and longevity.
Philanthropy and Conservation Efforts
In addition to his work as a businessman, Larry Potterfield is known for his significant contributions to conservation and shooting sports education. He has been an active supporter of numerous organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation, hunter safety, and the preservation of American shooting traditions. His contributions have benefited groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Boy Scouts of America.
In 2007, Potterfield and his wife founded the MidwayUSA Foundation, which provides funding for youth shooting sports programs across the United States. The foundation offers financial assistance to youth shooting teams at high schools and universities, helping young people engage in safe, competitive shooting sports. This initiative is particularly significant given the declining number of young people participating in shooting sports, and Potterfield’s foundation has helped inspire a new generation of enthusiasts while promoting responsible firearm use.
Advocacy for the Second Amendment
A strong advocate of the Second Amendment, Potterfield has used his platform to support gun rights and promote responsible gun ownership. He believes deeply in the importance of firearms in American culture and history and is committed to ensuring that future generations have the same access to shooting sports and outdoor recreation. Through his support of organizations like the NRA and other pro-gun advocacy groups, Potterfield works to protect the rights of gun owners and promote education around responsible firearm usage.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Larry Potterfield has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the shooting sports industry, business excellence, and philanthropy. Beyond the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, he has been honored with the NRA’s Distinguished Corporate Partner Award, which recognizes his commitment to promoting and preserving the Second Amendment and supporting NRA programs.
In addition, Potterfield has been recognized as a visionary leader in the firearms industry. His innovative approach to retail, particularly his early adoption of e-commerce, has set a standard in the industry. His commitment to customer service, product quality, and ethical business practices has earned him a loyal customer base and respect from industry peers.
Personal Life
Larry Potterfield remains closely involved in MidwayUSA and continues to be a leading figure in the company’s operations. He and his wife, Brenda, reside in Missouri, where they remain active in the local community and continue their philanthropic work. They are parents to two children, both of whom share their passion for the outdoors and commitment to giving back.
Outside of his professional life, Potterfield is an avid hunter and enjoys spending time outdoors. He is also a passionate educator, frequently speaking about business principles, quality management, and the importance of conservation.
Legacy and Impact
Larry Potterfield’s impact on the shooting sports industry and outdoor retail is profound. He transformed MidwayUSA from a small shop into a national powerhouse, helping shape how firearms and outdoor products are marketed and sold. Beyond business, his contributions to conservation and youth education in shooting sports have helped ensure the preservation of these traditions for future generations.
Through his work with the MidwayUSA Foundation, he has provided opportunities for young people across the country to engage with shooting sports responsibly. His commitment to Second Amendment rights and support for conservation efforts reflect his dedication to preserving the values he holds dear. Larry Potterfield’s legacy is one of innovation, integrity, and unwavering support for the outdoor and shooting sports communities.
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