WRB expands to retail sales
By Barbara Gartman
Monitor Staff Writer
MABANK–The spirit of the American entrepreneur often shows itself in the least expected ways.
Bill Bandlow, owner of WRB, Inc., Genuine Military Surplus, is expanding to add retail sales, a step that had some very humble beginnings.
The store, set for its grand opening Monday, Feb. 9, is located at 1302 S. Third Street, Suite 103 (Grooms Plaza).
It began when Bandlow saw something that interested him.
“I went to a gun show 15 years ago in Dallas. I didn’t even know there was such a thing,” he said.
Looking around at the many different items for sale, Bandlow came up with some ideas of his own.
“I designed and made some things. It wasn’t difficult,” Bandlow explained.
Next, he rented a table at a show.
“I sold about $45 worth of goods. You don’t re-invent the wheel. You just try to make things cheaper or better,” he said.
For 15 years Bandlow made custom motorcycle seats and saddle bags, for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
“Later, when I moved to Gun Barrel City, I had the operation in my garage – it was a regular one man show,” he explained.
“I finally rented a room and did both the selling and the sewing there. I moved to the present shop about 10 years ago,” he added.
Sales were mainly Internet and wholesale, plus he does gun shows on a weekly basis.
The name, WRB, is derived from the intials of its owner, William (Bill) Robert Bandlow.
WRB has 15 employees, plus the vendors who accompany him to the gun shows.
“I stay busy seven days a week. A job is important. Without that, you can’t have anything,” he said.
The company is well known by government agencies, law enforcement, elite military units and professionals, Bandlow explained.
“We produce quality merchandise, nylon weapons cases, range bags, holsters and firearm accessories,” he said.
“Our products are at least in a dozen countries,” Bandlow added.
WRB products were used in the Middle East.
“Our soldiers carried the assault case into Iraq and into Afghanistan,” he said.
“The products we make, especially our holsters, are used by the FBI, Texas Rangers, CIA, Navy Seals, and special forces,” Bandlow said.
The products are well constructed and made locally, he added.
“Our biggest asset is our belief in old-fashioned service, quality and workmanship and the ability to design unique, handmade custom products,” he said.
Bandlow will be 65 Saturday, Feb.7, two days before the new store is set to open.
He is an Army veteran and served as a troop armorer in Germany.


Monitor Photo/Barbara Gartman
Bill Bandlow (left) shows off one of his handmade holsters to Bobbie Smith,
for sale at his new establishment located in Groom’s Plaza in Mabank.