Meet Cory Gautereaux | Sporting Goods Store Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cory Gautereaux and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cory, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Going from 12.5 hour healthcare shifts to running your own business is a big change. Working long hours at the hospital is tiring but predictable. Nothing about being an entrepreneur is predictable and the hours are 24/7. It can be very difficult to find time for the family but it is a necessity. We are closed on Sundays specifically to devote our time to our growing families. Although our business is paramount to our livelihood, Gary and I truly believe that family always comes first.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Firearms stores can be a scary place for many people. We decided from the very beginning that we would operate differently. Gary served in the Navy and I served in the Army, which gave us a unique insight to firearms and the people in the industry. We also come from a healthcare background as I am a Respiratory Therapist and Gary is a Registered Nurse. Our military background coupled with our desire to help people has created an environment in our store that is considered by many to be inviting and informative. We treat everyone the same regardless if it is your first firearm or 50th. We are here to educate the public in the safe use and ownership of firearms.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an, “outdoorsy” person I would take a friend to Otay Mountain to see the beauty that our County has to offer. After a long drive down highway 94 you can reach a small turnout that allows you to drive to the top of the mountain. From the top you are able to see almost 360 degrees. You can look South into Mexico, West towards the ocean and the Coronado Islands, and North towards the Laguna Mountains. San Diego is not just palm trees and beaches and when friends come to town I like to show them the often forgotten parts of our great County!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost I would not be where I am today without the support and dedication of my wife Lauren. Together, we have two beautiful daughters. Somehow my wife is able to balance her full time job, the girls, and probably the most difficult person of all; myself. She has helped me with everything from raising our girls, while I worked night shift at the hospital, to assisting Gary and I get the store open, all while holding a full time job.

My business partner Gary Wyer has a knack for everything business. We started our company out of his garage and over the course of a few months (during the beginning of Covid) we worked our way into a small shop with little to no inventory. Gary started making calls and leveraging our small amount of capital to fill the store with products and bring in customers. Soon we were on the map and customers started pouring in thanks to the hours of work that Gary put in acquiring all of the correct licensure and permits that allow us to conduct business.

I would also like to recognize our Bookkeeper/Human Resources Professional/Chief Research Operator/Store Mom; Mikayla Wachter. Without Mikayla we would not be able to operate. She keeps all of our paperwork in order and most importantly, she keeps all of us in line!

Website: www.fucalifornia.com

Instagram: @fucalifornia

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/gautereaux

Twitter: @FUCalifornia

Facebook: facebook.com/fucalifornia

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/firearms-unlimited-california-el-cajon?osq=firearms+unlimited+california

Image Credits
Special thanks to @sunburn_studios_inc for the pictures!