Kindly give readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
AZ Ammo Depot: Built on Grit. Run with Purpose.
Founded by Josh Bullis, a medically retired U.S. Army Combat Engineer, AZ Ammo Depot is more than just another online ammunition retailer—it’s a mission-driven, veteran-owned small business built on resilience, integrity, and service. After surviving a devastating IED blast in Afghanistan that claimed both legs and an arm, Josh returned to Arizona with a new mission: create a better way for shooters to access top-tier ammo, firearms, and gear—without the inflated prices or runaround.
AZ Ammo Depot partners with the nation’s largest suppliers to offer a wide selection of ammunition, firearms (via FFL transfer), NFA items, and tactical gear—all available online and delivered with unmatched personal service. With no employees and no retail storefront, Josh runs the entire operation himself, keeping margins low and standards high.
From the battlefield to the business world, AZ Ammo Depot is proof that grit, dedication, and a commitment to community can still define success. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned shooter, AZ Ammo Depot brings reliable gear, real service, and a refreshing no-B.S. attitude to the firearms industry.
Give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Josh Bullis is a medically retired U.S. Army Combat Engineer and the founder of AZ Ammo Depot, a veteran-owned ammunition and firearms accessories business based in Arizona. After losing both legs above the knee and his left arm in an IED blast during a 2010 deployment to Afghanistan, Josh returned home with a mission to thrive—not just survive. He launched AZ Ammo Depot to provide shooters with reliable access to ammo, firearms (via FFL transfer), and gear at honest prices, backed by personal service and no-nonsense values.
What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)?
After retiring from the Army, I quickly realized how frustrating it was to find reliable, in-stock ammunition and shooting gear—especially from companies that actually understood the needs of everyday shooters and veterans. Most local stores were either overpriced, understocked, or lacked any real customer service. That gap inspired me to create something better. I started AZ Ammo Depot to solve that problem—to give people a dependable, veteran-owned option with fair prices, top-tier suppliers, and personal service you don’t find in big-box stores. This business isn’t just a job for me—it’s a way to stay mission-driven, serve my community, and prove that you can still build something meaningful on grit, purpose, and straight-up hard work.
How did the idea for your business come about?
The idea for AZ Ammo Depot came from personal frustration. After retiring from the Army and getting back into shooting, I found it incredibly difficult to find in-stock ammo at fair prices—especially from businesses that actually cared about their customers. Most shops were overpriced or lacked inventory, and the big retailers didn’t offer any kind of real service. I realized there was a need for a better option—one that was veteran-owned, community-focused, and built on trust. So I started AZ Ammo Depot to fill that gap. I wanted to make it easy for people to get quality ammo and gear without the B.S., while also offering firearm and NFA transfers with the kind of personal attention I’d expect myself.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration has always been the men and women I served with—especially those who didn’t make it home. Their sacrifice drives everything I do. I was fortunate to survive, and I don’t take that for granted. Every day I push forward with the mindset that I’m living for something bigger than myself. Their courage, grit, and loyalty inspire me to keep building, keep serving, and never quit—no matter how tough things get.
What makes you different from other businesses in your industry?
What sets AZ Ammo Depot apart is that it’s personal. I’m not a big-box store or a faceless website—I’m a one-man, veteran-owned operation built on trust, service, and grit. I run this business myself, every day, with the same discipline and no-B.S. mindset I had in uniform. I keep prices low, offer gear I’d actually use, and make sure every customer gets treated like a priority—not a number. Most ammo dealers are either corporate or disconnected. I’m neither. I know my customers, I listen to them, and I run this business with purpose.
To what do you most attribute your success?
I attribute my success to grit, discipline, and staying mission-focused—just like in the military. I don’t have a team or investors backing me. It’s just me, learning as I go, showing up every day, and refusing to quit. I treat customers with respect, I keep my promises, and I don’t cut corners. That mindset—combined with the support of the shooting community and other veterans—has kept AZ Ammo Depot growing. Success, for me, isn’t about getting rich. It’s about doing something that matters and doing it with integrity.
What do you think is the best way to achieve long-term success in business?
The best way to achieve long-term success in business is to stay consistent, stay honest, and always put the customer first. Trends come and go, but trust and reliability never go out of style. You have to be willing to do the hard work, adapt when needed, and stick to your values—especially when it’s not easy. For me, it’s about showing up every day, keeping margins fair, delivering real service, and building a reputation that lasts. If you focus on doing the right thing instead of the easy thing, success will follow.
Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see AZ Ammo Depot growing into one of Arizona’s most trusted names in the firearms and ammunition space—still veteran-owned, still personal, but with expanded reach and resources. I want to keep building on the foundation of service, reliability, and community. That means offering more inventory, faster shipping, a larger customer base, and possibly a dedicated warehouse or fulfillment space. I’d also like to mentor other veterans looking to start their own businesses. At the end of the day, I want AZ Ammo Depot to be known not just for great prices, but for standing for something real.
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
One business I really admire is Black Rifle Coffee Company. Not just because they’re veteran-owned, but because they’ve built something meaningful around a shared mission, strong values, and a clear identity. They’ve shown that you can stay unapologetically patriotic, support veterans and first responders, and still compete at a national level without selling out. They’ve created a brand that’s more than a product—it’s a community. That’s something I strive for with AZ Ammo Depot.
Who is your target demographic?
My target demographic is responsible gun owners—primarily in Arizona—who value quality ammunition, fair pricing, and personal service. That includes everyday shooters, concealed carriers, hunters, law enforcement, veterans, and first-time buyers looking for honest guidance. Most of my customers appreciate supporting a veteran-owned business and are tired of dealing with overpriced big-box stores or unreliable online sellers. Whether they’re picking up ammo for the range or doing an FFL transfer, they want speed, trust, and no B.S.—and that’s exactly what I deliver.
Please list 3-5 talking points about your business that you feel are most relevant to your target audience.
1. Veteran-Owned and Operated – AZ Ammo Depot is proudly run by a medically retired U.S. Army Combat Engineer who brings real-world experience, grit, and discipline to every part of the business.
2. Ammo and Gear Shipped Direct – We partner with the nation’s top suppliers to ship quality ammunition and gear straight to your door—fast, reliable, and hassle-free.
3. FFL & NFA Transfers Made Easy – We offer local firearm transfers and full NFA item processing at our West Valley office, with one-on-one guidance every step of the way.
4. No B.S. Pricing and Service – We keep margins low, treat customers with respect, and provide honest, personal service that big-box stores can’t match.
5. Built for the Everyday Shooter – Whether you’re a CCW holder, weekend range-goer, law enforcement officer, or new gun owner, AZ Ammo Depot delivers the gear and support you need—without the runaround.
What are your overall thoughts on your industry? Any advice you could give people about your industry?
The firearms and ammunition industry is full of opportunity—but also a lot of noise. There are great companies out there, but there’s also a fair share of price gouging, misinformation, and poor customer service. It’s an industry where trust matters, especially with all the legal responsibility involved.
My advice? Do your homework. Whether you’re buying a gun, ammo, or starting a firearms-related business, know your laws, vet your sources, and don’t chase hype. Focus on reliability, transparency, and relationships—those are what keep people coming back. And if you’re a customer, support businesses that actually care about the community, not just their margins. There are still folks in this space doing it the right way—and I aim to be one of them.
Is your business involved with any charitable organizations, social causes or non-profit work?
Not at the moment
How do you give back and support your community?
As a veteran-owned business, giving back to the community—especially the veteran and shooting community—is a core part of what AZ Ammo Depot stands for. I support fellow veterans by offering guidance, referrals, and helping them navigate firearms ownership or transfers, especially when it comes to NFA items or legal questions. I also try to keep prices as low as possible to support everyday shooters and families who rely on firearms for protection or recreation. Beyond that, I make it a point to promote local Arizona events, small businesses, and veteran-led initiatives whenever I can. I may be a one-man operation, but I believe impact isn’t about size—it’s about intention.
How do you build a successful customer base?
I build a successful customer base by keeping it simple: treat people right, earn their trust, and deliver what you promise. In this industry, people want reliability, honesty, and real service—not automated emails or corporate scripts. I personally handle every order, every transfer, and every question, and that level of one-on-one attention goes a long way. I keep my pricing fair, respond quickly, and make sure customers feel taken care of. Word-of-mouth has been huge—when people know you’re legit, they come back and bring others with them. It’s not about selling the most—it’s about building trust that lasts.
What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
The culture at AZ Ammo Depot is built on discipline, integrity, and personal responsibility. As a one-man, veteran-owned business, the tone starts and ends with me. I established this culture based on the values I lived by in the military—show up, do the work right, and don’t make excuses. Everything I do, from customer service to pricing, is rooted in respect, honesty, and grit. I chose this approach because I believe people still value doing business with someone who stands behind their word. In this industry, trust is everything—and that starts with the culture you build from day one.
For more information, visit us at https://azammodepot.com/