Shows
Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E113: Do I have what it takes?Jared is back this week and catches up on whats been happening. They discuss hiring team members, insecurities about the future and more.
2021-07-1636 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E112: Product ProblemsDusty is back on the podcast with Graig. They discuss the issues that come with packaging products to make it simple vs giving options to the customer.
2021-07-0939 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E111: How to be a "real" businessThis week guest Dusty Ball, a long time employee at the NeoMag joins Graig in a discussion about what steps they have taken over the last 6 years to build a more legitimate business. From t-shirts to a "real" workshop they touch on a lot of things.
2021-07-0238 min
Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E110: Failure is always an optionGraig and Jared are back after a few busy weeks. Graig has been traveling for work and family trips. Jared has been busy filming new videos for YouTube. Jared shares his mistakes that caused a hectic and crazy day at the range that resulted in a failure of what they intended to video. Graig shares a similar story. Working on communication is key.
2021-06-2548 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E109: Are You A Workaholic?This week Graig and Jared go over a list of signs that someone is a workaholic. Are you a workaholic or just a small business owner?
2021-05-2840 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E108: Website Issues Are BadWebsite issues cost NeoMag. Jared is taking on more management.
2021-05-1446 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E107: New Product Launch After Action ReportGraig and Jared discuss their product launch and some of the issues that came with it.
2021-04-3055 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E106: New Product Launch!Today NeoMag and TATargets launch new products! The guys get into how the products were created and what it takes to launch the new products.
2021-04-2343 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E105: Executive IgnoranceTATargets working on building a storefront. Bidens Executive Actions, NOT Executive Orders. NeoMag hiring a new machinist.
2021-04-1639 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E104: Lessons from a bad dayGraig and Dusty have a really bad day and learn from it. Jared begins working with a new team.
2021-04-0939 minForging The JourneyS1 E103: When to buy expensive equipment?This week on Forging The Journey Graig and Jared answer a listener subitted question. How do you decide when to take the high risk make a big purchase? They also talk about their day together at the RX Range Day, power of branding vehicles (jeep) and more.
2021-03-261h 01Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E102: Progress and ReminiscingThis week Graig and Jared discuss more about the new products they are working on. Graig reveals the names of the products and the progress of both. Jared talks details about the new target coming out. They talk about the next steps needed to get the new products out. Graig talks about a comment he made in 2018 about a goal he had for the future and realized he's accomplished it and how it feels.
2021-03-1952 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E101: NeoMag Team MeetingThis week we invite you into the Q1 NeoMag Team meeting. The team sits down in a local coffee shop to disect the Mission Statement and how each person plays into the mission. From concept of product to shipping the product out the door every step is included in the mission.
2021-03-121h 21Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E100: Triple Digits!NeoMag has a new product on the way. Graig talks about the process of creating the newest product. Jared talks ammo shortage and budgeting. Free gift for listeners who submit info by 3/12/21!
2021-03-0559 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E97: The forgotten episodeJared and Graig discuss how marketing in 2021 needs to be different than 2020. Graig talks about his trip with Dusty to Illinois for training. Educate and encourage your customers.
2021-02-261h 05Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E99: Love is in the airGraig and Jared discuss the current status of events happening at NeoMag and TATargets. Colaborations with Haley Strategic and a Saint Patricks theme custom shop for NeoMag. And a firebox colab with Warrior Poet Society.
2021-02-2649 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E98: February Is UglyThis week Graig and Jared talk about the moves they are making while there is a slowdown. Its the perfect time to get reorganized, work on new products, and keep crushing it!
2021-02-1957 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E96: The Pain of ProcessThe goal is to grow a business. Part of that growth is by being efficient. You get efficiency by creating process.
2021-02-0549 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E95: Hour By HourThis week Graig and Jared discuss how they stay on task and keep organized throughout the day. Jared is scheduling his day hour by hour while Graig has been using a task list.
2021-01-2255 min2021-01-1553 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E93: End of 2020 ReviewGraig and Jared each talk about their lowest and highest moment of the year for their business.
2021-01-0853 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E92: Failure, Folly & OwnershipMerry Christmas everyone! This week Graig talks about some recent failures and having to deal with it. Pros and cons of doing work your self or subbing out. Christmas cookie chat!
2020-12-2538 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E91: Phil Adams of Triple Aught DesignThis week guest Phil Adams, Chief Marketing Officer at Triple Aught Design joins the podcast. Phil brings a lot of insight on marketing, social media, planning and execution of the vision. We know you will leave inspired after this conversation!
2020-12-111h 28Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E90: We're going to jailGraig and Jared discuss post Black Friday business, Planning new stuff for 2021 and what it might take to reach some of the new 5 million new gun owners from the last year.
2020-12-0453 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E89: New Website | Collaborating | Black Friday | Ice BreakTATargets comes out with a new website. Colaborating with other companies is a great way to grow and expand. Preparing for Black Friday insanity. Ice Break has two questions this week!
2020-11-2039 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E88: Podcast Anniversary | Election | Hunting | SHOT ShowA lot is covered this week. 2 years of Forging The Journey Podcast, election thoughts, Graig trying deer hunting, SHOT Show is cancelled and more.
2020-11-1354 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E87: Elections and Shooting EventsThis week Graig and Jared briefly discuss the election. Jared talks about his time with Warrior Poets John Lovell. Graig talks about the Ohio Range Day and some of the difficulties and challenges of attending events. Jared says he plans on not attending any events in 2021 and Graig said he would like to attend every event he can.
2020-11-061h 04Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E86: Bourbon With NeoMagThis week Graig has his full time staff join him on the podcast in Jareds absence. They talk about the origins of each of the guys journey into and with the company, candles are the new hot thing, sourcing out work and more.
2020-10-301h 07Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E85: Innovate Or DieJared finally goes to the cabin. Graig and Jared discuss how perspective has changed on their business this year. As responsiblities change for both Graig and Jared they discuss if its good or bad for the growth of the company and innovation.
2020-10-2344 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E84: Time To Make MovesJared talks about the benefits of new hires at TA Targets. Graig hires a machist.
2020-10-1651 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E83: Stressed OutThis week Graig and Jared briefly give an update on what's happening in their business. Jared is moving into more of a management position by adding some new employees. NeoMag has expanded into their new shop and is getting ready to accept a new HAAS CNC machine this week. Graig discusses how the recent growth and slight downturn in sales is creating stress about the future.
2020-10-0229 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E82: Better At Half SpeedThis week the guys discuss struggling at managing people and the lessons they are learning, managing time, The podcast is better at half speed, and Ice Break question "Shotgun or lever action rifle?"
2020-09-1859 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E81: Exposure Bucks & Rhythmic WigglingGraig wants to trade "exposure bucks" to Jared for some of his product. NeoMag buys another CNC machine. A discussion about how important clear job descriptions are for both the employee and employer is. Graig gets angry about TikTok and Jared coins the term "Rhythmic Wiggling."
2020-09-041h 01Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E80: I'm like waterJared and Graig talk about the recent happenings in their small business. Graig and Jared have a theory that hiring people does not reduce their work load. It only expands the company and creates more work.
Graig makes the decision to move forward with a shop expansion. Doubling their shop space in an effort to stay functional and grow.
Jared talks about his visit with Geissele. They talk about how much Geissele has put into their building and what all they are able to do in house. The conversation moves toward talking about coming up with a process to keep...
2020-08-2852 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E79: Advertising vs Brand BuildingThis week Graig and Jared talk about the cost of attending an event where you won't sell product but you will build relationships and further the brand. The seeds you plant now may not grow into an opportunity for years.
In times of good business do you stay the course and keep the cash? Or do you double down on growth options?
The Ice Break question this week is "Would you rather see 10 minutes into your future or everyone else around you?"
2020-08-2146 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E78: Drop It Like It's HotThis week Graig gives a short recap of his trip to California, Jared talks about website progress and how COVID19 has hindered it. They talk about how NeoMag and TATargets have both entered into drop-shipping products and the pros and cons of drop shipping.
2020-08-141h 05Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E77: The Possibilities Are EndlessThis week Graig talks a little about the 10 year planning meeting they had. The question came up of "could the company grow bigger than I want?" Both TATargets and NeoMag are looking to expand shop space. Diversifying product lines and the benefits of diversification. Ice Break question of the week "what is the weirdest thing you have eaten?"
2020-07-3159 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E76: Battle Scars & BusinessThis week Graig and Jared discuss the current news about what is happening in their small business and how as entrepreneurs they are handling it.
2020-07-1758 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E75: Do You Have A Plan?This week Graig and Jared dive into how they deal with the normal stresses of life and business, coming up with 5 year and 10 year plans and more.
2020-07-1056 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E74: The Power of MillennialsThis week small business entrepreneur Graig and Jared talk about the great asset millennials can be to a business and how to bring out the best. They also discuss how they have learned from older generations and what millennials could take away from them as well.
2020-06-261h 05Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E73: We Talk About Forging Our JourneyEntrepreneurs discussing weekly issues and happenings in small business.
2020-06-1934 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E72: The "New Normal"Materials are taking months longer to arrive, shipping to customers is taking weeks, and the perils of conducting business in 2020.
2020-06-1235 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E71: Black Squares and BusinessThis week Ben and Noah of Wisemen Company join the guys to discuss their opinions on how or if a business should respond to relevant social and political topics.
2020-06-051h 11Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E70: Don't Hold BackThis week Jared (tatargets) and Graig (neomag) catch up on current business operations as entrepreneurs growing small businesses. Ice Break segment gets weird. Continually improoving current products and the customer service side of it.
2020-05-2951 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E69: Company Growth & Hammer PantsThis week the guys discuss everything from fashion mistakes to what the future of their jobs look like. As companies grow job titles change.
2020-05-2251 min2020-05-1549 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E67: Jeeps, New Products, CNC Machines and more!This week Graig and Jared catch up from all the progress in the last few weeks. For all the negatives of the Coronavirus there are a lot of great things happening too. They talk a little about Jeeps and offroading and how that could be the next avenue to venture down to find new customers. Jared talks about their newest product release. Graig gets a new CNC machine.
2020-05-0858 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E66: Jesse & Kurt of Blue Alpha GearThis week Jesse and Kurt, owners of Blue Alpha Gear, join the guys for a quick view of what it was like going from nothing to a super successful business. It's inspiring and we know you will learn a lot from this conversation.
2020-05-011h 07Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E65: How Do You Create?This week Jared and Graig discuss some of the current things happening in their business and talk about the process of creating.
2020-04-2452 min2020-04-1644 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E63: It's time to learnThis week Graig and Jared discuss a little about what's currently happening with their business as the Coronavirus rips through the US. They also discuss some of the things they have set out to learn about to better their business on the other side.
2020-04-0955 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E62: We're Back!If you have been looking for silver linings to this whole corona virus we have one for you. It's brought us back together for the podcast. We take a few moments to update you on the last 3 months and how we are handling the current epedemic.
2020-03-3154 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E61: It's not you, It's us.Business has boomed for TATargets and NeoMag. Business is demanding more time than is available in a week for us. It is time to take a hiatus from the podcast until the time is available to really put forth the effort that is required. We appreciate your support over the last 61 weeks and hope to come back with season 2 soon.
2020-01-1034 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E60: Seeing 2020New shops, employees, products, and dreams. Graig and Jared discuss their excitement for the next 365 days of the new decade.
2020-01-0345 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E59: Merry Christmas & Thats a wrap!Graig and Jared discuss the current state of affairs and briefly discuss the highs and lows of 2019.
2019-12-2032 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E58: Moved In!NeoMag is all moved into their new location. Jared and TATargets are going in 10 different directions. Listen to this weeks episode to hear more about their journey this week.
2019-12-1359 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E57: Just time for a quickieGraig discusses all the chaos of moving the business to a new location. Jared painted a few walls.
2019-12-0633 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E56: Happy Thanksgiving!Jared and Graig discuss the current state of life in business. Jared has taken on a whole new job description. Graig is in the middle of an annual sale and prepping to move to a new shop. Happy Thanksgiving to all of our listeners!
2019-11-291h 01Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E55: Dustin Coleman - Cole-TACThis episode Graig and Jared bring guest Dustin Coleman one of the owners of Cole-TAC to the show. They discuss everything from how the business was started all the way to the plans for the future.
2019-11-221h 03Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E54: Setting The StandardIf you want to have a business that will grow you need to set your goals high. This week Graig and Jared discuss their utlimate goals in their industry.
2019-11-1550 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E53: Are you improving your self?This week Graig and Jared discuss how they have targeted their faults and set out to fix them. Some of the issues turned out to be life altering. Graig visited a possible new shop space and is trying to decide if it's the right time to move.
2019-11-0557 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E52: One Year Anniversary!This week Graig and Jared celebrate doing the podcast for a year. They discuss how business has grown and changed since the podcast started. Thank you to all of the listeners!
2019-10-291h 02Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E51: Networking is awesomeGraig and Jared find them selves in a discussion about networking. They are preparing to head to a networking even this weekend and talk about how other networking events have shaped their business.
2019-10-2338 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E50: Working horrible jobs good for you?This week Jared and Graig get into discussing how their past has played an important and crucial role in what they do now in their business. Giving up money and freedom of time to build a successful business and so much more.
2019-10-171h 06Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E49: Justin Courtney from Tulster HolstersThis week Graig and Jared have guest Justin Courtney who is half of the ownership of Tulster. Tulster is a custom holster business out of Tulsa Oklahoma. Justin has a lot to bring to the table and we know you will really enjoy this conversation.
2019-10-081h 04Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E48: How The Podcast Changed The NeomagGraig's business, The Neomag, has been radically changed. In this episode we talk about creating vision, mission statements, and then communicating these out to our team. But it is not just about talk. This is about action. This is the moment a business owner takes the vision they have in their head and actually lays it out for the team. Graig put it all on the table, learned the personalities of his employees, their strengths and weaknesses, and then brought it all together to showcase the mission behind the Neomag. Ultimately our teams need to know our mission so well...
2019-10-011h 02Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E47: Inspire & ChallengeThis week the guys conversation turns to leadership qualities and how to lead employees. No matter if you are the leader or being led this conversation will make you think.
2019-09-2457 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E46: Time For Hobbies?This week Graig and Jared discuss the difficulty of fitting in time for hobbies and even more important things like exercise into their routine.
2019-09-1746 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E45: New Products Are Out!We have talked about products, releasing new products, and marketing new products a few times on the Forging The Journey Podcast but we decided to once again dive into our product releases for TA Targets and The Neomag since we both were releasing new items over Labor Day weekend. During a Product release there are many things we are wrestling through. One of Graigs fears is running out of inventory. There is always tension between making the sales right away while people are interested and keeping stock initially for the release. One of Jared's concerns is just simply effectively rolling...
2019-09-1052 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E44: It's Go TimeGraig and Jared discuss their new products, ambitions for the future and more.
2019-09-0356 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E43: Instagram Silencing Us?Graig and Jared are together after spending the day at the range filming new products. They discuss their experience at the range with friends and coworkers. Then the conversation moves to discussing the recent news of Instagram deleting Agency Arms account.
2019-08-2758 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E42: Don't be a jerkGraig and Jared discuss the fine art of delegation, ramping up business for new product release and finding a mentor so you don't turn into a jerk.
2019-08-2143 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E41: Get PreparedThis week Jared and Graig just catch up on what's happening this week. The discussion quickly turns toward the popular book Building A Story Brand. They discuss the challenges of growth and keeping up with all of the jobs required as an entrepreneur.
2019-08-1340 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E40: Talking PatentsThis week Jared and Graig discuss their experience in going after a patent. They also have a guest, Chris Lewis, who knows a lot more about patents come on and answer some questions.
2019-08-0656 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E39: Ohio Range Day 2019This past weekend was the Ohio Range Day. Graig and Jared discuss why shows like this are important and the good and bad from the range day.
2019-07-3049 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E38: Graig's on a vacayGraig is on vacation in western Pennsylvania through the week so we check in to see what he has going on. Also Jared's grass is too long, the weather is hot, and Ohio Range Day is less than a week away.
2019-07-2324 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E37: Mid-Year ReviewJared and Graig discuss some of the highs and lows of the first half of the year. What has gone well and where have they failed? Most importantly setting goals for the next 6 months.
2019-07-1659 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E36: Mix Mash EpisodeThis week Graig and Jared go over a lot of the events they have coming up from range days to SHOT show planning.
2019-07-0956 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E35: Ben Brown Wisemen CompanyThis week Ben Brown, co owner of Wisemen Company, joins the podcast to discuss business, social media and even politics in the Firearms industry.
2019-07-021h 05Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E34: Interrupting VacationThis weeks episode covers a number of things as Graig and Jared catch up on what's happening this summer.
2019-06-2541 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E33: Conviction vs ConvincingThis week Jared and Graig discuss how public opinion can effect the decisions you make. Are you being convicted and convinced into making decsisions?
2019-06-1852 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E32: Guest Ryan Kilpatrick (@embracetherecoil)This week special guest Ryan Kilpatrick joins the podcast. Ryan is an entrepreneur with an outlook and experience very different from Graig and Jared. Ryans "have less, do more" motto drives his life in a lot of directions most people don't travel. You will really enjoy listening to this episode. You can follow Ryan at @embracetherecoil on Instagram and YouTube.
2019-06-111h 23Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E31: May RoundupJared and Graig recap some of the events from the month. Handling new products, social media growth and more.
2019-06-0443 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E30: One business or two?Jared has the opportunity to purchase an existing company. How do you know if it's a good idea or a bad idea?
2019-05-2851 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E29: Customer InfluenceThis week Graig and Jared talk about the influence customer feedback has on their products. When to listen and when not to listen. Also, Graig hits a major milestone.
2019-05-2158 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E28: Evolution Of Your JobThis week Jared and Graig discuss how their job responsibilites have changed over the years and where they would like to see it head in the future.
2019-05-1459 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E27: Road Trip RecapThis week Graig and Jared recap their trip together to the NRA show. Lots of fun and business growth opportunities on this trip!
2019-05-071h 01Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E26: Together AgainJared drives out to Ohio to meet up with Graig and Dusty before leaving for the NRA show weekend. Dusty makes a cameo in this episode for the very first time.
2019-04-3035 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E25: Nice PackageJared is stepping up the packaging and shipping of his products. Sounds simple but there is a lot involved. Graig has also been working on his product packaging. The guys talk about the pros and cons of branding your product packaging.
They also discuss the Prime Ammo vs RUAG case that has been in the news this week.
2019-04-2352 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E24: YouTube Is A PowerhouseThis week Graig brings up the goal of creating a vlog for YouTube and creating more original content than he has been lately. They discuss what goes into creating a vlog and how they hope to make it succesfull.
2019-04-1652 min
Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E23: Burn OutThis week on Forging The Journey Graig talks about a topic that has been on his mind a lot lately. It's easy to burn out and lose sight of the goal. How do you avoid burn out when so much is required of you?
2019-04-0914 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E22: Summer Insanity Is ComingAnother casual conversation episode with Graig and Jared. They discuss how getting out to the shooting range has changed into more work than play, Scheduling Summer events and balancing family time, the difficulty of creating content that people will actually watch.
2019-04-0254 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E21: Interview with Paul "Blackirongunner"Last week the guys discussed working with influencers. This week they host their first interview of the podcast and invite Paul @blackirongunner on the show. It is fascinating getting the inside look at becoming one of the fastest growing influencers in the 2A community.
2019-03-261h 08Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E20: InfluencersGraig and Jared share their thoughts and experiences on partnering with influencers in their industry. There are pros and cons to consider before choosing someone to work with.
2019-03-191h 08Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E19: The What If'sJared and Graig find them selves in a converstaion discussing the question "What if this fails?" The discussion digs into the very real situation every enrepreneur fears they will end up in. Do you let this fear stop you or propell you to do more?
2019-03-1257 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E18: What's holding you back?This week Graig and Jared discuss a question posed in the Forging The Journey Facebook group. The question is "What is holding you back?" It could be in your personal life or business venture. Do you want to be an active part of the FTJ podcast? Follow the Facebook group and Instagram account. www.facebook.com/forgingthejourney www.instagram.com/forgingthejourney
2019-03-0541 minForging The JourneyForging The Journey E17: Social Media And YouThis week Graig and Jared dig into how they go about social media. These days social media is vital to growing a business. They discuss things from the tactics they use to how they use vision for what they post on social media.
They also announce a new Facebook group just for Forging The Journey listeners. You can click [HERE](http://https://www.facebook.com/groups/2249523441952879/) to go to the group and join.
2019-02-261h 05Forging The JourneyForging The Journey E10: Books & PodcastsThis week Graig and Jared discuss their favorite books and podcasts that they use to continue their education about business and life in general. Don't forget to leave a review for the podcast and feel free to email any questions or comments to forgingthejourney@gmail.com.
2019-01-091h 03Forging The JourneyForging The Journey: E6 How Do You Reach Customers?This week Graig and Jared answer a question sent by a new business owner looking for some advice. What do you do to reach new customers and get the word out about your product or service? The guys discuss how they got started and give some advice.
Have some feedback or a suggestion? Send an email to forgingthejourney@gmail.com
2018-12-1249 minForging The JourneyEpisode 5: Forging The JourneyRunning a business is not all fluffy bunnies and pots of gold. This week Graig and Jared disucss the things that drag them down and what they do to combat it. Down sales, people that only want to hate you and self doubt are things all business owners have to deal with. Have feedback or want to get in on the discussion? You can send emails to forgingthejourney@gmail.com
2018-12-0456 min