Rough and (almost) ready
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

Work on the new location of Rough and Ready Outfitters sparks as they set to open by week's end.

"When it is time to get ROUGH, we'll get you READY!"

That's the battle cry of the guys at Rough and Ready. And they are ready to show off their new place, scheduled to open today or Friday.

Rough and Ready opened its doors in Whitehouse three years ago with a plan to sell and install truck accessories.

"That was going to be our main business," said Scott Lawrence. "We soon discovered that wasn't going to be enough."

The store has branched out ready to include deer blinds and feeders, custom camo, deer corn and various other items for the hunter as well as ATVs.

"The people of Whitehouse and others have been so good to us, we've just run out of room here," said Lawrence. "We'll be moving from 3200 total square feet to a showroom that's 4300 square feet. And that doesn't count the installation area and warehouse."

The move from their current location next door to the Whitehouse Post Office will take them north to 427 Hwy. 110 North, next to the Sonic.

The interior has been redesigned to include an indoor bay for vehicle detailing which will be offered in the near future along with an area for installation of all the great truck accessories.

Lawrence said he has always done the installations himself and plans to keep it that way. "We take pride in our stuff and we want our customers to know that."

The new store is decked out with camo-covered walls, a great stone fireplace, and pool table and couches are on their way.

Along with the current line of items already in place, the guys will soon be offering a full line of feed for game, livestock, catfish and pets.

Partner Tom Conner says that a line of small boats is also in the works for the expanded location.

A line of welding equipment is in house and ready to go. Welding machines, rods, grinders, gases as well as accessories are on the shelves.

"We'll be able to offer the same great price as they can get at ETOX," said Lawrence.

Conner said that down the road they want to add BBQ grills, equipment and accessories. "It's just going to be a great 'man' kind of place to be."

"Me and Tom are on the same page," Lawrence said. "We love our town. We want our focus to be on service and community."

Want some wheels? They will offer those too.

Bad Boy Buggies, golf carts and clean, good vehicles (on consignment) will be ready for the picking.

"These batter y operated golf carts are great for neighborhoods and small farms or ranches," Conner said. "We'll still offer our Yellow Rose candles and will be adding a great selection of Case pocket knives, other hunting knives and gloves. These make great gifts."

Mark Lawrence, Tom Conner and Mark Conner look forward to the doors and floors of the new Rough and Ready being open for business this week.

They will keep their current hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for now. But if there are customers shopping, they are open to serve.

Watch for an official grand opening in about a month.