We got the chance to sit down and do a little Q&A with Ralph and Jesse Burkett. They are a father and son team who own and operate RPM Archery located on Route 119, just outside of Punxsutawney!
1.) When and how did you get into archery?
Ralph - Back in 1984, My Father's best friend was an avid archer and it drew me to the sport.
Jesse - It started because my dads has always been into archery, and when I was 8 I got my first bow.
2.) What made you want to start/own a shop?
Ralph - Just a passion for the sport.
3.) One positive customer experience?
Jesse - A customer that came into the shop was almost on the verge of giving up on archery. So we fixed his bow up and talked with him for a bit. After leaving, he posted a really positive review on our shops Facebook page.
4.) What sets your shop apart from others?
Ralph - The atmosphere
5.) Future goals of the shop?
Jesse - Adding a full indoor 3d archery course. The main goal is to become a one stop archery shop for all your archery needs.
Ralph - Own 2 shops.
6.) Where do you see the industry going?
Jesse -The industry is ever growing and always will, but the companies need to step back up and realize they are starting to price themselves out of the average persons budget.
7.) Advantages/Disadvantages of new vs old technology?
Ralph - Advantages - There is no comparison because were so advanced now.
Disadvantages - None
8.) Best advice for a new archer?
Jesse - Don't take someone's word on a certain product, find what fits you best.
Ralph - Pick the right pro shop!
9.) What would be your biggest archery related accomplishment?
Jesse - 2012 IBO World Champ and 2018 ASA State Champ
10.) One memorable moment in archery? Hunting or competition.
Ralph - When Jesse shot his first buck at 9 years old.
Jesse - My dad took me to Kansas for my dream hunt where I harvested my biggest buck to date, it measured 165 2/8".
11.) What is your personal bow preference?
Ralph - If it shoots an arrow, I'm interested.
Jesse - Hoyt
12.) Current bow setup?
Jesse - Hoyt Prevail 37, RPM "Full Throttle" Customs Strings and Cables, Hamskea Versa Rest, Axcel Achieve Single Pin Sight, Bee Stinger Stabilizer, Gold Tip Pro 22 Arrows
Ralph - Hoyt RX-3, RPM "Full Throttle" Custom Strings and Cables, Hamskea Rest, Axcel Single Pin Sight, 15" Bee Stinger Stabilizer, 10" Bee Stinger Back Bar, Easton Full Metal Jackets Arrows
13.) What would be your #1 dream hunt?
Jesse - A mountain lion hunt using dogs to track and tree them.
Ralph - Yukon Moose
14.) Name one of your archery idols.
Jesse - Danny Evans
Bonus - Whose the better shot?
"For sure me!" - Jesse
"Hands Down ... Jesse" - Ralph
