KM Tactical is making a new home in Lee’s Summit and so are its owners. The company, which is relocating from Blue Springs, offers custom, American-made firearm components for both hobby gun-makers and suppliers.
“We’re a hardware store for the outdoor industry,” said owner Kyle Murphy. “Nothing we sell does damage, we don’t sell serialized parts.”
Owners Katherine and Kyle Murphy founded the company in 2013. Since then, the Murphys said they have seen more than 50 percent growth each year.
The majority of their business is online. With their business growth, KM Tactical was running out of space, so the Murphys began looking for a larger building. In early 2020, the Murphys purchased a warehouse and distribution facility near 291 Hwy & SW Scherer Road from LSEDC investor, CEAH Realtors.
“We always appreciate the opportunity to be of service and we welcome KM Tactical to Lee’s Summit. We wish them much success,” said Shannon Simmermon, CEAH Realtors.
The building is large enough for KM Tactical’s current needs, as well as future growth. KM Tactical moved its distribution operation into the new building immediately. Eventually, the plan is to also include retail operations.
Currently, KM Tactical has about 10 employees. Six of those employees have been hired within the past four months. With plans to expand their online and social media presence, as well as the types of services and products offered, Katherine and Kyle expect substantial 5-year growth.
“We’re so spread out now with what we do and manufacture now,” said Kyle. “We’re so anxious to be here and then we can really expand. We’re excited.”
The Murphys also have a passion for giving back to their community. Prior to starting KM Tactical, Kyle was a state trooper for eight years. Katherine is also an EMT for Children’s Mercy Hospital. As business owners, the Murphys have been able to help local first responders such as the Blue Springs Police Department. The Murphys said they supplied tactical gear and rifle components that saved the department money compared to what it would have spent buying complete rifles. It’s just one step that can help departments stretch their dollar further.
“The thing with police departments is a lot of times you’re given a stipend for what you can spend and it’s never enough to cover what you really need,” said Katherine. “He [Kyle] was like, ‘I’m going to give you what you need to be safe and what you need to do your job and to come home to your family and I’m not going to charge you an arm and a leg to get it.’”
In addition to moving their business to Lee’s Summit, Katherine and Kyle also plan to move their family to the city. They are looking forward to spreading their roots for their business and becoming involved in the community.
“I can’t describe how excited we are to be in this city,” said Katherine, who grew up in Lee’s Summit. “We’re looking forward to being involved both personally and as a business.”