We recently connected with PETER KIM and have shared our conversation below.
PETER, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I gained my resilience from my commitment and faith in Jesus Christ and knowing that there is eternal life beyond our time on this earth. I firmly believe that He has a plan for me, and a path for me to follow to so long as I trust in His plan. Prayer helps me to shift the focus away from my own personal problems and challenges to focusing on a much longer term purpose and plan, which is to fulfill my role in His greater design. This perspective allows me to face adversity with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and learning. Additionally, the support of my faith community plays a crucial role. Surrounding myself with people who share my beliefs and values provides encouragement and strength during difficult times. Ultimately, it’s this combination of personal faith, prayer, and community that forms the foundation of my resilience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I was born in Los Angeles, CA, to two Korean immigrants, and in October 2018, I moved to Texas to pursue my passion for firearm training. After earning a BS in Finance from San Diego State University, I immediately embarked on my career with Fidelity Investments. There, I ascended the corporate ladder to become a client-facing Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), specializing in working with high-net-worth individuals. At Fidelity, I delved deep into the complexities of managing other people’s finances, helping diligent Americans navigate intricate financial markets. My tenure at one of the largest financial institutions equipped me with invaluable skills, including fostering client relationships, understanding decision-making processes, and crafting solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought profound changes within the organization. I found myself at odds with the evolving corporate priorities, which seemed increasingly misaligned with the best interests of our clients. This dissonance led me to make a pivotal decision: I left Fidelity to establish my own practice, vowing to always put my clients’ interests first. Yet, as I ventured into entrepreneurship, I quickly discovered that the demands of compliance and client acquisition overshadowed my ability to provide direct financial guidance. Moreover, I recognized that advancements in artificial intelligence would inevitably reshape the value proposition of financial advisors.
Despite my professional endeavors at Fidelity, my enduring passion for firearm training remained a constant. It was this passion that inspired my next venture: teaching individuals to achieve their fullest potential in firearm safety and proficiency. This journey began with the founding of Rooftop Shooting Academy and evolved into the ambitious project of developing a shooting range. Realizing the constraints of scaling my time as an instructor, I took a bold leap of faith, investing my entire savings into constructing a shooting range in Trenton, TX, a small town north of Dallas.
In September 2023, our range officially opened, and we were astounded by the overwhelming response and rapid membership growth. I always knew there was a significant demand for a high-quality, modern shooting range where both civilians and law enforcement officers could train. Our facility offers private bays free from the restrictive rules of traditional indoor ranges—no prohibitions on drawing from holsters, no enforced firing rates, and the freedom to engage in dynamic training.
This venture has been the culmination of my passion and commitment, providing a space where individuals can train safely and effectively, realizing their true potential.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three most impactful qualities imparted to me by my father were hard work, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of pursuing what you love.
I was fortunate to have a strong father figure who led by example. If you lack such a presence in your life, seek out a mentor who embodies similar values and can guide you on your journey.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest challenge I have now is figuring out how to scale Rooftop Shooting Range into becoming the biggest premier shooting range in North Dallas for advanced shooters. I am so incredibly lucky to be in a position where I have exponentially more demand for a modern shooting range than I can provide as one individual.
I know for certain that within 1-2 years I will reach max capacity, at which point I will have to start looking at creative ways to continue expanding the business. There is a high likelihood that I will be seeking investors to raise funding to replicate what I am doing with the current range.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.rooftopshooting.com
- Instagram: @rooftopshootingrangetx
- Facebook: Rooftop Shooting Range
