About
The Vault Story
Madison County’s First All-In-One Firearms Destination
Located in Richmond—just 40 miles south of Lexington—The Vault unites a 1,800-square-foot retail armory with a six-lane, climate-controlled modular range, giving shooters everything they need under one roof.
Founded by local instructors, competitors, and lifelong hunters, our mission is to make firearm ownership safer, simpler, and more rewarding for everyone.
Step inside to explore wall-to-wall handguns, rifles, FX Airguns, and accessories, all vetted by staff who use the gear themselves. Just a few steps away, our range provides year-round live-fire and air-rifle practice in a clean, modern environment.
A 15-seat classroom bridges theory and application with courses ranging from basic safety to advanced tactics. Add member-exclusive events, guided hunting excursions, and transparent trade-in services, and you’ll see why The Vault is quickly becoming Kentucky’s trusted hub for education, community, and expert gear.
“We opened The Vault so every shooter—first timer to expert—could train, shop, and learn in one safe, modern space that Richmond can be proud of.”
— The Vault Founding Team
John Phillips
Co-Owner/Co-Founder
The Vault Firearms
John Phillips is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a track record of driving growth across a variety of industries. He is the Co-owner and Co-Founder of The Vault Firearms, a state-of-the-art gun store and shooting range based in Richmond, Kentucky. The Vault represents the realization of John’s long-term vision to create a Next Generation shooting experience for both seasoned shooters and newcomers in Central Kentucky. With a focus on safety, education, and community, John aims to make The Vault a premier destination for responsible gun ownership.
In addition to his work at The Vault, John serves as the President and CEO of AE Company, a 100% employee-owned holding company headquartered in Frankfort, Kentucky, with a branch in Richmond. AE Company manages a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries in the construction sector, including electrical contracting, engineering and automation, and excavating services. Under John’s leadership, AE Company has continued to expand and evolve, building on a foundation of employee ownership and long-term strategic growth.
With decades of experience launching startups and scaling established companies, John brings a dynamic mix of vision, risk management, and operational expertise to every venture he leads. His commitment to innovation, safety, and community engagement continues to shape the future of both The Vault Firearms and AE Company.
Harrison Mims
Co-Owner/Co-Founder
The Vault Firearms
A proud Richmond local, Harrison Mims is an entrepreneur and firearms enthusiast who has been building businesses and chasing his passions from a young age. With a strong work ethic and a sharp eye for opportunity, he carved out his own path early—turning interests into enterprise.
Harrison’s deep-rooted love for firearms and hands-on approach to business have earned him a reputation for authenticity, precision, and reliability. Whether he’s behind the counter or out on the range, he brings integrity and passion to everything he does.
When he’s not working on his latest venture, you’ll find Harrison enjoying the outdoors, talking shop, or sharing his expertise with others in the Richmond community.
Danny Williams
With over 38 years in law enforcement, Danny Williams brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and knowledge to everything he does. He served 22 years with the Richmond Police Departmentand an additional 16.5 years as a Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy, earning the respect of colleagues and the community alike.
In his free time, Danny enjoys car shows, watching UK sports, and shooting pool—but around here, he’s best known as our resident revolver expert. His passion for classic firearms, especially Colt revolvers, is unmatched, and he’s always happy to share his knowledge with others.
Friendly, seasoned, and always ready to talk shop, Danny is a true asset to our team.
Emmie Sellers
Emmie Sellers is a Colorado native and a standout alumna of the University of Kentucky Rifle Team, where she competed for five years with excellence and leadership.
During her collegiate career, Emmie was a key contributor to two NCAA Rifle Championship titles, four GARC Regular Season Championships, and a GARC Championship win. In her final season, she served as Team Captain (2023–2024), leading by example both on and off the range.
Emmie’s achievements earned her numerous honors, including:
• 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year Nominee
• CRCA All-American Second-Team (Air Rifle)
• GARC Honorable Mention (Smallbore)
• Frank G. Ham Society of Character Inductee
Her passion extends far beyond the sport. Emmie is known for her unwavering faith, fierce competitiveness, and joyful spirit. She loves Jesus, sports, pigs, and guns—and brings heart, humor, and grit to everything she does.
When you walk through our doors, you’re stepping into a space where safety meets sophistication, and service meets expertise. We’ve built The Vault to be the gold standard for modern firearm retail and training facilities—and we’d love to show you around.
Ready to visit?
- Come by for a tour, test the range, or sign up for a class.
- Have questions? Our team is always here to help.
- Prefer online? Explore memberships, book range time, or shop from home.
Experience
the Vault
Difference
