Originally from Riverside, California, with thirteen years of active duty military experience and extensive training with leading industry professionals, Joe has a wealth of firearms and tactical knowledge to share with his students. From beginner to advanced shooters, Joe is ready to work with anyone who is eager to learn and has a passion for proper firearms handling. Joe has been a part of the Shoot Smart family for over 8 years and has instilled firearms confidence in hundreds of students.

Instructor Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • I enjoy the challenge as well as the confidence it builds to protect yourself and others if necessary.
• What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • I love giving others the confidence and excitement that comes with increasing their shooting skills.
• #1 Safety Tip?
  • Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

Joyce came to us from a family of hunters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. Being surrounded by these people, Joyce grew up an avid shooter and has been enhancing her own skills and training since she joined our team over three years ago. She is also the Chapter leader of Benbrook Well Armed Woman. She has a passion for teaching anyone but has a special love for working with first-time shooters.

Instructor Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • At the age of 10 I took my first shot. My parents made sure that my siblings and I had a respect for firearms, and an understanding of how to handle them safely. I like that shooting challenges me mentally and physically.
• What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • I especially love working with new shooters and experiencing their very first shot because it can be a very empowering and life-changing moment.
    
• Fun fact
  • I used to jump out of perfectly good airplanes for fun!

Richard is originally from Roanoke Rapids, NC, but eventually wound up in Wichita Falls, where he was part of the police force for over 12 years. Working in the police force, along with specialized training from ATF, Texas DPS, and Homeland Security, Richard has a vast bank of knowledge, training, and real-life experience to share with his students.

Instructor Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • My love for shooting began through hunting with my family as a child. From there, I eventually purchased my own guns and was hooked. I enjoy the challenge of constantly pushing myself to be better.
• What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • I truly love seeing a new shooter’s face light up as they learn the basics and realize the firearm is not the bad guy. In LTC classes, I get joy out of explaining the law and educating others by sharing my experiences as a police officer and civilian carrying a pistol.
• #1 Safety tip
  • Breathe! You can’t shoot if you pass out.

After spending time as a USMC combat engineer, Andrew joined the Shoot Smart family in 2017. He quickly became a great instructor sharing his vast knowledge from his experience in the Marines, numerous courses, and certifications. Andrew is especially good at helping students take their LTC skills to the next level and work on concealment methods and defensive pistol tactics. In addition, he feels called to train others so that they can protect themselves and their loved ones should they ever need to.

Instructor Q&A

Why do you enjoy shooting?

• Shooting has always been something I understand and pick up quickly. I enjoy the challenge of constantly refining my skills mentally and physically. I have always felt a call to protect people by training myself and others so that they have the skills and confidence to be in charge of their own safety and to protect their loved ones.

What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?

• I probably get more excited than my students do when I see the improvement and leaps forward they take. I enjoy developing a close relationship with my students so that I know them and can be of better service to their needs. My favorite thing is receiving thank you cards as well as whole families that come in together to learn and knowing that you have made a difference in their lives.

#1 Safety tip

• Respect firearms but do not fear them. Learning everything you can builds knowledge and confidence in order to handle them safely in all situations.