Andy and Brenda Pahl, of Seymour, embarked on a new and somewhat unknown trail in February when they decided to purchase an existing archery business in New London.
Before buying the business, Andy said he had shot archery at the business, but other than that, he had never been involved in the archery industry. Andy’s wife, Brenda, said she had never shot an arrow before, but she is learning the ins and outs of archery.
So what would make a couple, who also have fulltime jobs, decide to purchase an archery business?
“It’s just been a passion of mine for a lot of years and Brenda agreed to let us do it,” Andy said.
Andy said he didn’t have to work too hard to convince his wife it was a good idea to purchase the business, which Andy said had been in existence for roughly 14 years. “I thought it was a great opportunity and it’s been a lifelong passion of his and a dream to have an archery shop,” Brenda said. “When it came about, I said, ‘You know what, here’s your chance.'”
The business, now known as Broken Arrow Archery, has been open since the Pahls purchased it in February, but it has gone through a facelift.
The inside has been completely remodeled, an extra room for an archery shop was added, new targets were added, as well as a lot of new inventory.
“Everybody’s impressed with all the remodeling and what we turned it into,” Andy said. “It was in need of some repair. Everybody has been real positive.”
The business, which held its grand opening last week, includes a practice range up to 40 yards and a 3-D course that goes out 42 yards. The targets available include varieties of several species. There is also a bar on the premise.
Since they both have fulltime jobs, Scott Poppy manages Broken Arrow Archery when Andy or Brenda are not there. At the present time, though, one of them is there most nights.
Andy said he expects business to be at its peak from the middle of July to the end of October as hunters hone their shooting skills.
They also plan on hosting several archery leagues. There are currently couples leagues and men’s leagues. Brenda said she is looking forward to starting a women’s league.
Andy said they plan on also introducing youth leagues in the fall.
“We are really concentrating on youth hunting equipment and youth bows,” Andy said. “That’s one of our goals – that’s with the kids.”