When America declared independence, it didn’t just create a new nation—it unleashed an unprecedented wave of innovation and enterprise that would reshape the world. Nowhere is this story more compelling than in the rise of the American firearms industry and the founding of one of its most legendary companies: Smith & Wesson.
The Genesis of American Business Innovation
Explore how the Founding Fathers deliberately designed an economy to reward risk-taking, innovation, and individual enterprise—creating the perfect conditions for entrepreneurial success.
From Blacksmith Shops to Industrial Giants
Journey through the transformation of American manufacturing, where skilled craftsmen became industrial pioneers and small workshops evolved into world-changing companies.
The Smith & Wesson Story: Innovation Under Pressure
Discover the remarkable tale of Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson, whose partnership revolutionized firearms design and manufacturing, setting the standard for American industrial excellence.
In an era of rapid technological change and global competition, understanding how America’s entrepreneurial culture developed provides crucial insights for modern business leaders. This presentation reveals the historical foundations of American innovation and demonstrates how the principles that built companies like Smith & Wesson continue to drive success today.
Recognized Authority on Smith & Wesson History
Michael Helms is a firearms historian, author, journalist, and collector based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and serves as treasurer and historian for the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation. His undergraduate thesis, “Smith & Wesson: America’s First Modern Firearms Enterprise,” established the company as among the first American businesses to embrace modern corporate management principles.
Academic Excellence & Media Recognition
Graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in history, earning Phi Beta Kappa honors and Summa Cum Laude distinction. His expertise has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, and as a guest on the History Channel’s “Swamp People” television series.
Published Author & Industry Expert
Author of “Fifteen Guns: A Selection of Important Smith & Wesson Model 1 Revolvers” and contributor to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Currently writing a comprehensive book on the Smith & Wesson Model 1’s development and significance in American manufacturing history.
Proven Speaker & Educator
Keynote speaker at SHOT Show 2023, regular presenter at industry symposiums, and guest lecturer at Auburn University and North Carolina State University. Brings both scholarly rigor and engaging storytelling to every presentation.
Understanding where we came from is essential to knowing where we’re going!