#151 After Dark - Shot Show 2025: Mike Mihalski & Kyle Grothues w/ Sons Of Liberty Gun Works

In this episode of Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Mike Mihalski & Kyle Grothues, two high school buddies who turned their passion into one of the top rifle and parts manufacturers in the industry. 

These guys aren’t just business owners; they’re hands-on, in-the-trenches gun nerds who put in the work, both in their factory and face-to-face with their customers. We dive into their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and what makes their approach unique in an industry filled with big names and custom builders.

This conversation was even more special because it took place at Shot Show 2025, inside Staccato Vegas (formerly Prairie Fire). If you’re into firearms, you’ve probably seen Mike and Kyle on Instagram, other podcasts, or at industry events. They bring energy, knowledge, and an unfiltered perspective on what it takes to stand out in this competitive space.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
05:30 Sons of Liberty Origins
08:47 Challenges & Growth
14:22 Innovations & Future
22:20 Law Enforcement Expansion
33:26 Innovation & Intuition
35:02 Future-Proofing Firearms
38:06 Decline of Customer Service
41:03 Importance of Customer Retention
56:25 Scaling While Maintaining Quality
01:02:29 Consistency in Manufacturing
01:05:05 Building Company Culture
01:10:03 Hiring the Right People
01:15:36 Industry Challenges & Innovation
01:23:39 Social Media’s Impact
01:31:32 Future Plans for SHOT Show 2025

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