Real Impact, Real Growth

SCALING LOCAL INNOVATION

GUNWERKS

Founded in 2006 by Aaron Davidson, Gunwerks designs and manufactures professional shooting systems and provides premier hunting experiences. By 2015, the company had grown to 13 employees and needed more space. Forward Cody helped Gunwerks scale by leasing them the Light Manufacturing Incubator. By 2018, with over 50 employees, a new facility became essential.

With support from the Wyoming Business Council through a $3 million grant and a $3 million loan, Gunwerks built a 44,000 sq. ft. facility in Cody, completed in May 2020 and owned by Forward Cody. The project has created quality jobs and strengthened the local economy, demonstrating Forward Cody’s commitment to supporting growing businesses.

A TRUE WYOMING START-UP

WYOMING AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS

Park County native David Fales, founded Wyoming Authentic Products in 2011 who produces high-end Wyoming beef cuts, jerky, and snack sticks, selling in all 50 states and Canadian provinces. By 2012, growing demand required a larger facility, and Forward Cody helped secure funding from the Wyoming Business Council.

The 5,000 sq. ft. facility opened in 2013, adding 14 employees and building partnerships with major retailers like 7-11 and Cracker Barrel. By 2021, employment grew to 18, and sales reached new records, positioning Wyoming Authentic Products for continued growth.

CONNECTING THE WORLD THROUGH ENGLISH

ELEUTIAN TECHNOLOGIES

Founded by Kent Holiday, Eleutian Technologies provides online English language instruction to students around the globe through its platform, SpeakEng. Originally based in Ten Sleep, the company moved to Cody for access to a larger workforce and community resources.

Eleutian employs U.S.-certified teachers offering high-quality instruction to schools, corporations, and organizations worldwide, including Oxford University Press and the British Council. The company provides flexible, remote employment opportunities and employs 39 local residents.

Forward Cody supported the project with a $2.998 million state grant and a $325,000 Wells Fargo loan, holding ownership of the building and helping Eleutian grow as a global education hub.

ACCELERATING BUSINESS GROWTH

LIGHT MANUFACTURING INCUBATOR

Forward Cody created the Light Manufacturing Incubator to provide affordable, flexible workspace for early-stage companies, helping them focus resources on equipment, workforce, and R&D. Funded by the Wyoming Business Council in 2009, the former water works facility was acquired in 2010 and remodeled to support growing businesses.

The 'Incubator' has housed several tenants, including Big Horn Armory, CW Murphy, Gunwerks, and Quantum Energy, helping them scale more quickly. In 2023, the facility welcomed Lock Stock & Barrel, founded by Spencer Hoglund, a World Champion Shooter. LSB is now the largest firearms auction house of its kind, specializing in buying, selling, and consigning firearms, reloading equipment, and military memorabilia nationwide.

Owning the incubator building allows Forward Cody to continue supporting companies and accelerate their growth, cutting up to three years off a company’s typical growth curve.