We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Scott O’Neil. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Scott below.

Hi Scott, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.

We are a family business, my kids have seen the challenges, the fun and the crazy. To me it is important that your kids see what you do and if they can be apart of it. It helps them to understand the struggles of life, how to work with people, talk to people and build relationships with people. I would love for our kids to take the business over one day, but they understand if they have a dream grab it and make it your own. Working in the shop helping customers, building holsters, leather good whatever we have going on in the shop they know they are part of it and people see that. We get comments all the time on how helpful, attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable they are. It makes us proud parents and proud of them for wanting to be apart of it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Celtic Holsters started in 2013, almost ten years ago. I have been making holsters for around twelve years ago. We make a different style of hybrid holster, they have leather backing to go against your body with a kydex shell to hold the firearm securely. Two huge features that separate us from other manufacturers is our single clip swivel and our trigger wrap retention. These features give you comfort, security and the ability to wear it in many places on your person. In the last two years Celtic Holsters moved to a brick and mortar and that has put many new wheels in motion. We now offer more than IWB holsters and OWB holsters, we now have shoulder rigs, chest holsters, belts, rifle slings, guitar straps, wallet and a lot more leather goods. Our beard and body product has grown as well.
We are a family owned and ran business and a part of the community of Leavenworth KS that we call home.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

At the time Celtic Holsters started I was finishing up my bachelor’s degree and the manager of an accounts payable department. Celtic Holsters was first start as a side business because I love working with my hands. Over time as our kids got older and the business started to grow past a small part time business, a decision had to be made. Go all in into the business or stay in corporate accounting. I went all in for the business, not that the hours were less but more flexible for my family. It is not easy, it is stressful but the freedom and watching your kids help you in the shop are moments I will never forget.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Compassion helps you build the foundation of your company and reputation. Wanting to help customers get the best product and them know if you don’t trust the product you won’t give it to them. Standing behind your product and working to improve it when you can. Also educating your customers and helping them find what works best for them. In my case I seek trainers in different fields to have them run our gear and give me feedback on what needs to be improved. Never stop learning about your field.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.celticholsters.com
• Instagram: @celticholsters
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CelticHolstersllc/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/celticholsters
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/celtic-holsters-leavenworth-2