RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Brownells of Poweshiek County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

“As a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, I am proud to recognize the Brownells for their dedication to crafting firearms, ammunition, and specialized gunsmithing tools for marksmen and outdoorsmen,” said Ranking Member Ernst. “Their enduring emphasis on selection, service, and satisfaction has set them apart for the past 85 years and helps their business thrive in Iowa and around the world.”

Founded in 1938 by Frank “Bob” Brownell II, Brownells is a third-generation, family-owned business that sells gunsmithing tools and gun supplies in Grinnell. Brownells maintains a supply of over 50,000 gun parts they sell throughout the United States and around the world. Their headquarters in Grinnell includes a warehouse, corporate offices, and a retail store. The Brownell family also actively advocates for Second Amendment rights. Pete Brownell served as President of the National Rifle Association (NRA) from 2017 to 2018, and Frank Brownell has received the NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award. This year, Brownell will celebrate their 85th business anniversary.