When Brian Cline and Wes Gordley opened HotShots Archery, the focus was to build a place for people to learn. “We started solely as an archery academy with the desire to provide a drama-free training environment for archers of all ages, skills, and disciplines,” Brian explains. The pro shop came later, growing naturally out of that educational mission, and today HotShots offers full sales and service alongside instruction. And now with Wes serving as an ATA Bow Technician Certification Instructor, we are adding another element to our teaching.

That academy-first identity is what sets HotShots apart. “We are academy-minded first,” Brian says. “The pro shop is a natural extension of our drive for archery education.” It’s also fueled the shop’s growth — youth programs now make up roughly 75% of their business. “If we don’t bring up the younger generations, there won’t be anything in the future.”

Brian’s philosophy for building a shop that lasts is simple: don’t overextend, and don’t try to be everything to everyone. Know who you are trying to serve and really double down on giving them what they need. “We truly value our team members and customers, and focus on providing the best service possible.”

Wes serves as the main bow technician at HotShots Archery, and is passionate about helping customers get their equipment setup and tuned so that they know the gear will never be the reason they don’t hit the middle. When asked about his involvement with the ATA Bow Technician Certification program, he shared “There are way too many fly-by-night bow technicians out there,” he says. “The people who are willing to spend the time and resources learning and getting better at their craft are the ones I’d want working on my equipment.”

Brian’s advice to fellow retailers echoes that same commitment to quality over convenience: “Don’t become a commodity by just selling things. Find your niche, bust your rear to provide the best service, and find your place in the industry.”

When asked who he would like to spend a day on the archery range with, Brian’s answer continues with the theme of learning. “It would have to be Paige Pearce. There are tons of great archers that I’d love to spend the day shooting with and having fun with, but Paige breaks things down well so even dumb guys like me can understand. I’d be picking her brain the whole time we shot.”