Couple's love of outdoors adds to new business


On April 1, Joe and Jamie Tubbs will open their downtown store Terminal Lance Arms. They sell firearms and ammo, as well as outdoor gear for fishing, camping, and hunting. (Photos by Kim Brooks)

Joe and Jamie Tubbs did a lot of work inside the store to better serve their customers with display shelves at eye level.

Terminal Lance Arms is located at the corner of First Street and Cedar Street.
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     “We have the ability to bring something new and fresh to the community, and help people get what they’re after.”

   Joe and Jamie Tubbs of Monticello have been working long days to renovate and spruce up their building, the former pawn shop, located at the corner of First Street and Cedar Street. The couple purchased the building in February with the intention of opening their firearms and outdoor goods store. That dream will soon be a reality when Terminal Lance Arms opens its doors to the public on April 1.

   Joe was selling firearms and ammunition out of his home last summer.

   “The goal was to always be in a bigger building and a storefront,” he said. “Selling from your home, people came at all times of the day.”

   As for how they found the perfect spot downtown, the Tubbs credit Monticello Chamber Director Bobby Krum.

   “Bobby heard Darrell (Reyner) wanted to get out of the pawn shop,” Joe said. “He reached out to us and one thing led to the next.

   “It’s just one of those things that just happened,” he added. “It all worked out well.”

   The business will not only sell firearms and ammo, but cater to those who utilize the natural resources in Monticello in terms of hunting, fishing, and camping gear. Joe has already been reaching out to river outfitters and climbing groups to get an idea of what they can carry to make their adventures a pleasant experience.

   Something unique Terminal Lance sells is live bait. Tubbs installed a nine-well live bait tank, and is working with Bob Urbain to supply the live bait.

   “We wanted to keep it local,” Joe said. “Our bait runs the gambit.”

   As the seasons change, Terminal Lance would like to cater to the local opportunities. They plan to sell kayaks in the summer and ice fishing gear and equipment in the winter.

   Joe served five years in the Marine Corps and grew up along the Mississippi River in Bellevue.

   “I’ve always been an outdoors guy,” he said.

   The couple enjoy spending quality time with their kids being outdoors as much as possible.

   “Our kids, love it,” added Jamie.

   When it comes to selling firearms, Joe explained Terminal Lance only sells to those with a permit, or those who pass a federal background check.

   Over the last year of selling out of their home, Joe said he’s seen a lot of local buyers, as well as people from Cedar Rapids and Davenport.

   The couple also sells firearms at several gun shows throughout the year, and already people are talking about the grand opening of their business.

   “Our name got out there quick,” he said. “People are hearing about us.”

   Prior to opening, the couple repainted the entire storefront and cut the shelving down to eye level. They also hung peg board along the walls for all of the merchandise. An accent wall was created above the gun cases for displays. They also installed LED lighting.

   In the future, their long-term goal is to redo the brick on the exterior of the building.

   “We want to give it a fresh look,” Joe said.

   As they’ve been working to get their store ready by April 1, the couple have witnessed the immense amount of traffic driving and walking by their corner property.

   “It’s crazy how much traffic goes by,” marveled Joe, knowing they made the right decision.

   Terminal Lance will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. They’ll be closed on Mondays.

   “We’ll see how the market works and adjust our hours from there,” offered Joe. “We want to help the local market by being open later.”

 

 

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