Private Lessons

Laurie specializes in teaching and training all new shooters, especially women who feel more comfortable learning from another woman who understands their hesitations regarding firearms. Her calm and comforting demeanor and teaching style instantly puts people at ease and paves the way for training success. She is a mother with a unique passion for teaching women and men the basics of firearms and firearm safety. Learning the tools necessary to defend you and your family and knowing you are capable of doing so without panic is an empowering and life changing skill that Laurie loves to pass on to others.

Instructor Q&A

Why do you enjoy shooting?

• I enjoy challenging myself to keep learning and pushing myself to do things I never thought I could.
  
  What is your favorite thing about teaching lessons?
  
  
• Empowering others to feel confident while shooting.
  
  #1 Safety Tip
  
  
• Always treat all firearms as if they are loaded whether you think they are or not.

Earnest has been shooting for over 60 years and teaching for over 30. He is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, a Level III Security Officer Firearms Instructor, an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer and an NRA Distinguished Expert Marksman.

Instructor Q&A

Why do you enjoy shooting?

• I’ve been shooting for so long that asking that question is almost like asking, “Why do you enjoy breathing?” But I guess I could answer that question by saying that it’s given me a lifetime of fond memories: of honing skills; of early mornings in the woods (with all those wonderful sights, sounds, and smells); of the camaraderie of other shooting sports enthusiasts; and (on a couple of occasions) thwarting individuals who meant others harm.

What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?

• I enjoy helping others find the firearm that is their perfect fit; instilling in other shooting enthusiasts the vital importance of gun safety; developing their marksmanship skills; and helping clients to discover the FUN to be found in shooting sports.

#1 Safety tip

• ALWAYS treat EVERY gun as if it were loaded.

Fun fact

• I hold an MFA in Art and enjoy spending my spare time doing Artist’s Residencies with the National Park Service.

Born and bred in Texas. Sidney recently graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice, in hopes of joining law enforcement someday. She is a certified NRA Basic Pistol Instructor who has been around firearms her whole life. She loves teaching new shooters the basic fundamentals of shooting.

Instructor Q&A

Why do you enjoy shooting?

• My dad bought me my first .22LR when I was 8 years old. I have always had a respect for firearms and I find it empowering as a woman in the firearms industry.

What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?

• Watching my student go from completely terrified to shoot to someone who loves to shoot.

#1 Safety tip

• Always treat your firearm like it is loaded.

Fun fact

• 10-20% of American gun owners are women

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. Andrew is one of three Shoot Smart instructors to recently become USCCA certified instructors in Concealed Carry & Home Defense and Defensive Shooting Fundamentals.

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.
  

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. Joe is one of three Shoot Smart instructors to recently become USCCA certified instructors in Concealed Carry & Home Defense and Defensive Shooting Fundamentals.

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.

Hayden joined the Shoot Smart team in 2020, but has been shooting for over 13 years. He has been one of Shoot Smarts instructors for over a year now and is NRA certified Range Safety Officer. He specializes in teaching new shooters as well as teaching curriculum essential to concealed carry like malfunction clearing and holster draw.

INSTRUCTOR Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  
  • It can be challenging at any skill level. Even an expert never stops learning.
    
• What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • The confidence that I see in a person when I can tell that they leave our range knowing more than when they walked in.

• #1 safety tip?
  • Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction

Brian has been shooting for over 40 years and teaching for over 20! With over six years at Shoot Smart, Brian has incredible experience. He can help with basic skills but also specializes in AR-15 and other rifles. Looking for defensive training? Brian can also help.

INSTRUCTOR Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • I began shooting with my father when I was a small child. It is a tradition that provides food for the table and safety for our family.

• What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • Teaching skills that will help people. I love seeing the joy my students experience when they accomplish their goals.

• #1 safety tip?
  • Treat all firearms as if they are loaded. Never point a gun at something that you are not willing to destroy.

During his six years in the Marine Corps, Jesse achieved Expert-level certifications in both the M9 pistol and M16 rifle before being Honorably Discharged. Jesse spent 5 years in Law Enforcement before becoming an LTC instructor for the State of TX. Jesse helped hundreds of students obtain their LTC during the 7 years he held the Instructor certification.

INSTRUCTOR Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • I live by the saying “practice makes perfect.” I apply this to everything in life, and I believe if you are going to carry for protection you have to practice/ train.

• What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • I enjoy seeing the look on a students face when they hit their first bullseye.

• #1 safety tip?
  • Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot! I have been witness to a few accident discharges that could have been avoided by following this rule.

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 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!

Earnest has been shooting for over 60 years and teaching for over 30. He is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, a Level III Security Officer Firearms Instructor, an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer and an NRA Distinguished Expert Marksman.

Instructor Q&A

Why do you enjoy shooting?

• I’ve been shooting for so long that asking that question is almost like asking, “Why do you enjoy breathing?” But I guess I could answer that question by saying that it’s given me a lifetime of fond memories: of honing skills; of early mornings in the woods (with all those wonderful sights, sounds, and smells); of the camaraderie of other shooting sports enthusiasts; and (on a couple of occasions) thwarting individuals who meant others harm.

What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?

• I enjoy helping others find the firearm that is their perfect fit; instilling in other shooting enthusiasts the vital importance of gun safety; developing their marksmanship skills; and helping clients to discover the FUN to be found in shooting sports.

#1 Safety tip

• ALWAYS treat EVERY gun as if it were loaded.

Fun fact

• I hold an MFA in Art and enjoy spending my spare time doing Artist’s Residencies with the National Park Service.

A Texas native, David has been an instructor at Shoot Smart for over 3 years and recently took over management of the Grand Prairie location. He has a passion for working with new and developing shooters to take their skills to the next level. If you don’t find David at the range, he’s probably at home barbecuing or riding his motorcycle, letting his Texas roots shine through.

INSTRUCTOR Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • I thrive on the challenge of shooting, learning new skills, and honing in on existing skills. There is always room to grow and improve your skillset.

• What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • I love seeing students progress to the next level. It is great to share the excitement of learning or mastering a new skill.

• #1 safety tip?
  • Always treat firearms as if they are loaded.

Laurie specializes in teaching and training all new shooters, especially women who feel more comfortable learning from another woman who understands their hesitations regarding firearms. Her calm and comforting demeanor and teaching style instantly puts people at ease and paves the way for training success. She is a mother with a unique passion for teaching women and men the basics of firearms and firearm safety. Learning the tools necessary to defend you and your family and knowing you are capable of doing so without panic is an empowering and life changing skill that Laurie loves to pass on to others.

Instructor Q&A

Why do you enjoy shooting?

• I enjoy challenging myself to keep learning and pushing myself to do things I never thought I could.
  
  What is your favorite thing about teaching lessons?
  
  
• Empowering others to feel confident while shooting.
  
  #1 Safety Tip
  
  
• Always treat all firearms as if they are loaded whether you think they are or not.