Celebrating a Year of Growth

In 2018, a group of guys were pursuing a dream, a cause really motivated by another company's decision. As they introduced themselves to the public, some admitted it was an idea devised during their time in the garage.

The idea was to take what they've learned in the corporate world and apply it with their own name.

In June 2018, the Sidney City Council approved a 4-acres subdivison on the east side of Sidney for the future site of NexGen Outfitters. The move came after NexGen founders started their concept at the Western Nebraska Community College Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center. The time in the I & E Center gave them time to develop their business plan and internet platform. Their concept moved faster than expected, moving from web-based to a new retail center faster than expected. The draw to retail presence led the company to construct a new building in the industrial park east of Sidney southeast of the intersection of Illinois Street and US Highway 385.

“We moved out here, had a grand opening, for retail,” said Jeremy Nesbitt, one of the founders of NexGen Outfitters.

Nesbitt said they never imagined the retail business would take as quickly as it did. Part of the attraction, he says, is the touch and feel element of the store, and the available advise from experienced hunters and outdoorsmen. NexGen Outfitters staff explain to a customer what firearm, compound or crossbow works best for the purchaser's intent, and why it won't work.

“I think we do as much of that as anything,” Nesbitt said.

The combined experience of the NexGen founders totals more than 100 years hunting and camping.

He said NexGen Outfitters, as with other gun shops, are seeing the impact of the unrest socially and politically. Nesbitt said there are 5.5 million to 6 million new gun owners in recent months.

“There's that many first time checks,” he said.

He said mixed with people who purchase guns for the enjoyment and the firearms counter stays busy.

He said as time has gone on, and the court cases against NexGen Outfitters have been settled, it is nice to work with old connections at NexGen Outfitters' new site.

The path from concept to retail center has been a long but education experience.

“On the business side, it is kind of a big commitment,” he said.

The journey to where NexGen Outfitters is today has required a big and unexpected change in the business model. The retail attraction occurred quicker than expected, and there were changes in the online platform as well. He said the process has also taught there needs to be times to maneuver, be flexible and able to react.

He recalls the time in the corporate world when planning meetings were critical. When the NexGen concept started, Nesbitt and the others were of the belief they were a small staff and fairly unified in purpose. When their small staff makes meeting easier, it doesn't take away the need for planning meetings, he said. While at the I & E Center, they were obligated to have meetings, an experience they continued.

They are drawing their retail customer base from as far north as South Dakota and south into the Front Range of Colorado and east to North Platte. One of the attractions is their archery shop.

“That's always been why we're going to have a retail presence,” he said.

NexGen Outfitters is a certified Hoyt archery dealer, and has an in-house range.

“We're so lucky to have Dan, Quinn and Mike,” he said.

In addition, NexGen Outfitters has kept its passion for a 800-number access from the beginning.