Barefoot Archery has been in business for over 44 years. Founded in 1966 by Wayne Barefoot, within a few years he took on John Smith as his business partner. They continued to operate as partners until 1990 when Wayne decided to sell his interest and pursue other opportunities. In 1979, after graduating from Pembroke State University with a Major in Business, Jessie moved to Charlotte to work at Barefoot Archery. While working at Barefoot Archery, he met and married Leshia in 1984. Shortly after that, Jessie left and went to work for Apple Computer. During this time he continued to hunt and shoot as a hobby. Jessie won three NC State Archery Championships in 1990, 1992, 1996 while beginning his family. In 1994, the opportunity arose for Jessie and Leshia to purchase Barefoot Archery from John Smith, which became official in 1995. Archery has always been Jessie’s passion. Jessie handles the day-to-day responsibilities in the shop and Leshia takes care of the accounting, books etc. Their son Bowen currently works in the shop on Saturdays and manages their website.
Barefoot Archery has many repeat customers due to the friendly service and great buying experience offered at Barefoot Archery. They have an Indoor Range and teach customers how to shoot with every bow sale. The easiest way to teach starts with the right equipment and Barefoot makes sure that it fits you. On any Saturday, expect to see the range full of children. Barefoot Archery offers a JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) program and has trained more than 1,400 children over the years.
Hunters are a big part of Barefoot Archery’s business, but they serve all forms of archery. Barefoot’s staff shooters represent all forms of archery from 3D Compound Bows to Olympic Recurve Bows. Barefoot Archery offers a friendly atmosphere and a great place to shoot.