Jenn Hagan stresses importance of gun safety and education

Jennifer Hagan grew up in Pennsylvania and received a degree in education from Wesley College. She interviewed with several school districts after graduation, and because Cape offered her a job first, she started her teaching career at Milton Middle School in 1996. After spending 12 years there, she took a position at the high school teaching physical education and health for 15 more years before retiring in 2023.

Jennifer’s husband, Ron, a retired state trooper and lifelong firearms enthusiast, decided firearms training was the retirement life he wanted to pursue. The couple began talking and recognized there was a need in the community for a center that offered more than just concealed carry firearm training. They decided to open a small store in West Rehoboth in 2016. When they saw their business grow, they planned for a larger store with an indoor range. Their store, Best Shot, opened in December 2022 just north of the Nassau Bridge outside Lewes. The two share responsibilities – Jenn handles all the issues involving HR and employees. Currently, they have 34 employees, four of whom are full time.

As with many businesses in our area, the growth has been helpful to companies that are just starting out. But unlike most other businesses, COVID really boosted sales for firearms and training. They remained open during the shutdown as they were considered an essential business. However, it was hard for them to keep guns in inventory, as it was a time of great uncertainty, and many people were fearful for what the future might hold. With the fears of COVID mostly behind us, many people who bought guns at that time are looking to sell them back. Their store will buy back used guns if they are in good condition. 

With Jenn’s background in education and gun safety, we talked about the recent situation at Cape High where a student was discovered with a gun in his backpack. Having taught at the school for so many years, Jenn was really stunned when she first heard the news. We discussed the issue of gun violence in our schools and whether teachers carrying firearms was a good thing. Jenn knows that not all teachers are interested in carrying guns, and unless a teacher has the requisite training and skills to use a firearm, she doesn’t think they should carry a gun inside a school. However, she does believe a teacher who is trained in the safe use of firearms, and is competent and comfortable with a firearm, could be helpful if an active-shooter event does occur. As a teacher, Jenn also believes the lack of accountability in our schools has led to the breakdown of safety, and adherence to rules and norms. “Accountability starts with the smaller issues, and when rules are not followed, it leads to a culture of a lack of accountability,” she said.

Recruitment and retention of employees has not been an issue for Best Shot. Jenn and Ron are very attuned to their employees’ suggestions and needs. They believe it is important for them, as the owners, to show gratitude to the staff and recognize the employees for what they contribute to help the business continually improve. “We are one big family here at Best Shot, and that’s how we treat our employees – as members of our family.” Jenn also pointed out that every employee is certified by the United States Concealed Carry Association. 

Jenn is very focused on the community, and she and her employees get involved with local businesses, chambers of commerce, etc. They make sure to engage with and support fundraisers for law enforcement and breast cancer awareness. They also take the opportunity to promote the store’s slogan, “Armed & Educated,” whenever they are involved with outside and community events.

As far as the future is concerned, they have discussed several possibilities for growth. Adding a second range at their current location or perhaps a second, but smaller, retail store at another location with a similar-sized range are potential options. One of the issues they think about for their store is how to maintain volumes during the summer season. Summer is typically slow because people come to the beach to be outside and involved in recreational activities. Jenn has played with the idea of offering a gun safety camp for older children. “If kids are going to have access to and use guns as they get older, it’s important that they learn early on about gun safety and receive the proper training.” Jenn knows that not all people want to own or use guns, but for those who do, she feels a responsibility to do what she can to ensure people have access to the right training and education about gun safety … for everyone’s protection.