TCH Gear isn’t just a store—it’s the culmination of a lifetime of outdoor adventure, family values, and a passion for sharing that experience with others. Founded by the father-son duo Gary and Thomas Jurkovich, TCH Gear was born from their frustration with the lack of an actual “one-stop shop” for outdoor gear in the Traverse City area. What started as a small family dream quickly grew into a 4-acre campus with a 6,000-square-foot store packed with high-quality gear and expertise you won’t find anywhere else.
But this isn’t just another outdoor retailer. At TCH Gear, we believe that the heart of our business is the people behind it—our family and yours.
A Legacy of Outdoor Passion
Gary Jurkovich has been immersed in the outdoors since childhood. Growing up, he spent his days hunting, trapping, and fishing, developing a deep love and respect for nature. Over the years, Gary has done it all—from raising cattle and poultry to honing his skills in bushcraft. Gary started several successful businesses after serving in the US Marines and attending college, but his love for the outdoors never wavered.
For the last 25 years, Gary has been an outdoorsman as well as a mentor and guide, sharing his expertise with his children, especially Thomas, his eldest son. Gary has been married to his high school sweetheart since 1993, and his dedication to family and the outdoors runs deep. The values of hard work, patience, and respect for nature have always been at the core of everything he does.
Thomas, in many ways, is an upgraded version of his dad. Since he was a year old, he’s been side-by-side with his father, learning the ropes of hunting, fishing, and bush crafting. As he grew up, Thomas’s curiosity deepened, especially regarding firearms. Not content to use what was available, Thomas became passionate about understanding how things work—breaking down and rebuilding guns, studying optics, and competing in long-range shooting events. Today, Thomas has his private gun range and continues to push the boundaries of his expertise. He’s also raising cattle and chickens like his father and passing on the outdoor tradition to the next generation.
From Frustration to Vision: The Birth of TCH Gear
The idea for TCH Gear came about during a family Christmas vacation. As they prepared for their hunting trip, Gary and Thomas shared their frustrations over lacking a local store that could meet all their outdoor needs. The Traverse City area, rich with outdoor enthusiasts, didn’t have a dedicated, family-run shop where you could find high-quality hunting, fishing, and camping gear all in one place.
That moment sparked an idea that would soon become TCH Gear. What started as a small, local shop grew rapidly as people recognized the passion and expertise that Gary and Thomas brought to the table. Their vision wasn’t just about selling products but creating a space where outdoor enthusiasts could come together, share stories, and get the expert advice they needed to thrive in the wild.
Today, TCH Gear stands on 4 acres of land, with a 6,000-square-foot store filled with top-tier gear. With an additional 6,000 square feet in the works—plus plans for a state-of-the-art gun range—the vision continues to grow.
What Sets TCH Gear Apart
At TCH Gear, we’re not a corporate-run, big-box store. We’re a family-owned and operated business deeply rooted in the local community. You’ll find Gary and Thomas in the store daily, working with customers, listening to their needs, and sharing their knowledge. They’re not just selling gear—they’re helping people get the most out of their outdoor experiences.
Here’s what truly makes us different:
- Hands-On Expertise: Gary and Thomas aren’t just businessmen—they’re outdoorsmen. They’ve spent their entire lives hunting, fishing, camping, and mastering the skills they share with their customers. Whether you need help choosing the right gear or want advice on how to improve your long-range shooting, they’ve been there, done that, and are more than happy to share their expertise.
- A True Family Business: TCH Gear is built on family values. Gary and Thomas aren’t just partners—they’re father and son. They’ve shared their love for the outdoors since Thomas was a child, and it’s that same sense of family and togetherness that they bring to the store. When you shop with us, you’re not just a customer—you’re part of our extended family.
- Local and Proud: We’re proud to be a Traverse City business serving the local community and beyond. We understand the needs of outdoor enthusiasts in this area because we are those enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to gear up for a hunting trip, a fishing expedition, or a weekend camping with the family, we’ve got the local knowledge and the right products to help make your adventure a success.
- Growing with You: As we continue to grow, we’re always thinking about better serving our customers. Our upcoming expansion and gun range are just the beginning. We’re committed to making TCH Gear a place where outdoor lovers can find the best gear and a community of like-minded adventurers.
More Than Just a Store: A Community Hub for Outdoor Enthusiasts
TCH Gear is more than a place to buy gear—it’s where stories are shared, friendships are made, and adventures are planned. Gary and Thomas love interacting with customers and hearing about their latest hunting or fishing trips. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere where questions are encouraged and expert advice is always available.
Our Commitment to You
At TCH Gear, we’re committed to more than just selling products. We’re committed to helping you get the most out of every outdoor experience. We understand that the right gear can make all the difference, and we’re here to ensure you have what you need to succeed. Whether finding the perfect rifle scope, choosing the best fishing tackle, or gearing up for your next camping adventure, we’ve got you covered.
When you walk into TCH Gear, you’re not just stepping into a store—you’re stepping into a family legacy built on trust, expertise, and a passion for the outdoors. And we can’t wait to share it with you.
Visit us at TCH Gear, and let us help you prepare for your next adventure.