What is your proudest accomplishment as a leader? 

My proudest accomplishment as a leader is knowing the impact Weapon Brand has on the lives of those we train. Every long day becomes worth it when I hear stories like these that prove our efforts help people stay safe and return home to their loved ones.

One review I received from Susan Wyman, a REALTOR®, said:

“Today the ‘man’ who has been harassing me for a year knocked on my front door. I called the police, but they took over 10 minutes to arrive. In the meantime, he kept pounding on the door. I knew exactly what I needed to do to keep myself safe while I waited for police help. The training with Brian went through my head. Keep calm, you know what to do…and I did. I can’t thank Brian enough for the training—you never know when it will be needed. You won’t need the information until you NEED it! Worth all my time and money today. Grateful it ended well today.”

Another testimonial came from Kimberly Morrow, who reached out when she was genuinely afraid for her safety. She shared:

“The support I received from Jamie, even over the phone, was incredible. She stayed on the line with me until I felt calm enough to schedule training. Since then, I’ve had both one-on-one training and participated in two of their group firearm classes. Brian’s expertise and teaching style are exceptional. The skills I’ve gained have given me confidence and empowerment I never thought possible. Weapon Brand truly caters to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or body type.”

A third review from Sheila Anne shows how much we’ve helped transform lives:

“When I signed up for a class with Weapon Brand last winter, little did I know how much it would change my life. You, Brian, and Weapon Brand have helped me through a very difficult and challenging time. I will come out of this stronger, smarter, safer, and better protected for the rest of my life—all thanks to you.”

Hearing these stories reminds me why we do what we do. Knowing that our training provides real confidence, safety, and empowerment for our clients is, without a doubt, my greatest accomplishment.

What is the one piece of advice you’d give to other aspiring women leaders?

Just do it. It will be hard, but it will be worth it. Take the time to build a strong foundation before launching—structure, strategy, and systems matter. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Confidence comes from action, so keep moving forward even when it’s tough. The key is resilience—fail, learn, adapt, and keep pushing. Success isn’t about avoiding obstacles; it’s about how you navigate them.

What inspires you most about your work or your industry?

What inspires me most about my work is seeing the direct impact Weapon Brand has on people’s lives. It’s not just about teaching self-defense—it’s about equipping people with confidence, awareness, and the ability to protect themselves when it matters most.

Hearing stories like Susan’s, who kept calm and safe during a terrifying situation, or Kimberly’s, who found strength and empowerment through our training, reminds me why this work is so important. Sheila’s words—saying our training changed her life—reinforce that what we do goes far beyond a class; it’s a lasting transformation.

Many people think they’ll never need self-defense training—until the moment they do. Our mission is to ensure they’re prepared, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, so they can return home safely to their loved ones.

The most rewarding part of this industry is knowing that our work isn’t just theoretical. It’s real, it’s life-changing, and in some cases, it’s life-saving. That’s what keeps me going every day.

Who is a woman from history (or your own life) who has inspired you, and why?

My mom is the most inspiring woman I’ve ever known. In the 1960s, at a time when women weren’t often business owners, she not only ran one but two—a grocery store and a drive-through beer and wine carryout. She didn’t just build businesses; she built opportunities for others, employing people who needed a hand up, not a handout.

She led by example, never asking an employee to do something she wouldn’t do herself. Her staff became part of our family, and she treated them with the same care and respect. Even when faced with hardship—like when her best friend and store manager embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars—she never let her children feel the weight of those struggles.

She remained strong, resilient, and giving, even when times were tough. Her ability to persevere, to continue giving back, and to lift others up despite challenges has shaped the way I approach leadership and business. She taught me that success isn’t just about profit—it’s about impact, integrity, and the people you bring along the way.

Her strength, generosity, and unwavering determination inspire me every day.

In one word, how would you describe the legacy you want to leave as a leader?

Impactful

Share a favorite quote that motivates you.

“How do you like them apples?” – I absolutely love when people doubt me, and I rise to the challenge.