Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Rodriguez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a Police Officer in Houston with over 28 years field experience. I’ve seen way too many folks fall victim to crimes, by the mere lack of knowledge and training anyone could obtain but didn’t know where to go or even if they could legally defend themselves. I’ve performed many duties as a Police Officer from Patrol, to vehicle accident investigation to Anti-Terrorism Officer. I am also a certified Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Police Instructor, to teach Police Officers in Texas. When I became an Instructor, I loved to educate and share my knowledge I gained in the field to my peers and now to the public. I became a National Rifle Association Handgun Instructor and a Texas DPS License to Carry Instructor.
Over the years I have taught many folks from all walks of life Texas License to carry, from Office workers, blue collar folks, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Lawyers, Business owners, Military personnel, Texan cheerleaders, and even the employees and spouse of a Houston Mayoral candidate and many many more… I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences thru the Texas DPS curriculum when people attend one of my License to Carry courses, not only do they become very familiar with the do’s and Dont’s of Handgun license to carry but learn how to safely and properly.
I also teach one on one handgun training for people getting started in hand gunning or even if they have previous experience, and when they walk out of just one session, they have attained the 5 fundamentals of shooting and realize how good their marksmanship skills have improved. I enjoy helping people enjoy their 2nd amendment right, safely and legally.
I started my service by serving my country as a United States Marine, and continue to serve my community as a Police Officer here in the Houston area.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest struggle was of course finances and what I need and don’t need to start my business as a Handgun Instructor. The main struggle was how to market what I offer and places to train. I’ve learned a lot thru trial and error, and I’m still learning.
Spartan Handgun Training – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I mainly teach Texas License to Carry which is the Texas Department of Public safety required a course in order for qualified individuals to receive a handgun license or permit to legally carry a handgun for self-defense. I also instruct people one on one handgun training if they are beginners or want to learn properly, how to shoot a handgun, using the NRA 5 step method.
I am proud of the fact that when people either leave the License to carry course and especially the one on one training, they are more knowledgeable, safer around firearms and mostly they build up their confidence.
What sets me apart is that unlike some Instructors, I don’t treat this like a boot camp or just merely run people thru without ensuring they have a solid understanding and dispel any myths or assumptions on what is legal or illegal based on the curriculum I am required to Instruct. I use my many year’s experiences in the field and hundreds upon hundreds of hours training, either hands-on or in a classroom setting. You definitely will not be bored. I make it fun and we laugh a lot during the training. I feel if you don’t enjoy it and have fun, you’ll lose interest real fast and not retain much if anything at all. I also encourage questions, maybe a particular situation that I either was involved in or investigated and explained the outcome. So my real world experience definitely sets me apart from other Instructors who just merely Instruct based on the course outline. I reiterate, I am not an Attorney and do not give out legal advice, but suggestions to keep you safer and more aware.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by looking at either the shooting proficiency scores and the written test results. I get a lot of 100% on the written exams and that shows me, students definitely gained knowledge that will keep them safer in this world and out of legal trouble. I not only encourage questions from the class, but I also ask them questions on situations presented in the License to Carry course curriculum.
All and all I get a lot of return calls stating Thank you from former students, for helping them understand the huge responsibility of carrying a licensed firearm, and how to protect themselves and Loved ones within the law.
Pricing:
- Texas License to Carry Training $75 per person ( does not include State application fee or Electronic fingerprinting fee)
- Private Handgun Training $50 an hour , ( range fee and ammo seperate).
- Handgun rentals for LTC Training $25 per person (includes 9mm ammo)
- Private Texas License to Carry available, (6 or more persons required) Call for details
- If you bring (4) or more students to the Texas License to Carry Training, your LTC training is FREE!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spartanhandguntraining.com
- Phone: 281-435-2645
- Email: spartanmike10@yahoo.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/spartanhandguntraining/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
