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

Alright, Mike thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I never imagined myself to instruct or teach people. I have a huge interest in firearms marksmanship and collecting historically relevant firearms. My Father who was a U.S. Immigration Officer, carried a firearm and would take me to the range and taught me the way He was taught in the Academy. Those skills helped me excel in the Military and in my current job in Law Enforcement. Co workers would often ask me for tips to help them be a better marksman. So the idea was born to help the average person to learn firearms and enjoy the sport and for self defense. Many folks are intimidated and don’t want to ask for help at ranges with staff that are sometimes condescending to learn how to use a firearm. So I teach with strong safety rules but in a non intimidating and patient manner.

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
I’m a U.S. Marine Veteran, current full time Police Officer in Houston TX. I had several responsibilities in my Police Career. Gangs, Accident Investigator and Anti Terrorism , Police Instructor. Active Shooter Instructor. In these roles I attended many schools and Federal training that slowly built up along with my interests in firearms, were the beginning of Spartan Handgun Training. I decided very slowly to obtain more State certifications , License to carry handgun, Private security and private bodyguard license training. Using the training I molded it for the everyday person to get good ,practical real world training they were seeking and didn’t know existed. I’m big on defending your self, but the correct and legal way of course. So I pass on to my clients, my 34 years of police experience and teach/ Instruct in layman’s terms. Of course being a practical joker which I inherited from my Mom, I make my classes fun and we laugh and learn a lot. Definitely not boring. Over the years, the word got out who I was and lots of referrals and some marketing, people seek me out. Since 2017 I’ve Instructed approximately eight thousand folks in Texas License to carry only and on a part time basis . I have over 1600 five star reviews on my Groupon campaign to prove that. My main focus is not to get rich on people but make my training very affordable. I also offer non lethal use of force products and training since firearms are not everyone’s cup of tea.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
This is a huge hurdle and marketing along with a place to Instruct. So with that said you really have to reinvest in your business to stay afloat and competitive. You got to understand , when you have a really good day, you got to understand, not everyday is a good day. Pay bills, reinvest in your business and be the last one to be paid. I used my extra money working side jobs as a Police Officer and used that capitol to get started. You also have to look at other opportunities to generate income, not just one thing. it is a ever changing market, and you have to keep an eye out on trends and ride that wave , but keep looking at other options and opportunities.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I stay in the market , number one with your reputation and of course the reviews. I never really paid attention to reviews, but a few negative ones will really hurt your business. That’s why no matter the class size I make a point to give everyone attention and make them feel as important as the next person. Also my career in Law Enforcement, people feel more comfortable attending my classes Vs the next person , who might not have the real world experience I have. That sets me apart.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.spartanhandguntraining.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/spartanhandguntraining
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/miguel-rodriguez-31b0b3185
• Other: https://www.groupon.com/deals/spartan-handgun-texas-license-to-carry-chl-2?deal_option=1135f548-112c-4405-8122-45b245cf9de8

Image Credits
myself