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20 years ago in 1996, I opened the Westley Richards Agency USA in Springfield, Missouri. Prior to this our 'brand' had been handled in USA by various 'agents', a practise I was not at all comfortable with. I wanted Westley Richards' personnel to answer our customers calls, not some 'semi interested' party who would pass on valuable customers at their discretion. We established the business in a large old school building, converted for our use with the help of English architect Edward Nash who some 10 years later worked with me on our new factory here in England. Springfield was a superb starting base for us, I remember fun and busy years, our activity in USA grew rapidly in the capable hands of Bob Francis and his team.
Then suddenly our activities in Springfield were 'curtailed' in 2005 by the ATF and I was told by them that if I wanted to continue trading in USA as Westley Richards, I should leave Springfield, a point I was not going to argue, although I felt I should. Instead we packed up our operation and in 2006 moved North to Bozeman, Montana where the business continued under the direction of Jim Kilday and in more recent years by his son Kevin.
At the end of June after 10 good years in Montana, I have moved the Westley Richards agency south to Florida. I have no particular reason for doing so, excepting to say, that I was 40 when I opened the agency in the Centre of USA, we have spent a further 10 years as we say in England, 'Up North' and at 60 years old, I am now retiring to the beach! The last truck load of our contents left Bozeman last week and our doors in Bozeman will be closed on July 8th.
E. Duke 'LD' McCaa II the new manager of Westley Richards USA in Florida.
Our new operation in Gulf Breeze, Florida will be headed up and managed by E. Duke 'LD' McCaa who has worked with his father Duke McCaa for many years running Gulf Breeze Firearms. Westley Richards has leased 3000 sq ft premises next door to GBF and our remodelling, designed by the same team who decorated our factory showroom in England, is in progress, with the opening in the Fall.
LD brings a huge amount of enthusiasm, knowledge of both firearms and hunting together with impeccable customer service to Westley Richards and we look forward to many years of growing the business from this location.
I have to take this opportunity to thank Duke McCaa for allowing me to steal his most valuable asset, his son 'LD', to manage my operation in USA, something I did with reservation. However, with the ability to move next door to Gulf Breeze Firearms, we all agreed the combined and shared knowledge of the two companies will be good for all and make a fine destination stop for anybody travelling past.
I hope that you will all join me in wishing LD and the new location every success, we look very much forward to your calls and custom.
vance daigle on July 3, 2016 at 12:50 am
Congratulations to Westley Richards!!!!
Simon wishing that you and Mr.Duke McCaa II .. "LD" have a great journey in the Sunshine State.
In Christ
Vance,
Larry on July 3, 2016 at 12:57 am
This is truly wonderful news and there is not a better man fit to lead this operation. LD is supremely knowledgable in the trade and is truly an asset to not only WR but the industry as a whole! I personally can vouch for his character and ability to lead the efforts stateside. Congratulations on the move and I'm sure it will lead to further success in the United States!!
Bobby Daniell on July 3, 2016 at 3:57 am
This is great opportunity for a great young man. I have hunted with LD in Africa and spent a lot of time with him and his dad Duke at the SCI Convention in Las Vegas and the one thing I can assure everyone of and that is LD's attention to detail.
LD makes sure the client is satisfied with every aspect of any transaction he is involved in. His knowledge never ceases to amaze you when you talk to him about anything
dealing with hunting in Africa, the weapons used, the history of the weapon builders, the engravers, the old PHs and guides. I could go on and on about his knowledge but the best thing you can do is go by and visit him when he gets the new Westley Richards facility open and see what a great guy they have heading up Westley Richards
interests in the United States. I just wish Pensacola Florida was closer to Atlanta.
Your hunting brother
Bobby Daniell
Tony C. Blanton on July 4, 2016 at 11:22 am
Hope all is good in the Duke's world and looks like it is congratulations.
Gary Duffey on July 6, 2016 at 2:52 pm
Congratulations to W-R and to LD!
LD is really a perfect person to lead W-R in the US. He remembers people, what they are interested in, and very much wants to help folks get what they want. He personally leans to the traditional side of the sport in all areas and I believe that serves him and W-R well. He is passionate in every way about the sport, the outdoors, the traditions of it and as we say here in the South, "he gets along well". I am just as excited for Simon and W-R and just do not know of a better choice that could have been made. I do not like the word "Synergy" but for lack of a better one, I do believe that this pairing of LD and W-R will achieve more than it's parts. As to style and personality, if you have met LD's Father "Duke" you will see where it all comes from. Just the finest of folks in every way! Congratulations to all. I look forward to visiting the new location and Pensacola Beach.
Mims C Reed on July 6, 2016 at 3:57 pm
Simon,
As we would say in the south...you done good!!
L.D. and Duke are good folks.
Congratulations to all of you.
Better tomorrows,
Mims
Neil McVeigh on July 7, 2016 at 5:11 pm
Just back from a short break and therefor only now catching up on Explora.
I think Florida more accessible than Montana and have no doubt that the business will only prosper.Best of luck to you Simon and you're new team.
Regards Neil
P.S. At sixty you are not an old man.I am sixty to and feel I am only getting into my stride!
David Hodo on July 24, 2016 at 2:12 am
Congratulations L. D.! I knew something was going on between you, your dad and Westley, but I never suspected this!!! I will be home from Kosovo the end of November. After a little rest, GBF and Westley Richards USA will be my first destination back in my current hometown.
I have known L.D. and Duke for 3-4 years now. Simon could not have made a better choice for a manager that is consumed with professionalism and passion when it concerns hunting and fine guns and rifles. Again, congratulations my young friend!!!
michael mueller on August 24, 2016 at 12:44 am
Glad you have come to Florida