TONY BURNHAM
Bountiful,Utah
Summary
Dynamic retail leader with a strong track record in training program development, team management, and operational excellence. Currently excelling as a Sporting Goods Specialist at Cal Ranch Bountiful, showcasing expertise in ATF compliance and customer service leadership while mentoring supervisory staff. An elite military veteran from the U.S. Army Rangers, adept at managing teams of up to 15 personnel in high-pressure environments, with a proven ability to drive revenue growth by 800% in previous roles. Recognized for creating comprehensive onboarding programs that enhance employee productivity and ensure regulatory compliance while fostering a team culture that maximizes engagement and performance.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sporting Goods Specialist/Gun Counter Supervisor
Cal Ranch Stores
11.2022 - Current
- Leadership & Training Excellence:
- Identify individual employee strengths and optimize task assignments to maximize team engagement and performance
- Most-requested associate in store; recognized for exceptional customer service and technical expertise in firearms
- Operations & Compliance:
- Ensure 100% ATF regulatory compliance for all firearm sales and transactions with zero violations
- Manage sporting goods department operations including inventory control, merchandising, and sales floor presentation
- Utilize graphic design skills to enhance corporate signage and improve department visual merchandising
- Provide expert consultation on firearms functionality, fit, and application based on military/contracting background
- Build strong customer relationships resulting in repeat business and positive store reputation
- Address and resolve customer complaints with professionalism and efficiency
- Drive department sales through product knowledge and consultative selling approach
Apparel Art Director/Production Manager
Under Pressure, SymbolArts, Tier One Manufacturing, Empire Branding
06.2018 - 11.2022
- Team Leadership & Development:
- Managed teams of 15-28 personnel across creative and production departments
- Implemented employee development program: habit formation, personal values identification, work-life balance coaching, and personal mission statements
- Recruited, trained, and developed staff while assessing performance on daily, monthly, and annual basis
- Created culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement
- Grew apparel department revenue by 800% in 9 months, generating $1.2 million in additional revenue for SymbolArts
- Reduced maintenance costs by 96% through improved safety standards and equipment protocols
- Planned and prepared work schedules to optimize productivity and meet deadlines
- Integrated Airtable and Printavo systems for production management and scheduling (systems remain in use today)
- Developed ink mixing systems and comprehensive production organization protocols
- Implemented quality control processes ensuring consistent product excellence
- Managed relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery
- Oversaw fulfillment operations for major clients including Nintendo, Operation Underground Railroad, Diesel Power, Pac-12, NCAA, Real Salt Lake, Jazz Bear, Space Station Gaming and others
Founding Team Member & Apparel Production Director
Black Rifle Coffee Company
05.2017 - 10.2018
- Startup Operations & Growth:
- Employee #16 (Plank Owner) during company’s rapid growth phase
- Built apparel production facility from ground up, scaling to 15,000+ units weekly
- Attended daily executive meetings contributing to strategic planning and company growth initiatives
- Managed multi-product fulfillment across diverse product lines
- Team Building & Training:
- Recruited, trained, and managed 12-person production team achieving significant efficiency improvements
- Developed training programs that accelerated new employee productivity
- Created culture of excellence resulting in consistent quality and on-time delivery
- Financial Performance:
- Reduced operational costs by 96% through improved safety and equipment standards
- Managed production budgets and fiscal responsibilities with corporate office
- Contributed to company’s explosive growth trajectory during critical expansion phase
Security Operations Specialist/Team Leader
Private Military Contracting
01.1998 - 01.2012
- Leadership Under Pressure:
- Led tactical teams of up to 12 personnel across global operations in high-stress environments
- Primary combatives instructor for private security companies responsible for contractor combat readiness
- Successfully managed multiple simultaneous contracting arrangements with overlapping operational periods
- Specialized operations in counter-trafficking, counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, diplomatic security, executive protection, border interdiction
- Specialized training: Intelligence/Counter-Intelligence, Free-fall parachute (HALO/HAHO), RECCE (Reconnaissance), waterborne interdiction, cross-cultural indigenous instruction, close-quarter battle instruction, urban interdiction and airborne assault operations in alignment to U.S. Foreign Policy
Squad Leader/Combatives Instructor
U.S. Army - 75th Ranger Regiment
10.2001 - 04.2005
- Military Leadership Excellence:
- Promoted to E-5 Sergeant and Squad Leader in elite military unit
- Honor Graduate from Basic Training; earned Expert Infantry Badge
- Combatives Instructor certified to train fellow Rangers in hand-to-hand combat techniques
- Specialized training: Regimental Indoctrination Program (2002), Ranger School (2002), Airborne (2002), Air Assault (2002), Pathfinder (2003), SERE (2002, 2003, 2004), Advanced Combat Training (2002)
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - History
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA07-2026
Associate of Science - Firearms Technology
Sonoran Desert Institute
Scottsdale, AZ01-2024
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Adobe Creative Suite proficiency
- Coaching and mentoring
- Training curriculum design and delivery
- Work Schedule Planning & Payroll Budget Management
- Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving
- Team Building & Culture Development
- Effective team leadership
- Strategic operations oversight
- Compliance monitoring
Accomplishments
- Received consistent positive feedback from customers.
- Acknowledged by management for expertise in compliance.
- Achieved vault standard by continuing organization with accuracy and efficiency.
Affiliations
- U.S. Army Ranger Association (USARA)
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Post 409)
- Special Operations Association of America (SOAA)
- National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)
- School of the American Rifle Alumnus (SOTAR)
- Gunsmithing Club of America (GCA)
- America's Custom Gunmakers Guild (ACGG)
Certification
- Professional Certifications:
- Certified Glock Armorer
- School of the American Rifle (SOTAR) - AR-15 Platform Training
- U.S. Army Combatives Instructor
- Black Belt - Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
- Certified Trainer - Target Focus Training & Model Mugging
Timeline
Sporting Goods Specialist/Gun Counter Supervisor
Cal Ranch Stores
11.2022 - Current
Apparel Art Director/Production Manager
Under Pressure, SymbolArts, Tier One Manufacturing, Empire Branding
06.2018 - 11.2022
Founding Team Member & Apparel Production Director
Black Rifle Coffee Company
05.2017 - 10.2018
Squad Leader/Combatives Instructor
U.S. Army - 75th Ranger Regiment
10.2001 - 04.2005
Security Operations Specialist/Team Leader
Private Military Contracting
01.1998 - 01.2012
Bachelor’s Degree - History
Liberty University
Associate of Science - Firearms Technology
Sonoran Desert Institute
WHY I’M THE IDEAL ASSISTANT MANAGER FOR CAL RANCH BOUNTIFUL
- Proven Leadership: Successfully managed teams up to 15 people in retail, production, and military environments with consistent results in productivity, morale, and financial performance.
- Training Excellence: Created comprehensive 90-day onboarding programs currently used at Black Rifle Coffee Co., Tier 1 Concealed, SnugZ USA, Empire Branding Co., Screenplay, and others demonstrating ability to develop systems that accelerate employee success and ensure compliance.
- Store Knowledge: Deep familiarity with Cal Ranch Bountiful operations, POS systems, inventory management, and store culture. Already operating in supervisory capacity and mentoring current management.
- Financial Acumen: Proven track record driving 800% revenue growth, reducing costs by 96%, and managing budgets effectively across multiple organizations.
- Customer Service Leadership: Recognized as most-requested associate in store; consistently resolve customer issues professionally while building loyalty and repeat business.
- Adaptability: Thrives in rapidly changing environments; successfully navigated company ownership transitions, startup growth phases, and high-pressure military operations.
- Problem-Solving: Military and contracting background provides unique ability to assess situations quickly, make sound decisions under pressure, and lead teams through challenges.
- Ready Day One: Already familiar with store operations, staff, customers, and systems. Can immediately assume manager-on-duty responsibilities with minimal transition time.
Business Owner
Business Owner: The Morrigan Arms & Gunsmithing | GFC Manufacturing (DBA) - Bountiful, Utah January 2023 - Present
• Founded and operate comprehensive firearms business encompassing custom gunsmithing services, online retail sales of firearms/ammunition, and specialty products
• Successfully manage dual careers, operating business while maintaining full-time employment (previously worked three jobs simultaneously)
• Developed e-commerce platform for firearms, ammunition, and related products with focus on customer service and regulatory compliance
• Apply AS Degree in Firearms Technology combined with U.S. Army and private military contracting experience to provide specialized gunsmithing services
• Manage all business operations including inventory management, vendor relationships, customer service, financial management, and regulatory compliance
• Building foundation for future expansion into comprehensive Morrigan Arms Gun Club featuring retail showroom, shooting ranges, training facilities, mentorship programs, boutique, and restaurant
• Demonstrate exceptional time management, entrepreneurial drive, and ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining excellence in all areas
Key skills demonstrated:
- Business development and strategic planning
- Financial management and budgeting
- Customer relationship management
- E-commerce operations
- Regulatory compliance (ATF)
- Inventory and supply chain management
- Multi-tasking and time management
- Entrepreneurial leadership