Episode 16

How a Single Patch Built a Whole Business (ft. Patch Ops)

Published on: 11th June, 2026

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Tim and Michelle from Patch Ops share how a small side hustle grew into a successful brand. From Marine Corps roots and entrepreneurial risk-taking to building a loyal community and staying true to their values, this is the story behind one of the most recognizable names in the patch world.

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About the Podcast

State of the Second
The State of The Second, an interview style podcast focusing on the impact that legislation and activism is having on the firearms industry, and the second amendment community.
"State of the Second isn’t your typical 2A podcast—it’s a backstage pass into the firearms industry.

Hosted by Kailey Nieman and John Fahrner, we sit down with the real people behind the brands, builds, and big ideas shaping the gun world. From shop owners to social media legends, each episode dives into how they got started, what keeps them going, and what it really takes to make it in the firearms industry, plus the battles they face along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how to break into the industry or what it’s like behind the scenes, this is your front-row seat."