About Us

You might be wondering just who is behind this whole thing anyway.  And that would be a good question!  The Mid South Guns & Gear Expo was created by two guys who share a common affliction for big-boy toys and all things gun-powder powered. But perhaps more importantly we share a common distaste for what has become the typical "gun show" experience.

"We both remember a time when gun shows were cool.  We remember when they were about guns that you actually wanted to own, and not about pickled pigs feet, beef jerky, beanie babies and a bunch of junk that not even your local pawn shop would want in their display cases.  We also both know how much the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference (aka SHOT Show) rocks and how it's a shame that the common guy can't just buy a ticket, atttend and go shopping for cool gear.  You have to be an industry insider just to attend, and shopping?  Forget it.

Thus the Expo idea was born.  And since neither of us know how to do something in moderation, the only answer was to GO BIG."

Joe Lundberg

Joe is CEO of Hero-Gear (link), a wildly successful purveyor of firearms and gear to both civilian and government markets, located in Winchester, Tennessee.  Joe's shop draws customers from all across the state of Tennessee (Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Johnson City), neighboring states and the rest of the continental USA thanks to Internet sales and auctions.

Joe is also a 20 year veteran of the United States Army and has worked for his uncle Sam in places we can't mention, on missions we can't possibly tell you about, with some of the best of the best.  He has served with and led fellow “grunts” on multiple deployments to the Middle East, Bosnia, and Europe serving in duty assignments ranging from Infantry Rifleman, Scout, TeamLeader, SquadLeader, Platoon Sergeant, and First Sergeant. 

Joe is currently assigned to the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and is a commissioned Law Enforcement Officer serving with the local Sheriff’s Dept.

David Yancy

David is the founder, administrator, President and Owner of Tennessee Gun Owners.com (link), a web community for Tennessee's firearms enthusiasts and grass roots pro-2nd Amendment activism that has experienced explosive (pardon the pun) growth since it's inception in 2007.

David's civilian background is nowhere near as cool as Joe's but he likes to tell his story so we'll bore you with it anyway.  David was born and raised in Kentucky where he remembers fending off invading Russian armies and defending America with loyal friends and an arsenal of cap guns at the early age of 8.  After he grew up (more or less) he went on to suffer a 15 year career in the corporate world doing the Man's dirty work, until he finally threw off the Man's shackles and made his escape in late 2008.  He has been doing the entrepreneurial thing ever since and loving it.

David's infatuation with firepower is almost as old as he is.  His grandfather set him on the path with an early lesson behind a single-shot .22 caliber rifle and lots of encouragement.