Hi! My name is Pat Laib.

I graduated from the Colorado School of Trades in 1972 with a degree in Gunsmithing. After graduation, I moved to Spicer, Minnesota, where I began my career at Mel's Sports Shop. During those early years, I developed my skills in general firearm repairs, bluing, stock work, and retail sales.

In 1980, I decided to take a chance and open my own business, Laib's Gunsmithing. What began as a leap of faith has grown into more than four decades of serving customers and doing what I love.

With over 50 years of gunsmithing experience, I've worked on a wide variety of firearms, developing a specialty in custom repairs for competition shotguns. My primary focus has been the Remington 3200, along with Perazzi, Krieghoff, Beretta, and Browning shotguns.

My passion for competitive trapshooting began in 1975, and I've spent countless hours enjoying the sport over the years. In 1999, I was honored to be inducted into the Minnesota Trapshooting Hall of Fame.

I'm a lifetime member of the ATA and NRA and continue to enjoy shooting trap in a local league.

After all these years, I still take pride in quality workmanship and the relationships I've built with customers and fellow shooters along the way.

Hi! My name is Joe Schipnewski.

I grew up in a small community about 30 minutes west of Spicer, Minnesota. During high school, I had the opportunity to participate in a job-shadowing experience at Laib's Gunsmithing, and it didn't take long for me to discover my passion for repairing firearms.

In 2015, I enrolled at Pine Technical & Community College to study gunsmithing. While attending college, I continued working part-time and during the summers at Laib's, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

After graduating in 2018, I joined Laib's Gunsmithing as a full-time gunsmith, turning my passion into a career.

When I'm not at work, I enjoy everything Minnesota's great outdoors has to offer. Fall finds me hunting deer, ducks, and pheasants, while winter keeps me busy ice fishing.

In the spring, I enjoy coaching the local high school trapshooting team, helping young shooters develop their skills and appreciation for the sport. During the summer, you'll often find me shooting trap alongside Pat and Gunnar.

I'm fortunate to have turned something I love into a career and to be part of the team at Laib's Gunsmithing.

Hi! My name is Gunnar Gens.

 With a name like mine, it's probably no surprise that I've always had a passion for firearms and shooting sports!

I grew up in southern Minnesota, surrounded by firearms and the shooting sports. I began competitive trapshooting at just nine years old.

My first real introduction to gunsmithing came at Pat's Gun Repair in Wells, Minnesota, where I started by cleaning parts and assisting with preparation work.

After high school, I attended St. Cloud Technical College, graduating in 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in CNC and Advanced Machining. I spent approximately five years working in a machine shop before making gunsmithing my career.

I joined Laib's Gunsmithing part-time in 2021 and became a full-time member of the team in 2022.

Throughout my journey, Pat Laib has generously shared his knowledge and experience, helping me develop the skills I have today.

I truly love what I do, and one of the things I enjoy most about gunsmithing is that there's always something new to learn!

Hi! My name is Josh Thrush.

I've been part of the Laib's Gunsmithing team since 2012, and one of the things I enjoy most about my job is getting to know our customers and helping make their experience at Laib's a positive one.

My daily responsibilities include answering phones, coordinating shipping and handling, and managing the paperwork that helps keep our shop running smoothly.

Over the years, I've gained valuable hands-on experience with many of the products we sell and service. I enjoy sharing that knowledge with customers, answering their questions, and helping them find what they're looking for.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially when we're enjoying the outdoors. Camping and watching the wildlife in our area are some of my favorite ways to relax and appreciate everything Minnesota has to offer.

Hi! My name is Paula Unruh!

I joined the Laib's Gunsmithing family in May 2023 as the Office Manager and Bookkeeper. Since then, my role has grown to include everything from bookkeeping and payroll to customer service, advertising, website management, and helping keep our day-to-day operations running smoothly.

One of the things I enjoy most about working at Laib's is being part of such a great group of guys! Every day brings something different, and I love finding new ways to help our business grow, stay organized, and serve our customers.

When I'm not at work, my favorite place to be is with my family. I'm a proud mother of four and a grandmother who absolutely loves being called Yaya!

I also enjoy baking, working on puzzles, and spending summer evenings out on the lake with my husband.

I'm grateful to be part of the Laib's Gunsmithing family and look forward to continuing to grow alongside this wonderful team!

Hi! My name is Pierce!

I'm a proud member of the Laib's Gunsmithing family, and I take my job of making people smile very seriously!

My favorite activities include playing with my toys, greeting visitors, and making sure everyone knows just how happy I am. You'll usually hear my tail thumping against the desk before you even see me!

When I'm not busy spreading happiness around the shop, you can usually find me enjoying a well-deserved nap in a warm patch of sunshine.

Fall is my favorite time of year because I get to go hunting with Joe!

I may not be a gunsmith, but I like to think I'm an important part of the team. After all, every good workshop needs a friendly face and a wagging tail!