As a dedicated husband and father who relocated to Southwest Michigan after meeting my wife, community building has always been at the heart of my endeavors. Throughout my life, I have consistently sought ways to serve and enrich the communities I have been a part of.
My commitment to service traces back to my young adulthood when I served in the National Guard in Ohio, acquiring valuable skills and discipline that would shape my future. Subsequently, I transitioned into the educational field, working as a full-time tutor and adjunct instructor. My passion for helping others led me to the allied health sector, where I gained hands-on experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and later as an EMT/Paramedic, further solidifying my dedication to community service.
While I initially identified as “Gun Agnostic,” meaning I was indifferent to legal firearm ownership and had no personal interest in owning firearms, my perspective shifted as I observed the increasing societal turmoil affecting my family and community. This realization compelled me to embrace a self-preservation lifestyle, prioritizing the safety and well-being of my loved ones.
I firmly believe in authenticity over superficial “Tacti-cool” posturing. My teaching philosophy is grounded in the principle that the best teachers are perpetual learners. I am committed to continuous growth and learning, and I teach to further my own understanding and mastery of the subject matter. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I aim to empower others to take control of their personal safety and become proactive members of their communities.
I began my journey in the shooting sports through archery, honing my skills and precision in this traditional discipline. This foundational experience ignited my passion for marksmanship and propelled me to further my training.
Subsequently, I joined the National Guard, where I received comprehensive training on the M16A2 platform. This experience not only refined my shooting techniques but also instilled in me a profound understanding of firearm safety and proficiency. After my service in the National Guard, I returned to my roots in archery, competing in local FITA (Fédération Internationale de Tir à l’Arc) now World Archery (WA) leagues and continuing to sharpen my shooting abilities. However, the events of COVID and the summer 2020 riots served as a wake-up call for me, prompting me to reevaluate my personal preparedness and defense strategies.
Recognizing the increasing importance of self-protection, I decided to invest more deeply in pistol shooting and training. I felt compelled to take proactive measures to safeguard myself and my family, realizing that being adequately trained and prepared could make a crucial difference in a critical situation.
I started my professional journey as a tutor at the local community college, where I was trained extensively in teaching and tutoring adults. This role not only equipped me with valuable skills but also deepened my understanding of adult learning methodologies and effective communication strategies.
In this capacity, I had the opportunity to work closely with diverse groups of adult learners, helping them overcome academic challenges, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve their educational goals. My experience as a tutor was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of my students by fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment.
Through this role, I honed my ability to adapt teaching techniques to suit individual learning styles, identify and address learning gaps, and provide personalized guidance and encouragement to help students succeed. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for my subsequent roles in education and community service, reinforcing my passion for empowering others through knowledge and mentorship.
Yes, Paladin Academy is a member of FTA.
FTA provides Professional Liability Coverage benefits to members for any legal action stemming from their firearms training business. Furthermore, FTA protects the profession of firearms training through standards, business development services, curriculum sharing, safety and risk management. The Board members have decades of training experience in military/law enforcement and have dedicated their professional lives to training all levels of civilians. Their recognition of the need to create a mechanism to serve the interests of firearms trainers as well as increase the professionalism of the craft through their experiences, resources and core values led them to create FTA.
Paladin Academy is an Official Partner and Certified Instructor for the USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association)
Live fire classes are limited to 8:1, range instruction is 2:1. Informational classes can be up to 20:1 depending on venue capacity.