Derek Pitera of SC Arms Took 8 Years To Become An Overnight Success

Eight years ago, Derek Pitera started S.C. Arms. It began as a modest Cerakote shop that Pitera operated out of the basement of his childhood home in South River. His first-year revenues were $7000.

Now his company is a full-service, ATF-registered firearms dealer in Spotswood, with revenue north of $6-$10M. But, like all entrepreneurs, Pitera faced several setbacks, like the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a test for all brick-and-mortar businesses, and Pitera passed it.

According to a March 2020 interview with the Coalition of New Jersey Firearm Owners, he started an ammo delivery service during the height of the pandemic. He sold, then verified, and logged ammunition transactions through the window of his truck.

Pitera leveraged unconventional marketing post-pandemic, sponsoring a bevy of MMA athletes, promotions, and gyms. Former UFC and Bellator athlete Dante Rivera, who operates Dante Rivera BJJ in Freehold, has worked with Pitera for years.

Clients of his include UFC legends like Frankie Edgar, and rapper, singer, and actor Joey Badass, whom he ordered this custom artwork for as a thank for his patronage over the years.

To learn more about Pitera and his company, S.C. Arms, watch the following: