We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Isaiah Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Isaiah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Our mission is to educate minority communities on firearms with a focus on the women and youth groups. It means a lot to me because of course I am a minority but more so because we are taught that firearms are bad and to not use them or to get rid of them. While other groups teach their women and children how to safely use them. I want to debunk the misinformation being out there about firearms.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Steel Defense Group LLC….Well I first got into firearms after I joined the Army National Guard in 2009 and attended basic training in Ft. Leonardwood, MO. I actually named my first issued M-16, Sheila. And from there it was history. We shot all kinds of United States weapons from small arms to crew served weapons. I eventually commissioned as an Infantry Officer and honed in my skills and became an expert rifleman. I went from struggling in basic training to qualify to being able to hit 36 plus of 40 shots easily.

I joined the military in college so I didn’t have much money but did have a vision of owning a gun range and store. Somehow I was still able to go to the range weekly as a broke college student. I started collecting firearms and eventually started coaching my fellow students here and there. It wasn’t until 2018 while working for a defense contractor, I said you know what it’s now or never. I started my first LLC, Steel Motivated Security. The company’s first mission wasn’t actually to teach or provide security it was to raise money for a scholarship in my home town of Columbia, Tennessee.

Steel Defense Group LLC provides firearms education training, bleed control and CPR training in addition to security assessments and execution for clients.we solve the lack of information more than anything to the minority communities. We are a down to earth company looking to help any and everyone. Many clients which are mostly women, have never shot or picked up a firearm and are actually frightened of them. Usually because of the violence in their neighborhood or upbringing.

What sets us apart from others is our willingness to think outside of the box and not be so ridged in our business model. Simply things like including the firearms rental and ammo which many others don’t do. We keep the prices low because I am more worried about get the community involved.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we are making in the community! The most rewarding aspect is seeing someone who actually has refused to touch a firearm sign up for a class and feel like for a lack of better terms, G.I. Jane. We are confidence builders more than anything! We ensure you have the confidence to face any situation wether it’s security, firearms or medically.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I didn’t….I actually started my first LLC with hardly any funds and I actually take pride in self funding all my business adventures. Many would say this is dumb and to use credit and others money. I will eventually get there but being self funded might be a bit of a pride or ego thing in reality LOL.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Dissolving my first LLC, Steel Motivated Security after my divorce in 2020. I actually went dormant in business for nearly two years as I tried to figure life out. As I healed from and eventually forgave myself I decided again it was now or never to restart and rebrand and thus Steel Defense Group was born. I missed out on some great business opportunities but it was a much needed time to recover and get my mind right. Now I feel that I’m a much more unstoppable force!      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.steel-motivatedsecurity.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/steel_defense_group
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefendYourselfNow9
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steelmotivatedsecurity/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@steelmotivated246

Image Credits
The Tactical Games, Resnick Taylor